Giddy Goat (Giddy Goat - Jamie Rix)

Member Name: poppyash

Product:	Giddy Goat - Jamie Rix
Date:	24/09/09 (22 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to read and lovely illustrations

Disadvantages: None

I came across this book a couple of weeks ago when I was babysitting for a family friend. The two children aged 4 and 5 years old picked it out from their collection of books for me to read to them.

The cover is mainly blue sky with a patch of green grass towards the bottom right hand side with 3 sheep grazing. The main character Giddy Goat also features on the front wearing a brightly coloured scarf.

Author - Jamie Rix
Illustrator - Lynne Chapman
ISBN 1-84362-283-1
RRP - £5.99
First published in 2003.

This story is about a young goat called Giddy Goat who lives on a mountain. All the other goats climb rocks and leap over ravines and they are not afraid of the heights involved but poor Giddy Goat is the exception. He was terrified of the heights so much so that his knees turn to jelly. He decides one night to run away and live with the sheep in the valley. To get there he toboggans down the mountain on a tray with his eyes tight shut. At first the sheep didn't want to know poor Giddy and were horrible to him. He then hears a lamb bleating and knows the lamb is frightened. Giddy knows he had to save the lamb before it falls so he overcomes all his fears. He starts bouncing on boulders and jumping over ravines. He finds the lamb called Edmund who tells Giddy he wanted to be a rock climber. Giddy and Edmund become friends and played with each other and the other goats.

This is a lovely story about making friends and overcoming fears and prejudices . The quirkiness of the writing - bending and moving up and down gives the impression of climbing up and down the mountains and the children enjoyed turning the book round to follow the text. Some of the illustrations are delightful especially the ones with Giddy sliding down on the tray with his eyes shut and of Giddy with his quivering knees.

The text is easy to follow and the story is very simple but realistic showing that you can make friends with people you don't always live with. The text uses basic words which are easy for young children to follow and pick out very easily. The book has bright, detailed illustrations on each page showing some lovely expressions which help young children to follow or read the story.

I would say that this book is for young children especially for those learning to read. The two children obviously enjoy this story as they picked it out from a large number of books and were able to discuss the different emotions of poor Giddy Goat.

I also, think the book shows a number of deeper messages involving understanding and compassion e.g. that fears can be overcome, friendships can be made with people from different backgrounds and things generally work out in the end.

A lovely enjoyable book to read.

Summary: A lovely story.