Having Fun At Nursery (Tom Goes To Nursery - Margaret Wild)

Member Name: belfin

Product:	Tom Goes To Nursery - Margaret Wild
Date:	16/06/06 (103 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Shows how much fun nursery can be

Disadvantages: Parents can't go too

***Background***

Margaret Wild has written many children's books. Although based in Australia since 1972, she was actually born in South Africa in 1948 and has worked as a journalist and also as an editor for a children's publishing company before turning her hand at writing stories for children herself, so she has had plenty of experience in seeing what appeals to kids.

***The Story***

Tom is a panda who is really excited about starting nursery school. However, when he gets there, he finds he is a little bit nervous and his mummy and daddy are allowed to stay for the day. They have more fun than Tom and the next day they are keen to stay again.

'Don't you want to grab my left leg?' asked Tom's father.
'Don't you want to grab my right leg?' asked Tom's mother.
'No,' said Tom and he skipped away to see what Mrs Polar Bear was doing.

Then, Tom's teacher gently reminds them about their daily work routine. They sadly leave Tom, but have their own adventures during the day.

***The Illustrations***

David Legge is responsible for the beautifully amusing drawings in this book. He originates from the UK but now lives in Australia where he has also collaborated with Margaret Wild on a book called Baby Broomsticks. His talent for capturing movement and expressions is clearly shown in this book, as it seems that the characters are almost ready to jump from the page at times. Of course the animals in this book are made to have a humanlike quality in the way they go about their daily habits and this makes it all the more fun for children to look at.

***My Thoughts***

This is a really well told story of an important day in any child's life and would be ideal for any child who is a bit nervous about starting nursery. As you turn the pages you can't help but feel the energy and excitement from the panda family as they all discover what fun can be had at nursery school.

The story is very funny throughout and my son laughs out loud as he sees the mummy and daddy panda dressing up and having fun in the sandpit. He came out with the comment that he thought it would be good if his dad and I could dress up too. He has even asked if his daddy makes sailor hats at work and sings songs like daddy panda too. I had to tell him that as far as I'm aware he doesn't, but we shouldn't give him ideas, as you never know what guys get up to at the office.

I feel that this book is great for reminding parents how important it is for them to let their hair down once in a while and be really silly with their children. It shows the importance of make believe and activities such as painting not just for the kids but the parents too. I've helped out at my son's nursery from time to time and love helping the children bake or make things and colour them in and this book just comes to life with the emotions that children have as they watch their own family share a special time with them.

The pictures compliment the story perfectly and although the animals are very lifelike, but the special human quality that I mentioned earlier really makes them seem easier to understand and it's quite easy for children to put themselves in Tom's place.

This is a superb story book and I feel that anyone with a child at nursery or preparing to go to nursery, should try to have a look at it.

***Price and Availability***

The price on the back of this large paperback is £4.99. There is a hardback copy available too, at the recommended retail price of £9.99. Both are available from Amazon at the RRP.

Paperback ISBN No. 1903207274
Hardback ISBN No. 1903207045

Summary: excellent idea for kids worried about starting nursery