Sunday 26 April 2020

Clever Cakes by Michael Rosen and Ashley King (Children's, 5 years +, 9/10E, Dyslexia Friendly)


 March 2020, Barrington Stoke, 72 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Barrington Stoke
Are you smart enough to escape from a hungry grizzly bear? Could you trick a grumpy king out of a giant golden belly-button?

It pays to be able to think on your feet, especially if you’re about to be eaten alive or cheated out of a valuable prize! So it’s just as well that Masha and Peggy are two clever kids, each with a cunning plan …

Nayu's thoughts 
 I haven't read a Michael Rosen book for ages, and since the title story appeared to be a version of the Little Red Riding Hood fairytale, which I am rather fond of, I decided to check it out. Michael's distinctive writing style shines through the clever stories. The second tale about a belly button was good in creativity, but not one I would personally reread, unlike the first story which had me hanging on to every single word, forever fearful that poor Masha would come to harm with the bear. Her quick wit combined with the bear's lack of common sense means she does survive her ordeal. 

The bear's hunger and selfishness in kidnapping her prove to be his downfall. He could have just asked Masha to help him out, or at the least pay her. But then there wouldn't be a story to tell. It may be short, but it is very sweet, and will probably make readers want to eat some tasty cake. I'm

 looking forward to when Michael write's another book for Barrington Stoke! 

Find out more on Michael's website.

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