If you have a toddler, you will know Nick Sharratt the author and/or illustrator of books including Pants, Octopus Socktopus and the Daisy series. I seem to be building a library upstairs in T's bedroom, albeit one with sagging overstuffed shelves, and Nick is one of our favourites. I love the fact that his drawings appear so simple with their bright colours and strong lines but tell a fantastic, funny story, full of quirky extra details. That's why he's a gazillionaire* and my son's New Best Friend. I'm sorry Julia, it's been nice knowing you but there's a new kid in the bedroom** and we're reading him Every Single Night.
Nick's books are instantly recognisable, which sadly to my two and a half year old, means interchangeable. This week he picked up You Choose (a fabulous book, perfect for keeping toddlers entertained when out and about because there's lots to look at, we always take ours when we're going out for dinner as a perfect 'waiting for the food' activity) and cleared his throat.
'More Pants ... illushhtrated by Nick Sharratt'
'No darling, that's You Choose'
(oblivious) 'Red pants, green pants, yellow submarine pants'
'No darling look, that's You Choose, that's the page where you decide where you'd like to live, I'd like to live in that little lighthouse, what about you?'
(ignoring me now, turns page crossly, voice gets louder) 'Dancing with the Queen pants, la, la, la'
'No darling look, this is More Pants' (holding up the book)
(death stare) 'yummy pants, mummy pants, sucking on your thumby pants, tickling your tummy pants and a matching bwwwaaa'***
I gave up. He flipped the pages of one book, pausing occasionally to give me his 'I'm right' look and recited a completely different story from start to finish. Who am I to argue with a boy who really, really loves his books?
*An estimation on my count, no idea what he's really worth.
** Nick has actually illustrated a few of Julia's stories, One Mole Digging a Hole and Toddle Waddle are amongst the ones we have.
***Poor child has a small issue with his r's.
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8 comments:
Hahaha! We love Nick Sharratt here too. Especially Shark in the park. His fairy tales are good too.
Off to look at you choose...
Purchased. I am bad. Must have a book clearout...
Sorry! If it makes you feel any better I also have massive book issues. My postmas put a red card through the door the other day saying 'parcel at 39. Amazon again'. Ooops.
Oh we LOVE Pants too! Well done to your little one for being able to 'read' it even without the book!! We're still massively fans of Julia D though. Room On The Broom...
I have never heard of him , hangs head in shame but his books look great . Bet my kids would love them
Im going to be reading your blog so closely now , following the adventures of your son and known that in one year it could be mine. So fun they share a birthday (and hopefully above did not sound to freaky lol)
Another mum once said you never wasted money spent on books for your children. I've adapted this slightly to, you can never spend too much on books for your children. Son already knows it's my main area of weakness, coupled with 'just one more story' but he absolutely loves books and that's mission accomplished as far as I'm concerned.
Rachel, we do still love Julia, Tyrannosaurus Drip is our current favourite of hers. I went to see her do a talk the other week, it was fascinating to hear how she got into writing. She was great fun, she even sang and danced!
Laura, your comment makes perfect sense! I am so glad you're enjoying your son. I am half jealous that you still have so much fun to come. They change so much, so quickly. I've found the 2's fabulous. I hope you do too.
1 husband, I can never resist 'just one more story' either. I keep telling myself his obvious love of books will stand him in good stead for the future. Far more than an extra 15 minutes of sleep would do anyway! I've just been reading some of your posts, you have a great blog x
Ooh we haven't really investigated Nick much. Bruno is in to Korky Paul & Dora!
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