As Christmas approaches, we present a series of short reviews by Grace O’Reilly of books for children.
Winnie-the-Pooh – Pooh’s Christmas Letters
Pooh’s Christmas Letters is a sweet little tale suitable for babies up to eight-year olds. It is a tale about kindness, and friendship with the element of mystery thrown into the mix for fun. This book first published in Great Britain in 2013, is illustrated by Andrew Grey, and is based on the works of A.A Milne and E.H Shepard, and the illustrations are copyright of Disney Enterprises Inc.
The blurb at the back of this cute book reads,
“Mysterious letters arrive in the Hundred Acre Wood, leading the animals on a festive adventure. But where is their dear friend, Winnie-the-Pooh?”
A lovely tale to read any time of the year, but an ideal read in the cold, dark winter months, in fleecy pyjamas, beside the Christmas tree, sipping warm cocoa, before bed. It shows how random acts of kindness can mean the world to others, and features the world-famous honey loving bear, with a head full of fluff and silliness, but a heart full of love.
Order your copy online here.
(c) Grace O’Reilly
Oi Frog! By Kes Gray & Jim Field
First published in Great Britain in 2014, by Hodder Children’s Books, part of the Hodder and Stoughton, and an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group. It was later republished in 2014, they text is copyright of Kes Gray and the illustrations are copyright of Jim Field. This beautiful picture and board book ideal for babies and toddlers is made from responsible resources.
This rhyming tale will entice very little readers to listen, learn and interact with the reader, and this colourful book. The blurb at the back reads,
“Cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs, mules sit on stools and gophers sit on sofa, but frog does not want to sit on a log!”
“From the award-winning Kes Gray, and the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, Jim Field.
A hilarious rhyming tale about a frog who discovers that all animals have their special places to sit!”
Also in the ‘Oi ?’ series is, Oi Dog! Oi Cat! and Oi Duck-Build Platypus!
Order your copy online here.
(c) Grace O’Reilly
The Angel Who Flew Backwards to Christmas by Liz Joy & Carolyn Dinan
First published in 1997 by Hunt & Thorpe, the story of The Angel who Flew Backwards to Christmas was written by Liz Joy, and the beautiful crayon like pictures are copyright of the illustrator Carolyn Dinan.
This religious themed children’s book, zooms in with the real biblical tale of Christmas, with some fiction thrown into the mix. A sweet little book.
The blurb at the back of the book reads:
”Astrid, the little angel, gets in a muddle when she puts on her wings. However, her adventures bring her at last to Bethlehem.”
Meeting the three Kings, (also known as the three wise men), show Astrid, the big bright star of Bethlehem that they have been following from the East. They are trying to get to the new born baby Jesus, the newest king to be born. They meet talking sheep and go together to meet and welcome baby Jesus and to congratulate Mary and Joseph.
“Whether we are young or old, wise or foolish or, like the little angel, in so much of a muddle that we fly backwards to Christmas; it really doesn’t matter, just so long as we get there in…”
Order your copy online here.
(c) Grace O’Reilly