Monday 10 February 2014

Knock Knock, Who's there? By Sally Grindley and Anthony Browne (Picture Puffin)


Knock Knock, Who's There?

Written by Sally Grindley

Illustrated by Anthony Browne

Published by Picture Puffin

We're huge Anthony Browne fans on the blog, and it's great to discover a book that he's illustrated for another author - and a book we haven't seen before at that.

"Knock Knock, Who's There" is another book that features a dad reading to his child at night - but we'll get to that very important bit in a moment. As a girl lies in bed, there's a gentle knock knock at the door. Who is outside though?

Is it a dragon, rather peckish for something small and cuddly to eat for his tea? Perhaps it's a ghost, scary and spooky clanking chains. Perhaps it's a nasty witch who wants to turn you into a jumping frog.

Panic not, it's actually none of the above - but a rather mischievous daddy who hasn't quite got the hang of "settling children before sleep".

Nonetheless we loved this, it's got that trademark Anthony Browne spooky surreal touch to it, with Sally's fun and spooky story making it just the right side of tingly and spooky to keep children wondering who's at the door right until the end of the book.

Charlotte's best bit: The ghost! Wooh!

Daddy's Favourite bit: Another great booky dad, though I'm sure this one got a good ticking off from his other half after spooking the poor girl (though a big daddy cuddle helps hugely!)