Not a black cat in sight! (Jolly Postman or Other Peoples Letters - Allen Ahlberg)

Member Name: mreyre

Product:	Jolly Postman or Other Peoples Letters - Allen Ahlberg
Date:	24/03/01 (122 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great sense of humour required!

Disadvantages: The follow-up books are not as good. Stick with the original.

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 letters to popular fairytale characters for the child to physically take out of the envelope and read for themselves.

The first of these is a Sorry letter from Goldilocks, written as Goldilocks would write it, spelling mistakes and all.

The next letter proves that even Witches in fairytales get junk mail too, we have an advert for Hongoblin Supplies Limited, selling such items as Frog Powder (just add water) and Halloween boots available in 5 different shades of Black (naturally).

After drinking a cup of green tea, the Postman goes on to deliver a postcard from Jack, having spent some of the gold from the Giant's goose on a tropical holiday. We then have the story of Cinderella (in very short form), followed by my favourite letter, definately appealing to adults here: A letter from the Solicitors to the Big Bad Wolf, instructing him to stop wearing Grandma's clothes without her permission.

Finally, back to Goldilocks herself, who gets a lovely birthday card and celebrates her day with all the other characters.

A great book, with so much to offer - it even rhymes throughout and the illustrations are just as witty as the text!

Summary: