Surprise by Jonathan Litton and Fhiona Galloway

Surprise by Jonathan Litton and Fhiona Galloway
Buy Surprise by Jonathan Litton and Fhiona Galloway at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Category: For Sharing
Reviewer: Zoe Page
Summary: It's time to play in this super fun, interactive book that has a novel take on pass the parcel
Buy? Yes	Borrow? Yes
Pages: 16	Date: September 2014
Publisher: Little Tiger Kids
ISBN: 978-1848959071
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Pass the Parcel is a timeless classic for any occasion, be it a birthday or, as in this book, Christmas time. But have you ever played it in a book before? No? Keep reading.

There are modern variations of the game that I’m sure you’ll know, like putting a small gift or pack of sweets in each layer so ‘everyone’s a winner’. These are the same people who think you shouldn’t keep score at football matches for juniors, and trophies for participation are just as good as those won in a bitterly fought contest. Take it from someone whose house has an allocated trophy room: they’re not. But I digress. That’s one way to play the game. Another way is for the person in charge of the music to operate in a strategic manner, so the ‘right’ person wins. This is of course perfectly acceptable, and simply a reward for fine maths skills and a good memory. And then there’s the original version where it’s all down to chance, some will win, but most will lose.

The thing is…that’s not a very popular theme for children’s books these days. So what do you do? I think Surprise has the answer perfectly in this adorable board book for the littlest of book fans.

In this interactive 3D book, every turn of the page removes a layer of the paper. There are no extra gifts between the layers but with a little imagination, Penguin, Rabbit, Little Reindeer and friends manage to have a super time. As for who wins the parcel? Well you’ll have to wait and see. I thought the final page was a teensy bit too nice and sweet, but then I’m a cynical adult. Those who haven’t been battered by several decades on this planet will think no such thing.

This book is told in rhyme and every animal gets to feature which is nice. It’s a bouncy story, lovely to read around, and the interactive element means they’ll be awake and engaged while reading, so it doesn’t matter that it’s a bit too lively for bedtime. This book is great. The pages are a sturdy board that will withstand some chewy, throwing and general abuse, and the colours and illustrations are beautiful and hop off the page, waving to catch your attention. Best of all is the whole through the middle of the book. You can actually stick your pudgy little hand into the action. What could be better than that?

This book is simple, but it’s very clever. It actually captures the game of pass the parcel by playing it rather than explaining it, and the execution is spot on. The energy is high throughout, and you have fun expressions like super-massive and inventive uses of the animals’ distinguishing features such as Croc’s teeth.

A festive book that’s wintery without being too Christmassy, suitable for all religions and beliefs, and fun to play with as well as read, this one’s a real winner.

Thanks go to the publishers for supplying this book.

Older siblings need not be left out - The Christmas Carrot by Allan Plenderleith is also stocking sized and super silly

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You can read more book reviews or buy Surprise by Jonathan Litton and Fhiona Galloway at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.

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