Recommended Age: 3-7

“The Snail and the WHALE” – #BlogchatterA2Z

The Snail and the Whale

“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!!!

 

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“Once UPON a Star” – #BlogchatterA2Z

Once Upon a Star

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“How TO Catch a Star” – #BlogchatterA2Z

How to Catch a Star

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

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!!!

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“Little RAINDROP” – #BlogchatterA2Z

Little Raindrop

Little Raindrop

What’s the story?
What did we like about it?
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?

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“My Name QUEST” – #BlogchatterA2Z

My Name Quest

Our son’s name is “Shaarav” which is a Hindu boy’s name meaning “pure and innocent”. His name was chosen for him with very conscious and careful deliberations way before he was even born. I’m sure all parents put in a lot of thought in choosing the perfect name for their kids and, of course, we were no different. But, there’s a very interesting story about choosing the perfect name for Shaarav.

Very early in our pregnancy I asked Mr. Husband to select 5 names of a girl child and 5 names of a boy child and I did the same. While I did an extensive search for the perfect name which not only had to be unique but should also sound good and have a beautiful meaning, Mr. Husband, as usual, wasn’t very diligent in this regard. However, he still came up with 5 names each for a boy and a girl in the nick of time. We were unanimous over the decision that the boy’s name would start with my name’s first letter, that’s S, and the girl’s name would begin with Mr. Husband’s names’s first letter, that’s K. The list of names were then exchanged and we had to strike off 3 names each from each other’s list leaving 2 names each of  a girl’s name and a boy’s name. Again, the final set of 4 names each were put to vote among our siblings and the name getting the maximum votes in each category was supposed to be “the chosen name” for our little one. It was interesting and fun, right, the way we involved the family members in choosing the name for our son?

So, just as we chose a special name for our precious child we wanted him too to see and know how special his name was. And so for this very reason, for his 3rd birthday we had ordered a unique personalized colouring storybook for him from “My Name Quest”. Everybody who knows me definitely knows my zeal to add that special personal touch to everything I do making it all the more special and getting this for Shaarav was the best birthday gift I could give to him.

My Name Quest

What’s the story?

“My Name Quest” is a personalized storybook about Shaarav’s exciting adventure trip of finding his name the alphabets of which go missing suddenly one morning.

 

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“The PERFECT Gift” – #BlogchatterA2Z

The Perfect Gift 

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“The Smartest GIANT in Town” – #BlogchatterA2Z

The Smartest Giant in Town

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

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!!!

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