“The KOALA Who Could” – #BlogchatterA2Z

“The Koala Who Could” is a beautifully illustrated delightful book with rhyming text talks about coming out of one’s comfort zone which can be adventurous and fun instead of being scared and stuck. Shaarav, in spite of being a hyperactive never-staying-still pre-schooler, sometimes hesitates to try out new things. He finds things that are known to him easier to stick to than go with exploring new things. So, this book “The Koala Who Could” came out as a winner in our household which talks about overcoming one’s fears and exploring new things.

Shaarav’s aunt stays in Australia and on her visit to India when Shaarav was just about 10 months old, she brought him a talking Koala among other animal soft toys which would repeat everything we would say. We have a habit of naming the soft toys with the first letter of what they are. For example, Ella – the elephant, Cassey – the Cow, Owen – the owl, Toby – the turtle, Dobby – the dog etc. And coincidentally, we named the koala, Kevin. Shaarav, initially, was afraid of it and wouldn’t dare touch it. But later grew so fond of it that it quickly ran out of batteries. So, Kevin the Koala became our indispensable new best friend.

The Koala Who Could

What’s the story?

“The Koala Who Could” is a sweet rhyming tale of a shy koala called Kevin who fears to try out new things and is quite happy clinging to the tree and doing the same things day in and day out. He watched the world below and the other animals called to him to come down but it seemed too scary to him and he found it safe on the tree. Until, one day something unfortunate happens and he’s forced out of his tree only to learn that change which might seem scary in the beginning might not be scary after all, instead, it can be so much fun and full of adventure. The story ends with the wonderful revelation that, quite possibly, the worst thing you can imagine happening just might be the best thing. It is lovely story of how a koala discovers that accepting change in life can lead to big adventures and how he turns from the koala “who couldn’t” to the koala “who could”.

What did we like about it?

This book “The Koala Who Could” has so much to offer and can be used in so many different ways. The book with a brilliant rhyming narrative and a perfectly complimenting bold and vibrant illustrations celebrates optimism and the art of the silver lining in the wake of a disaster. Rachel Bright in her charming fun to read aloud book with fabulously delectable pictures by Jim Field narrates a fantastic inspiring story of adventure amidst a disaster displays a joyous affirmation for my otherwise rambunctious kiddo. We love how the sublime rhymes and rich illustrations attract and appeal to young readers like mine instantly making it a perfect read aloud story with a positive message to learn and inculcate.

Book Details

Written by: Rachel Bright
Illustrated by: Jim Field
Published by: Orchard Books
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
Book Type: Board Book
Recommended Age: 3 to 5
Number of pages: 30
Ratings: 10/10

What’s there for the child to learn?

The story of “The Koala Who Could” has been set in a typical Australian outback with animals which are typical to Australian landscape such as koala, wombat, kangaroo and dingo. So, the child can learn about the animals that belong to and are typical of Australia. The story entails multi layers of emphatically powerful lessons of bravery, courage, friendship and embracing change in a light tone for little kids to imbibe. Children who are starting school are bound to come across many new situations and experiences which can be challenging for some. This brilliant story about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things displays a strong message of encouragement, courage and confidence to explore new situations and circumstances, even when you think it may be scary, when it can be fun and enjoyable. No wonder in a very less time it became our read-aloud favourite and it looks like after Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, we have a new favourite author-illustrator duo.

As part of the bookish play we decided to have a storytelling session (read aloud) and do some book related activities. For the book related activities, we talked and learned about different animals from the Australian outback and made a koala mask for pretend play as Kevin. We used chart papers in grey and black and some ribbons to make the make the koala mask. We managed some fun pretend play reading lines from the book and enacting them out. It was a total blast and we really enjoyed ourselves.

Shaarav really enjoyed making and wearing the mask

Shaarav posing as Kevin with other animals

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. Keep watching the space for our book recommendation for the alphabet L next and in case you missed our theme reveal for this year’s BlogchatterA2Z challenge you can check it out here. You could also check our book review with alphabet J for another great review and book related activities.

Love,

Mrs. Sunshine

If you liked our book review and book related activities and you wish to purchase this book, here’s our affiliate link to the book from Amazon. You could buy this book using our link at no additional cost to you, and at the same time add a small amount towards our efforts motivating us to bring more of such useful content and ideas. BUY IT HERE!!!

“JACK and the Flumflum Tree” – #BlogchatterA2Z

“Jack and the Flumflum Tree” is Shaarav’s absolute favourite

“I Love You Just the Way You Are” – #BlogchatterA2Z

“What the Ladybird HEARD” – #BlogchatterA2Z

I say again and again and I reiterate that one can never go wrong with a book authored by Julia Donaldson, and “What the Ladybird Heard” is no exception whatsoever. Shaarav never gets tired of spotting the ladybird and he grew so fond of the little ladybird that we even had to include it in his birthday decor. And because of him we had to get all the four books in the series (though here we’ll be talking about just the one). Lydia Monks’ collage style zany illustrations in flamboyant colours keep Shaarav mesmerized and glued to the book.

What the Ladybird Heard

What’s the story?

“What the Ladybird Heard” is a rollicking farmyard mystery of how a quiet and inconspicuous ladybird who overhears two thieves making plans to steal the fine prize cow from the farm cleverly spoils their plan and get them caught. The ladybird is the tiniest and quietest creature in a farm full of noisy animals. One day she overhears two sly thieves plotting a cunning a plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. The ladybird which had never ever spoken a word before decides to tell the animals about the plan. In addition, the clever ladybird devises an ingenious counter plan to ruin the thieves’ plan, save the fine prize cow from being stolen and get the thieves caught.

What did we like about it?

We loved everything about “What the Ladybird Heard”, from a perfect gripping story told in clever and witty rhyming couplets which flows rhythmically with much humour, to stunning and vibrant illustrations keeping Shaarav engaged, to the noisy farm with different animals making funny animal noises. Shaarav loves the rhyming animal noise chorus and joins them each time I read it aloud to him. The animals in the books are engaging enough for him and makes the reading all the more fun. The gorgeously stylish illustration and a wonderfully adventurous story to go along is an added bonus which sure will win little hearts.

Book Details

Written by: Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by: Lydia Monks
Published by: Macmillan Children’s Books
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
Book Type: Board book (Paperback, Hardcover and Audiobook also available)
Recommended Age: 2 to 5
Number of pages: 24
Ratings: 10/10

What’s there for the child to learn?

The clever ladybird in the book “What the Ladybird Heard” gives children several instances of great and powerful message. Shaarav is a talkative kid and has never found difficulty in communicating himself. The book appeals to him as well but would appeal more to children who are quiet. The books conveys the message how helping someone in need is a good thing and also how any problem can be solved if we worked together. Books like these with small but strong messages are definitely a keeper.

As part of the bookish play we decided to have a storytelling session (read aloud) and do some book related activities. For the activities we decided to make a ladybird. We made the ladybird out of a paper plate. Shaarav painted the paper plate in red, then he added black spots cut out from a black-coloured chart paper and pasted them on the plate. He then stuck the face of the ladybird with the eyes and antennae on it. In the end, he pasted its legs and tada, our ladybird was all set to adorn our wall.

Shaarav with his version of the famous ladybird from “What the Ladybird Heard”

Shaarav thoroughly enjoyed making his forever favourite ladybird and we had a perfect bonding time. This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. with the theme #BondingOverBooks. Keep watching the space for our book recommendation for the alphabet I tomorrow. You could also check our book review with alphabet G from yesterday too for another great review and book related activities.

Love,

Mrs. Sunshine

“The Smartest GIANT in Town” – #BlogchatterA2Z

Julia Donaldson when paired with Axel Scheffler has done wonders. And “The Smartest Giant in Town” is one such wonder. Shaarav adores this kind-hearted scruffy Giant George who helps out the several animals he meets along his way out of kindness. This one is definitely a keeper and a must add book to your collection.

The Smartest Giant in Town

What’s the story?

George is giant who gets sick and tired of being shabby and untidy spots a new shop which sells giant clothes. At once he buys different cloth items and dresses on to become the smartest giant in town. He leaves his old clothes and footwear behind the shop. But on his way back home he meets several animals who are in miserable conditions and need immediate help. A kind and considerate George feels for them and and without a second thought gives away items of his newly bought clothes to help the distraught animals. But when he gives away all his clothes he begins to feel cold he decides to go back to the shop to again get some new clothes only to find the shop closed. While he’s cold and sad he suddenly remembers about his old clothes which he had dropped off behind the shop. He feels immense happiness and relief to get back into his old clothes which he had discarded after finding them untidy. He dances out of joy realizing that those were the most comfortable clothes and that he was cozy again on wearing them. Finally when he returns home, he finds all the grateful animals whom he had helped, waiting for him at his front door with an enormous present which had a crown made of gold paper and a letter which read that he’s the kindest giant in town.

What did we like about it?

“The Smartest Giant in Town” is unlike other books Julia Donaldson books that we have read for the fact that all the text are not in rhymes which is good for a change. It has sufficient amount of repetitions and rhyming which keep children captivated and reciting back, Illustrations again are typical of Axel Scheffler, very detailed and gorgeous and go very well with the text. The book is neither too long nor too short for the children to lose interest. My pre-schooler listens to this story with rapt attention repeating after me. It’s definitely a keepsake.

Book Details

Written by: Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by: Axel Scheffler
Published by: Macmillan Children’s Books
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
Book Type: Board book (Paperback, Hardcover, Audio CD and Audiobook also available)
Recommended Age: 3 to 7
Number of pages: 30
Ratings: 9/10

What’s there for the child to learn?

There are several things a child can lean from “The Smartest Giant in Town”. It teaches love, empathy, kindness and being helpful and grateful.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. Keep watching the space for our book recommendation for the alphabet H tomorrow and in case you missed our theme reveal for this year’s BlogchatterA2Z challenge you can check it out here. You could also check our book review with alphabet F from yesterday too for another great review and book related activities.

Love,

Mrs. Sunshine

“My FEELINGS” – #BlogchatterA2Z

Shaarav is a pre-schooler with very big and strong feelings. He feels different emotions very strongly, be it happiness or anger. So very early, when he was barely a toddler we felt it was time for us to introduce him to labelling his emotions because we very well understand that identifying and labelling feelings is a vital skill that takes lots of practice. And it is very important for a child to recognize and name feelings for developing social-emotional skills. And at the time we found this book “My Feelings” very appropriate to get him acquainted with the basic human emotions.

My Feelings

What’s the story?

“My Feelings” does share any story as such. it has some snippets and actions that we do or should do when we feel a particular feeling.

What did we like about it?

The illustrations in “My Feelings” are very beautiful and apt and easily draw a child’s attention. The book tries to introduce emotions to a child with minimal text and easy to grasp language. What we particular liked about the book is that it also points out some coping mechanisms if a child is feeling scared or shy.

Book Details

Illustrated by: Sarah Jennings
Published by: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
Book Type: Board Book (Tabbed)
Recommended Age: 2 to 5
Number of pages: 14
Ratings: 8/10

What’s there for the child to learn?

Children need to be aware of their emotions for a healthy social and personal skills. With the help of this book “My Feelings” and lots of practice Shaarav is gradually learning to identify his feelings, label them and also channelize or overcome them properly.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. Keep watching the space for our book recommendation for the alphabet G next and in case you missed our theme reveal for this year’s BlogchatterA2Z challenge you can check it out here. You could also check our book review with alphabet E from yesterday too for another great review and book related activities.

Love,

Mrs. Sunshine

“Room on the BROOM” – #BlogchatterA2Z

Whenever I’m looking to buy a new picture book for Shaarav, I most often than not find myself gravitating towards Julia Donaldson because I know for the fact that one can never go wrong with a book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The book “Room on the Broom” is yet another gem by Julia Donaldson with an utterly delightful rhyming story about a witch who has an eventful journey on her broomstick. It’s a masterpiece from both narrative and illustrative perspectives. The book captures the typical Julia Donaldson’s warm and fuzzy repetitive text and Axel Scheffler’s immensely appealing and utterly mesmerizing illustrations which has every bit of whimsy what the sweet little story demands. And for these reasons, admittedly, “Room on the Broom” has no doubt become one of Shaarav’s favourite books to which he likes to return to again and again.

Room on the Broom

What’s the story?

“Room on the Broom” is a spellbinding story about the windy adventure of a grotesque-looking but delightful and kind witch who was flying merrily on her broomstick with her cat. But along the way she meets with several misfortunes of losing her belongings due to the gusty wind. However, she gets back all her belongings with the help of various animals whom she meets in the process of finding her stuff. The good kind-hearted witch continues to befriend and give them room on her broom for exchange of her lost items until disaster strikes and the broomstick snaps into two mid-air due to overload. While the other passengers fall into the bog, the witch is encountered by a terrifying hungry red dragon who threatens to eat her for a snack. But, fortunately for the friendly good witch, her new friends come to her rescue and frighten away the dragon. Feeling happy and grateful she casts the spell “Iggety, Ziggety, Zaggety, Zoom” to make a “Truly Magnificent Broom” which has both style and comfort for all its riders.

What did we like about it?

You can never be disappointed with this legendary author-illustrator duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and I’m sure “Room and the Broom” too will definitely appeal to you and your child alike. This sweet little story of a kind and caring witch with repetitive elements, rhythmic and lyrical text and beautiful illustrations makes for an excellent read-aloud story. The book offers lovable characters and wonderful rhymes giving room for different expressions and voices making it a fun and enchanting read for children who will fall in love with the story almost instantly. The outstanding illustrations are also very appealing and eye catching. Altogether this a book perfectly fits for both oral and visual senses making it a fantastic and engaging read.

Shaarav loves its animated version that’s there on Amazon Prime Video. The video version of “Room on the Broom” is a real hit with Shaarav and he has likes to watch it over and over again. Though the story in the video is slightly different from the book version, it outshines the book a bit with its music and a higher sensory appeal.

Book Details

Written by: Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by: Axel Scheffler
Published by: Macmillan Children’s Books
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
Book Type: Board book (Paperback, Hardcover, Audio CD and Audiobook also available)
Recommended Age: 0 to 5
Number of pages: 24
Ratings: 10/10

What’s there for the child to learn?

Besides a sweetly lyrical story with addictively rollicking rhymes and outstanding illustrations, “Room on the Broom” also displays a great message about kindness and friendship. Shaarav learned the importance of friendship and also that if you show kindness to others you shall too receive it in return at some point. It also teaches the values of loyalty and sharing.

As part of the bookish play we decided to have a storytelling session (read aloud) and do some book related activities. For the activities we decided to make a wand and a broomstick. We made the wand by cutting stars out of a chart paper and sticking it on a stick whereas for making the broomstick we went to the garden to collect twigs and sticks.

Later we also did some spot the differences, join the dots, make a mask and colour the pictures too. I’m sharing some of the printable that we collected here while age appropriate other activities can also be downloaded from roomonthebroom.com and gruffalo.com.

Our amazing find was a video of “Room on the Broom” on YouTube which Shaarav found very interesting. Altogether we had a fun time together and Shaarav really had a blast acting out the witch posing to fly on the broomstick that we made and muttering spells on everyone at home with the wand that we prepared. This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. Keep watching the space for our book recommendation for the alphabet C tomorrow and in case you missed our theme reveal for this year’s BlogchatterA2Z challenge you can check it out here. You could also check our book review with alphabet A from yesterday too for another great review and book related activities.

Love,

Mrs. Sunshine

“Little ACORN” – #BlogchatterA2Z

This book “Little Acorn” caught my eye with its cute and lively illustrations and I bought it on a whim. And just as the same way it caught Shaarav’s attention the moment he saw it. But “Little Acorn” has much more to offer to young kids and parents alike besides its beautiful and absolutely adorable illustrations. Little Acorn has become like this “cute friend” for little Shaarav who has come to adore this fun and cute acorn.

Little Acorn

What’s the story?

It’s a cute story about a little acorn which grows to become a beautiful oak tree and goes on to give its own seeds (acorns). The story begins with a little acorn who goes unnoticed stuck high up on a tree while he watches the world below go all hustle and bustle. While it just cozily sits up there growing all fat and shiny protected from harsh weather when slowly as the weather changes to autumn and the leaves begin to turn golden brown it excitedly jumps on the ground along with the leaves blowing in the wind.

A squirrel which was busy storing nuts for the winter finds it and hides it in the forest ground where it waits patiently until one day it has a peculiar feeling and begins to feel all tickly. And suddenly he sprouts little roots. It feels so ticklish that it stretches left and right and to its utter amazement it stretches so much that it reaches above the ground into the light. As seasons change pass by, nourished by sunlight and rain little acorn also changes and grows into a full-grown tree stretching its branches and spreading its roots.

It becomes a very fine tree and in its full glory it feels proud and happy to house many feathered guests, spiders, beetles and squirrels. Until…one day it makes its own acorns. Check out our IGTV video on Instagram for our storytelling session.

What did we like about it?

With its adorably cute illustrations and a fun story about the life-cycle of a tree, it didn’t take much time to become Shaarav’s favourite. With sufficient fun action and catchy action words and perfectly rhyming text “Little Acorn” never fails to capture my son’s attention. We love to go “Wheeeeee” and then fall on the ground with a “thump” and then wiggle and stretch left and then right just like little acorn. Apart from the fun things about the book if you’re thinking of introducing life-cycle of a tree to your kid, “Little Acorn” is just the perfect book for it and that too in a fun way. So, we also like its sweet story that is educational too. And in addition, it also strengthens a child’s vocabulary by introducing new words and a lots of animals too. We have its board book version which sits well with a playful Shaarav who like to sometimes sleep with his books too.

Book Details

Written by: Melanie Joyce
Illustrated by: Gina Maldonado
Designed by: Lee Italiano
Edited by: Emily Bruce
Published by: Autumn Publishing (Igloo Books)
Genre: Nature Picture Book
Book Type: Board book (Paperback and Hardcover also available)
Recommended Age: 0 to 5
Number of pages: 24
Ratings: 10/10

What’s there for the child to learn?

The story of the “Little Acorn” sets a stage to talk about the life-cycle of an oak tree or plants and trees in general, different parts of a plant or tree and also about different seasons. As part of the bookish play we decided to have a storytelling session (read aloud) and learn about the life-cycle of a tree as well as different parts of a plant. For building a resource and for the purpose of explaining it vividly to Shaarav, I drew the pictures myself (which can be downloaded and printed for free).

Acorn seed germinating and forming a sprout

Acorn seed growing from a seedling to become a sapling

Acorn seed developing into a full-grown oak tree

The ultimate result of the whole process was a great bonding time with my son at the same time learning things in a fun and creative way. This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. Keep watching the space for our book recommendation for the alphabet B tomorrow to see how we are #BondingOverBooks and in case you missed our theme reveal for this year’s BlogchatterA2Z challenge you can check it out here.

Love,

Mrs. Sunshine

Cloud and Sunshine

Book Format: Board Book

“The KOALA Who Could” – #BlogchatterA2Z

The Koala Who Could

What’s the story?

What did we like about it?

Book Details

What’s there for the child to learn?

“JACK and the Flumflum Tree” – #BlogchatterA2Z

“I Love You Just the Way You Are” – #BlogchatterA2Z

“What the Ladybird HEARD” – #BlogchatterA2Z

What the Ladybird Heard

What’s the story?

What did we like about it?

Book Details

“The Smartest GIANT in Town” – #BlogchatterA2Z

The Smartest Giant in Town

What’s the story?

What did we like about it?

Book Details

“My FEELINGS” – #BlogchatterA2Z

My Feelings

What’s the story?

What did we like about it?

Book Details

What’s there for the child to learn?

“Room on the BROOM” – #BlogchatterA2Z

Room on the Broom

What’s the story?

What did we like about it?

Book Details

What’s there for the child to learn?

“Little ACORN” – #BlogchatterA2Z

Little Acorn

What’s the story?

What did we like about it?

Book Details

What’s there for the child to learn?