Lovers of Mr and Mrs Wishy-Washy will be happy to know that there is a new book out by Joy Cowley called Wishy-Washy World. The book is a compilation of eight short stories about the Wishy-Washy household, none of which we had read before. I’m not sure if the stories are all new, or whether I just haven’t come across them.
I’m liking
I love the humour in Joy Cowley’s picture books – it makes it easy for adults to read and enjoy the story too. These stories are very simple, with few words, and therefore excellent for beginner readers. My son has been at school for two terms and read the whole 68 pages with no trouble. The illustrations are lovely too, and as a bonus it’s a hardback.
Here’s the first story (Wishy-Washy Sleep): Mrs Wishy-Washy called, “Bath! Bath!” / “I am asleep,” said the cow. / “I am asleep,” said the pig. / “I am asleep,” said the duck. / “Food! Food!” Mrs Wishy-Washy called. / “I am awake,” said the duck. “I am awake,” said the pig. “I am awake,” said the cow. //
The conclusion
Super for littlies 1-5 – the small ones can make the animal noises (my 23 month old is very good at that!), the middle sized ones can listen to the stories, and the big ones can read it to their younger siblings! Great for fans of the Wishy-Washys, and for aficionados of Joy Cowley in general.