Children's Book review

Stick Man

By Julia Donaldson

Published by Alison Green books

The award-winning creators of The Gruffalo, now present us with a modern variation on a long-established folk tale theme, which details the perilous adventures of a stick.

To other animals and humans, poor Stick Man is seen as ideal for all kinds of uses. He ends up in a dog’s throw and fetch game, as part of Pooh-sticks, a swan’s nest, a snowman, as a sand-castle decoration, and a host of other ignominious possibilities, before facing the terror of the sitting-room fire.

He is rescued and returned to his grieving wife and family in the St Nick of time, to celebrate a happy Christmas.

A deliciously terrifying tale, further invigorated by equally funny, wonderfully spirited illustrations.

Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Reading age: 6+
Interest level: 3+