There’s a Magpie in my Soup!

There’s a Magpie in my Soup! written by Sean Farrar and illustrated by Pat Kan (Big Sky Publishing) Kindle Price $4.73 

ISBN 9781925275681

Reviewed by Gill Griffin

A magpie in your soup!  A cockatoo in the loo! A big black snake in your cake!  This is just the beginning of a rhyming journey with familiar Aussie animals popping up in the most unexpected places.

There is a possum in a pie, and a tadpole in a cup of tea.  The idea of the cockatoo emerging from the loo with knife and fork and asking for food is sure to catch the imagination of younger readers. For each animal there is a warm and witty rhyming description which includes the author’s reaction at the sight of these unexpected creatures in familiar places. 

This is the first book by Sean Farrar, and Pat Kan’s illustrations complement the rhyming pages beautifully.  Her drawings are full of expression and very funny.  The use of the black ink make the drawings look spiky and alive with each animal having their own personality.  The wash of soft colour is very effective, enjoyable to look at and brings light and definition to the characters.

This is a simple picture book designed for reading out loud with large pictures which match the verse perfectly.  It is an easy read-out-loud book and small children will soon learn the names of Australian animals and the strange places they decide to visit which are  totally different from their natural habitat. 

There’s a Magpie in my Soup book celebrates Australian animals in an endearing, light hearted and entertaining manner. 

Sean Farrar already has another book in the pipeline which gives an unusual twist to our unique Aussie creatures. There’s a Koala in my Kitchen which is due to be released 2017.

Echidnas Can’t Cuddle

Echidnas Can’t Cuddle by Nieta Manser, illustrated by Lauren Merrick (Little Steps Publishing) PB RRP $16.95  ISBN: 9781925117769

Reviewed by Anne Hamilton

A whimsical mix of watercolour and paper cut-outs enhances this rhyming book for 3–6 year olds.

Erik wants a cuddle. His dad says it’s something echidnas soon learn to do without. Erik sees koalas snuggling and rosellas with their wings around each other and he’s ready to curl up and cry.

Running away doesn’t solve his problem: soon he’s pursued by snakes, bees and birds of prey. But——wait! They’re deterred by his spikes. Yay!

And on his safe return, Erik discovers even better news—echidnas might not be able to express their affection through cuddles but there’s nothing to stop them kissing.

This is an all-round charmer of a book.

There’s a Magpie in My Soup

There’s a Magpie in My Soup by Sean Farrar, illustrated by Pat Kan (Big Sky Publishing) HB RRP $24.99 PB RRP $14.99

ISBN: HB 978-1-925275-67-4

           PB 978-1-925275-68-1

Reviewed by Anita Howard

This is a book of nonsense and anticipation that children will enjoy, filled with Australian animals in unexpected places such as a snake in a cake and a cockatoo in a loo.

The format for the book is two full spread pages, with the initial page introducing the animal and object and the following page a reaction between animal and object. These pairs are separated by an individual full spread page of text and illustration.

There are delightful rhyming phrases that children will enjoy repeating and I can imagine action accompanying the text.

The illustrative style of wash and quick, expressive pen work delightfully adds to the mischievousness of the text.

Animals in My Garden

Animals in My Garden written and illustrated by Bronwyn Houston (Magabala Books) HB RRP $9.99 ISBN 9781925360448

Reviewed by Brook Tayla

In this board book readers are introduced to counting from one to ten in numbers and words with corresponding pictures and names of Australian animals.

The front cover is appealing with a selection of animals amidst fauna, but it is upon turning the first page that you are really drawn into a very tactile and engaging counting adventure.

Bronwyn Houston’s illustrations lure you to touch the pictures: I have run my finger along the snake on page one many times (and I don’t like snakes!) She presents semi-camouflaged animal groups of various sizes, against very bright garden backdrops, which works really well.  It encourages touching, pointing and finding the right amount of animals. It is the interplay of these techniques that encourages learning and makes it fun at the same time.

The first thing I noticed about this board book was its design.  The size is perfect and it is light - yet sturdy enough for the repeated and rough use associated with very beginner readers.

This board book is suitable from birth to pre-school level and I can see it being read over and over again. It would appeal to all children in this age bracket and be a favourite with parents, early childhood carers and kindergarten teachers. 

Brook Tayla writes a blog called telltalestome@wordpress.com and would love you to drop by, read some reviews, leave a comment and subscribe.

Barnabas the Bullyfrog

Barnabas the Bullyfrog written by Em Horsfield, Carol Heuchan and Yolande Bromet, illustrated by Glen Singleton (Little Steps Publishing)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN: 9781925117202

Reviewed by Anne Hamilton

The illustrations in this book remind me of Quentin Blake’s work -- they’ve got that flavour and sense of style. But these are bigger and bolder and spread wider across the page.

This is a fun book that begins with a page introducing the characters. Great touch! There’s Max the boy, Maureen the kangaroo, Madge the emu, Arnold the koala, Dean the echidna, Gus the wombat, Borris the goanna, Nosh the nutmobile and of course Barnabas the Bullyfrog.

The story begins with Arnold reading his beemail and exclaiming, ‘No! The bullYfrog is back! He’s blaming bees-es for his sneezes, threatening to attack! He plans to bullYdoze the bees and drive them far out west; demands we meet him at the hive, if we know what is best.’

Yep, it’s rhyming verse again! Generally it scans quite well but it’s probably worthwhile for the adult reader to look it over once before attempting it because the rhythm only works when the emphasis is correctly placed.

Barnabas the BullYfrog is back and he plans to bullYdoze the bees because he’s blaming them for his sneezing. Nosh the nutmobile and his friends have been bullied before, so they rally to the defence of the bees. I’m sure kids will love the picture of Barnabas with his tongue trapped under one of Nosh’s wheels while Dean spreads honey along its length.

Barnabas changes his tune when his sneezes ease at the honey application.

With a mixture of themes on friendship, bullying and the benefits of bees, this is a book for more than one occasion. It is created by Macadamia House and is part of ‘The Nutmobile Series’.

Polka Dot Float

Polka Dot Float written and illustrated by Maryanne O’Flynn (Little Steps Publishing)          PB RRP $16.95                                                                                                                                    ISBN: 9781925117356

Reviewed by Anne Hamilton

Simple illustrations executed in bright acrylics accompany this pleasant story about a group of Australian animals.

Polka Dot is an echidna who wants to swim. The black swan is rude and mocking even before Polka Dot makes it into the billabong. The frogs, however, do their best to show her how it’s done. But their efforts are in vain; all Polka Dot can do is float. Determined to succeed, she returns the following day to have another go. By this time, there’s an audience -- Kangaroo, Koala, Bilby and Wombat have all come to watch.

As Polka Dot is about to enter the water, she smells smoke. A fire is raging, heading towards the billabong. Suddenly Polka Dot’s talent is a serious advantage as the animals launch out into the deep, all clinging fast to their floating friend.

This is a book about determination and valuing unexpected talents, even if they don’t seem useful. It would suit pre-schooler and first grade readers.

Hop up! Wriggle Over!

Hop up! Wriggle Over! by Elizabeth Honey (Allen & Unwin)

PB RRP $19.99

ISBN 9781743319987

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

From the lovely end papers to the bouncy text, you feel with how much care this book has been created.

A cast of Australian animals creates a vibrant family. Mummy Koala and Daddy Big Red Kangaroo have a big family of little bush children ranging from antechinus to quoll, and they show just how warm and loving a diverse family can be. As in many large families there is always something happening and someone wriggling, hopping, or zooming around. This bunch of lively animals seems to enjoy every part of the day from top to tail.

The story pictures a day in the life of what could be a human toddler, from waking up, breakfast to bath time and bedtime stories. The simple watercolour and pencil illustrations give plenty of room to breathe between large patches of well balanced white space. The illustrations exude the movement, fun and cosy chaos of large family domesticity and are utterly adorable.

The spare text which perfectly compliments the gorgeous illustrations consists mainly of onomatopoeia.

Yvonne Mes is a children's author. Her first picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) is scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Possum's Big Surprise

Possum's Big Surprise by Colin Buchanan and Nina Rycroft (Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-742839271

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Flossy the Possum is trying to get home as fast as she can. But other bush creatures keep surprising her along the way. Undeterred, Flossy keeps going until she reaches home, where the biggest surprise of all is waiting for her.

Possum's Big Surprise is uplifting and fun. The text is constructed to create a wonderful build up to the big surprise at the end and has a rollicking rhythm which just begs to be read aloud.

'Off in a flash and a tumble of grey,

Flossy the Possum was up and away!

She dashed past the wattle, golden and green,

Flossy the Possum ran nimble and keen.'

The illustrations have a sense of movement which echoes the rhyme; the pictures and words working beautifully together to bring the story to the reader. The artist has created lovely Aussie animal characters and an observant reader will notice clues along the way to the end surprise.

Young children will take great delight in the 'eye spy' element of this book. The repetitive nature of the story, along with the rhythm and illustrations will keep them coming back again and again. 

Hokey Pokey

Hokey Pokey [with CD] by Ed Allen, illustrated by Sarah Hardy (Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $16.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-645-4
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Hokey Pokey is a lively picture book filled with Australian animals. Young readers can see how these animals do the Hokey Pokey – the lizard puts his tongue in, the echidna his pointy nose and the kookaburra’s left wing is shaken all about.

Okey dokey, now let’s do the kookaburra hokey pokey!
You put your left wing in, put your left wing out,
You put your left wing in and shake it all about.
Do the hokey pokey and turn around,
That’s what it’s all about!

As each new animal participates, the rest imitate, and there is a build up of animals as the story progresses. Through the illustrations, there is also a glimpse of who will be next.

The fun and clever ways each animal uses to join in are wonderfully depicted by Hardy’s soft illustrations. They show a variety of beautiful Australian landscapes and are light and playful, in keeping with the song. The humour of the song is also echoed in these pictures, and will give children with an eye for detail, something to seek out and have a little giggle over. 

The Hokey Pokey has been known, loved and energetically performed by children of many generations and Ed Allen’s new version of this classic song will have young children joyfully joining in the fun. The accompanying CD recording of the song, performed by Colin Buchanan, is great fun and toddlers will not be able to stay still long. The repetitive nature of the song/book is perfect for pre-schoolers and they can imitate the animal’s dance moves, and then think up some more themselves.

The Rescue Ark

The Rescue Ark by Susan Hall, illustrated by Naomi Zouwer (NLA)

PB RRP $18.99

ISBN 9780642278104

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

It’s the children that discover the pollution and damage to the environment, and therefore to the habitats of many Australian wildlife. They decide to build an ark and travel around the country, collecting two of each species to protect, until their homes are cleaned up.

We follow the trail the children take around Australia with their ark, on a map which indicates where each of the twenty animals represented, can be found. The delightful, detailed illustrations of each animal pair are presented within circles, giving the impression that the reader is looking through a window. This is set against a coloured background.

Stunning plates from the National Library of Australia’s collection are included at the end with an informational block that carries a description of each animal, how they live etc, if they are endangered, critically endangered, or vulnerable. This is followed by a List of Illustrations with the archive details included as always.

This is another outstanding production from the NLA that again, both entertains and educates. It promotes awareness of the environment and the need to protect our endangered native species. These subtle persuasions come wrapped in the entertaining sing-song rhyming verse of the animals went in two by two that will stay in children’s minds.   

The Croc and the Platypus

The Croc and the Platypus by Jackie Hosking, illustrated by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall (Walker Books)

HC RRP $ 24.95

ISBN 9781922077608

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Jackie Hosking’s first picture book is simply brilliant! I can just see this book walking off the shelves in bookshops, tourist areas and in the luggage of overseas travellers. It’s perfect promotional material. Imaginative and clever rhyming verse with rhythm identical to The Owl and the Pussycat poem, The Croc and the Platypus is a salute to the Australian Outback. 

Croc and Platypus set out on a daring adventure across the Nullarbor Plain in a rusty old Holden ute. With hubcaps ringing and didgeridoo blowing across shearer’s tracks, they come to a shearing shed. The shearers are almost frightened out of their wits by the appearance of the two mates. But the ‘bloke with the sheep’ agrees to sell them a fleece ‘nice and cheap.’

In view of the ‘great ochre pebble in the shape of a hill’, they cook dinner over a camp fire followed by lamingtons for dessert. They set up a tent – a stick with the fleece thrown over, and under the light of the Southern Cross, ‘danced beside Uluru.’

With fabulous full-page illustrations throughout, and Aussie language followed by a glossary for those unaccustomed to our expressions, this book will be snatched up by children for the stunning illustrations, and by parents who love a good old Aussie yarn and a laugh, just like in the good old days.

Wombat Jumped Over the Moon

Wombat Jumped Over the Moon illustrated by Lachlan Creagh (Lothian/Hachette)
PB RRP $14.99
ISBN: 9780734415554
Reviewed by Hilary Smillie

This great in-house picture book is bursting with lively Aussie bush animals having fun and games on a sunny day. With only one piece of delicious cake left over from their picnic, each of the animal friends decide to do tricks with the best one winning the cake.

Kookaburra does a triple somersault and twist; Echidna dances to Kangaroo's fiddle music; Emu does the hula hoop with three hoops and there are more tricks to follow. There is much applause each time and Wombat is worried. Will his trick stand a chance?

By the time it is Wombat's turn, night has fallen. Wombat's trick is based on the rhyme, Hey diddle diddle but instead of the cow jumping over the moon, Wombat launches himself off a rock to seem as if he is jumping over the rising moon. It is a wonderful trick which makes all the animals laugh, and they decide to share the cake, eating it with spoons.

Creagh's animal interpretations are always humorous and appealing; often dramatic. The background washes in eucalyptus grey-greens and vivid sunset colours; the dark brown of the rocks; the star studded velvety skies, all add a a touch of Aussie magic. The text flows in curves along each spread, with many words highlighted for emphasis. I found the front and end piece illustrations striking, with the animals shown as a line of silhouettes above a chocolate earth performing their tricks against fiery evening skies.

Wombat Jumped Over the Moon, Creagh's fourth title, will prove a popular choice for young readers.

The Bush Book Club

The Bush Book Club by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Ben Wood (Omnibus Books)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-014-9

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

All the animals in the bush love to read. They read in different places and about different things, but they all have reading in common. All, that is, except Bilby. He hates to read. He cannot sit still long enough and so Bilby is the only animal not in the Bush Book Club.

This is a wonderfully worded story. The rhythm of each page and the overall structure is satisfying to read aloud. For instance, the stories Crocodile reads make him cry. 'He sniffled and snuffled, sobbed and sighed.'

The illustrations which are bright, lively and humorous, do more than just accompany the text, they enhance the story. While the Bush Book Club meets Bilby plays on his own. 'He did a headstand. He did a handstand. A somersault. And two cartwheels.' All of these actions are accompanied by a single picture of his action. Then, on the facing page, 'He sighed. Now what?' Bilby looks small standing in front of the closed book club door, empty landscape surrounding him. His loneliness is instantly recognisable.

This effective text and illustration combination is used beautifully to illustrate the beginning of Bilby’s also interest in a book; with the pictorial focus shifting from the movement of his body to the pictures in his head.

I have a child who would rather wriggle and jiggle, twiddle and fiddle, flip and flop than sit still and read a book. But I know that if she can sit still long enough, with the right book, her imagination will be caught and she will be lost in the world between the pages. This is exactly what Bilby discovers and it is wonderful that he makes the journey all by himself. In a big, squishy, yellow and white spotted, comfy reading chair.

This is a story which will be loved by preschool children and their parents. It captures the joy of reading and shows why Margaret Wild is such a popular Australian author. 

A Feast for Wombat

Feast for Wombat by Sally Morgan, illustrated by Tania Erzinger (Omnibus Books)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-018-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

When Wombat ventures outside from his warm, snug burrow he meets his friends who are having lots of fun. He would like to join in but is not sure that he has any special talents. Goanna is a fast climber, Magpie can sing beautifully and Dingo is the cleverest dancer around. They all try to teach Wombat, but he needs to find his own special skill.

This is a lovely story about the strength of friendship, about giving time to friends and about the importance of finding your place amongst them.

Feast For Wombat is beautifully written and conjures up lovely images. Wombat thinks Dingo dances 'like the clouds', and Magpie sings like 'a beautiful bubbling stream'. The story has a structured rhythm, repeating similar actions for each animal.

The gentle nature of the story is echoed in the illustrations. They have a soft dreamy quality to them. Using the muted, earthy colours of the Australian landscape, Erzinger depicts these four friends as being very much at home within their environment. Their facial expressions, especially Wombat’s, are wonderful.  And following along, if you look carefully, is a little hopping mouse (not mentioned in the text) who gets involved in the action.

Sally Morgan is an Australian Aboriginal author who has written many stories for all ages and is widely known for her first children's book My Place.

Tania Erzinger is an artist who loves to draw, paint and do collage. Feast for Wombat is her first picture book.

First Flight

First Flight written and illustrated by David Miller (Working Title Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781921504570

Reviewed by Vicki Thornton

  

‘Dawn broke as sleepy night animals

snuggled down in their nests.

But laughing kookaburras called Joey,

the little glider, outside.’

And so begins little Joey’s first journey, alone, into the Australian bush. When cockatoos screech close by, he falls from the tree, instinctively spreading his feet and gliding for the first time. Unsure and scared, he hides under a log, staying safe until night falls and his parents find him.  No longer a baby glider riding on his mother’s back, Joey is now able to fly alone.

This is a sweet story of a young glider, alone in the bush, and his first solo flight. With lovely lilting language- and good use of alliteration- we meet some of the animals of the Australian bush such as the lyrebird, blue-tongue lizard and echidna.

Miller’s artwork is delicate and soft, very dream like in some aspects, offering a gentle palette that is very reassuring and soothing. This book is ideal for preschool and early readers and offers a good introduction to some of the animals of the Australian bush.

How I Love You

How I Love You by Anna Pignataro (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74283-818-2

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Although not specifically marketed towards Mother's Day, this charming picture book relates expressions of love between children and their mothers and would be perfect for the mood of Mother's Day celebrations.

Populated with Australian animals - mums and babies - this story is filled with expressive text, warmth and gentle movement. Energetic words such as snuggled, nuzzled, tickled and nestled, conjure up lovely images of these little animals and their own special ways of showing love.

     Very Spiky Echidna was tumbling in a ball. Very Spiky Echidna snuggled by Mummy's

     tummy and said, 'This is how I love you, Mummy.'

The illustrations are beautiful. Muted colours - browns, olive greens and grey blues - reminiscent of the Australian bush create soft images. Characters such as Little Sooty Owl, Little Wobbly Wombat and Baby Possum are very much alive in the pages of this book.

How I Love You is a beautiful story showing the mother child relationship wrapped in love. Its’ calmness and repetition make it perfect for bedtime reading and the strong sturdy pages and binding means it will survive countless readings and little fingers.

Who would not want to be loved like the mothers in this story? Baby Possum cradled Mummy's face and said, 'This is how I love you, Mummy.'

Bilby Secrets

Bilby Secrets by Edel Wignell, illustrated by Mark Jackson (Walker Books)

HC RRP $ 29.95

ISBN 9781921529320

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

A CBCA (Children’s Book Council of Australia) Short-Listed book, Bilby Secrets reveals extraordinary information about this charming marsupial. Before white settlement, two types of Bilbies lived on the Australian mainland. One of them – the Lesser Bilby - is now said to be extinct. But at Easter lots of chocolate bilbies can be found.

The story is presented in two parallel parts on each page. There is the narrative with the Bilby as protagonist at the top, and the factual information displayed in sentences shaped like waves. The two parts are connected by a common thread creating continuity and flow.

Did you know that a Bilby mother can have a litter of three babies and that they can have four litters in one year? Or that a baby spends 75 days in its mother’s pouch?

How does a Bilby keep predators from following them into their tunnel? How old are they when they start to mate?

This and lots more information about the Bilby’s secret life is beautifully presented in this well-researched book. Fantastic illustrations in earthy colours created with mixed media, accompany each entry. This educational and entertaining book will make the perfect gift for readers of all ages at Easter. Perhaps to accompany a chocolate Bilby (just a small one)?

A Snugglepot and Cuddlepie Christmas

A Snugglepot and Cuddlepie Christmas by May Gibbs (Scholastic Australia)
HB RRP $19.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-022-3
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Christmas is just around the corner for Snugglepot and Cuddlepie in this seasonal edition of a May Gibbs' classic. They each have a list, but while Cuddlepie’s includes cleaning, baking and generally getting ready for Christmas, Snugglepot plans to eat, hang his pillowcase and search for hidden presents.But when Mrs Snake slides in will she ruin all Cuddlepie’s hard work, or can Snugglepot put right the mess and save Christmas before Cuddlepie gets home?

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie have been entertaining young children since first being published in 1918. This new Christmas story is based on Gibbs’ cheeky and adventurous characters and the iconic illustrations depicting the Australian bush are timeless. This would make a nice Christmas story to introduce the classic to a new generation of readers.

Blossom Possum and the Christmas Quacker

Blossom Possum and the Christmas Quacker by Gina Newton, illustrated by Christina Booth (Scholastic Press)
HB RRP $19.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-959-2
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Koala Claws has fallen asleep beneath the gum tree after his last stop on Christmas Eve and Blossom Possum cannot wake him. What will happen if he sleeps through Christmas? Can Blossom and her buddies save Bush Christmas?

Blossom Possum and the Christmas Quacker is a fun picture book filled with Australian animals who all have different suggestions about how to help Blossom Possum wake Koala Claws. The story does not always have an even rhythm, or pure rhyme. But the rhyme exists within the sentence structure; the rhythm is exposed as the story builds with lovely intermingling of rhyme, prose and repeated verse:

But Koala Claws wasn’t stirring,
he stayed sleeping like a log.
Stuck in the Land of Nod was he.
So who would do his job?

As the story develops and animal names are added, a wonderful tongue twister is created. Echo Gecko, Neville-the-Devil, Good Luck Wood Duck and many more – try saying them fast.

The language is very much Australian. They 'set off down the track, round the back of the beyond and go past the black stump'. And the story plays out in an Australian setting too. The soft watercolour illustrations bring the gum trees to life, making the landscape very much a part of the story. They show the procession of animals getting longer and longer, stretching across the page and emphasising the vastness of the country around them. Then on alternating pages, the pictures draw closer to very busy animals in a group.

I especially love the image of the animals on their way back, their silhouettes throwing purple shadows, as the trees on the distant hills do, emphasising the passing of time. This is echoed also at the end with Claws and his reinroos silhouetted in the sky as Santa Claus is often depicted at the end of Christmas stories.

This is a Christmas story with a difference, very Australian and, with its balance of repetition and action, and its humour, it should catch the imagination of preschool aged children.

Good Morning Possum

Good Morning Possum by Coral Vass, illustrations by Sona Babajanyan (Koala Books)
PB RRP $14.99
ISBN 978-1-74276-050-6
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

From the front cover illustration’s, and incredibly cute possum with huge eyes hugging a plum, Good Morning Possum is a very sweet book about sharing with friends. Blossom the possum is hungry one morning and goes out to find herself a plum. But when she brings it home, other creatures in the tree ask for a bite.

   Out on the branch
   Came a rum, rumble tum.
   Tree Mouse was hoping
   To share Blossom’s plum.

So Blossom shares with all her friends - except Dingo as Blossom knows he would rather eat her than the plum – until there is nothing left for poor Blossom’s rumbling tum. Then Grandma Possum arrives with a basket of plums to share.

This is a great book to read out loud to the very young. The soft, gentle rhythm is consistent and the rhyme works. The verses are repetitive throughout the story which is perfect for young children and the text is filled with lots of sounds – ‘ratter, tap, tap,’ ‘nip, nibble, nip!’ and ‘rum, rumble rum’.

The story ‘builds up to’ the dingo but by then all the animals are safe in the tree nibbling on the plum. The illustrations glow with warm light. And the many Australian animals that are pictured so sweetly in Good Morning Possum commonly live in our trees.

This is a delightful happy story, perfect for sharing with preschool children.