Handa’s Surprise

In this book we can look at African animals and different fruits. We will be developing their listening and attention skills, their recall of key aspects of the story and support discussion and questioning skills. 

Possible themes: journeys, African animals, fruit

Key vocabulary: Banana, mango, guava, passion fruit, orange, pineapple, avocado, tangerines, Handa, Akeyo, elephant, zebra, antelope, ostrich, monkey, parrot, goat, basket, market delicious, surprised, delicious, soft, sweet-smelling, round, juicy, ripe, red, yellow, spiky, leaved, creamy, green, tangy, purple, Kenya, Africa, fruits, animals.

The Gruffalo

This book includes repeated refrains, rhythm and rhyme and new vocabulary. It allows for listening and focus, joining in with the repeated refrain and retelling the story in order.

Possible themes: rhyming, rhythm in words, animals and habitats

Key vocabulary: Mouse, stroll, deep, dark, woods, fox, little, underground, house, kind, lunch, Gruffalo, terrible tusks, claws, teeth, jaw, rocks, roasted, owl, treetop, tea, knobbly knees, turned-out toes, poisonous wart, nose, stream, snake, log pile, feast, tongue, prickles, scrambled, scariest, creature, afraid, hiss, hoot, astounding, rumble, crumble

Owl Babies

This book allows the children to ask questions, extend conversation and to use a repeated phrases (I want my Mummy). It also supports children to recall of simple stories, talk about families, different environments and the natural world. 

Possible themes: Families, natural world, anxiety/worry, separating from parents

Key vocabulary: Babies, Mummy, big, small, home, house, twigs, feathers, owl, nocturnal, talons, branch, ivy, brave, soft, silent, swooped.