We’re reading…”We’re Going on a Picnic!” by Pat Hutchins
This story is a children’s classic, from the author of the very classic “Rosie’s Walk” written in 1968; so classic that you may remember it from your own childhood. “We’re Going on a Picnic!” published more recently has all the characteristics of a classic, with idiosyncratic, beautiful illustrations, a deceptively simple story and lots of humour.
It’s a lovely day, so Hen, Goose and Duck pack their favourite fruit in the picnic basket, and set off to find the perfect picnic spot. But, they’re being watched by a hungry rabbit, squirrel and mouse. Each time they put the basket down to decide whether the picnic spot is just right, one of the watchers jumps in and helps themselves. Not noticing the extra passenger, Hen, Duck and Goose keep walking until they find themselves back at home, and the basket, mysteriously empty. They decide the picnic must have fallen out, pick some more fruit, and as they lay out their picnic blanket, they fail to notice that the pilferers are busy in the basket again! I’m not sure which I found funnier; the bumptious innocence of the birds, or the unabashed cheek of the thieves.
My two year old brings this book out regularly. He enjoys talking about who is watching, and doing the sing-song bits of “we’re going on a picnic!” The humour however, goes a little over his head. He doesn’t (yet) see how it might be funny to pinch something behind someone’s back. I’ve also caught my five year old listening with a smile, when he’s not pretending he’s too old for picture books. “We’re Going on a Picnic!” is perfect for 3 and 4 year olds to introduce ideas about noticing and observing, with plenty of repetition to boost understanding, and of course, to get them giggling.
” We’re Going on a Picnic!” by Pat Hutchins, published by Red Fox 2002
It is available online in the UK here, and here in the US, from Amazon
Popularity: 19% [?]
Similar childrens storage news:
We’ll have to get this one out of the library as it’s a new one for us!
Love Rosie’s Walk, sometimes oldies are the best!
LOVE your blog, Ian! So happy to find it. Adding it to my blog roll!
Thank Amy, and I am delighted to have found yours earlier. You’ll be on our blog roll when we sort one out!