Book reviews - Red Robin Books

Hey, Who's in the Loo? by Harmen van Straaten

Oh dear - the animals are desperate for the loo! This is wonderfully depicted on the front cover as we see the animals standing with their legs crossed - who's in the loo? First, along comes Bear... but there's someone in the loo. Then Pig - and, no, he's not jumping the queue. More and more animals come along but the door remains firmly shut. Hilarious rhyming text accompanies delightful drawings of the increasingly anxious animals until finally... out steps a little boy with a book. Do the animals want to read it too? NO! A lovely celebration of the joy of books.

The Joy of Reading: How to Develop a Child's Love of Reading by Neil Griffiths

For those of us who love reading, and have always done so, it can be hard to understand that not everyone automatically finds the same joy. However, as Neil so ably shows in this DVD, there's plenty that can be done at home to encourage reading. With tips and advice from the author of many superb picture books this DVD highlights the best ways to help improve skills, develop confidence and increase your child’s enjoyment of reading. But above all, it will give your child the best chance of loving reading for the rest of their lives. The enclosed double-sided card gives 10 tips on both becoming a better storyteller and how to help your child love reading; put this up to remind you. Neil is a renowned storyteller, so you can be sure you are getting the best possible advice.

Damson the Donkey by Neil Griffiths

One day, Adam Greenwood spots two large ears appearing above the grass in their orchard - it's a donkey. The Greenwood children are determined to keep the donkey, called Damson, even though their parents say no initially. But Damson doesn't want to stay put - she takes herself off all over the place, including to the local school, supermarket and country show. Finally, she returns home after one of her jaunts and there's a lovely surprise in store for everyone. Delightfully illustrated by Janette Louden, this is a fun and happy family/animal story.

Farmer Falgu Goes Kite Flying by Chitra Soundar

Farmer Falgu's trips are never straightforward. In this, the fourth book of the popular series, he is on his way to the annual kite-flying festival with his daughter, Eila. But kites are hard to keep hold of, especially when more and more people joing Farmer Falgu and Eila on their cart. Will our clever Farmer Falgu come up with a solution to make his daughter happy? Chitra Soundar's beautiful tale is complemented by Kanika Nair's colourful illustrations that bring alive the annual kite flying festival of Rajasthan, and those who take part. Farmer Falgu Goes on a Trip finds our farmer in need of a break from his noisy farm... but will he find the silence he craves? Soon, he finds he has lots of company and definitely not the silence he craves... or does he really? A wonderfully told story which is perfect to read aloud, and to encourage children to join in.

Farmer Falgu Goes to Market by Chitra Soundar

One thing after another goes wrong when Farmer Falgu sets off to market in this evocative story stunningly illustrated in a rich tapestry of colours by Kanika Nair. Falgu never gives up - he's a great character, full of quiet determination. Of course, he and his oxen do finally reach their destination, although not the wares not quite intact! Also in this highly enjoyable series is Farmer Falgu Goes to the Kumbh Mela. This is a touching story of kindness based around the Kumbh Mela, the Festival of the Pot. This colourful series really evokes the sights and sounds of India, giving children an insight into the culture of the country.

Sandscape 2: High Street, Building Site, Garden

Sandscapes is an award winning themed play and learn scenery collection ideal for all sand trays. Each of the sets contains three highly durable plastic double-sided  scenescapes and twelve activity cards. Use them with whole classes, small groups, on table tops and even as scenery for your storysacks. Each scene is full of activity and there are plenty of opportunities for discussion and extension work.  

Sandscape 3: Farmyard, Zoo, Seaside

Encourage children's imaginations and make the most of that popular resource, the sandpit, with these colourful scenes. Each pack comes with a set of resource cards, four for each topic, which are packed with inspiration. They include fiction and non-fiction books to use, other resources, whole class and small group activities. Most Early Years settings will have equipment available to supplement these sandscapes, especially model animals. The scenes could also be used successfully as the basis for wall displays, giving a really colourful and inspiring focus.

Sandscape 4: Airport, Garage, Harbour

The transport theme of this pack can be extended with resources readily available in the classroom - model cars, planes and boats are readily available. The harbour scene brings lots more opportunity, with the chance to introduce water play. The durable glossy cards give lots of ideas for using the scenes. The thematic links on each card show the learning areas which can be supported. These are a very affordable resource which could be used with one or two children (perhaps by a childminder) or by a whole class. A super way to develop imagination and creative play.

The Three Bears (Inspirational Role Play) 

Recycling Centre (Inspirational Role Play)

Play at Home

The first thing that caught my eye with this set was the CD of household sounds - it's packed with 53 sounds that could be used in all manner of ways - try a quiz on noises for starters. It's a great way to add realism to your home corner and will amuse children. The second CD contains copies of all the resources for photocopying. So many key skills are learnt at home and this role play pack develops these through a range of inspirational ideas. It suggests creating just one room and gives ideas for a range of rooms. Another practical feature is the sheet of props which children can make - this is just one of many pages of useful ideas. Another unbelievably wide range of ideas - you will be amazed!

Garden Centre

The Post Office

Cafe

The sheets are colour coded to help find them (although the packs are neat and easy to store, I think I would keep any pack currently in use in a ring binder). The blue sheets in this pack have a range of songs to enjoy which helpfully include the actions too.  The activities are ideal to encourage children's language development - often, they forget shyness as they become engrossed in role play and the activities give adults plenty of opportunity to initiate discussion. There is a sheet of ideas for developing speaking and listening and also a list of appropriate vocabulary. I hope you will agree with me, when you look at the ideas contained in every one of these packs, that they really are inspiraional  - and excellent value for money.

Pet Shop 

Air Travel

 Walter's Windy Washing Line by Neil Griffiths