Dogger

Dogger by Shirley Hughes

'Dogger' is one of my sister Melissa's favourite stories. It's what I'd describe as an oldie but a goodie! 

Dogger is the favourite soft toy of a little boy called Dave. His sister Bella sleeps with a bed full of soft toys all in a row, but Dogger is the only one for Dave. One day Dave notices that Dogger has disappeared and he can't find him anywhere. Mum, Dad and Bella look everywhere but unfortunately Dogger was not to be found and Dave went to bed feeling sad. 

The next day at the school fair Dave has a wander round the stalls and realises that his beloved soft toy has somehow ended up on a toy stall! Bella comes to the rescue in the way only a nice big sister could! 

Dogger is such a lovely story as it really captures that special bond between a young child and their favourite soft toy. Nothing can replace it. Many of us hold onto them even into adulthood! ;) 

There is a great video on YouTube of Shirley Hughes herself reading the story aloud. Well worth a watch :) 

The Tiger Skin Rug

The Tiger Skin Rug by Gerald Rose is a really cute story. It has a few moments in it which will have children (and adults!) in fits of giggles!

 It is a story about a thin old tiger who is tired of his life in the jungle and thinks living in the royal palace sounds like a much better option. So one day when one of the servants is out cleaning all the rugs he removes the 'tiger skin' rug and puts himself in its place! He therefore manages to get himself into the palace and enjoys a life of sitting around all day surrounded by royalty and helping himself to royal dinner left overs! 

However his new found status becomes questionable as the servant begins to notice that the 'rug' is getting heavier. He becomes worried about how to keep his new life of luxury but proves himself to be a handy tiger rug to have around. After saving the royal family from a band of intruders (who get stuck in the window during their escape!) he takes his rightful place as the family pet! All his dreams come true! 

This is a really lovely story, get ready for lots of giggles! 

The Listening Walk

The Listening Walk - by Paul Showers

I came by 'The Listening Walk' by Paul Showers a bit of a strange way. I was reading 'Romancing the Ordinary' by Sarah Ban Breathnach, and she talked about a wonderful children's book that helped her to understand the world again after a serious head injury. This is it. 

It's a story about a little girl who goes for a walk with her dad and her dog 'Major'. However this walk is not just any old walk, it's a 'listening walk'. During this walk the little girl opens her ears to all the sounds going on around her. She hears everything from the sound of her little dogs nails on the pavement to the bees buzzing in the flowers. The way the sounds are broken down and represented is so perfect that as you say them out loud you will be thinking 'that's exactly the sound that makes!'  

This book is the perfect starting point for a listening walk of your own. It encourages children to become quiet and aware so that they can tune into the environment around them. It encourages concentration, thought and appreciation. What did you hear on your 'listening walk?'.  

The Wild Woods

I have to confess that this book has been one of my absolute favourites for many years. I came across it while working in a nursery and the impression has never faded. 

The Wild Woods by Simon James is a beautiful story. It tells the tale of a little girl called Jess who goes for a day out with her grandad. They head for the woods where Jess finds a squirrel. As any child would, Jess takes a liking to the squirrel and decides it would make a good pet. All manner of mischief then unfolds as Jess tries to make this happen! 

What makes this book really memorable is the way the illustrations manage to convey two things- the glorious wild woods and the special relationship between Jess and her Grandad. He chases along after her, indulging her every whim, even when the consequences are soggy socks! However, Jess learns from her grandad that the squirrel was not meant to be her pet. He belongs in the woods. 

This is a story that will make you want to head for the woods and start an adventure! And what could be better than that? 

Trust me, this book will be treasured for years to come. 

Shh! We have a plan

Sh We have a plan - by Chris Haughton 

I came across this book while browsing in a bookshop after work this week. I can't believe I didn't know it already, it's sooooo good! I think there were a few strange looks when I was giggling to myself while flipping through the pages! 

This is a story about four friends who 'have a plan' to catch a bird in the forest. However the littlest one doesn't seem to understand 'the plan,' or has a plan of his own! 

This book is a great read for young children who are developing language skills. The simple narrative and repetition make it perfect for budding storytellers. I defy any child not to join in with 'shh! We have a plan!' 

The illustrations are simple and stylised and yet the expressions on their faces will not get past you! 

I think this is going to be one of my new favourites! Shh, we have a plan! 

Let me know if you love this book too :)

The Crocodile Who Didn't Like Water

The Crocodile who didn't Like Water by Gemma Merino is a great little story and has been recommended for review by my favourite six year old, Poppy. It tells the story of a little crocodile who just doesn't feel like he fits in. His brothers and sisters love to swim and play in the pool but he does not. He tries his best to join in but it doesn't work and he always goes away feeling sad. But then we find out that there is a very good reason that he doesn't like what other crocodiles like, a very good reason indeed! 

This story shows that it's ok to feel different sometimes and that we all have our strengths. Children adore the illustrations of all the little crocodiles and there are multiple opportunities to include early counting skills while reading this story. 

A true favourite with the children, be prepared to read it many, many times! 

Marcello the Mouse and the Masked Ball

What better way to kick off my story book blog than by reviewing one of my all time favourites?! 'Marcello the Mouse and the Masked Ball' by Julie Monks is an absolute story time treat. It tells the tale of a little mouse who lives in Venice who takes his chances and makes his way to the 'pussycat ball.' He disguises himself with a Venetian mask and has the time of his life until......his mask falls off! But the cats will surprise you! This book has beautiful illustrations which create a gorgeously rich backdrop to the lovely story. The details draw the children in and I have yet to read it to a group of children who do not notice the 'princess mouse' hiding away on the last page.

Julie Monks, will there be a 'princess mouse' sequel?

The children I used to read this story with loved to watch video clips of singing gondoliers afterwards.

I had originally made a finger puppet to go with this lovely story but left it with the children at nursery. So here is my latest version, complete with Venetian mask and gondola. He is free to the first person to message me!

I'm sure you will love this story too, let me know what you think.

Louise x