“The Snail and the WHALE” – #BlogchatterA2Z

“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.

The Snail and the Whale

What’s the story?

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.

What did we like about it?

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.

Book Details

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

What’s there for the child to learn?

“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!!!

“Once UPON a Star” – #BlogchatterA2Z

“How TO Catch a Star” – #BlogchatterA2Z

Young minds are very curious about celestial objects like the sun, the moon and the stars and find them very fascinating. Shaarav’s fascination for the moon and the stars is also immeasurable and knowing this her aunt gifted him this whimsical story of a boy who wanted a star as his friend in “How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers on her recent last visit to India. And, Shaarav couldn’t contain his happiness on getting these books. This young reader of mine has always preferred books over toys.

How to Catch a Star

What’s the story?

“How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers is a whimsical story of a boy who loved stars so much that he wanted one of his own, to be his friend and play with. He devises several plans and tries plenty of ways to catch a star for himself. He’s determined to get one this time and one needs to read the book to if he’s disappointed or actually catches a star.

What did we like about it?

“How to Catch a Star” is a wonderful picture book with minimal text and delightful illustrations. We liked how it invoked the power of imagination in the mind of my curious reader fueling opportunities to talk about stars, moon and spaceship. It makes an ideal book for reading aloud or for early readers and engaging them in educational conversations about the stars and moon and the sun.

Book Details

Written by: Oliver Jeffers
Illustrated by: Oliver Jeffers
Published by: HarperCollin’s Children’s Books
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
Book Type: Board Book
Recommended Age: 3 to 7
Number of pages: 30
Ratings: 10/10

What’s there for the child to learn?

The book “How to Catch a Star” is an inspirational story which teaches children of love and determination. It teaches that you can achieve whatever you want if you put your heart and soul in it and continuously work towards achieving it, even a thing as elusive as a star itself. It’s remarkable how it encourages the children to dream. It teaches the children about love and friendship and that you need to love something enough to want to get it. Shaarav loves this book a lot and we’re planning on getting the other books in this series too very soon.

As part of the bookish play we decided to have a storytelling session (read aloud) and do some book related activities.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. Keep watching the space for our book recommendation for the alphabet U 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 S for another great review and book related activities.

Love,

Mrs. Sunshine

“Mind Your MANNERS” – #BlogchatterA2Z

Who doesn’t like a disciplined and well-mannered kid? Well, that’s a little far-fetched thought for a pre-schooler to be well behaved and disciplined at all times, because children are meant to be free-spirited and wild. But, it is never too early to start teaching them to mind their manners from a young age. “Mind Your Manners” is the perfect playful guide to introduce etiquette to little kids in a manner that is both fun and enjoyable. And it never hurts to start teaching them young in a way that it is both fun and easy to understand. “Mind Your Manners” introduces etiquette

Mind Your Manners

What’s the story?

“Mind Your Manners” is a book that teaches good manners to young kids. It is as much important to teach the children about good manners as is teaching them alphabets and math. But, it so happens that saying “please” and “thank you” doesn’t come naturally to pre-schoolers as they come to adults and need to be instilled in them.

is a story about the journey of a meek and timid mouse who grows tired of being so little and forgotten his entire life and sets off to find his roar. The humble little mouse who gets walked all over gets fed up of his miserable life and wants to be heard and listened to just like the boastful and pompous lion who is heard and appreciated by everyone in the animal community. The mouse thinks its the roar which makes the lion so celebrated among all the other animals and decides to add a roar to his repertoire. So, he musters up all his courage and confidence and determined to learn how to roar from the very best, he risks being eaten and goes to confront the lion. But what he discovers on meeting the lion is really sublime and awe-inspiring. The mouse discovers that even the tiniest of us has the heart of a lion within only waiting to be discovered. Ultimately, the mouse finds a friend in the remotest possible place he could ever think.

What did we like about it?

“The Lion Inside” is a perfect book to introduce to kids who lack confidence or courage. It offers a multi-layer of wonderful and important lessons for a child to imbibe. The easy rhythmic flow of the rhyming story with compelling and characterful illustrations are a delight for children and adults alike. The book has a storyline that is easy to follow for children at the same time adding new words to their vocabulary. We like how each story by Rachel Bright is set in a different landscape. While “The Koala Who Could” was set in the Australian outback, “The Lion Inside” is laid out in the African Serengeti. It gives an opportunity to discuss about and learn about different regions and the animals belonging to those places with children.

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 Lion Inside” has been set in a typical African Serengeti with animals which are typical to African savanna such as giraffe, elephant, zebra and wildebeest. So, the child can learn about the animals that belong to and are typical of Africa. The story entails multi layers of emphatically powerful lessons of bravery, courage, friendship and embracing who you are simultaneously making room for improvement in a fun way 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 spectacular story about being true to yourself and yet making room for improvements by taking chances and learning new things can not only get you new friends but also bring you closer to yourself. With a humourous touch to convey so many powerful messages subtly we definitely have a big winner and a fast becoming favourite here.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. Keep watching the space for our book recommendation for the alphabet M 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 K for another great review and book related activities.

Love,

Mrs. Sunshine

“The LION Inside” – #BlogchatterA2Z

Shaarav loves animal picture books and my little guy is one pretend animal or the other most of the time. It’s quite OK for us to often hear a roar, trumpet or moo around the house. So, with lion and mouse as the main characters of the story, “The Lion Inside” makes for a great addition to our home library. “The Lion Inside” tells a wonderful tale of bravery, confidence and friendship. Again, it looks like we have a new favourite author. With a narrative so rhythmically flowing and pictures so brilliantly detailed and vibrant this is a book that keeps on giving.

The Lion Inside

What’s the story?

“The Lion Inside” is a story about the journey of a meek and timid mouse who grows tired of being so little and forgotten his entire life and sets off to find his roar. The humble little mouse who gets walked all over gets fed up of his miserable life and wants to be heard and listened to just like the boastful and pompous lion who is heard and appreciated by everyone in the animal community. The mouse thinks its the roar which makes the lion so celebrated among all the other animals and decides to add a roar to his repertoire. So, he musters up all his courage and confidence and determined to learn how to roar from the very best, he risks being eaten and goes to confront the lion. But what he discovers on meeting the lion is really sublime and awe-inspiring. The mouse discovers that even the tiniest of us has the heart of a lion within only waiting to be discovered. Ultimately, the mouse finds a friend in the remotest possible place he could ever think.

What did we like about it?

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?

Love,

Mrs. Sunshine

“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

“JACK and the Flumflum Tree” – #BlogchatterA2Z

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

“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

The Snail and the Whale

What’s the story?

What did we like about it?

Book Details

What’s there for the child to learn?

Sharing is Caring, right?

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Sharing is Caring, right?

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How to Catch a Star

What’s the story?

What did we like about it?

Book Details

What’s there for the child to learn?

Sharing is Caring, right?

Like this:

Mind Your Manners

What’s the story?

What did we like about it?

Book Details

What’s there for the child to learn?

Sharing is Caring, right?

Like this:

The Lion Inside

What’s the story?

What did we like about it?

Book Details

What’s there for the child to learn?

Sharing is Caring, right?

Like this:

The Koala Who Could

What’s the story?

What did we like about it?

Book Details

What’s there for the child to learn?

Sharing is Caring, right?

Like this:

Sharing is Caring, right?

Like this:

The Smartest Giant in Town

What’s the story?

What did we like about it?

Book Details

Sharing is Caring, right?

Like this: