Echidna Jim Went For A Swim

You know how some books are just a hit the moment you open the front cover? This was Echidna Jim. I have been asked to read this again even before we turn the last page, and even with all the fickle book preferences at bed time, I am pretty sure I have read Echidna Jim to a smiling face every night for the week that we have had this story. Beautiful, simple words hold the narrative attention without overwhelming the story. The illustrations are really cute, and we have found stories within stories each time we read this one. Particularly useful if you have a little one who is frightened of the water. I love the gentle way that Jim’s difference (his spikes) can cause conflict, but he has a very accepting gang of mates … although this isn’t a sickly sweet morality tale, it is sparse and gentle and lets lots of imagination and possibility for conversation in. A huge hit!