Crumble, P. (2014). Tortoise and the Hair. Gosford, Australia: Scholastic.
ISBN: 9781743625286
Pages: 24
Age Level: Early Childhood 0-6
Genre: Picture Storybook
Rating: 4 stars
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Tortoise's big day has arrived. He's going to be a singing superstar,up on stage with his guitar. But oh oh! Tortoise has lost his favourite wig! Can Hare help him get his hair back in time for the big gig?
Crumble has given new life to the classic Tortoise and the Hare tale in this rocking and rhyming story with an Elvis twist. The tale is told in an easy to follow hilarious rhyme.
Tortoises' self-doubt is clearly evident with the constant refrain "I'll never win now, it's just not fair!", while he hunts for his missing hair piece and slowly gives up hope of ever finding it.
Then we follow his wig's escapades as it travels from animal to animal after Bear's foot is tickled by something on the floor of the bus and is eventually found by Hare.
Shea's bright and bold illustrations are fantastic. They add beautifully to Crumbles' rhyme, while giving more depth to the story. You can see Tortoises' absolute sense of impending doom as he slowly makes his way to the concert. There are all sorts of awesome things in the images to spot, and the looks on the animals faces are gorgeous. I quite like the business mouse talking on his bug phone, and Miss Hippo strutting her stuff in a lime green dress, shoes & painted toenails ... with Tortoises' wig!
This is a fantastic book to add to your collection. Great for pre-school and early primary children.
I got my copy of Tortoise and the Hair from the Taradale Primary School library where I work.
You can find a copy at Napier Libraries.
Crumble, P. (2014). Oh Dear, what can the matter be? Gosford, Australia: Scholastic.
ISBN: 9781743622377
Pages: 24
Age Level: Early Childhood 0-6
Genre: Picture Storybook / Stories in Rhyme
Rating: 4 stars
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I love Crumble's work. I noticed in the last year that I have been drawn to his(?) books as the combination of his humour and the illustrators of his books make for a bright and fun read.
And he doesn't disappoint in this lively rendition of Oh Dear, what can the matter be? Be careful because it is a bit of a tongue-twister! For those who can't remember how the tune goes there is an accompanying CD with the lyrics sung by Jay Laga'aia.
Williams' fantastically amazing, bright and colourful illustrations, really bring the song to life. There are so many different things to see on each beautifully illustrated page with the characters from one page flowing through to the next page. I particularly love the first page with the ducks stuck in the lavatory!
It's great for a group read-aloud - or should I say CD sing-along. You can let the CD play while one of the kids turns the pages and you having a jolly old time acting out to the song. So much fun for us crazy librarians!!! ;-)
I got my copy of Oh Dear, what can the matter be from the Taradale Primary School library where I work.
You can find a copy at Napier Libraries.
