Animals
Picture Books for European Day of Languages
September 26th is European Day of Languages. The European Day of Languages is jointly organised by The Council of Europe and the European Union and celebrates linguistic diversity in Europe. I have compiled a list of some of the picture books that I have used to introduce English vocabulary to non native English speaking children.
Learning with Elmer by David McKee
Elmer is celebrating his 25th birthday this year! We have read many of the Elmer stories which have been translated into over 40 languages as well as being made into television series. The first story is still my favourite and I have used it countless times to promote learning within a variety of topics. It is particularly…
Claude in the City by Alex T. Smith
Laughter is the best medicine and Claude and his faithful sidekick Sir Bobblysocks have definitely made my daughter laugh while she has been ill this week. We’ve read Claude in the City and Claude in the Country several times, our favourite part is when Claude has to take Sir Bobblysocks to hospital.
The Mummy Shop by Abie Longstaff & Lauren Beard
The Mummy Shop is written by Abie Longstaff and illustrated by Lauren Beard who also worked together on The Fairytale Hairdresser stories which we love. A little boy’s search for the perfect Mummy is given an amusing and original twist with the inclusion of animal characters who all have their own ideas about how to be…
I Am Otter by Sam Garton
We have been reading and enjoying Otter’s stories and musings on her blog for a while and we were very excited when we heard that (with Sam Garton’s help!) she has written a picture book, I Am Otter, which also includes her best friend Teddy and a patchwork Giraffe.
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd
Booktrust are giving away a copy of Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy to every child starting school in the UK in 2014 /15. We have several Hairy Maclary stories, their bouncy rhythm makes them lovely to read aloud and the repetition is great for beginner readers. Hairy Maclary’s canine friends appear in several of the stories as does Scarface Claw, the…
The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson & Paul Howard
My teacher read The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark to my class when I was at school and earlier in the year I read it to my daughter for the first time. We’ve read it several times since, we both really enjoy the story and my daughter finds Plop’s conversations and adventures amusing.
Bunny Loves to Read / Bunny Loves to Write by Peter Bently, Emma Foster & Deborah Melmon
We would like to introduce Buster Bunny and two stories that we are currently enjoying – Bunny Loves to Read and Bunny Loves to Write. The stories introduce Buster, his sister Bella and their friends and feature Buster’s love of books. They are wonderful stories to include in the literacy curriculum as they promote enjoyment of reading and writing –…
Penguin by Polly Dunbar
Penguin, a lovely story about friendship, loyalty and toddler tantrums, includes characters that children can identify with. My daughter was very excited to find the German translation ‘Sag doch was!’ in the library, it’s great to read a well loved story in another language.
Princess Penelope and the Runaway Kitten by Alison Murray
Princess Penelope and the Runaway Kitten is a fun story with a tactile element that allows a child to trace the wool trail that the kitten leaves.
