A Squash and a Squeeze - Julia Donaldson

Advantages: lovely rhyming text
Disadvantages: none

A squash and a squeeze We bought this the other day because we both enjoy Julia Donaldson books, and this did not disappoint; I always worry that having thoroughly enjoyed some books by a specific author, then if a new book isn't as good, I will be disappointed. This did not disappoint us in any way. As with most Julia Donaldson books, the story is totally in rhyme, which makes it easy for children to join in and because they can do this, they ...
...The story starts with a lady who complains to the wise man that her house is too small, although she lives all by herself "with a table and chairs and a jug on the shelf". She asks the wise old man to help her, and he suggests that she takes in the hen, so this she does with the predicted outcome; the hen lays an egg on the rug and knocks over the jug. The old lady is in a bit of a flap because she realizes that her room was "poky for one and it's ... Read review

Advantages: Great rhyming text and well illustrated
Disadvantages: None

This is a must have book for any fans of Julia Donaldson's books. ~ How the book began ~ This was Julia Donaldson's first book published in 1993 but it originally started it'slife earlier than this in the form of a song that she wrote for children's television. ~ Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler ~ Julia Donaldson is an accomplished author of children's books, probably best known for The Gruffalo. She began her career writing songs for childrens' ...
...* Rosie's Hat * Sharing a Shell * The Magic Paintbrush * Chocolate Mousse for Greedy Goose * Wriggle and Roar For a full list of her books, audio cassettes and plays visit the official website at www.juliadonaldson.co.uk Julia Donaldson has worked with a range of illustrators but perhaps the one she is most famous for working alongside is Axel Scheffler due to their huge success with The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child. Below are a few more ... Read review

Advantages: A gentle rhyming text
Disadvantages: none

A squash and a squeeze This is a children's book written by Julia Donaldson, author of 'The Gruffalo' and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. It is a 24 page book published by Macmillan at a cost of £5.99. It is her first book published in 1993 which started off as a song for a children's television show. Julia writes in what was to become her usual style of rhyme to produce this wonderful text. A woman is complaining that her house is "a squash and ...
...next piece of advice is a "curious plan" but a very clever one. Just how does he make her house less of "a squash and a squeeze"? This story will have children rolling on the floor with laughter as the animals get into all sorts of trouble in the small house. The story has a clever moral as do many of her stories, which is perhaps why I enjoy reading them. This is also available on Audio CD read by Imelda Staunton and Steven Pacey and is an easy ... Read review

As a reader I love this book. The lilt adapted in reading this book can make it funny or tragic. It teaches about 'greed' and shows how happy the little old woman was with 'just' her house. It can be read to a wide age group, the pictures are appealing, and soon the older child is wanting to read it to the younger. Oh joy! The text is memorable and easily memorised by older children-making a car journey pleasant as we remember the text.. Highly recommended

Advantages: Wonderful play book
Disadvantages: Challenges Parent's own knowledge & has lots of piece to loose

...Went to Sea, written by Phyllis Root The Tickle Book, written by Ian Whybrow Tales from Acorn Wood: Postman Bear, written by Julia Donaldson A Squash and a Squeeze, written by Julia Donaldson The Gruffalo, written by Julia Donaldson Monkey Puzzle, written by Julia Donaldson Room on the Broom, written by Julia Donaldson The Smartest Giant in Town, written by Julia Donaldson Tales from Acorn Wood: Rabbit's Nap, written by Julia Donaldson Juice the Pig, written by Martine Osborne Jingle Jangle Jungle Proverbs from Far and Wide The Snail and the Whale, written by Julia Donaldson Tales from Acorn Wood: Rabbit's Nap, written by Julia Donaldson Tales from Acorn Wood: Fox's Socks, written by Julia Donaldson Muddle Farm The Gruffalo's Child, written by Julia Donaldson Charlie Cook's Favourite Book, written by Julia... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Excellent rhyming text and great illustrations
Disadvantages: Some children with a nervous disposition find the Gruffalo a bit scary to look at!

...and VHS. I also know that the stage performance is coming to our Theatre Royal at Easter time and is on tour so check out www.tallstories.org.uk or your local theatre. And if your child really likes the gruffalo it's well worth a visit to his website at www.gruffalo.com ~ Other books by Julia Donaldson ~ * A squash and a squeeze * Monkey Puzzle * The Gruffalo's Child * The Smartest Giant in Town And many, many more. An excellent book for all ages, I never tire of reading it aloud to the children. Great characters, fantastic rhythm, brilliant illustrations and a twist in the tale, what more could you want!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great rhyming text and brilliantly illustrated!
Disadvantages: Some children may be a little scared of the beast that emerges from the ditch!

...This is another one of Julia Donaldson's outstanding children's picture books, but perhaps less well known than the Gruffalo, which is a shame as it's a fantastic book which children between 3 - 6 can enjoy and even older! ~ Julia Donaldson ~ Julia Donaldson began her career writing songs for children's television. In 1993 one of her songs 'A squash and A Squeeze' was made in to a book. Since then she has written over 40 books and is probably best known for 'The Gruffalo' which won three major British Book Awards. Other books by her include: * Monkey Puzzle * The Gruffalo * Fox's Socks * Postman Bear * The Gruffalo's Child * Rabbit's Nap * Hide and Seek Pig - The Story - In true Julia Donaldson style the story told in rhyme. It begins with a witch and her cat flying through the sky on her broomstick when... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful