We have a Christmas Eve tradition that everyone gets a new book and new pyjamas. For Ebony's first Christmas, she received Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr Seuss. Last year, she was given I Want My Hat Back. A friend who used to read the children's books in Waterstones (as a job, not just a weird pastime) had recommended it , saying it was one of her favourites.
It quickly became one of Ebony's favourites too. It was a simple story that she could join in with and had bright, pretty illustrations to keep her attention. Within just a few weeks, she was helping us to tell the story. The book was written and illustrated by Jon Klassen, and we've since built up a little collection of his books. The illustrations are just beautiful, and the stories are always fun.
When we were offered a copy of one of Jon Klassen's latest masterpieces to review, I (of course) accepted. Sam & Dave Dig a Hole was written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen in his distinct style. The book didn't disappoint,it is a sweet story about two friends who decide to dig a hole in the garden and not stop until they find something spectacular.
The book was awarded the Irma S and James H Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, and it's not hard to see why. It is simple, delightful and sweet, what more could you want from a bedtime story? It has taken pride of place on the bookshelf reserved for only our very favourite books, alongside all our other Jon Klassen stories.
You can order a copy of the book from Amazon for just £5.99, or purchase a copy from your local book shop. And be sure to let me know what you think!
Just to prove what huge Jon Klassen fans we are, here's a video of Ebony helping to read her own bedtime story back when she was just two:
Just to prove what huge Jon Klassen fans we are, here's a video of Ebony helping to read her own bedtime story back when she was just two:
I Want My Hat Back from Fiona Peacock on Vimeo.
