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“Fox’s Socks” is a part of four-book-series by Julia Donaldson called Tales from Acorn Wood. The other three include Hide-and-Seek-Pig, Postman Bear and Rabbit’s Nap. These might not be one of the most famous of her creations but they are equally delightful among little leaders. These books make the perfect first introduction for early readers who are just introduced to reading.
“Fox’s Socks” is a delightful and interactive short story of a poor old fox who has lost his socks which he tries to find them in different places but finds all sorts of other things except for the socks. The mouse helps him find the socks in the most unusual places. The cute rhyming story that has been narrated with sturdy flaps on each spread featuring cute Axel Scheffler style illustrations is a treat to read aloud.
The animal story in “Fox’s Socks” is a joy to read aloud and with lift-the-flap surprises on every spread this engaging board book is sure to delight parents and toddlers alike. With rhyming text, a colourful cast of animal characters “Fox’s Socks” features flaps that the very youngest of readers can lift to participate in the story. It also means endless fun for your little reader keeping them engaged and interested. And with gorgeous illustrations by Axel Scheffler, these books are definitely going to prove a great addition to your collection.
The book is fantastic for capturing the attention of toddlers as early as one year of age. With the rhyming text which is the hallmark of Julia Donaldson style of writing these books provide utter joy to read aloud. And the minimal text for the young readers with just the right length of the story in rhyming text and fabulous illustrations with flaps make these books are super interactive and fun igniting the imagination in little minds.
We bought the board book version which really feels well built for little hands. And with sturdy flaps on each spread, they are made to last not just through the test of time but also through the rough usage of a toddler. And we mostly love the 2015 edition for their hardbound and beautifully foiled cover look which is not present in 2011 edition.
Written by: Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by: Axel Scheffler
Published by: Macmillan Children’s Books
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
Book Type: Board Book
Recommended Age: 3 to 5
Number of pages: 12
Ratings: 10/10
The storybook doesn’t itself has a lesson to teach to the kids. It is to be read just for the joy of reading and the joy of discovering something with each flap. “Fox’s Socks” is keepsake along with the other three books in series.
As part of the bookish play we decided to have a storytelling session (read aloud) and make a fox mask which was really fun, interactive and engaging.
This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. Keep watching the space for our book recommendation for the alphabet Y 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 W 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!!!
“The Snail and the Whale” is another wonderful story of friendship by Julia Donaldson which is much loved in our household. Ever since Mr. Husband had a talk with Shaarav about whales, this little guy’s fascination for them has only been increasing exponentially. And, the moment he was gifted “The Snail and the Whale” by his aunt, this nautical tale has been a part of our reading sessions every now and then which is immediately followed by the quintessential never-ending discussion on whales.
Julia Donaldson’s incredible creation “The Snail and the Whale” is a cute story of a tiny, brilliant and ambitious snail who longs to see the world. So, it hitches a lift on the tail of a great big, grey-blue humpback whale and sets out on an adventurous journey together through the starlit sea to far-off lands watching wondrous sights. They travel past towering icebergs with penguins, fiery volcanoes, vibrant corals with stripy fishes and hideous sharks. The snail is delighted to gaze at the vast and high sky, but, amazed by the grandness of the wide world she feels utterly small. Then, one day, the whale loses his way and gets beached in a bay with receding tide. But, this tiny snail with her innovative plan takes it upon herself to rescue the whale and save the day.
Just like every other book of theirs, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler don’t fail to amaze us with yet another of their masterpiece. “The Snail and the Whale” features Julia Donaldson’s distinctive and catchy rhyming style which enthralls young readers with perfectly complimenting Axel Scheffler’s iconic stunningly humorous and detailed illustrations make it a joy to read aloud. We love the board book format of the book, perfect for little hands and withstanding continuous and reckless use. The story is simple yet beautiful and touching which helps expand the child’s vocabulary (though some words might need additional explanation). My little man listens to the story with just as much awe and intent as the very first time making it a must-have addition to every enthusiastic reader’s book collection.
Written by: Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by: Axel Scheffler
Published by: Macmillan Children’s Books
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
Book Type: Board Book
Recommended Age: 3 to 5
Number of pages: 30
Ratings: 10/10
“The Snail and the Whale” is a delightful tale of nautical escapade and tender friendship which gives a warm feeling. The story showcases a lovely friendship between two strikingly different animals teaching the kids the lesson that friendship can come in all shapes and sizes. It also teaches the young readers that even the littlest and seemingly insignificant voices can be as much powerful if conveyed in the right manner and size doesn’t matter if you have a strong will and determination. The book also explores the ideas that the world is a beautiful and wondrous place, even the tiniest of beings can achieve what they want with a strong will because limitations are only in our minds and that certain experiences tend to bring about a change in us as a person.
As part of the bookish play we decided to have a storytelling session (read aloud) and watch the animated adaptation of the story telecast on BBC. With charming narration and gorgeous animation the animated adaptation is just so so spectacular to watch and enjoy. If you have enjoyed the story you would definitely love the movie too. We also talked and learned about snails, whales, penguins and sharks, and made our version of the adorably brilliant snail using paper plate, chart papers, paint and glue.
This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. Keep watching the space for our book recommendation for the alphabet X 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 V 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!!!
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.
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.
“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.
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
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!!!
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” 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.
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.
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
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
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!!!