Review
It is raining, so three children create an imaginary adventure indoors. One of them wears glasses and another needs an inhaler, but disabilities make no difference, and neither do colour or gender, the children have equal roles in initiating the action and in helping one another. Readers will enjoy the comic pictures and bouncy rhymes, and will relish the innovative approach to domestic equipment as the three create a boat and a truck to support their exploring. Housework, like play, is a joint effort, so Dad and Mum together supply lunch. -- Ann Henderson Under 5 Magazine 20080901 On a rainy day three children look out of the window. They sigh, they whinge, the fuss about having nothing to do, but as their imagination develops they decide they will become explorers. A cardboard box becomes a boat, a broom and towel the sail, a map is drawn to enable them to find the estuary leading out to the open sea. readers join them as they squeeze into a cave (cushions piled high in the living room), or as they climb a mountain (the stairs) and make a pretend fire in the bedroom before they lie down to sleep. There are many more adventures as they crawl towards the kitchen - lured by a delicious smell of cooking. But tidying up has to be done before they can enjoy their dinner underneath the kitchen table. The rhyming story also suggests sound effects, and the illustrations are full of details that children will enjoy. --Sybil Hannavy, School Librarian Journal
About the Author
Polly Peters is an award-winning author who has written extensively for children and young people of all ages. Initially recognized and critically acclaimed as a poet, Polly has broadened her work to include plays, picture books, and fiction.
Jess grew up in a large family in a small village a few miles north of London. As a child she loved making stuff, drawing and painting, riding her bike, and generally messing about. After a few ups and downs and lucky breaks, she somehow became a full-time illustrator in the 1990s. She has since gone on to win the 2008 Early Years Award and has illustrated more than fifty books for children. In 2012 Jess took time out to complete a fine art degree, and is now returning to illustration with her first author-illustrated picture book, The Big Red Rock. She continues making stuff, drawing and painting and has recently bought a bike.
