Picture Books: July 2008 Archives

Marvin the sheep with the big appetite who made his first appearance in 'Marvin Wanted More' makes a second appearance in this picture book. Together with his friend Molly, Marvin happens upon a trees of big juicy apples. Despite the abundance of fruit that the tree is laden with, the very apple Marvin wants most lies tantalisingly out of reach.

Exhausted by his efforts and the patience he has exerted, Marvin falls asleep only to awaken and find that the apple has fallen and Molly is eating it. Transformed and enraged by his anger at this, Marvin sets outon a rampage stamping on flowers, knocking over chicken sheds, frightening ducks and even biting a cows tail - this is one angry, even-toed ungulate.

Amidst a fit of pique, the very grounds open beneath him and the silence, isolation and darkness lead him to consider the folly of his fury. Eventually rescued by Molly, he returns to the pastures where he beholds a fruit laden pear-tree only to discover the very apple he wants most lies tantalisingly out of reach...

Theobold's use of the docile sheep as the cantankerous protagonist heightens the humour of Marvin's rage in this witty book which explores the folly of irrational desires leading those who suffer temper tantrums to feel somewhat sheepish.

Generous helpings of monsters, mystery and the eponymous Mrs Muffly are baked together in this tasty treat of a picture book by monster maestro, Sarah Dyer. Warmth and affection belies the type of hearsay and hyperbolic assumption that lead to the conclusion that Mrs Muffly must be harbouring a monster at home! Alongside a deliciously different twist in the tale, the book introduces imaginative interpretation and concludes through the juxtaposition of these with a much more rational, though terrifically tempting explanation. A definite must read for those keen to develop ravenous readers.