Why Leopard has Spots (Tinga Tinga Tales)

By Claudia Lloyd

Year: 2012

Publisher: Puffin Books, UK

Age: 4 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type:  Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 14134 216 0

This was our very first Tinga-Tinga tale and we were thrilled by it!

According to the book, Tinga-Tinga Tales are ‘inspired by traditional animal stories from Africa and the Tingatinga artwork of Tanzania.’

The tale of how the leopard got her spots is a story of courage and kindness. It’s also a story of self-acceptance and confidence.

Puff Adder has been squished by Elephant. Leopard comes to Puff Adder's aid who in turn, gratefully, shares his spots with Leopard, turning her into a beautiful and unique animal.

A beautiful book.

Excerpt

”Oh, I wish I could have a new skin and pretty colors like you,” said Leopard. “My coat is as plain as plain can be.”

“Well, maybe I can help you,” said Puff Adder.

The Quangle Wangle’s Hat

Text: Edward Lear, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Louise Voce

Year:  2006

Publisher: Walker Books Ltd., London

Age: 4 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 40630 042 0

Kind and gentle Quangle Wangle is lonely on the top of the Crumpetty Tree. He wishes for some 

friends.

His wish comes true when Mr. and Mrs. Canary ask if they can build a nest on his lovely hat. He generously agrees and soon many other friends come his way including a Blue Baboon who plays the flute and the Fimble Fowl with a corkscrew leg.

The fanciful animals illustrated in full color and rhyming text makes for an intriguing reading session. And, oh yes, please be prepared for a lot of “what” and “why” questions. :-)

Excerpt

And at night by the light of the Mulberry moon

They danced to the Flute of the Blue Baboon

On the broad green leaves of the Crumpetty Tree.

Measuring Angels

Text: Lesley Ely

Illustrations: Polly Dunbar, Wikipedia

Year: 2008

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, London

Age: 5 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84780 048 0

There’s trouble brewing at school. A little girl feels left out and Miss Miles the teacher finds the solution with sunflower seeds.

Miss Miles gives the little girl a flower pot and Sophie, who’s not her friend, the sunflower seed. They are not happy about having to work together and so is the sunflower. Their plant is the weediest and smallest. 

Miss Miles suggests that they talk to the plant. They do. Soon, the plant grows beautifully and the two little girls are friends.

Excerpt

“This sunflower isn’t happy,” said Miss Miles. “Why don’t you talk to it? Talking to plants sometimes helps them grow.”

So we tried. We got close. 

The Easter Chick

Text: Geraldine Elschner

Illustrations: Alexandra Junge

Year: 2003

Publisher: North-South Books, New York

Age: 4 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Books

ISBN:  978 0 73582 076 0

A little chick (yet to hatch!) has heard exciting things about Easter. She is determined to wait to hatch so she can be an Easter chick. It sounds like a fine idea except that no one knows when Easter is.

Max the owl comes to the rescue. The other animals at the farm learn when Easter is and how the day is decided. Of course, the farm is delighted to welcome a happy, Easter chick. 

Excerpt

The little chick counted down the days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

On Saturday night, there were three loud calls through the farmyard.

Whoooo hoooo!

Whoooo hoooo!

Whoooo hoooo!

Mrs. Hippo’s Pizza Parlor (I am Reading)

Text: Vivian French, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Clive Scruton

Year: 1999

Publisher: Kingfisher Publications, London 

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN:  978 0 75341 037 0

William’s birthday is about to arrive but he also know his mother Pizza Parlor is going through a tough time and he might not get the gift he truly wants. William knows better than to make a fuss. Soon, his dream comes true and it’s good times for his mum’s business too!

Excerpt

“Look at all those people outside our pizza parlor!”

“Dear me,” said Mrs. Hippo.

“I think they’re waiting to come in!”

“What do they want?” asked Ellie.

“PIZZAS!” said William. 

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.