Paula Benson Gamble reviews books for children.
Each page opening has true-life photographs and cute illustrations that appeal to children and adults alike.
A helpful teacher/parent note page with easy activities for scaffolding learning is included.
A great book for children of all ages.
Little Kiwi is scared of many things but eventually he proves that he can be brave.
I believe little people would find the illustrations more appealing than the storyline.
Suitable for children aged 3 and older, although younger children may enjoy hunting for the ladybird who appears throughout the story.
Comes with a free height chart.
It's a quirky tale about an ex-magician who comes to the aid of her grandson when he is ridiculed by his teacher for believing in magic.
The book has vibrant illustrations but I don't think enough is going on in the pictures to captivate very young children's minds.
More suitable for 5- or 6-year-olds.
The back cover tells me Jones is an award-winning author, but I didn't like the pace or the storyline of this book.
It does have wonderful illustrations though, and it gives an interesting insight into the rural way of life.
More suited for the 6-year-old age group.
The tale is about a group of elderly people in a retirement home who reminisce about the fun they had in their youth as the Puddle Street Gang.
It has wonderful illustrations and a good storyline, but again I believe it's better suited for children aged around 6.
- Paula Benson Gamble is a Dunedin mother and kindergarten teacher.
