The Beasties by Jenny Nimmo and Gwen Millward
| The Beasties by Jenny Nimmo and Gwen Millward | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Jo Heffer
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| Summary: You wouldn't think that a book entitled The Beasties would make good bedtime reading for a small child would you? However you would be wrong because this enchanting picture book holds a delightful tale to share with small children especially as it is all about the magic of bedtime stories. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 32 | Date: October 2010 |
| Publisher: Egmont Books Ltd | |
| ISBN: 978-1405243353 | |
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A small girl called Daisy is trying to get to sleep in her new bed in her new house. As she tosses and turns, she does not see three small Beasties creep into her room and under the bed. There they spread out all sorts of treasure such as buttons, feathers, pearls and rings. These items are going to be very important for what happens next in the story. At this point Daisy hears a noise and sits up in bed wondering what it could be. It's a growly sound but as she listens more closely she realises that it actually sounds like a story. One of the Beasties, Ferdinand, is telling an enchanting story all about a ring that belonged to a faraway king. Before long Daisy falls asleep wondering about the ring. During the following two nights similar things happen as she hears noises and then realise that Weevil and Floot, the other two beasties are also telling their lovely bedtime stories about sailing ships and beautiful princesses.
Unfortunately, on the fourth night there are no more stories, so Daisy bravely looks under her bed to where they have been coming from. At first she is scared but then she spots the three Beasties and she soon realises that they mean no harm. In fact, They encourage her to make up her own stories and so, on picking up a light, wispy feather, Daisy starts to tell her on wonderful story. The Beasties have enabled her to become her own storyteller and, as their work is now done, they creep away knowing that her book will no longer feel so big and strange.
I read this book with my five year old daughter and she absolutely loved the main story and also all of the extra stories within it. It was almost like five stories for the price of one. She particularly liked the way that all of the bits and pieces under the bed inspired the different stories. There are also some gorgeous illustrations that go with the story and very cleverly, these change in style whenever one of the Beasties is telling their story. The Beasties themselves are pictured in great detail and although at first they might appear a bit scary, small children will soon realise that they are not. It is definitely worth while taking time over the pictures in order to appreciate everything within them.
The way that the book is written seems perfect for small children. There is quite a lot of repetition in the structure of the story which means that it is unlikely to take long before they are able to join in with the story. We also like the way the text is set out on the page with some words drawn attention to as they are bigger and bolder than the rest.
Overall this is a lovely book to share with young children and although you might not think it at first, it does make perfect bedtime reading.
I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to The Bookbag.
If this book is likely to appeal to your child, why not take a look at the Top Ten Picture Books For Overcoming Bedtime Woes where you will find plenty more wonderful books for bedtime.
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You can read more book reviews or buy The Beasties by Jenny Nimmo and Gwen Millward 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 Beasties by Jenny Nimmo and Gwen Millward at Amazon.com.
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