It’s Dad’s birthday – but there is a problem!

Nova has been working hard on a portrait picture for her Dad. She has spent hours and hours on it, and she knows it’s her best artwork yet. The party decorations are going up, and time is ticking down to party time. But where is Nova’s Missing Masterpiece!

Nova begins to search, at first believing she will locate it quickly. After searching her bedroom, Nova can’t find it. After searching the lounge, the bathroom and the laundry, she still can’t find it. Her belief morphs into rage.

“Where is it?’ she roared.

Mum isn’t stressed, assuring Nova it will turn up. Harley the dog doesn’t seem fazed either. In fact he is lying calmly at Nova’s feet. Nova takes his quiet advice and takes some deep belly breaths. They begin their search again…

Here, there, everywhere and still no masterpiece. Nova begins to despair, until Harley gives her another idea to help her think.

Again, they begin to search, this time outside. Will they ever find her father’s gift? Rage turns to grief and Harley is close by with a snuggle on the couch. Suddenly, Nova’s eyes widen and her hope soars. She’s found her masterpiece… and just in the nick of time.

This brightly illustrated hardback picture book is a story of a lost item, a guide on dealing with anxious feelings, and a search and find activity all in one!

I particularly loved the full spread illustrations depicting Nova’s frantic search around her home, as she looks for her missing artwork. Toys tumble, books fly, puzzles tip and rugs slide out of cupboards. I also loved the side panels clearly portraying Nova’s changing emotions throughout her search.

Dogs teach us humans many things, and in Nova’s missing Masterpiece, her pet remains calm, confident and supportive throughout. This reminds Nova of possible coping mechanisms when stressed. A wonderful lesson indeed.

Author – Brooke Graham

Illustrator – Robin Tatlow-Lord

Picture Book

(2024, Exisle Publishing, EK Books, Artwork, Picture, Dog, Animal, Feelings, Anxiety, Stress, Fretting, Panic, Birthday Party, Time running out, Ticking clock, Search, Looking, Search and Find, Coping Mechanisms, Coping Strategies)