Many of us have felt the pain of insistent question asking from the back of the car; are we there yet or why is the sky blue? In 2016 we can attach our children to multimedia devices so that they learn all they need to know from the Matrix whilst we get on with driving. However, curious young minds will keep asking questions. Sometimes it is better to give them an answer, rather than just telling later.
| Little Why by Jonny Lambert | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Sam Tyler
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| Summary: Little Why is amazed by the world around him and wants to know why all the other animals are different. Join him in this beautifully illustrated story as he asks plenty of questions, but also learns that being himself is just as special. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 32 | Date: February 2016 |
| Publisher: Little Tiger Press | |
| ISBN: 9781848691834 | |
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Little Why is such a curious child, but he also happens to be an elephant. On a trip with his friends and family he notices that the different types of animals have some great attributes. Why can't I have a long neck or wings? For the most part his family just tell him to be quiet and keep up, but doesn't Little Why have some things that make him special too?
Simple stories that repeat an idea are a favourite with the 2 and 3 years olds that I know and Little Why does just this. It is basically a series of questions from Little Why about other animals and his parents telling him to stop dillydallying and keep up. The back and forth between Why and his parents is great fun and a toddler will soon get the hang of how the story is working and will join in. There is also a wonderful end to the story that teaches a child to like themselves for what they are. All creatures have some great features, but nothing can beat yours.
What makes Little Why stand out, even more, is Lambert's illustrations. He is very talented and it would have been easy for him to make something that looked great but had no soul. This is not the case as the story and the images marry brilliantly together as you see everything from Why's point of view; a sea of legs and questions. The characters are portrayed in an almost collage style, being made up of different shades, but they are still easy to see. The text is a nice bold black on a white background that is easy to follow. As mentioned, some of the text elements repeat so a child won't take long to discover the fun of knowing what is about to happen.
Little Why is a joyous storybook that captures the curiosity of childhood, but also teaches a toddler that they can be themselves. Lambert's illustrations only add to the magic as they look amazing. This book could easily become a family favourite in no time.
Another book that follows animals in a line is the surprising Line Up, Please! by Tomoko Ohmura, or check out more elephants in Elephantantrum! by Gillian Shields and Cally Johnson-Isaacs. Jonny Lambert illustrated I Love You More and More by Nicky Benson.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Little Why by Jonny Lambert at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Little Why by Jonny Lambert at Amazon.com.
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