Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg (Puffin, 4.99) is rightly a great favourite among children and can provide a stimulus for a set of enjoyable language activities.
The story is inspired by a variety of traditional nursery rhymes and the game 'I spy'. Familiar characters cross paths in this tale and interact as they have never done before. Mrs Hubbard is no longer the poor old woman with an empty cupboard. Now she has Tom Thumb inside it and there is plenty for him to eat, while down in her cellar, Cinderella is dusting the shelves.
This is essentially a visual book with little narrative. The illustrations are packed with stimulating detail which children and adults can examine together. The story is written in rhymes which are easy for children to remember, and they can also predict the endings of each sentence. For those children who have not come across the characters before, reading this story will develop an interest in traditional rhymes.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
