The bad trousers is a book from the Little Gems series published by Barrington Stoke and YES it is a gem. Robbie knows exactly what he wants for his birthday this year - a shiny red tractor with a real steering wheel. Early in the story we read that Robbie's granny loves to knit. Oh no! Does this mean Robbie won't receive that special tractor. Has granny knitted him something "special"?
Perhaps this text quote will add to your (and Robbie's) anxiety:
"Robbie's granny was called Granny Knit because she liked to knit. She knitted egg cosies and hot water bottle covers and bed socks and blankets and pictures and even curtains."
Notice how Ros Asquith builds this list from regular knitting to the truly absurd. Robbie has begged and begged his mum and dad for the tractor:
"It had a real steering wheel, and when you turned it the tractor wheels turned too. ... at his last birthday, his mum had said it was too big and cost too much - so instead he got a jigsaw puzzle with a picture of a tractor."
What will happen? Will Robbie receive the right present? And what about the new kittens that have just been born?
The Little Gems series are perfect for newly independent readers. I love the emotional arc of this story and the voice of Robbie. Fingers crossed for a happy ending. Here are some other books from the Littel Gem series. I loved The Bakery of Happiness; The Smile; and The first third wish.
I think this series should be added to every school library collection. These books are just perfect for children in Grades One and Two with their appealing stories, colourful illustrations and warm stories. As a bonus they are all very inexpensive and there are plenty of titles (40) to choose from. On the Barrington Stoke web site these books are shown in packs but you can buy individual titles. The bonus puzzles and jokes under their covers and small size add to their appeal. Very highly recommended.
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