Friday 5 November 2021

Babyliography XII

Jez Alborough, Play

2017 / Library book / 32 pages / UK

****

This one made an impression, since she randomly mentioned Bobo later in the day. We've read it every time since. Minimal vocabulary, high drama.


Rod Campbell, Farm 123

1997 / Library book / 20 pages / UK

**

The laziest I've seen yet from the flapmaster. Variably elusive farmyard animals introducing elementary maths and differentiating juveniles from adults make it educational, but entertainment wise, there are no surprises when it's just going to be more chickens under there. Throw in a penguin or something.


Ingela P. Arrhenius, Where's the Narwhal?

2020 / Library book / 10 pages / Sweden

***

Felt flaps for the youngest readers are less impressive than the slides and wheels of their other books (if less fiddly to operate), but it builds to the same narcissistic finale. She was less impressed by the mirror this time, these gimmicks have limits.


Fiona Watt, That's Not My Bus...

2020 / Library book / 10 pages / UK

**

Communicates the non-driver's frustration of return tickets not being universally compatible across rival bus companies through the medium of shiny textures, or something.


Jo Lodge, Time for Bed, Panda

2021 / Library book / 10 pages / UK

**

Prepare for disappointment when one pair of googly eyes (one seemingly broken) and one inner flap are all the interactivity you get. She opened and closed the eyes until she got bored.