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.

Rumble in the Jungle

Text: Giles Andreae, Wikipedia

Illustrator: David Wojtowycz

Year: 1996

Publisher: Orchard Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 1 86039 660 7

This book is just right for all those little ones who dream about adventures in the jungles. Rumble in the Jungle is essentially a collection of witty poems, each focused on a specific animal - crocodiles, lions, elephants and the rest!

The illustrations burst with color and vitality boosted by the use of plentiful primary colors to engage babies too!  :-)

This book is a keeper. :-)

Excerpt

The night has started falling

But the jungle never sleeps,

The vultures circle slowly

While the leopard softly creeps.

Five-Minute Jungle Tales

Author: Jan Payne

Illustrator: Peter Rutherford

Year: 2002

Publisher: Parragon Books, UK

Age: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 46

ISBN: 978 0 75257 002 1

This fantastic mini-collection of jungle tales has to be among the best animal tales I've read so far. The animals’ roles and habitat are mostly intact and yet each tale is packed with humor, wit and pragmatism that make it relevant to children.

The tales feature a monkey who wants to grow tall, rather quickly, a hippopotamus whose best friend is a hermit crab, a crocodile who can’t stop smiling, a lonely lion, an annoying tiger who copies others and a forgetful elephant.

Now, that ought to pique your curiosity. This is a must-have. :-)

Excerpt

So they built another house, this time of bamboo.

“This won’t blow away ,” said Custard.

But an elephant appeared. And, oh dear! Bamboo is an elephant’s favourite food.

“Yummy!” said the elephant. “Thanks for bringing me my breakfast!” And he stuffed Custard’s house into his mouth!