Little Days Out: At the Park

Sally Anne Garland

Catch A Star, 2021

16pp., board book, RRP $A12.99

 9781922326324

Whenever my littlies came to stay, they always asked to go to the park in town where there is a lovely playground for them to climb, slide, swing, run around and make new friends.  There were always other kids there and even more after a major refurbishment, even more when it became one of the few places open during lockdown, and even more again when restrictions were lifted.  Adults and children alike made it their meeting place. 

This new book in this series captures the fun and excitement perfectly and  its lift-the-flap format ensures that not only will our youngest readers resonate with the adventures but, because it is a universal experience, be able to predict what might be hidden.  Unlike some books that take children to ‘familiar’ places that really aren’t because they feature elements very different to the Australian experience, the fun of parks and playgrounds is common and easily recognisable so this one has a place wherever it’s read.

Catch A Star continues to recognise the need for even our youngest readers to have engaging stories that are sturdy enough in their own hands so they can mimic the reading of those who read to them, a critical step in becoming a reader, and this series is no exception.  Perfect as a gift or a day-care library, it will help develop those essential concepts about print that need to be developed long before the child tries to construct the text on the page.  And being on such a familiar topic makes it even moreso.