Ori’s Christmas

Ori’s Christmas by Anne Helen Donnelly (self-published) PB RRP $17.99

ISBN 9780646962207

Reviewed by Brook Tayla

Ori is preparing for Christmas and asks each of his friends what they would like to do on Christmas Day – but when the day comes the choices made by others are not liked by everyone.  The solution is compromise and everyone ends up having a great day.

This picture book is suitable for pre-school and kindergarten groups.  It contains two special features:

1.     There are actions to do as you follow along with the story that will delight small children.

2.     There are Christmas decorations to colour-in, cut out and hang on the Christmas tree.

Anne Helen Donnelly includes notes for Parents and Teachers to further engage participation with this book. She has published another book called Ori the Octopus in the same vein that includes Christmas decorations to colour and cut out.  You can also take a look at her website that includes extra activities to do with both books:  http://www.annehelendonnelly.com

So if you are ready for some Christmas shopping, be sure to add this book to your list.

Brook Tayla writes a Children’s Literature blog called telltalestome@wordpress.com.  Drop by to subscribe and read some reviews.

My Wibberly Wobberly Tooth

My Wibberly Wobberly Tooth by Kate and Charli Armon, illustrated by Kate Armon (Little Steps Publishing)

PB RRP $14.95

ISBN: 9781925117493

Reviewed by Anne Hamilton

The Tooth Fairy dons a Ninja costume as well as a superhero disguise in this super-fun book about losing a tooth. The rhyme is simple, the rhythm gallops along and the stylised illustrations are reminiscent of children’s crayon drawings.

It’s the bounce and romping delight of the text that’s so appealing as it reveals why it’s so difficult to spot the Tooth Fairy in action. Yep, the secret is she’s as small as a crumb.

There’s a lot of reassurance for little people that the lost tooth won’t create a permanent gap in your teeth. It’s gone to make way for another tooth already growing underneath.

The book contains 8 pages of special craft. Instructions are given on how to create a ‘Tooth Fairy’ pillow to keep your wibberly wobberly tooth in once it’s come out.