Charlotte's Web by EB White illustrated by Garth Williams

“Attention, please!” he said in a loud, firm voice. “Will the party who addressed me at bedtime last night kindly make himself or herself known by giving an appropriate sign or signal!”

Wilbur has been wishing, out loud, for a friend. Charlotte quietly says she will be his friend, and she tells Wilbur she will meet him the morning. The lines above are from Wilbur - and yes it is the next morning. He wants to find the owner of the voice from last night. Wilbur is about to meet the most special friend - a spider named Charlotte. 

You are sure to remember the classic opening lines of Charlotte's Web:

Where's Papa going with that ax?” said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast. “Out to the hoghouse,” replied Mrs. Arable. “Some pigs were born last night.” “I don’t see why he needs an ax,” continued Fern, who was only eight. “Well,” said her mother, “one of the pigs is a runt. It’s very small and weak, and it will never amount to anything. So your father has decided to do away with it.” “Do away with it?” shrieked Fern. “You mean kill it? Just because it’s smaller than the others?”

Think about the fact that Fern is eight years old. When she confronts her father about the new baby pig she sure does use some sophisticated and persuasive language:

“But it’s unfair,” cried Fern. “The pig couldn’t help being born small, could it? If I had been very small at birth, would you have killed me?” Mr. Arable smiled. “Certainly not,” he said, looking down at his daughter with love. “But this is different. A little girl is one thing, a little runty pig is another.” “I see no difference,” replied Fern, still hanging on to the ax. “This is the most terrible case of injustice I ever heard of.”

Fern is also a farm kid. She goes inside and mum has breakfast ready and one of the offerings is bacon! I guess only adults will see this as a little ironic.

EB White is a master of sensory descriptions - take a look at this example:

It smelled of hay and it smelled of manure. It smelled of the perspiration of tired horses and the wonderful sweet breath of patient cows. It often had a sort of peaceful smell—as though nothing bad could happen ever again in the world. It smelled of grain and of harness dressing and of axle grease and of rubber boots and of new rope. And whenever the cat was given a fish-head to eat, the barn would smell of fish. But mostly it smelled of hay, for there was always hay in the great loft up overhead.

You could also talk to your writing group about the way EB White makes use of lists in this story:

it was full of all sorts of things that you find in barns: ladders, grindstones, pitch forks, monkey wrenches, scythes, lawn mowers, snow shovels, ax handles, milk pails, water buckets, empty grain sacks, and rusty rat traps.

Flies, bugs, grasshoppers, choice beetles, moths, butterflies, tasty cockroaches, gnats, midges, daddy longlegs, centipedes, mosquitoes, crickets—anything that is careless enough to get caught in my web. I have to live, don’t I?

It was a delicious meal—skim milk, wheat middlings, leftover pancakes, half a doughnut, the rind of a summer squash, two pieces of stale toast, a third of a gingersnap, a fish tail, one orange peel, several noodles from a noodle soup, the scum off a cup of cocoa, an ancient jelly roll, a strip of paper from the lining of the garbage pail, and a spoonful of raspberry jello.

Here, in a small clearing hidden by young alders and wild raspberry bushes, was an astonishing pile of old bottles and empty tin cans and dirty rags and bits of metal and broken bottles and broken hinges and broken springs and dead batteries and last month’s magazines and old discarded dishmops and tattered overalls and rusty spikes and leaky pails and forgotten stoppers and useless junk of all kinds, including a wrong-size crank for a broken ice-cream freezer.

I participate in a children's book club on Facebook and the book for June was Charlotte's Web. I'm fairly sure I didn't read this 1952 book as a child - I think I probably first read it in the 1980s. Today, in preparation for participating in the discussion I re-read Charlotte's Web on my bus trip into the city and then finished the final half this afternoon.

I was very surprised about the parts of the story that I had forgotten, and I was also surprised that I didn't have my expected emotional reaction to the death of beautiful Charlotte. This might be my third reading of this classic book. I did talk about Charlotte's Web here on this blog back in 2012. In that past post I shared some text quotes. Today I read this book on my Kindle so I was easily able to highlight passages that resonated with me - and they are quite different from the ones in my previous post. 

There are some rich words used in this book such as these examples: endure, objectionable, meekly, salutations, a jubilee time, sincere, scruples, compunctions, gullible, forsake, and untenable.

And also some words that are sure to be unfamiliar to young Australian children - wheat middlings, popover, midway, hominy, provender, timothy (it's a type of grass used for hay), and Crackerjack.

I had also forgotten the maths references - money given to the children at the fair and the exact number of eggs in Charlotte's egg sack.

Here is another quote that resonated with me:

Wilbur was modest; fame did not spoil him. He still worried some about the future, as he could hardly believe that a mere spider would be able to save his life. Sometimes at night he would have a bad dream. He would dream that men were coming to get him with knives and guns. But that was only a dream. In the daytime, Wilbur usually felt happy and confident. No pig ever had truer friends, and he realized that friendship is one of the most satisfying things in the world.

Companion books:

Aranea

Some Writer

Here are the famous Charlotte's Web quotes that you are sure to recognise:

“You have been my friend,” replied Charlotte. “That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what’s a life, anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we die. A spider’s life can’t help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can stand a little of that.”

It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.

Sonya's Chickens by Phoebe Wall

Sonya loves her chickens. She has three and she has raised them from tiny chicks. She makes sure they have enough water, fresh straw, and lots of delicious corn. It is not a surprise that one day Sonya finds the perfect gift - a smooth, warm, brown egg. But ...

"One chilly night, Sonya woke to a ruckus of squawking and shuffle-y bump noises from outside. ... The floor of the coop was frosted with feathers, and Sonya cried out as she counted not three, but two frightened chickens cowering in the rafters above. The third was nowhere to be seen."

Sonya is desperately upset but her father offers some beautiful wisdom. Yes this does seem very unfair but now let's think about the fox. That fox also works hard to feed his babies. 

"He didn't care that it was our chicken he took. He just saw it as a chance to feed his family. I know you feel sad, but you wouldn't want those baby foxes to go hungry, would you?"

Sonya's Chickens was published in 2015 and it won an Ezra Jack Keats award for a new illustrator. I was very surprised to discover it is not out of print. Here are some details of the paperback edition. 

Here is my Pinterest collection of picture books about chickens. You can see more books illustrated by Phoebe Wahl here. Here is a video of Sonya's Chickens. I would share Sonya's chickens with slightly older children aged 7+ and you should make sure you leave time for discussion and questions. 

Bookseller blurb: When Sonya discovers the answers, she learns some important truths about the interconnectedness of nature and the true joys and sorrows of caring for another creature.

A reassuring story about death in the natural world, thoughtfully designed and illustrated. Kirkus Star review

Companion book:

Fox: A Circle of life story

A Horse Called Now by Ruth Doyle illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey

The horse is named Now and she is very wise. When the farm animals rush up to her full of worries she gently questions their fears. The Rabbits are sure a Fox chasing them but Now suggests they stop and look around. Can they see the Fox? No. Perhaps they should just enjoy some dandelions. Hen is sure the Magpie is after her chicks. But Now suggests she should look up. Can Hen see a swooping bird. No. 

"At this moment all is well. Why don't you search for some juicy grubs?

The Sheep is also very afraid but Now reassures her she is quite safe. Then a thunderstorm arrives - nothing to worry about - Now leads them all safely into the barn. Oh no - there are animals in the barn - are they scary? No. It's an old Fox, Magpie and a small puppy. 

"Now told the others. 'There's nothing to fear. Fox is looking somewhere warm to rest, Magpie only wants to collect shiny things and the Farmer's new dog is just a puppy, scared of the storm."

Anxiety is often about the 'what if' scenario. The animals express this as 'might'.

"... it might be his scarlet coat .... it might be his huge tail that trails fire ... he might sneak up ..."

"Magpie might have a beak as sharp as a famer's knife ... she might have wings that wrap and trap us"

This book could be quite didactic, but it is not. You could use this book to talk to young children about fear, anxiety, perception of danger, and point of view. I recommend you add this book to your school library. Nosy Crow consistently produce terrific books. 

The illustrations are also beautiful. A Horse Called Now was published in 2024 and it is available in paperback for a very good price.

Most mindfulness primers are a list of directives; this tale has the slow-moving grace of a fable. Kirkus

Doyle’s prose is beautiful and descriptive, introducing young readers to a lovely and sophisticated use of language through onomatopoeia, similes, and a rich vocabulary. Finkeldey’s expansive illustrations lend a vintage charm ...  School Library Journal

A Horse Called Now beautifully encapsulates the journey of overcoming worries and embracing the present moment. ‘When I’m afraid, I breathe in and out and let the feelings come . . . and then go. Nothing lasts forever.’ In today’s world, mental health awareness is paramount, especially for young children. The story instils the notion that it’s perfectly alright not to feel okay at times, and that seeking help is a commendable action. Through its narrative, A Horse Called Now emphasises the significance of friendship and support networks. Just Imagine

Here are two other books by Ruth Doyle:

Dreams for our Daughters

Alexandra Finkeldey is a freelance artist based in Kingston, Canada. Her book titles include:  On a Mushroom Day by Chris Baker (Tundra Books, 2024), Saving the Spotted Owl by Nicola Jones (Kids Can Press, 2023), The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall Tale by Heather Smith (Orca Books, 2023), When the Storks Came Home by Isabella Tree (Ivy Kids, 2022) True Stories of Animal Heroes: Talala by Vita Murrow (Frances Lincoln, 2021). 

Hush! by Minfong Ho illustrated by Holly Meade

Bookseller blurb: In an endearing lullaby, a mother asks a lizard, a monkey, and a water buffalo to be quiet and not disturb her sleeping baby.

And of course there is a delightful twist on the last page. This book has wonderful illustrations and it would be a beautiful gift for a young child or a new baby. I wonder if a board book edition was ever made?

Black cat, black cat,

don't come creeping.

Can't you see that

Baby's sleeping?

Black cat, black cat,

don't you cry,

My baby's sleeping

right nearby.

Hush was published in 1996 with a new edition in 2000. My copy was purchased for the library I visit each week in 2012. Hush! won a Caldecott honor in 1997 for Holly Mead (1956-2013). This book is still available to buy. 

In this video the text has been changed into a song - this is well worth watching. 

Exceptionally beautiful cut-paper-and-ink illustrations in earth tones use the varied textures of the paper to wonderful effect, depicting traditional Thai textiles, basketry, and building styles. All of young children's favorite elements are here: a reassuringly predictable, rhyming text, animals and their sounds, a mischievous subplot in the pictures, and an ever-so-slightly naughty child who fools everyone in the end. A sure winner. Kirkus

Minfong Ho was born in Rangoon, Burma, and raised in both Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand. Her parents are of Chinese origin, so she spoke fluent Chinese in her home, Thai in the marketplace of Bangkok and English in school. She was educated in Thailand and Taiwan, before moving to the United States to attend Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. While attending Cornell University, Ho began writing her first short story, in an attempt to combat strong feelings of homesickness. She recognized that many Americans had false notions about life in Asia and she set out to change this by writing based on her own experience there. 

Flood by Gillian McClure

It has rained and rained and the land is now totally flooded. The Fussy Hen is, well fussing. The sly fox is hungry. Old Slogger the ox just keeps her head down but eventually the water level is just too high. 

"The hungry fox was swept off his feet and Fussy Hen freed from his stare let out a squawk and flew up in the air and landed on Old Slugger the Ox."

Chaos ensues and somehow the hen ends up in nestled in the brush tail of the fox and the fox is now hanging on to the tail of the ox. They have formed a kind of boat. At first they go round in circles but then Fussy Hen discovers she can steer their group.

"And so on they went through the great flood, steered by Fussy Hen, looking this way and that from her nest at the back until they saw land."

The land is a tiny island with hardly enough room for this group. They have to put aside their differences and squash up close. Peace is restored while they wait for the rain to stop and the flood waters to subside. 

I love FLOOD. For several reasons. The brevity of the text. The drama, real drama. The characterisation. The way you enable us to suspend our disbelief and accept a pacific outcome. But what makes the book quite outstanding, and to my mind the most successful of all, is the fluidity of the way you have set the text, the images of ox, fox and hen wrapping round each other, and the all- enveloping downpour that swirls and rushes from page to page.  Kevin Crossley-Holland

There is one word early in this book which might make your young library group gasp! The hen is squawking in the rain the old ox thinks "I wish she'd shut up!" I know from past experience this will make young reader gasp - so if I was reading this book with a group I might say 'be quiet' instead. This book was published in 2014 so it is now out of print but it was nominated for the Kate Greenaway medal so it might be in your local or school library. 

I was curious about the author/illustrator of this book. Gillian McClure is from the UK. Here are some of her books:

Bookseller blurb: One day a strange cat appears at the door. 'My name is Tom Finger,' he cries. Each day he appears, and each day he leaves a strange and wonderful gift: a silk purse, a lace handkerchief, an embroidered needle case. Queenie is completely entranced by him - her brother though is convinced he is a witch's cat. But Queenie is determined to find out - and one day starts following the cat through the snowy forest, following a trail of red wool...What Queenie finds at the end of the trail is totally unexpected.

Other books about floods and long rain events. I have a Pinterest collection on this topic:

A Home in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

"There are two supporting actors (in this story) - the blustery wind and the barn itself. I knew my challenge would be to make the wind visible and give a muted voice to the barn. I chose drifting leaves and slightly bent grasses, cornstalks, and trees to suggest the presence of the wind. For the barn I decided on the colour red, to speak to its essential role as a place of warmth and safety." - Jerry Pinkney

It is warm and snug in the barn but it is also noisy and slightly chaotic and just now a new calf has been born. The barn is a shelter from the freezing winter for the farm animals (cows, horses, chickens, a cat, pigs and goats) but also for the field mice, insects and swallows. When I lived in Canada I was fascinated by all the red barns. They look like they belong in a storybook - and here it is! And when you stretch out the cover of this book you can see all of the animals who have moved inside.

This never-before-published picture book from beloved children’s book author Margaret Wise Brown (1910-1952) tells the comforting, snowy story of animals seeking shelter from the cold in a big warm barn. This book was published in 2018. 

This one is filled with the glory of Jerry Pinkney’s genial, radiant, captivating artwork. Every page is a splendor. Orange Marmalade Books

Pinkney’s luminous watercolor-and-pastel illustrations create a cozy environment for the animals, using a double-page–spread format, a large trim size, and a thoughtful design. Tiny details are hidden in the pages, such as a grasshopper perched on a dried cornstalk and a line of ants marching toward the barn, and sound effects from some of the animals are also integrated into the illustrations. An artist’s note gives interesting, specific details about Pinkney’s artistic process. Kirkus

Have you met Jerry Pinkney (1939-2021) - by that I mean are you familiar with his unique and wonderful illustrations? I was so lucky to see him at a USBBY conference in 2019. 

Jerry Pinkney was "widely acclaimed for his picture books honoring his Black heritage as well as for his richly detailed works reimagining well-loved fairy and folktales," noted Publishers Weekly. His version of The Lion & the Mouse by Aesop was awarded the Caldecott Medal, and his books also received five Caldecott Honor citations. He was recognized with two lifetime achievement awards: the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award (now known as the Children’s Literature Legacy Award) and the Coretta Scott King Virginia Hamilton Award. Harper Collins

This is another of those bargain books I picked up from a large bookstore in our city. They have culled their children's books acquired in 2018 and earlier. A Home in the Barn has been waiting for a new home since December 2018. The price may have been the factor - it was AUS$30 but with the 50% off sale my copy was way more affordable. And it has a dust jacket and is printed on high quality paper. The price of this book is now way beyond the budget of any school library at AUS$40. 

One Little Duck by Katrina Germein illustrated by Danny Snell

"One little duck went out one day, over the hills and far away. Mother duck said ..."

Wait a minute mother duck said - moo moo moo - no no no - what is going on here? A cow now joins the group. 

"Two happy friends went out one day, under the fence and through the hay. Mother duck said ..."

Bow-wow wow-wow! and so a dog joins them along with a chicken, a lamb, a donkey and a pig - seven happy friends. But what about Mother Duck? She is still calling for her baby - but it is okay "Mum I'm back!"  This long parade of farm animals reminded me of Who sank the Boat?

One Little Duck has been shortlisted for our CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) Early Childhood Picture Book award. This category is for children aged 0-6 and One Little Duck is certainly a preschool book. It will fit in well with all the Nursery Rhymes I hope preschool educators share with their groups every day. With very young children you should also notice the animals in the scene near the end are reading a famous book - The Three Little Pigs. Also, all the way through the mother duck has been shopping and, in each scene, the hungry animals are holding out their bowls waiting for her delicious food. It might be fun to talk with your group and try to guess what she has been making. I love the way Danny Snell has added another story layer with his illustrations in this book. 

Each evening, as she tries to find her quack, the roll at the tea table grows in length and diversity but she remains unflappable, just getting out a bigger cooking pot and more dishes and cutlery each time.  Until one night… The Bottom Shelf

One more thing - did you spy a lighthouse in some of the illustrations?

Here are some teachers notes from the publisher. And some others are here. 

You can read the judges' critique: Children acquainted with the traditional rhyme, Five Little Ducks, will be delighted with this inventive and surprising picture book about a mother duck who has forgotten how to quack! The familiarity of a farmyard setting is used throughout and the amusing farm animals are the heroes of this story. Page design and an engaging illustration layout together with the endpapers subtly connecting to wallpaper inside the duck house, combine with the lively, humorous text to create a cohesive and enjoyable reading (or singing!) experience. Every element of this book has been carefully considered, from the narrative pace to the visual humour, providing countless opportunities to revisit and retell stories, and to discuss and explore concepts such as sequencing and counting.

The award-winning author and illustrators have done a remarkable job in reimagining one of our favourite nursery rhymes. This is a much-loved picture book, one which all families should add to their collection. Reading Time

Here is the original Nursery Rhyme:

Five little ducks went out one day

Over the hill and far away

Mama duck said quack, quack, quack, quack

But only four little ducks came back

Four little ducks went out one day

Over the hill and far away

Mama duck said quack, quack, quack, quack

But only three little ducks came back

Three little ducks went out one day

Over the hill and far away

Mama duck said quack, quack, quack, quack

But only two little ducks came back

Two little ducks went out one day

Over the hill and far away

Mama duck said quack, quack, quack, quack

But only one little duck came back

One little ducks went out one day

Over the hill and far away

Mama duck said quack, quack, quack, quack

But none of the five little ducks came back

Sad mother duck went out one day

Over the hill and far away

Sad mother duck said quack, quack, quack, quack

And all the five little ducks came back

Image source Itsy Bitsy Music

I have a very small Pinterest collection of Songs in Picture Books. I would also look for these books by Tony Wilson:

See more books illustrated by Danny Snell. Here are two other books by Katrina Germein I have previously talked about:

Before you were born

Bev and Kev

Evie and Rhino by Neridah McMullin illustrated by Astred Hicks

Things that appealed to me about this book:

• The cover
• The back story of the real shipwreck off the coast of south-west Victoria in 1891 which contained exotic animals including a real rhinoceros
• The apple pie recipe at the back of the book
• The small sections of text where we read the thoughts/perspective of Rhino himself
• The themes of justice for animals and healing for humans
• The beautiful "voice" of young Evie
• The wonderful happy ending

Publisher blurb: A moving tale about love, connection and the healing power of friendship. 1891 On a stormy night off the coast of southern Australia, a ship transporting a cargo of exotic animals tosses and turns in enormous seas. Rhino senses they are in grave danger. Not far away, ten-year-old Evie and her grandfather shelter in their crumbling, once-grand old home. They know too well how deadly storms can be. When all is calm, Evie treks over the dunes to the sea and makes a discovery that will change her life, and Rhino’s, forever. Will the tragedies of their pasts finally be put to rest?

This book was published in October 2022. Huge thanks to Beachside Bookshop for my advance copy.

Narrated in the present tense, this charming story of friendship and conservation will be enjoyed by those who like adventure, animals, and justice. McMullin’s descriptive language and captivating story-telling leave the reader wanting more after each chapter. In addition, she incorporates the rhino’s perspective, narrated alongside the child’s perspective, which allows the reader to fully understand the bond between Evie and Rhino. Reading Time

I would pair this book with this picture book:

Recently on a social media forum someone asked for books to read after Storm Boy. Here is their request: Hi everyone! I just read Storm Boy to my 7-year-old son and he loved it, and wants to read more real-life stories about special friendships with animals. 

I did disagree with a few of the suggestions especially Pax by Sara Pennypacker which in my view is aimed at a much older reader and I would like to say save this for later.  I would suggest Evie and Rhino might be a book this parent could read with their child. Other books suggested on the forum were: 

Wandi by Favel Parrett (this could be perfect)

Blueback by Tim Winton

One dog and his boy by Eva Ibbotson (not a true story)

The last bear by Hannah Gold

The dog with seven names by Dianne Wolfer

Speedy by Colin Thiele

The one and only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

I previously talked about two picture books by Neridah McMullin

Fabish - the horse that braved a bushfire

Drover

Mr Duck Means Business by Tammi Sauer illustrated by Jeff Mack

Mr Duck has his fixed routine which he follows every day. At 6.00am he spends an hour stretching; at 7.00am he spends another hour fluffing his feathers; and at 8.01am he glides across his peaceful, still, quiet lake. Day after day, week after week, and year after year he follows this pattern and he his happy.

BUT of course every good story needs a complication. Oh no here comes Pig. It is a hot day and she would like a swim in the pond. Then along comes Cow and she is huge and also hot. If that was not bad enough lots of other farm animals jump in too.

"Mr. Duck sputtered. He muttered. He tail-a-fluttered."

"Mr. Duck grumbled. He mumbled. He flip-flop-fumbled."

"Mr Duck tapped. He flapped. He totally snapped."

He orders everyone out of his pond. Now he can go back to his quiet daily routine but of course something is missing. Problem - solution. 

With an older group of children it would be good to talk about the title - is duck mean? Is his business meaningful? How did he discover his life needed to change? Is there a 'lesson' in this story? What do you think the author is trying to tell us? Is it okay to spend time alone? 

Sauer’s dour and disciplined duck and his rhyming hissy fits will most definitely entertain. Mack’s furry and feathered wide-eyed animals rendered in ebullient acrylic are a great match for this fine farmyard fable. Kirkus

It can be fun just to browse the shelves of a library - that is how I found this fun book which would be perfect to share with a preschool group. 

Do you ever stop to read the dedications in a book?  The one in this book by Jeff Mack is quite curious - "For Broccoli Kallock". I wonder if there is someone out in the world with "Broccoli" as their first name? Here is a web site for Jeff Mack and one for Tammi Sauer where you can see their other books. 

Only a Donkey by Celeste Walters illustrated by Patricia Mullins

 

The animals of the farm treat the small donkey with contempt. Donkey dreams about a journey to a special place - a place of magic. When he sets off the next morning the farm animals follow him but their harsh words continue. As they walk along the grumbling and unkindness grows. They are even unkind to one another. 

"He's too muddleheaded to be on his own.' And all the animals laughed."

"They yowled and they growled and they stamped and they spat ... "

But the donkey says one powerful word - WAIT. The donkey has bought the animals to a statue. It is a statue of a humble donkey. Now the story voice changes.  The statue donkey speaks. He is the donkey who worked with Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick. Together they carried hundreds of soldiers to safety at Gallipoli. The statue can be seen near the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.

Image Source: City Collection Melbourne

Blurb: At the farm, the donkey is teased by the other animals - especially the bull! Then one night the donkey has a magical dream. The following day they all set out on a most amazing journey. This uplifting story of humility, courage and compassion weaves in the heroic Anzac legend of Simpson and the Donkey.

Next week, when I visit the Book Bunker at Westmead Children's Hospital, I will have the chance to read a picture book to the children from the hospital school.  I am excited to do this but also fairly nervous because we never know who is coming until the children arrive and they can be aged as young as five up to eleven.  Anzac Day falls two days before this visit so the Book Bunker coordinator suggested I should read an ANZAC book.  There are plenty to choose from but finding one that covers such a huge range of ages is tricky.  

Tonight I reread The Anzac Puppy by Peter Millett illustrated by Trish Bowles and Anzac Ted by Belinda Landsberry. I think Anzac Ted might be too complex for a short session. I am not sure if there would be time to scaffold words like foe, ridicules, and woes.  The Anzac Puppy is a heartwarming story but again I am not sure about reading it to the youngest children. Here are two text extracts:

"Trapped in their grimy prison, Sam and Freda shared everything they had ..."

"The long cold nights at the front soon turned into long, terrifying months."

I think I will share Only a Donkey by Celeste Walters illustrated by Patricia Mullins with the children next week. If you want some other picture books based around the story of Simpson and his donkey these books are sure to be found in Australian Primary school libraries:

Here is my earlier post about ANZAC Day books and my Pinterest collection which contains some newer titles.

The Cockerel and the Fox retold and illustrated by Helen Fox

Pride comes before a fall ...

Chanticleer is the farm rooster. He is handsome, proud, and loved but he is also vain. He has never seen a fox until one day : "It was Mr Fox - reddish, doggish and hungry for his supper."

Fox is a cunning fellow, as you would expect. He flatters Chanticleer and snatches him by the neck. Chanticleer's wife, Pertelote, raises the alarm. The farm animals give chase. It is a wild stampede.

Image source: Visual languages and Analysis Kat Bayliss

Luckily all of this running has given Chanticleer time to think. When the farm animals stop at the edge of the wood afraid to continue Chanticleer says:

"I have to admit you are a clever fellow. Such bravery and wit! It's such a shame these lowly beasts do not realise. You should tell them what a fine trick you played on me. What a cunning plot you devised. After all they think that I am the cleverest creature in all the kingdom."

The fox opened his mouth to speak and ...

"Beware of false flattery ... now there is a moral worth remembering."

Blurb: "This tale, of 12th century French origin, has been told many times through the years, most notably by Chaucer in The Nun's Priest's Tale."

There are also Aesop versions of this story - the reverse story in The fox and the crow; and The Dog, the Cockerel and the Fox.

The Cockerel and the Fox by Helen Ward was originally published in 2002 but it is still available in paperback (2020).

This book is filled with rare breeds of chickens, goats, ducks, pigs, and cattle. I loved reading so many beautiful names such as Gold Partridge Dutch (bantam); Silver Appleyard Drake; Belted Galloway (my favourite breed of cattle); Soay (sheep from islands off the west coast of Scotland); and the Suffolk Punch (horse). I really appreciate the detailed work involved in the way Helen Ward accurately draws so many diverse farm animals. Her lists of rare breeds are such a bonus and are are sure to foster curiosity in your young reading companion. 

Helen Ward is a fabulous illustrator. If you are not familiar with her work try to find some of these:

The Tin Forest