Poems for the very young

Written by Michael Rosen Illustrated by Chris Riddell

By Walker Books  ISBN 978-0763681166

Review by Laura Flynn

As a creative person myself, I absolutely love A Great Big Cuddle. Chris Riddell’s illustrations have a beautiful quality, making the little children depicted look so real (and as my young daughter says, “so cute”), but also giving the various creatures, monsters and animals such personality. The colours and finish give it an almost vintage look that we love.

Being a book of poems, there is not just one story, but a whole world of characters, wonderfully joined together with lyrical words, that at times leave you a little tongue tied….. especially at bedtime!

My two year old daughter has already picked out her favourites and can remember the poems, nearly by heart. ‘Mr Hobson-Jobson says’ is one where she likes to sing the words out loud and she calls the little girl in a red spotty dress, “the ladybird girl”. The very funny large blue dog makes her laugh every time she sees it.

‘Once’ always leaves her a bit puzzled, as the mum character is the tiniest of the furry monsters, and her three children Gom, Flom and Chom are all much bigger, and she is also fascinated by the fact they eat the Berrible.

I think this book will be a firm favourite for many years to come, and it’s made me want to pick up my paint brush again.