Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell illustrated by Jason Cockroft

Tuesday Treasure

for 

Christmas

"It was a cold winter's night.
Kind Ox lay in his stable
close to the side of the inn."

A dog comes by - an Old Dog. Kind Ox invites him in.

"There's always room for a little one here."

A cat comes by. Stray Cat is welcomed by Kind Ox and assured she is safe by Old Dog. The next visitor is a mouse. Small Mouse is also welcomed and assured of safety. Finally Tired Donkey arrives with Mary and Joseph. Tired Donkey brings Mary into the stable. A baby is born that night with all the animals watching over the new family.

"There's always room for a little one here."

Eloquent, accessible and moving in its simplicity Publisher's Weekly

The language used is simple but poetic.  The phrase, 'There's always room for a little one here,' is repeated on every spread, inviting the listener to join in. I love how the animals, who would be enemies outside the barn, are here united by their common need for warmth and shelter. An Awfully Big Blog Adventure


Room for a Little One was first published in 2004. I am happy to see it is still available but oddly there have been some minor changes to the cover. The differences between the fonts used here would make a good discussion point for an older group of students. You could also talk about the use of subtitles. Does this cover need to say "A Christmas Tale"?

The illustrations in this book are so beautiful - you almost want to stroke them.  For art students they would be an excellent way to explore the use of light and shade. When you pick up this book take your time -  read slowly.  Then go back and look at the eyes of these animals. They are so expressive. Jason Cockcroft is famous but you may not know his name. He was the illustrator of the covers for these three Harry Potter books.

Here are some other books illustrated by Jason:

Martin Waddell is also very famous. I am sure you know his name and some of his most loved books such as Owl Babies, Farmer Duck, The Tough Princess, The Hidden House, the Little Bear series, and The Park in the Dark.