Something for the Weekend: What Littlest has been reading

Littlest is reading at least two books a week at the moment. I’ve pulled out three that she’s especially enjoyed recently and asked her for some comments. For those who don’t know, Littlest is currently 7 but very nearly 8.

It’s Lulu’s birthday and she’s decided she’d like a pet brontosaurus as a present. But when Lulu’s parents tell her that’s not possible, Lulu gets very upset. She does not like it when things don’t go her way.

So taking matters into her own hands Lulu storms off into the forest to find herself a new pet, all the way singing: I’m gonna, I’m gonna, I’m gonna, gonna, get a bronto-bronto-bronto-bronto-saurus for a pet!

In the forest Lulu encounters a number of animals: a snake, a tiger, a bear, all of whom don’t particularly impress her. And then she finds him… a beautiful, long-necked, gentle, graceful brontosaurus. And he completely agrees with Lulu that having a pet would be a wonderful thing indeed!

Lulu thinks she’s finally got her birthday wish. Until she realises that Mr Brontosaurus thinks that she would make an ideal pet for him! How will Lulu ever get out of this sticky situation without throwing a fit (Mr B does not respond well to those), or using force (Mr B is much too tall to bonk on the head with her suitcase), or smushing her sandwich?

‘Lulu and the Brontosaurus’, written by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Lane Smith, is all kinds of gorgeous. With stunning illustrations and varied fonts, Littlest fell in love with this book and read it in two sittings. Unique, funny, charming and, quite simply, special. I absolutely recommend this beautiful chapter book to any children aged 5+. We loved it very much.

Littlest says: I really really liked this book. It was very very funny. I loved that Lulu was quite naughty and when she didn’t get her own way she would screech and throw herself on the floor. The drawings in the book are very pretty.

You can buy ‘Lulu and the Brontosaurus’ by Judith Viorst HERE.

*

Joe has gone to live with his dad, leaving behind his beloved pet rabbit.

Anna and Suzanne try to look after it for him, but when the rabbit becomes ill, they’re convinced it’s because it’s missing Joe. Now Joe is sick too.

The girls are certain that Joe and the rabbit will die unless they are reunited soon…

But can Anna and Tom and Suzanne pull off The Great Rabbit Rescue in time?

Littlest hasn’t read the first book ‘The Great Hamster Massacre’, which is the award-winning book that should or rather could be read before ‘The Great Rabbit Rescue’. I’ve read it and think it’s very ace, but Littlest won’t because she knows what the word ‘massacre’ means and is too worried to read a book about a hamster massacre. I’ve tried to explain. She’s stubborn.

However, she absolutely loved ‘The Great Rabbit Rescue’ and read it over 3 nights. The story managed to balance humour with heart and a dose of quirky. I highly recommend to children aged 7+ (but am sure adults will enjoy a sneaky peak too!). Fabulous storytelling!

Littlest says: I liked the drawings in this book. Anna and Suzanne were nice because they helped the rabbit when Joe was gone. I liked this book because it was funny and made me laugh.

You can buy ‘The Great Rabbit Rescue’ by Katie Davies HERE.

*

‘Little Howard’s Big Book’ is an annual size book packed full of stories, puzzles and cartoons. We are fans of CBBC’s Little Howard’s Big Question, so Littlest has especially enjoyed this book.

This ace book contains such gems as Little Howard’s Why Not Try Being a Vampire (including in-coffin activities), Little Howard’s Little Questions, puzzle pages (a crossword of cross words and a spot-the-difference of two entirely different photos!), silly songs from the TV series and much more. I especially liked the letters in it that were from my publisher, Mr Pack. Top stuff!

‘Little Howard’s Big Book’ is a wonky book, packed full of delights that can be enjoyed by a whole range of ages. Littlest was guided through this book by Middlest (he’s 11) and I kept on stealing it for myself. I especially loved that this book didn’t take itself too seriously and that it made us all laugh. Value for money, some would say ‘meaty’.

Littlest says: This book was fun to do with my mum and with my brother. My mum kept laughing and wouldn’t explain why. The maze was the hardest maze ever! Little Howard is my favourite.

You can buy ‘Little Howard’s Big Book’ HERE.