Martin Waddell

“Once there was a duck who had the bad luck to live with a lazy old farmer.” The farmer stays in bed all day while the duck does all the chores! Eventually, the animals tire of this and hold a meeting. Early the next morning, they kick the farmer off the farm and from then on they care for the farm themselves. I think children will respond with satisfaction to the restoration of justice, but it delights me as a hilarious mash-up of “Shaun the Sheep”, the British stop-motion show more children’s animation, and Animal Farm. show less

“Once there was a duck who had the bad luck to live with a lazy old farmer.” The farmer stays in bed all day while the duck does all the chores! Eventually, the animals tire of this and hold a meeting. Early the next morning, they kick the farmer off the farm and from then on they care for the farm themselves. I think children will respond with satisfaction to the restoration of justice, but it delights me as a hilarious mash-up of “Shaun the Sheep”, the British stop-motion show more children’s animation, and Animal Farm. show less

Kind Ox welcomes a series of animals in need into his stable in this gentle Nativity tale, as each one—Old Dog, Stray Cat, Small Mouse—helps to make the next more comfortable. When Tired Donkey arrives, led by Joseph and bearing Mary, the Holy Family too are welcomed in, and the Christ Child is born, surrounded by this group of outcast animals, now no longer outcast...

I have read a number of other picture books from Northern Irish author Martin Waddell, but Room for a Little One: A show more Christmas Tale is my first encounter with the work of English illustrator Jason Cockcroft. I found his acrylic paintings here quite lovely, appreciating the use of color and light, and the way the animals' expressions were captured. The narrative is sweet, and I liked the way each animal welcomed their traditional "enemy" into the fold, mirroring the peace that should prevail on Christmas. Recommended to picture book readers looking for animal-centered Nativity tales. show less

After greatly enjoying my first excursion into the world of Big Bear and Little Bear, in the form of cute-as-a-button bedtime book, Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?, I thought I would try another of their picture-book adventures, and Good Job, Little Bear (published in the UK as Well Done, Little Bear) did not disappoint! Another sweetly satisfying examination of the parent-child relationship, it follows the ursine duo as they take a stroll through the forest, with Little Bear ranging out in show more front, and exploring - climbing rocks, leaping off branches, skipping across streams - and Big Bear always there, in the background, ready to catch his little one, and keep him safe.

An endearing story, one which emphasizes the parent's role as protector and teacher - Big Bear is always there, in the background, willing to let Little Bear discover the world on his terms, but ready to step in, if his help is needed - Good Job, Little Bear offers reassurance and affirmation for young children, who are just beginning to get a sense of the wider world beyond their home, and to feel both drawn to it, and fearful of it. I liked that this is a father-son duo, as so many of these types of books seem to focus more on the mother's role as nurturer, and neglect the father's. The artwork, done in watercolor, is every bit as cute as in Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?, and perfectly captures the emotional register of each scene. All in all, it's another winner from Waddell and Firth! show less