Zoom and Fly, Mr Croc by Jo Lodge
| Zoom and Fly, Mr Croc by Jo Lodge | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Keith Dudhnath
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| Summary: Mr Croc is heading off to Lulu's house to play. They then go to meet Wilf, Elsie and Zebedee, each time taking a different form of transport. This delightful pop-up book will become an immediate favourite of every young child. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 18 | Date: March 2009 |
| Publisher: Hodder Children's Books | |
| ISBN: 978-0340960035 | |
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Mr Croc is heading off to Lulu's house to play. They then go to meet Wilf, Elsie and Zebedee, each time taking a different form of transport. This delightful pop-up book will become an immediate favourite of every young child.
I don't remember pop-up books being this clever when I was young. You'd get a flap or two, and maybe something that stuck out, but that was the limit of it. There'd be nothing remotely as brilliant as tractor wheels that turn on their own or boats that rock. I was struck with a child-like wonder, thought to myself "how on Earth have they done that?" and had to peek behind the scenes to figure it out. It's a hugely impressive feat of paper engineering, especially as it manages all this whilst not being remotely delicate or needing to be kept out of the reach of children. It may just be that I'm out of touch with what's been going on in the world of pop-up books, but I was genuinely awe-struck by the technical achievement.
And when I'd finished geeking out over a few bits of paper, there was a really enjoyable picture book too. Kids'll love all the modes of transport that Mr Croc and his friends travel in. There's a strong sense of repetition with the question Where are you going Mr Croc?, and strong hints at what's to come. It's a very simple story that the youngest of children will enjoy.
Jo Lodge's illustrations are fantastic. It's no surprise that she has been shortlisted for a number of book awards, and featured in Bookbag's own Top Ten Picture Books of 2008 for the equally excellent What's That Noise Mr Croc? Everything is bold, bright and vibrant. Every page is a joy to pore over - see if you can spot the unnamed mouse who joins Mr Croc throughout his adventure. There's so much going on throughout the story, but it never feels overwhelming. It's absolutely flawless. Highly highly recommended.
My thanks to the publishers for sending it to Bookbag.
Chick by Ed Vere is another wonderful pop-up book, including THAT page that every child loves (for extra laughs, turn the wheel the other way to make it go back in!) The Very Hungry Caterpillar Pop-Up Book by Eric Carle is another lovely pop-up book for young children, building on the much-loved children's classic.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Zoom and Fly, Mr Croc by Jo Lodge 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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