Friday 5 June 2015

What the Jackdaw Saw - Julia Donaldson

What the Jackdaw SawWhat the Jackdaw Saw by Julia Donaldson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Poor jackdaw is about to fly into trouble - will he learn to read the animals' signs in time?

This book is for younger children than some of Donaldson's other books and when I was offered this to review, I jumped at the chance as I know my class love her work, this however was a little young for them. I did read it to them regardless and while some enjoyed it, for most it was not what they expected.

This is about a Jackdaw and he is inviting all his friends, the other animals to a party, he doesn't understand when the animals don't say anything but just touch their heads. To be honest the children I was reading this too were as equally confused during this part of the story and they couldn't understand it either. This did make them want to keep listening to try and find out why this was happening. Later in the story it becomes apparent why they are doing this.

It was the first book I have received for review which includes sign language and I think this is nice, there are many children who are unable to discover a love for reading when they are younger as they can't hear the story being told. This allows them to join in with the story but also they can feel the expert and be able to educate those around them with the signs and explain why this is happening.

As a teacher this is a really good book to bring into classroom discussion and PSHE/circle time sessions, it allows the topic of deafness to come up and discuss it in a supporting environment. It also allows other children to experience deafness as there are signs at the back of the book which can be used, this is an added bonus which I think enhances the book.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

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