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

Monday, 18 January 2021

Review: Let's Go!: On a Digger

Lots of kids love diggers! They are fascinated by their size, ability, and that their movement is close to robotic.

In the brilliant Let’s Go! series of board books for toddlers, the latest one is On a Digger. With vivid colours and rhyming verse, little ones learn the names of each part of this huge piece of machinery and how the parts function.  

Operated by a girl driver, the giant yellow digger scoops up mud. She sits in a high seat that allows her a clear and safe view of everything around her.

Two boys take charge of the wheelbarrow and cones. All wear visy vests and hard hats. They examine the details on the papers. One is in charge of the plan and the depth the digger must dig.

The joysticks are moved around to operate the boom and the scoop. The drive rods control the caterpillar treads. How exciting! There is work to be done, so they get on with it!

Each page has a wealth of information; visual and textual. Conversations can be created through questions about the images. Sturdy pages defy damage.

This is another excellent learning opportunity for ages up to three years and perhaps older. New words pop up throughout the book to be used as tools to improve speech, confidence and knowledge by picking up the names of the parts and the roles of their favourite wheeled machines. 

I loved the book’ s subtle messages through the main character,. They reinforce the fact that girls are now accepted and excel, in jobs which have mainly been allocated to boys. Gender is no longer an obstacle in a workplace choice, and this beautifully presented book reflects that freedom.

Title: Let's Go!: On a Digger
Author: Rosalyn Albert
Illustrator: Natalia Moore
Publisher: New Frontier, $ 12.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781921928710
For ages: 0 – 3
Type: Board Book