Blog Archives

Choo! Choo! Choo! The Train at the Zoo

Choo! Choo! Choo! The Train at the Zoo, by Kathleen Welton, is a delightful and educational journey for young readers. The story begins with Peg the pig, who gathers the animals to board the train. Throughout the journey, children are introduced to a wide variety of animals, including lions, giraffes, and owls, all enjoying their own train cars. The book also incorporates sounds of objects like the train’s bell and wheels, helping children expand their vocabulary and improve their ability to identify and reproduce sounds in an engaging way.

Kathleen Welton’s narration is captivating, using short phrases and simple language while maintaining a rhythmic flow. This makes the story feel like an educational game. The animals are depicted with kind and friendly behaviors, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. The charming illustrations feature enthusiastic characters radiating happiness. One particularly appreciated detail is the changing background, reflecting different scenes and transitioning from daytime to nighttime, enhancing children’s ability to make associations and recognize patterns. The diversity of animals, including monkeys, penguins, and polar bears, adds to the book’s appeal. While not every animal’s sound is represented, the focus on maintaining the story’s rhythm and interest is clear.

Choo! Choo! Choo! The Train at the Zoo is an excellent choice for sparking children’s interest in animals and their surroundings. It also helps enhance their attention and concentration skills through sound imitation. This book is undoubtedly a fantastic option for fostering a love for reading.

Pages: 26 | ISBN : 978-1962202237

Buy Now From Amazon

Kira The Kookaburra

Kira The Kookaburra, by Sharon White, is a charming children’s book set in the Australian bush. It tells the story of Kira, a kookaburra with a beautiful singing voice and a unique sense of style, marked by her impressive hat collection. The book weaves a story of self-discovery and self-love as Kira navigates her feelings of being different and ultimately finds joy in her own uniqueness.

Sharon White’s writing is both engaging and accessible, particularly for younger readers. White’s ability to create a vivid and colorful world is one thing I truly enjoyed about this story because it made the Australian bush come alive. There are sections where the dialogue appears to be more direct, possibly aiming to clearly communicate its messages to a young audience. While this approach has its educational merits, I feel it might also be observed that integrating these messages more seamlessly into the storyline could enhance the overall narrative flow.

One of the book’s strongest elements is its exploration of themes like self-acceptance, diversity, and the importance of friendship. The way Kira’s journey is portrayed, from feeling sad about being different to celebrating her unique traits, is both heartwarming and empowering. The inclusion of various animals, each with their own personality and opinions, adds to the richness of the narrative.

The illustrations, also by Sharon White, are charming and colorful. The vibrant colors and expressive characters complement the narrative well and capture the essence of Kira’s world and her emotional journey. The easy-to-read text and colorful images are effective in engaging younger readers.

Kira The Kookaburra is a delightful read for children, especially those aged four to eight. It offers an engaging story with important messages about self-love and acceptance. This picture book’s visual appeal and positive themes make it a worthwhile addition to any young reader’s library.

Pages: 92 | ASIN : B0DBM6XGKJ

Buy Now From Amazon