Claribella heard that this was brilliant and it was! (What the Ladybird Heard - Julia Donaldson)

Member Name: Claribella

Product:	What the Ladybird Heard - Julia Donaldson
Date:	27/08/09 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: An excellent all round book

Disadvantages: None at all!

This has to be one of the best books I have read with Noah to date. It's written by Julia Donaldson who has also published books like 'The Gruffalo' and 'The Whale and the Snail' so I was expecting big things from this one because I thoroughly enjoyed the latter. I have to say that she didn't disappoint and I will continue to sing her praises!

The story tells of a farmyard of animals but on this farm was a prised cow. Each animal liked to make their individual noise as do most farm animals, the ladybird however never said a word until one fateful day. She heard of two robbers who were going to try and steal the cow. Naturally the animals were worried but the ladybird came up with a clever plan which would send the robbers straight to prison!

The text is in keeping with her other books and has a lovely rhyme throughout the whole story which flows easily from the mouth. You can almost anticipate what is going to come but as the book goes on it's clear that Donaldson is an out and out poet because the story makes sense. Not once did I think 'Well that was obviously dumped there because she didn't know what rhymed with that word'. It's just pure genius and it's a pleasure to read. There is also a lot of repetitive verses so I found that Noah learnt them quickly and was able to join in at various parts which he really enjoyed.

The pictures are gorgeous too. The animals are full of character and have quirky features which make them compelling to look at. Add to this a vibrance of background drawings and the bright pages and you have an over all engaging sketch for any young child.

The moral of the story is brilliant and I love the fact that all of the animals pull together because of the idea of what could be called the most insignificant animal of the farm. When Noah and I read the story we talked about how two heads were better than one and if you do something with others it can make a job more successful. We also discussed how even someone who on the surface who might seem insignificant may not always be and that we should give them a chance to voice their ideas before writing them off.

I wasn't the only one to enjoy this book! Noah got a lot out of it and we read it time and time again when we had it from the library. He was sad to be taking it back yesterday and I'm sure we will be picking it up again soon.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. It has everything you need for an entertaining and funny read but it's also thought provoking and you will findthat there is a lot to talk about with you young one.

Summary: Highly recommended!