Roger Priddy, Wiggle and The Whale: a tale of funny friends, Priddy Books/Pan Macmillan Australia, 28 June 2016, 32pp., $12.99 (pbk), ISBN: 9781783413522
Wiggle and The Whale: a tale of funny friends is a simple Alphaprint story with a strong message. It is a colourful and engaging celebration of diversity and friendship for children aged two to five. The friendships are sweet if not fantastical. A lion and a zebra? Regardless, the message was clear with my Miss Five commenting afterwards on how size, shape and colour don’t tell us what makes a good friend. Basic rhyming is perfect for keeping toddlers entertained while pre-schoolers will identify with the visual elements. Big or small, fast or slow, these thumbprint creatures show inclusive friendships are the way to go!
The illustrations add extra dimension to the enjoyment of the story. Children will delight in identifying the assortment of objects used to create the brightly coloured animals and the world in which they live. Those of a sweet make up (think macaroon caterpillar and doughnut bear) are particular favourites.
The story would be useful for a range of learning experiences such as art activities using thumb prints and collage to create friends with a difference. It could be used for initiating discussion about diversity, judging appearances, and even bulling.
Wiggle and the Whale: a tale of funny friends is recommended for fans of Giles Anreae’s Commotion in the Ocean and Rumble in the Jungle.
Early childhood reading resources for this book can be found on The Little Big Book Club website.
Reviewed by Fiona Miller-Stevens
