There are some books in the world that after just one reading, make me go, “I wish I’d written that!” At the moment my Wish-I’d-Written-That list is small, but growing, with Kisses for Daddy by Frances Watts & David Legge on the top. This week at the library I stumbled across another one.
I don’t know whether I picked it up or 4 year-old Possum, but tonight I had the absolute pleasure of reading Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman. In fact, it was so good, we read it twice (at Possum’s insistence, although if he hadn’t asked I was going to read it again anyway). It’s a simple story with lovely illustrations, but what sets it apart for me is the absolutely stunning choice of words. It’s poetic but not repetitious, filled with emotion and suspense and lends itself beautifully to reading aloud. Some of the word combinations are tricky on the first read through, but once the patterns become familiar, the sheer beauty of the language instantly sets Bear Snores On apart. Onto my Wish-I’d-Written-That list it goes.
It’s so good, I am seriously considering buying myself a copy to remind me just how magnificent a picture book can be. I normally reserve my precious money for Australian books, but in this instance, a variation from my normal buying habits is well and truly on the cards.
A badger scuttles by, sniff-snuffs at the air.
I smell yummy-yums! Perhaps we can share?
Ok… better look out for it myself then! Will check it out on our next library trip
Cath, it really is a stellar book – one of the best I’ve read in ages.
Look for “If You Find a Rock” by Peggy Christian and Barbara Hirsch Lember…truly one of the best books for children/adults ever! I wish I had written that one!
Thanks, Nancy. I will definitely add that one to my list. I love getting recommendations from other people!
Oh good! I stumbled upon this wonderful find at a conference for Early Childhood Education and used it in my classrooms (children aged 3 – 8) for years. I also shared it with my mom who worked at a children’s bookstore for 20 years. She sold it to every customer who looked at it! She sold out the publisher on a least one occasion! I hope you enjoy it too!
Nancy
I have kisses for Daddy and love it. i will look out for the Bear Snores on… Thanks.