This book has sprung from the UK podcast Super Great Kids’ Stories, created by Kim Normanton and David Smith, which won gold for Best Kids Podcast at the British Podcast Awards.
Kim Normanton has now gathered traditional tales from around the globe, giving them a modern retelling.
In ‘How the Elephant Got Its Trunk’, we meet an elephant tromping through the forest. When he meets a crocodile, he says, ‘Crocky-Wocky, look at your long flat, no good nose. It’s horrible! It’s not like my shiny, little button nose.’
Off he tromped meeting other animals.
‘Yuck Piggy-Wiggy! Look at your wet, hairy, squishy snout!’
Up above, Monkey watched. Elephant did have a shiny button nose, but there was no need to be rude! As Monkey climbed higher, he saw a cave and an old man. Quietly, he tiptoed past into the kitchen where he found curry ingredients, including a jar labelled ‘super strength pepper’. He took it and swung through the branches back to the river where the elephants visited. He tipped ALL the pepper into the water. As the elephants tromped down to drink, their noses started twitching. Aaaaaatishoooo! Each time they sneezed, their noses grew longer – until they reached the floor!
There are 30 tales to enjoy, all short enough to read aloud before bed or by a young reader alone. Throughout the book a story owl appears who tells us about ‘the stories behind the stories’.
Beautifully illustrated, Super Great Kids’ Stories would make a terrific gift for a young reader.
Reviewed by Jane Stephens
Age Guide 5+
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