Interrupting Chicken and the Elephant of Surprise

Having been told by her teacher to find the 'elephant' of surprise in three stories for homework, Papa tries to explain that it is the 'element' of surprise they are looking for. He's the one who's in for a surprise! Deliciously silly, the Interrupting Chicken and the Elephant of Surprise is wonderful for showing how much fun sharing a story can be. The book revisits some favourite traditional tales with Chicken inserting an'elephant' of surprise in each one, adding a real 'element of surprise'. Papa and Chicken working together to create a new story of their own is also lovely to see in a story. The illustrations are colourful and fun and really bring the warmth of their relationship to life. I love the different styles used for different spreads. Chicken and Papa are shown in their home setting; warm, welcoming and a bit messy - full of detail and charm. The traditional tales they share look like pages from a slightly old fashioned story book, muted in tone; the story they compose together looks as if a child created it. The elephant is just a joy! Great fun for sharing! 40 pages / Ages 3+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+