More Pies!

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 896 4

Little Samuel is very, very hungry. After a shockingly big meal, he’s still hungry enough to eat “seven fried chickens”. His exasperated mother sends him out to play where his little brother suggests that he join the pie-eating contest at the park.

Samuel competes against a fireman, a lumberjack and a construction worker to take home the first prize – a pie…

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

A big thumbs up!

Excerpt

Samuel woke up really hungry.

He went downstairs and ate a bowl of cereal: Chuka – chuka – chuka – chuka – chuka – chuka – CHOMP!

How to Catch a Star

By Oliver Jeffers, Wikipedia

Year: 2004

Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books, London

Age: 2 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture Book, Board Book

ISBN: 978 0 00732 461 3

This is a truly delightful board book guaranteed to set afire many a toddler’s imaginations.   

The book starts with the ubiquitous “Once there was a boy” and then takes us on a fantasy adventure into a little boy’s mind who dreams of catching a star.

At last, after many creative attempts at getting a star, his wish is fulfilled. In a way. :-)

Excerpt

The boy decided he would try to catch a star. E thought that getting up early in the morning would be best, because then the star would be tired from being up in the sky all night. 

PC Polly - Little Workmates

Author: Mandy Ross

Illustrator: Emma Dodd

Year: 2001

Publisher: Ladybird Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages:  24

ISBN: 978 0 72142 168 7

The Little Workmates Series is a delightfully creative way to introduce children to the various people engaged in different professions and how they impact our lives. 

It is Story Town Show day and PC Polly has a busy day ahead of her. She has two cases to solve – a missing dog and a lost package of sausages.

She finds Barker, the dog who, in turn, sniffs his way to the misplaced sausages and is rewarded for her efforts with prize-winning sausages for her tea.

Other books in the Little Workmates Series:

•  Builder Bill      
• Doctor Daisy
• Farmer Fred
• Fireman Fergus
• Footballer Fabio
• Hairdresser Hannah
• Nurse Nancy
• Postman Pete  
• Queen Clara
• Teacher Tina
• Truckdriver Tom
• Vet Vicky

       

Excerpt

Sniff … sniff…sniff… went Barker, his nose to the ground.

“He must be following a trail!” puffed PC Polly, grabbing Barker’s lead.

Sniff … sniff…sniff… went Barker, through the town square and into the park.

“Barker! STOP! Gasped PC Polly, running along behind. 

Clem always could …

By Sarah Watt

Year: 2009

Publisher: Lothian Children’s Books, Sydney

Age: 5 and above

No. of Pages:  32

ISBN: 978 0 73441 115 0

Meet Clem, the friendly neighborhood kid who can do anything that a kid his age ought to except swim. 

So, when his mom decides it’s time he learnt swimming, Clem imagines a lot of reasons - from sharks to sucking holes at the bottom, to avoid getting into the pool. 

I liked this book for the way it realistically captures the fears of child and portrays the frustration of a mother who has to resort to begging and bribery among other tactics to get Clem into the pool. 

It is also the story of a child overcoming his fears and taking the plunge. :-)

Excerpt

They went back to the pool next week.

Clem still wasn't keen.

‘There’s nothing to be scared of,’ said Clem’s mum.

Clem thought about it. 

Milly, Molly and Oink

Text: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2001

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978 1 87729 703 8

Here’s another delightful story, featuring Milly, Molly and Oink, Farmer Hagerty’s little piglet. He grows beautifully under their care but he also loves talking to strangers.

One day, Oink vanishes from his pen. He’s been ‘pig-napped’ but the brave little piggy finds his way back home and ever since, he doesn't care for strangers.

With this book, Gill Pittar couches the ‘don’t talk to strangers’ maxim in a heart-warming story of courage, love and friendship. While the main story engages the attention of the children, the underlying message is very loud and clear for little ones – steer clear of strangers!

This book is a must-have for families especially if the children haven’t yet learned to avoid strangers.

Excerpt

Oink began to thrive and he loved to chat to everyone.

“Oink must be careful,” warned Farmer Hegarty. “If he strays onto the road a bad stranger could make friends with him and then we might never see him again.”

Little Pink Ballerina

Author: Ronne Randall

Illustrator: Helena Owen

Year: 1997

Publisher: Ladybird Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 28

ISBN: 978 0 72141 923 2

Little Pink Ballerina packages most little girls' dream to be a ballerina in a charming story of grit, determination and hard work. 

Madame Plie is about to host a special performance of the Fairy Princess Ballet. She announces that the most graceful ballerina will dance the lead part of the Star Fairy Princess.

All the little ballerinas work hard and manage to “whirl, twirl, leap” except for the Pink Ballerina. Her moves are limited to “whirl, twirl, thump!”.

After hours of practice, she’s inspired by Madame Plie’s words: A fairy princess must be graceful as a feather floating through the air…”. 

Yes, the story has a fairy-tale ending and I won’t ruin it for you. :-)

Other books in this series:

• Little Yellow Digger, Review here
• Little Red Car
• Brave Little Train
• Little Blue Tractor
• Big Little Bus
• Noisy Little Truck
• Forgetful Little Fireman
• Busy Little Postman
• Daisy Little Dancer
• Brilliant Little Elephant
• Bold Little Tiger

Excerpt

Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she saw something flutter down from the cherry tree.

It was a slender, silvery-white feather. The Pink Ballerina watched as it drifted gracefully through the air. And she remembered Madame Plie’s words…