View source for Muffin and the Expedition by Clara Vulliamy

{{infobox
|title=Muffin and the Expedition
|author=Clara Vulliamy
|reviewer=Keith Dudhnath
|genre=For Sharing
|rating=3.5
|buy=Maybe
|borrow=Yes
|isbn=978-1408312438
|pages=32
|publisher=Orchard
|date=June 2012
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1408312433</amazonuk>
|amazonus=<amazonus>1408312433</amazonus>
|website=http://claras.me/
|video=
|summary=A sweet and gentle read for the littlest book fans, with a simple 'there and back again' storyline. There's nothing exceptional, but equally nothing to single out for criticism. It's pleasant enough and certainly worth a look.
}}
Muffin the bear has a hankering for an expedition, so he packs three honey sandwiches and some grapes. He shoots past Fizz, Flora and the three chicks, explaining that he's going to a very special place. He wanders around, trying to find something fun to do on his expedition, and then is treated to his friends joining him.

''Muffin and the Expedition'' is a very gentle tale for the very littlest book fans. It's a simple 'there and back again' story, with a hint of rejected and re-appreciated friends. It's cute, it's cuddly, and it's safe. It's bound to strike a chord with the very young, but they'll soon appreciate books with a bit more depth. Likewise, parents will be happy to read the story to their offspring, but won't be desperate to pull it off the shelf unless specifically requested.

The writing is clear and direct, with easily accessible vocabulary. The illustrations are [[:Category:Clara Vulliamy|Clara Vulliamy's]] usual brand of cute and gentle. It's certainly worth borrowing from the library, but I'm not sure if it'll generate many repeated reads. There's nothing wrong with ''Muffin and the Expedition'', but there's nothing specific to highlight as being particularly special.

If you're looking for a sweet and simple read, ''Muffin and the Expedition'' is worth a quick look.

For other gentle reads for the little 'uns, take a look at [[Little Bear's Little Boat by Eve Bunting]] and [[Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell]].

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