– The Snail and the Whale

Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler books are works of art. The stories are written beautifully, rhyming with a rhythm that sets the pace. This ensures that as an adult I do not get bored reading the same stories over and over again as the more familiar the story becomes the more I can work on my expression and how I deliver giving me almost as joyful an experience as that of my son listening to them. I feel excited when he brings me a book and then we can have a short bonding session over the story before he goes off to play again. The books describe simple everyday scenes and experiences that a child might encounter helping them make sense of the world around them, mixed with magical characters like dragons, witches, Santa etc. Alex Schefflers artwork is beautiful complements the stories perfectly. The same characters often pop up in different books, whether it be the Gruffalo Child’s stick man in his own story or simply a squirrel and a frog. This helps my son who is fifteen months old develop his own narrative. He does not understand the words I am reading but gets plenty from the rhythm and my intonation whilst building his own story and understanding from the pictures, he is always pointing different characters out to me or finding them when I ask where they are. He loves books and I think that these books enhance a joy of reading and learning. He brings the books to me time and time again. This story has fast become one of my personal favourite Juliua Donaldson books. My son loves having me read to him and because he is not speaking yet cannot tell me what it is about the book, but as we turn the pages of the different scenes from around the world I can see that it has a very special meaning and fascination for him, making it a journey of discovery for me too. Perhaps one day he might tell me what was so special for him or maybe he won't remember. But right now, we're enjoying the magic.

Charming children’s book Nicely illustrated

My daughter is a big fan of her books so we have a collection at home. This is probably my favourite, I like the flow of the story, the rhyming words, the message to inspire travel and adventure, and the beautiful illustrations throughout. We like the film version too!

Can't recommend more, brilliant book

Lovely story

Out of all the Julia Donaldson books we have bought, this is my personal favourite, and my daughter loves it too. I feel the vast world it depicts through the whales journey make it feel much ‘bigger’ than some of her other books, despite being a similar length. I find this adventure lends itself to much more vivid and interesting illustrations which of course is great for the little ones. The underlying message is a good one as always with her stories including promoting unlikely friendships, pursuing our dreams, and how anyone can make a difference in the world no matter their background. Oh and some nice nods to the impact of human behaviour on our planet. The rhyming structure is a little more straightforward, than say ‘Tiddler’, (which I also love due to its scope and sense of adventure) but this isn’t a downside, and is still very pleasing and snappy to read out loud. 5 stars!!! (Sturdy board book version has held up very well over the last 2 years since purchase)

This is one of my 2.5 year old daughter's favourite books. We have the large paperback version ourselves and bought this board book version to give as a baby present. It's a great looking book.

This book, like all Julia Donaldson's rhyming books, is very helpful for language development in small children. The story is a little complex for the youngest, however; the two-year-olds I bought it for have been enjoying identifying the volcano, the monkey climbing the tree and the seals and penguins in the land of ice and snow but can't fully follow the storyline. We've been talking about the lightning zigzagging across the sky and the storm, how it frightens the snail. They like the under sea picture and start singing "Daddy Shark do do do do" when they see the sharks swimming around, and I have been teaching them all the names for the under sea creatures (they can say "anemone" better than me now!) They love the scene where the tide comes in and takes the whale back out to sea and all the children are waving goodbye. One little boy in the picture is crying when everybody else is smiling and waving, and that makes them laugh. However, the actual story, sentence structure and language used is a little complex for them. Words like "frolicked" are a bit beyond them. I find I have to shorten most of the text and just read the first couple of lines on most of the pages or they lose interest. Obviously this is something that will change as they grow older. I'd say this story is more suitable for slightly older children, perhaps 4 to 5 year olds. There is one issue I have with this book, given the age group it is aimed at. There is a very strict, punitive teacher in the story who has a cross look on her face and her only interaction with her class is to say "sit still! Don't wriggle! Don't talk!" which is very 1980s and may put children off school just as they are starting! Also, she has a blackboard and chalk which is very out of date these days, as most children have an interactive electronic whiteboard in their classrooms. So the whole premise of the snail being able to leave a trail on the blackboard to write "Save the Whale" would be over the heads of most children as they don't know what a blackboard is anymore. It's these little details that give away Julia Donaldson's age. However, the rhyming is very pleasing and rhythmic.

A board book just the right size and excellent quality.

A Lovely story with lovely illustrations for toddlers

My son loves this book. Quality is good.

Very good quality of the book. The story is adorable and my children love it. It's short, it's got rhyme and it's pleasant to read.

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