Tales from Acorn Wood by Julia Donaldson

The Tales of Acorn Wood Series is not one of Julia Donaldson’s most famous creations but they are titles designed for the early years and a great introduction to reading books, and to Donaldson’s rhyming style.

The books work to capture toddlers attention with ‘lift the flaps’ which engage kids really easily, and after several readings they will start to pre-empt what will appear.

True to form Axel Scheffler provides some great illustrations that sit alongside the text and help to stir children’s imagination.

Postman Bear
The tale of Postman Bear is by no means complex but holds young minds long enough to make them want to come back for more.

Postman bear is writing three letters that he hand delivers to the homes of his friends – behind each door is a character and children enjoy guessing who is behind it. Towards the end of the story it is revealed the Postman Bear has invited his friends to his birthday party which, being a child’s favourite past time, is a huge hit with little readers.

Fox’s Socks
Take a journey with Fox as he goes on a hunt throughout the house for his missing sock. Although limited on words, this is a humorous story as Fox finds lots of different clothes hidden – ‘he looks in a chest and finds a vest’.

Rabbit’s Nap
Poor Rabbit is trying to have a nap but everywhere she goes is too noisy. In her quest for sleep Rabbit encounters Builder Bear mending the shutters and Tortoise ringing his bicycle bell, with her friends finally singing her to sleep. This is highly amusing and kids will be chuckling at this story.

Hide and Seek Pig
As it suggests in the title, Pig is playing hide and seek with her friend hen. Readers will love this as they join Pig in the hunt – highly entertaining for children.

Parental notes: Start this one early is highly recommended as even from the age of 12 months children will enjoy turning the flaps (supervised), and as they grow will enjoy helping to tell the tale with animal noises, finding the s funny with little laughs here and there – a nice reward for all your reading!

Age: 1-3

8/10 A great introduction to reading books, and to Donaldson's rhyming style.