Children's Minds - Margaret Donaldson

Advantages: Great adventure, lovely story, great illustrations
Disadvantages: Not sure what age group it targets

...much he is needed, no matter what his size. I don't want to spoil the story for those of you who haven't read it, but one day while the snail and the whale are going along their merry way, disaster strikes and the whale becomes beached in a bay. As is to be expected, it is the wee snail who manages to save the day by rescuing his travel companion. About the Author/Illustrator Julia Donaldson is understandably one of the most popular and successful Children's writers of today and has enjoyed recognition for her work. The Snail and the Whale won the Blue Peter Best Illustrated book to read out loud award and her well-known Gruffolo books have earned her the best pre-school award from the Book Trust as well as the much sought after Gold Award. She excels at creating simple rhymes which kids can easily follow and chant with you and writing... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: The perfect formula for getting children engaged in reading.
Disadvantages: None, if you buy the board book. Paperback gets worn out more quickly!

...This board book is a definite must. We started off with the paperback version and have read it so many times it's falling to bits! My two boys aged 5 years and 3 years, both love joining in with the amusing rhyming story that has repetitive words and phrases perfect for getting children involved. The story has all the necessary ingredients to entertain children, a witch, a dragon, spells, an assortment of animals, and of course a wonderfully silly and happy ending! The illustrations are just as captivating with plenty of hidden gems, such as insects and animals to search for and discuss adding an extra dimension to the book. Anyone who has read any of the other books written and illustrated by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, (The Gruffalo being a personal favourite) will know that these picture books are both a joy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Lovely Bedtime reading
Disadvantages: No disadvantages

...This book is my daughter’s favourite reading for bedtime. Without fail, I totally recommend this book. Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler have succeeded once again in captivating the minds of the young child (my opinion). The colours & pictures are well illustrated from cover to cover. Also, the wording of the book is of high quality. The way the story reads is very clever and holds the young minds in a "will they find the Monkeys Mother" OR "will they not they find Monkeys Mother". Monkey asks Butterfly for a little help but as Butterfly misunderstands Monkeys descriptions, they end up finding all sorts of wrong animals. This book is one I would definitely recommend to be used as bedtime reading for the young mind (my opinion). I hope this review has been of some help.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful