Stick Man by Julia Donaldson
Ill. by Axel Scheffler. Scholastic, 2008. ISBN 9781407132327.
The classic story of Stick Man has been revived in this series
designed as Early Readers. Despite the font being a smaller size
than one normally associates with early readers the colourful
illustrations and predictable rhyme pattern will endear it to the
younger reader.
Stick Man lives in the family tree with his wife and children three.
One day he goes out for a jog meets a dog and his troubles begin.
Especially designed for early readers the story told in rhyme will
be a hit with the younger audience as Stick Man's problems continue.
He is used in many different ways by a variety of characters as he
laments the fact he is travelling even farther away from his family.
When all hope seems lost he is rescued and returned home by a most
unlikely hero.
Whilst children will enjoy Stick man's adventures and the rhyming
language I think teachers will see a myriad of opportunities to use
this book in the classroom. From focussing on the rhymes to
discussing the passing of time as shown in the colourful art work of
Alex Scheffler which enhance the text and give a context to the
story.
The English country side from the wild life and way of life to the
way Stick Man is used by the children and animals who find him offer
opportunities to compare and contrast with the Australian
experience. A quick search of www.sparklebox.co.uk
will reveal resources already prepared for activities in Language
and Maths featuring Stick Man.
Sue Keane