Where were you when you read the book?

Raife’s favourite place to read is tucked up in bed before he goes to sleep.

What did you / your child enjoy about the book?

We’re huge Julia Donaldson fans in this household, so Raife was really excited when I told him that it was written be the same lady who wrote some of his favourites like The Gruffalo, Smeds and the Smoos, and The Highway Rat, just that it was for older children.

As Raife’s reading skill has developed he’s really enjoyed having ‘big boy books’, so that was the first thing he loved. Just having the book to read.

What stood at to me is just how much of the story he absorbed. He’d often spend most of the next morning recalling the main parts of the previous night’s chapter, laughing away as he re-told us the funny bits.

Any Surprises / Feedback?

I think the only surprise was just how perfect it was for his reading level. It’s one thing I find quite difficult; finding books that match his level. It wasn’t so easy that he was bored, but equally it wasn’t too challenging. We’ve got some books that he struggles to take in the story because he spend so long sounding out new and difficult words.

Raife said on numerous occasions that he likes this book because ‘it’s a little bit hard for me, but not too hard’.

On a rating out of 5, how likely would you recommend it to other parents?