'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday, 24 July 2014

Review: 10 Clumsy Emus

To the instantly recognisable tune of Ten Green Bottles, it’s easy to see why 10 Clumsy Emus is an ‘emusing’ children’s picture book sure to delight. With clever rhyming text by Ed Allen and hilarious illustrations from Wendy Binks, 10 Clumsy Emus is a bright Australian counting book for preschool children.

Just like the other Scholastic counting titles (10 Green Geckos, 10 Funny Sheep and 10 Hooting Owls), each page is filled with colour and humour. The ten quirky emus get up to all sorts of fun, from roller skating down a hill, to playing games of basketball and musical chairs, flying model planes and even tidying their room. Until the emus clumsily trip, slip, get tangled or break something and then one by one disappear.

The emu illustrations are a highlight with their lanky legs, oversized feet and long twisty necks. Children are encouraged to tally up the emus, with each page turn, and learn to count backwards from ten. They will also love the added challenge of finding the hidden numbers on each page.

10 Clumsy Emus is a great read-aloud, or sing-along, story for preschool children, which is sure to become a favourite.

Title: 10 Clumsy Emus
Author: Ed Allen
Illustrator: Wendy Binks
Publisher: Scholastic Australia, $14.99 RRP
Publication Date: August 2014
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 9781742836393
For ages: Preschool
Type: Picture Book