I had VERY mixed emotions about this book as I finished it. And at multiple times throughout reading...

I read the majority of this novel on a coach journey... and there was a moment where I think I woke the person behind me with how viciously I slammed the book down in anger.

I LOVED the idea. The concept of the land, game, and even the base of the plot was wonderfully refreshing and entertaining. I was truly gripped to how the book would end.

However... the characters were some of the most infuriating I have ever come across and that says a lot honestly. I felt that the plot heavily relied on the reader putting up with a lot of stupidity and annoyance from the characters. And I will never forgive for the one character I enjoyed being destroyed as soon as the writer decided to invoke the ever dreaded "was it all even real" card...

I'm going to leave it there. I would recommend the book to those intrigued, I would love to one day maybe see a film or show based on the concept, but be prepared to want to hit the characters with the book itself.

Personally, I didn't enjoy this story at all.

I can see it's place in a classroom use, and I can imagine that there will be some children who get on really well with the empathy needed to read and evaluate the story from this point of view.

I could also see great uses in a creative context or for a core piece to discuss traditional tales in the classroom that may evoke a new idea/retain attention rather than the usual take on a story.

~ Catherine Rayner is the study of an author project I am doing so excuse the sudden influx of her books ~

I really enjoyed this one and will definitely have a deeper think about it.

A fun, simple idea that is well executed and beautifully written. There is no overly flowery language or unnecessary plot extension, just a basic and wholesome moral that children will grab hold of and enjoy. The characters are also adorable. Limiting the book to only 2 characters was definitely a good move and adds to the simplicity of the book.

This was one of my favourites of her collection.

~ Catherine Rayner is the study of an author project I am doing so excuse the sudden influx of her books ~

I took every single Catherine Rayner book that my uni library had had the time out to browse and cross analyse... but I happened to stumble across this one whilst on placement in school!

A slightly more complex story than some of her books, this one includes a group of named characters (only found in a few of her books), yet focused on the one titular character (a constant across her books I have read so far).

This book as you may assume is about sharing, and it does a good simple job of teaching children the importance of basic morals such as patience, differences and friendship.

I enjoyed it for a relaxed reading session, but can also see plenty of opportunities to use in a structured classroom setting too.

Side note: I am very confused by the amount of books recently that have a main character called Norris or Norman!

~ Catherine Rayner is the study of an author project I am doing so excuse the sudden influx of her books ~

Another super sweet and super simple storybook, this one focused solely on the titular character on a journey of self discovery to find his lost smile.

I thought the book was beautifully made, but almost more for the adult readers than children. Although the moral is age appropriate, I felt that the description and conclusion was maybe more artistically pleasing for an older audience than for a child who may just get a bit bored and have to be encouraged to fully appreciate the message.

~ Catherine Rayner is the study of an author project I am doing so excuse the sudden influx of her books ~

This particular book really brought out the inner mischievous child in me! I loved its playfulness and naughtiness.

Focusing on the titular character, this book doesn't really have a 'good behaviour' or moral to teach children, but rather a reminder that friends are important, bring us joy, and can help us to do things better or achieve what we might not be able to alone.

I like this book from my personal perspective and think children would find it exciting and entertaining. However I am hesitant as to how it would go down in a classroom setting...

~ Catherine Rayner is the study of an author project I am doing so excuse the sudden influx of her books ~

I enjoyed the tone of the book, and the softness it handles the suggested themes that underpin the relationship between Harris and his grandad.

I also thought that the collection of actions throughout the book would be a great use for cross curriculum class projects, such as in PE or art.

Similarly to Augustus, I thought the book worked well for the adult reader to enjoy, however this one felt much more coherent in that the adult enjoyment was an addition rather than a distraction or downfall.

~ Catherine Rayner is the study of an author project I am doing so excuse the sudden influx of her books ~

I quite liked this one (I like anything with dragons in let's be honest...) and can imagine it working really well with slightly older children. Even though the story is basic and the language aimed at younger children, I can see it being an easy to understand book that could be made much broader and deeper using the context and empathy it holds.

The moral in the book is again very clear and strong, with the two titular characters going on a journey of discovery and learning that the best friendships can be just as good as any family and just as strong, and that looking different is more than okay.

This book has much more action, with a good arc for plot, which I feel older children would appreciate as well.

~ Catherine Rayner is the study of an author project I am doing so excuse the sudden influx of her books ~

I didn't really like this particular one, but I can appreciate the fun and interactive ness that it could provide for younger children. It's much more of a narrative that involves the reader in the journey, and would easily evoke exclamations from any listener.

I did enjoy the art style of Louie however. It reminded me a lot of the Hairy Maclary books which I used to read to the children in nursery with his curly feet, long arched back and soft edges.

~ Catherine Rayner is the study of an author project I am doing so excuse the sudden influx of her books ~

My absolute favourite so far of this author.
I love the relationship between the group of friends and the titular character. I enjoy the importance of numbers and counting. I love the opportunity for children's interaction with the counting itself during reading and the simple sensory interaction of the extendable page at the end as a final flourish to re-engage children and add to that sense of wonder Abigail has.

I also think it of of note that the main character of a maths based book is female, which really makes me happy.