The Adventures of Mr Toad by Tom Moorhouse and David Roberts
| The Adventures of Mr Toad by Tom Moorhouse and David Roberts | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Anne Thompson
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| Summary: This jolly picture book is a perfect introduction to the much-loved classic by Kenneth Grahame for younger children. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 32 | Date: November 2014 |
| Publisher: Oxford University Press | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 9780192738677 | |
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Poop poop! Here comes Mr Toad! The irrepressible Mr Toad returns, accompanied, of course, by Ratty, Mole and Badger in this cheerful picture book version of The Wind in the Willows. The well-known highlights of the classic tale; the yellow caravan, the beautiful car, the shame of Toad's prison stay and his daring escape plus The Weasels and The Stoats are all included and, accompanied by charming illustrations, this is a wonderful way to introduce young children to a classic.
The concept of a group of animal friends and their adventures on a river bank is one that small children find very appealing. However, the book itself is beyond most very young children in terms of both vocabulary and length and therefore quality abridged or illustrated versions such as this one are always a welcome discovery. Tom Moorhouse has managed to create a story that stays true to the original but has also injected a little humour and included a subtle message about friendship too. Toad's friends are loyal and caring despite Toad's madcap antics and impulsive behaviour.
Both the writing and the distinctive, slightly quirky illustrations by David Roberts give the book a very current feel and I think children will find the overall look of the book appealing. The text flows easily and this would work well read aloud. The use of repetition and rhyme in Mr. Toad's little songs is a device that hooks children quickly and may well ensure requests for repeated readings. However such is the appeal of the book I doubt the adult will mind!
Thank you to Oxford University Press for sending this review copy to the Bookbag.
If your child would be able to read this wonderful story in its original form this version also illustrated by David Roberts and highly recommended by Sue would make a lovely gift. For older children Tom Moorhouse's novel The River Singers is definitely worth a read too. For more from David Roberts, we have a review of The It Doesn't Matter Suit and Other Stories by Sylvia Plath and David Roberts.
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You can read more book reviews or buy The Adventures of Mr Toad by Tom Moorhouse and David Roberts 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 The Adventures of Mr Toad by Tom Moorhouse and David Roberts at Amazon.com.
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