In praise of Julia Donaldson, Jill Murphy and many others

Galaxy
My granddaughter and I know all the words to Bear Hunt, and we say them in the car to keep her awake after nursery.

Bear Hunt makes a lovely "recite and actions" performance for young children, and the audience always seem to thoroughly enjoy it.

All the above.

My GD used to love Charlie Cook's Favourite Book. Another JD classic.

I love Where The Wild Things Are and Can't You Sleep Little Bear, not to mention The Elephant and the Bad Baby which is so funny. Could go on for a while so will be quiet.

Sharing a Shell was a favourite with GS, as was The Whale and the Snail; and one rhyming story called Bubble Trouble by Margaret Mahy about a baby that gets trapped in a bubble and floats away, and everyone’s hilarious efforts to rescue him. And yes, Dear Zoo, and the wonderful Winnie the Witch series. Later when he started to read, we liked Man on the Moon by Simon Bartram, Flat Stanley, and the Katie Morag books.

Hairy McLarey from Donaldson’s Dairy.

Unbeatable and recently dusted off for reading to my granddaughters - all the books are brilliant.

Not forgetting Scarface Claw, the toughest Tom in town,

I think Julia Donaldson is my all time favourite but I love Owl Babies by Martin Waddell.

DGD loved The Owl Babies and always recited Bill's words.

Lots of the above - all still on the shelf now

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell etc
The Spot the Dog books by Eric Carle which had 'feelie' pages
10 Little Rubber Ducks by Eric Carle
Burglar Bill
Bear Hunt
Stickman etc

Little Grey Rabbit's Busy Day is a favourite even now.
As is Grandpa Bear's Blossom Shop, another oldie.

My children loved the Mr Men books. My GS, almost 2, loves Slinky Malinky. He is on holiday in a forest this week and is going to look for the Gruffalo.

I posted this once but it didn’t “go”

My DD lives just up from Julia Donaldson. She is a lovely lady and has involved herself in the village in lots of ways, including buying the Post Office and shop so that it is kept as such for the village. The village has a gorgeous book shop which she has frequently done signings in etc.

suziewoozie

Don’t know that one - which age group would you say?

Mr. Magnolia? Oh, probably 18 months to 4ish. It is utterly charming, a Quentin Blake book. My children loved it.

My boys loved The Wild Washerwomen’and when they were older, going out for the evening my stock phrase was “ beware of the Wild Washerwomen’ !

Hairy Maclairy from Donaldsons dairy

LullyDully I had forgotten about The Elephant and the Bad Baby. Thank you for the reminder - great story to read aloud.
J52 I’m glad someone else remembers the Wild Washerwomen and I laughed at your warning ?

The 2 Zog books are great. The usual wonderfulDonaldson rhymes and pictures, lessons about trying hard at school and a message that a princess doesn’t have to wear a frilly dress but can have a career which goes down well with DiL. I’ve made it sound much more earnest than it is, it’s been my 5 year old GD’s book of choice for quite a while.

Michael Rosen reciting the Bear Hunt is a joy to behold. He has a very unique style.

Mr. Magnolia is fabulous.
And also that Russell Hoban / Quentin Blake delight How Tom beat Captain Najork and his Hired Sportsmen
(And other Najork joys)!

My children also liked In the Night Kitchen which they found pleasantly scary and also Outside Over There which again is a little like a dream.

Recently I bought this for my granddaughter and it is truly magical...
www.goodreads.com/book/show/23130340-in-a-village-by-the-sea