A House for Hermit Crab - Eric Carle

Advantages: Vibrant, bold illustrations.
Disadvantages: No real story line.

...I am a huge fan of Eric Carle's books for a number of years so you may be seeing quite a lot of reviews on his books by me!! I rarely find fault with any of his books as they are always bright, colourful, great for young children and very good educational resources. 'Draw me a Star' is not one of my favourites by Carle and I have read the vast majority. ********************************************************************** Price ********************************************************************** The Puffin publication I have ranges from £3.99 at www.amazon.co.uk to £5.99 in high street bookshops. ********************************************************************** The Story ********************************************************************** There isn't really a story as such in this book and although... Read review

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Advantages: Bright, colourful book, teaches the days of the week and life cycle of a caterpillar.
Disadvantages: Absolutely none!!

.... * It helps children learn about different types of food. ~ Illustrations ~ Eric Carle's technique of using layers of tissue paper which he sometimes paints or colours on and then pastes on to a white background is very apparant in this book. His images are childlike but complex and the use of bright vibrant colours is excellent for young children who respond to bold, colourful drawings. The sun and moon both have discreet 'smiley' faces on them which children like the idea of. When the caterpillar turns in to a big, fat one, Carle has drawn it so that it takes up the whole of the page and the beautiful butterfly, with it's rich vibrant colours has been given a whole double page which children can't fail to 'wow' at. My favourite aspect (and children's too) is the fact that Carle has used a technique of cutting holes in the centre... Read review

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Advantages: Timesless story about life cycle and seasons
Disadvantages: Could be overlooked!

...to grow "on and on" until it is a "giant flower" and people come from all over the place to look at it. Autumn It is autumn again (cycle of life) and the days grow shorter and the wind blows firstly the petals off the flower and then the flower shakes and the seeds fall off. They blow away and start the cycle all over again. THE STYLE Simple language and vocabulary which is easily understood by the children. There are repeated sentences "It is taller than the people. It is taller than the trees. It is taller than the houses." The author poses questions and offers reasons and explanations. There are lots of exclamation marks allowing the children time to question and wonder, so encouraging their natural inquisitiveness. ILLUSTRATIONS Distinctive and easily recognisable as Eric Carle style if you have read any of his other books... Read review

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