Wishy-Washy World

Description

The eight stories in this anthology are written for 3 to 6-year-olds, but parents will enjoy the nostalgia of reacquainting themselves with Mrs Wishy-Washy, Mr Wishy-Washy, and their animals. These simple stories use predictable story structure, rhythm, and repetition to create what Joy Cowley calls "story magic". The text and picture match are perfect on every page to help young readers make meaning from words and every story ends with a humorous twist. Joy Cowley believes in the importance of children seeing themselves in the books that they read and the importance of "helping them to feel good about their ability to make cognitive connections and to solve problems". Every story in Wishy-Washy World is a feel-good experience. Many young readers will feel a connection with the animals in Mrs Wishy-Washy's constant battle to keep them clean. They'll also feel connections to the themes of food, helping, and everyone playing their part. Designed as a read-to anthology for parents to share with young children, this book is beautifully designed for young readers. The small amount of text on each page and the careful sentence constructions mean that beginning readers will delight in being able to read to themselves. This is the perfect book to transition children from being read-to at bedtime to being able to enjoy a book by themselves. Look out for the charming endpapers!

Joy Cowley is one of New Zealand's most famous and much-loved children's authors, having written over 1,000 titles and been made a member of The Order of New Zealand. Philip Webb is a well-known children's book illustrator. Born in England, Philip spent his early years in Hong Kong and Kenya before moving to New Zealand. He has illustrated a large number of children's books and won several awards, including New Zealand Post Honour Awards in 2000 and 2009.