Introduction: My children love waiting for the Postman every morning, they sit at the breakfast table eating their cereals, when suddenly tap, swish, thump, the post lands on the door-mat. spoons are abandoned in bowls as a stampede of 3 small boys hurls its way towards the door. Who am I to tell them that the pile of brown envelopes, brightly coloured junk-mail and supermarket offer flyers aren't as exciting as they might think. They present this "treasure" to me with such enthusiasm, I can not break the spell, so lets read about a truly exciting postal experience instead! The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Janet and ...  Read the complete review

Even the title of this book makes my son laugh, as the concept of two words such as 'jolly' and 'postman' being linked together is rather odd if your father was once the grumpiest postman that ever existed. The Psychopathic Postman would probably have been a better title for a book about my little boy's first hand experience of postmen. Once we've stopped laughing at the idea that working six days a week, outside, in all weather, starting at 5am, having to cycle while carrying bags of mail etc. may make someone jolly, we can start my number one favourite book to read my sons. This book is one of those fabulous classic's that is so ...  Read the complete review

I like to laugh, indeed I guffaw so loudly that my whole body starts to shake and I have developed a propensity to knock over people's drinks. You may be asking yourself what on earth I am doing starting off an opinion like that, so let me explain.... Cast your minds back to a few months ago, when the Royal Mail, or Consignia, or the Muppets or whatever they call themselves now decided to announce trialling a charge for customers who wanted their post delivered before 9am. Well, I laughed, and laughed, and laughed. You see, here in the village of Much Legover in The Bushes, set in the wilds of the forgotten Lands of the 21st Century equivalent of Middle ...  Read the complete review

I have always loved the magic of Janet and Alan Ahlberg and this book is simply outstanding. This is the original and by far the best of the Jolly Postman series of books, first published in 1986. This book must have sold millions of copies worldwide - its originality and charm has stood the test of time. I have read it to groups of children over the years (as a primary school teacher) and they have all enthused over it immensely. There is so much to gain from the book (and it can be used in Literacy Hour to good effect, folks!!!) The blurb on the back gives us a clue as to the special nature of this book, in that hidden throughout the book are real ...  Read the complete review

This is the original in the series of Jolly Postman books. It is based on favourite nursery and childhood story characters. You travel with the postman as he delivers letters. The actual letters are included in the book – he has a letter of apology for the three bears from Goldilocks, a postcard from Jack to the giant, a solicitor’s letter on behalf of Little Red Riding Hood for the wolf and more. This book is quite delightful and very well designed. After reading the actual letter we also see the recipient’s reaction. At £11.99 for a hardback book it seems quite expensive but this is the kind of book that will be enjoyed over and over ...  Read the complete review