In 2018 we celebrated 50 years since the first publication of Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins. During this time the story has continued to be a favourite for many many families.This sturdy board book version means that families can share this humorous story with even the smallest readers in the house. Giving children of all ages a chance to fall in love with our wondering hen, Rosie.
In Rosie's Walk our hen struts around the farmyard, navigating the yard's obstacles, she walks past a rake and under beehives. However, Rosie is not alone on her journey. As the story unfolds we see Fox poised ready to pounce on our unsuspecting hen. Will Fox catch Rosie or will Rosie make it home in time for dinner?
This story is told using very minimal text, only 32 words. Hutchins has masterfully left lots of space on each double page spread for adults to talk to their children about the story and what they see.
The text is simple and yet gives the reader a verbal map of the route that Rosie takes around the farm. The story uses age appropriate language to introduce commonly used words that express directions - across, around, over, past, through and under - without young children needing to understand the concept of left and right.
Hutchins' used a small muted colour palette and patterns to create her illustrations. The images in Rosie's Walk visually help children identify potential dangers on the farm for Rosie and Fox. The illustration narrative helps children learn how to make predictions of what might happen to Fox.
If Rosie's Walk was a pantomime, the children would barrack for Rosie and calling out, 'Look behind you, Rosie. There's a fox!' But by the end of the story I kind of feel sorry for the poor hungry and unfortunate fox.
Title: Rosie's Walk
Author/Illustrator: Pat Hutchins
Publisher: Penguin Random House, $14.99
Publication Date: 12 June 2018
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9781782300724
For ages: 0 - 6
Type: Board Books, Picture Book
