Jeremy Strong dispenses jolly, non-hectoring advice for adults and children... Expect the unexpected... Strong is excellent on friendship dynamics while being funny and thoughtful and refusing to compromise on language. The shortish length of these stories and large type means they are perfect for newish readers or for parents to read to children who are ready for something meatier (or should I say cheesier?) than the average 32-page picture book.
Strong, always a supreme knockabout humorist, has unleashed his whimsical side with this quirky collection of stories about an eccentric pair: crotchety Armadillo, in cardigan and slippers, who likes to paint cheese sandwiches, and elegant Hare, who plays a tuba that fires out fanciful objects from toasters, frogs and old boots to cupcakes, glitter and rainbows... Bagley’s charismatic illustrations add character, movement, comedy and style.
These stories are a delight and perfect to share with young children beginning to read for themselves or as bedtime stories!
The collection is a wonderful celebration of differences and friendship and finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. The way Armadillo and Hare look out for one another and help each other overcome their fears is beautifully portrayed along with the message that not everything has an answer or a ready solution... Expressive illustrations by newcomer Rebecca Bagley add to the package - hare’s ears are particularly eloquent.
