Look Back!

Look Back! is a children's picture book written by the great team of Trish Cooke (words) and Caroline Binch (illustrations), both of whom are distinguished contributors to children's literature. A magical tale set in the Caribbean and a wonderful evocation of the oral story-telling traditions of the region, it celebrates the relationship between a grandmother (from Dominica) and her grandson as she tells him about her childhood adventures in the rainforest and her encounters with the mysterious Ti Bolom. The rhythms and repetitive patterns of Caribbean language are a rich component of the story – as is typical of Trish's work – and the illustrations have that marvellous realism that is a hallmark of Caroline's many successful books. Trish Cooke (author) is an award-winning author, scriptwriter and actress of Dominican heritage. Born in Bradford, she was inspired to write mostly by her parents who were great storytellers. Her most popular children's book, So Much (illustrated by Helen Oxenbury) won the 0-5 category of the Smarties Book Prize and the Kurt Maschler Award in 1994. She has written plays for stage, TV and radio, including pantomimes, and also runs creative writing workshops. Caroline Binch (illustrator) is an award-winning children's author and illustrator who is probably best known for her illustrations for Amazing Grace, which has become an international best-seller. Her book Hue Boy (written by Rita Phillips Mitchell) won the Smarties Gold Award in 1993 and Gregory Cool, which she wrote and illustrated, was highly commended for the Kate Greenaway medal. Caroline was born in Manchester but now lives by the sea in Cornwall.