The narrator of this atmospheric picture-book from Australia retreats from the terrors of the world to the calm haven of Tintinnabula, where cool rains fall and the soft ringing of bells brings peace. The poetic text from author Margo Lanagan - "In times of drought and wind, in times of noise, / and stress and argument, / in times of ill feeling / and in times of fear, / from the bright bare ugly difficult / sweating sun-hot world I go / to Tintinnabula" - is paired with striking pencil artwork from illustrator Rovina Cai.

The first thing to strike me, upon picking up Tintinnabula, was the title, which for me brings to mind the marvelous music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, who is known (among other things) for the Tintinnabuli style he created. I couldn't help but wonder whether this was an influence for Lanagan, given Pärt's statement that "Tintinnabulation is an area I sometimes wander into when I am searching for answers – in my life, my music, my work. In my dark hours, I have the certain feeling that everything outside this one thing has no meaning. The complex and many-faceted only confuses me, and I must search for unity." Of course, as noted by other reviewers, Edgar Allan Poe's poem, The Bells, with its mention of tintinnabulation, might also be an influence.

Whatever the case might be, this was an interesting picture-book, one I think will have more significance and appeal for adult readers, than for most children. There isn't really a story, as such, more a contemplative meditation on the idea of retreat in a harsh and disturbing world. Lanagan's text is engaging, with an occasional turn of phrase I found quite striking, but it was Cai's artwork that particularly stands out to me here. The detailed pencil work is lovely, creating a real sense of motion, while the subtle color range, moving slowly from darker to slightly lighter hues, captures the emotional pitch of each scene. I'm not sure to whom I would recommend this one... perhaps adults who enjoy more poetic, philosophical picture-books? ( )