Playhouse

Text: Robert Munsch

Illustrations: Michael Martchenko

Year: 2002

Publisher: Scholastic, Canada

Age:  5 - 10 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN: 978 0 43998 959 6

Rene, an ambitious little girl asks her dad to build her a playhouse. He builds her a wonderful two-storey playhouse with real windows and a slide.

After a week, though, Rene feels the playhouse would be complete if it had a play barn. Soon, chickens and a play cow are moved to the barn accompanied by her dad's tractor and the bulldozer.

After a month, Rene decides that her playhouse misses a play mommy and play daddy. And that’s when, her parents decide that Rene’s ambitions needs to be handled. :-)

This rib-tickling book is yet another gem from the Munsch-Martchenko duo. :-)

A big thumbs up!

Excerpt

One day, Rene went to her father and said, "Pleeeeeease make me a playhouse! Our farm is way out in the middle of the woods, and I have nobody to play with except my little brothers. I need a playhouse.”

The Crunching Munching Caterpillar

Text: Sheridan Cain

Illustrations: Jack Tickle

Year: 2002

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 85430 641 3

The kids loved this book. There were lots of primary colors, an adorable smiley-faced caterpillar and plenty of “noise” words where they got to ‘buzz’ with a bumble bee and more.

It’s the quintessential tale of transformation where a caterpillar dreams of flying and is given that magical touch by nature (metamorphosis, of course!) to make his dreams come true.

By the way, the corner of the book looks like it's been chomped off... a nice touch, me thinks! :-)

Excerpt

Caterpillar was always hungry.

For weeks he crunched and munched his way through the fresh, juicy leaves of a blackberry bush.

Just Like My Dad

By David Melling

Year: 2002

Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 34094 403 5

This heartwarming and witty book is about a little cub’s aspiration to grow up to be just like his dad, a mighty lion.

The illustrations are comical and will draw laughter from young and old. :-)

Excerpt

This is my dad.

One day, I’ll have sharp teeth just like my dad.

Just Mabel: I am Reading

Text: Frieda Wishinsky

Illustrations: Sue Heap

Year: 2001

Publisher: Kingfisher Publications, London 

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN:  978 0 75341 035 4

This humorous book from the I am Reading series encourages children to believe in themselves and not succumb to peer pressure. And I don’t miss a chance to let kids know early in life that their unique selves are to be celebrated.

Just Mabel uses two stories to send home a powerful message of self-acceptance. There are plenty of opinions out there in the world but children need to be comfortable with themselves and not feel miserable every time an adverse opinion is offered. 

Mabel loves singing and when she shares with a classmate her dream to become a singer, he opines that her name is far too plain. Mabel adopts several names to suit her future stardom but she doesn't find happiness. That is until she discovers that Mabel is a beautiful name and accepts it wholeheartedly.

The other story features Mabel off to school in her favorite red dress when some of her classmates begin to tease her. She goes through a miserable time until she finds the strength within to brush off all the negative opinions.

This book is a must-read for all, children and parents alike.

Excerpt

“You’re not Holly. You’re Mabel,” said Mrs. Hill.

“Not any more,” said Mabel. “I've changed my name.”

“But Mabel is a beautiful name,” said Mrs. Hill.

“Not to me,” said Mabel.