Title: The Gruffalo

Author: Julia Donaldson, Alex Scheffler

Age group: I’ve read this one to lots of age-groups.  My intermediate (grades 4 – 7) students enjoyed The Gruffalo just as much (yes, yes they did) as the primary students that heard The Gruffalo.  My kids love the story and the illustrations.  In fact, my daughter sometimes will keep it in her place of honour… under her pillow.

What’s To Love: The rhythm of the words.  The verses and rhymes are so easy to read and easy to listen to.  The illustrations are awesome; bright and clear.  The story is great, there is so much to talk about and it leads to great conclusion-making for the kids.  There is even a website, which I just found!  Unreal!!  It’s got games and fun finger puppets and lots of cool party ideas.  I think we may just have a Gruffalo-themed party in our house, just because!!  We are definitely going to try these out and I will let you know how they go!

What’s Not To Love: Sometimes I get a little into “the terrible teeth and terrible jaws…” and the kids get a little freaked out.  Pretty much, an awesome book.

Where to Find It: The Gruffalo can be found at Chapter’s for only $9.99.  It’s a pretty good deal for a family classic, I think!  Or, if you want to borrow it from me, you can bribe my kids with chocolate