This week I asked, Mini Reviewer, Izzie (4), to choose five of her favourite picture books to share with you. After A LOT of consideration, here are her top five stories. I have to say, I wasn’t surprised in the slightest!
1. We’re Going On A Bear Hunt - Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
Possibly one the most well known children’s books and a modern day classic, “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt”, is Izzie’s favourite book to chant out loud (sometimes very loud). Full of repetition, the story promotes reading and is perfect for little ones to join in with.
Join the family on their adventure across the countryside in search of a bear. We love doing the actions together as we pretend to go through the swishy grass, squelchy mud, deep river and the snowstorm. With its dramatic conclusion, this is a story that really makes both young and older imaginations run wild. One for every child’s bookshelf.
A word of warning, the first time I read this to Izzie she was about two years old. I read it a little too enthusiastically and terrified her. We had to avoid the book for a few months!
If you like this why not try some of Rosen’s poetry, such as his latest collection, “A Great Big Cuddle - Poems for the very young.”
2. We’re in the wrong book - Richard Byrne
This is a completely new book to us and one of our current library book haul. Given the number of books we are reading at the moment, it is hard to find ones that truly stand out. Well this one does, the main characters, Ben and Bella are lost having been bumped off the page of their own book. The story follows the pair as they make their way through other, very different, books in attempt to get home. With puzzles to complete, differences to spot and even an origami boat to make along the way this is a unique and fun filled story. I'm so glad we discovered it.
3. The Singing Mermaid - Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks
We just love Lydia Monks’ sparkly illustrations in this rhyming tale by Julia Donaldson. It is the story of mermaid who loves to sing. She is convinced by Sam Sly to leave her home and go and sing in the circus. But when things are not as Sam promised, the singing mermaid wants to go home, but how can she walk home with only a tail?
If you enjoy this then why not try "Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox" or "Sugarlump and the Unicorn".
4. Press Here - Herve Tullet
This is a fantastic interactive book. Just follow the instructions on each page and see what happens. Dots appear, disappear, move, change colour and size. All this is done with clever illustrations. The concept is simple, yet the books continues to amaze and delight the children each time we read it. I have to say, I’m pretty fascinated by it too!
If you like this you may also like "Mix It Up" and "Let’s Play" also by Herve Tullet.
5. The Tiger Who Came to Tea - Judith Kerr
Izzie’s final choice is this classic from the brilliant Judith Kerr about one little girl's extraordinary teatime visitor. Even though we have read this story over and over again, the children always seem to be surprised that it is a tiger at the front door! They also continue to be filled with amazement as the tiger polishes off all the food and drink in the house. It is such an imaginative story with fantastic illustrations, which capture the tiger’s mischievous antics.
We recently made tiger masks and enjoyed acting out the story. Here Izzie is pouring tea for the tiger.
I always thought the little girl's mummy had invented the story about the tiger’s visit to get out of making dinner for daddy. Personally, I think it is a trick we should all try at least once!
What do you think?
Until next time... HAPPY READING!
Kate & the Mini Reviewers xx
