Tuesday 16 October 2012

Chocolate Mousse for Greedy Goose by Julia Donaldson and Nick Sharratt

This is quite a young book which you could share with a child who is younger than two but we came to it a bit later and still really enjoy it!
It's a rolling rhyme which goes through a dinner party of sorts introducing all sorts of different animals and their different characters (shy gazelle, fussy duck, angry rabbit) and some different foods (carrots, macaroni, chocolate mousse!) until they all end up asleep. It's a bit crazy and feels quite like a collection of words forced together but somehow it does work and with the payoff of being able to whisper 'sleep' at the end Rosie really enjoys reading it.

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker- Rees

This rhyming picture book has a lovely story, wonderful text and gorgeous illustrations. So it's really not a surprise that it was a Richard and Judy children's book choice.

Gerald is a giraffe that desperately wants to join in with the jungle dance but when he goes to take centre stage in front of the other animals they all laugh and jeer at him. So he runs away and hides until he meets a cricket who strikes up a tune and shows him that everyone can dance, just sometimes they 'need a different song.'

It's a great story to illustrate how differences can be good and not everyone does everything the same. I particularly love the illustrations of Gerald circling in a backwards somersault. I think it illustrates how you can imagine dancing without being constricted by an earthly body!

Thursday 4 October 2012

Spot's Camping Trip by Eric Hill

Now unfortunately this book is currently out of print but I felt I had to mention it since it's been one of Rosie's favourites this summer. We've been camping a few times but probably not enough to satisfy her so this book has helped! It's also inspired a lot of creative play with everything under the sun becoming her tent.

In 'Spot's Camping Trip' it's a rainy day and Spot and his friends can't decide what to play so they throw a blanket over some chairs and grab a torch and settle down in 'their tent'. Mum brings a picnic and Helen pretends to be a growly bear. It's cute and simple like all the Spot titles.