Mushroom loves reading. He loves having stories read to him, ‘reading’ by himself and his idea of a perfect rainy morning activity is time spent choosing a new book at the library.
So, back in June when I spoke to Parragon Books at BritMums 2014 and they asked whether Mushroom and I would be interested in becoming ‘book buddies,’ I jumped at the chance. A new book to read EVERY month? Yes please!
The first book arrived last week. Recognising what it was as soon as Mushroom brought the heavy envelope in to me (he loves collecting the post. It’s one of his ‘jobs’), I told him it was for him and let him open it.
His face when he saw it was a new book! September’s book was
There’s trouble at the zoo today… The animals have run away!
A really interactive book, Spot A Lot tells the story of a zookeeper trying to round up all the animals who have escaped from the zoo. Not just a story, it also gave Mushroom the opportunity to show off his ‘noticing’ skills and practice his numbers, as we looked for all the animals and helped the zookeeper to count them and make sure they were all there.
Counting elephants
There was a turtle on every page, which Mushroom loved being the first to spot (every time)!
We spent a good half an hour reading this book, talking about the animals – referring to our recent visit to London zoo – and spotting the turtle. There are also little instructions on each page of other obscure things to look for – the dog in the white hat, the bunny rabbits with swimming hats on… We really enjoyed the book – Mushroom so much so that as soon as we’d finished he said ‘Again Mummy, again!’
I’d recommend this book, especially if you have a child who struggles to sit still and/or needs help with learning their numbers as it’s so absorbing and is a fun way to practise counting without thinking too much about it. One warning though: Maybe not a wise choice for bedtime! Mushroom got far too excited to go to sleep after reading this so we’re keeping it as a daytime book.
A new book Mummy!
Do any of you make the distinction between daytime and bedtime books? Or is it just us?
Disclosure: Mushroom and I are Parragon Book Buddies and receive a new book to read and review each month. All views are our own. Read my full PR and disclosure policy here.
I really enjoyed reading this book too with my kids.
Where is the turtle on the last page??
Hey! sorry for such a delayed reply! I can’t find our copy of this book at the moment – but I recall he’s definitely back in one of the enclosures… But not his own! Take another look. 🙂