Rhyming Texts

A Squash and a Squeeze
by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
(Macmillan)
Julia Donaldson’s hilarious rhyming version of the Jewish European folk tale about the old woman who finds her home too small and consults a wise man, is already hugely popular in schools. It’s good to see that it’s now available in big book format and with suggestions by the author for a dramatised version complete with music and lyrics. In my experience, too many literacy lessons are still dull, uninspiring and seat-bound: here is a splendid opportunity to bring some genuine fun and life back into the classroom.
(reviewed by Jill Bennett)
Buy from Amazon

Kakadu Jack
by Brenda Parkes and Guy Parker-Rees
(Rigby Red Giant)
Kakadu Jack is a parrot who belongs to Molly and goes with her to the market. Set in the Caribbean, the rhyming text reads so well that it's almost singable and it's easy for children to try making up their own verses.
KS1
16 pages ISBN 0433032499

Little Miss Muffet Counts to Ten
by Emma Chichester Clark
(Andersen Press)
In this story, Little Miss Muffet isn't scared away by the spider and keeps eating while she is visited by an increasing number of other animals. The text uses the familiar rhythm of the nursery rhyme and the colourful illustrations provide plenty to talk about and count.
Rated a must for KS1 by the teacher who tested it.
Links to numeracy. Number range 1-10
32 pages    ISBN 0862649668
Buy From Amazon

Out for the Count by Kathryn Cave and Chris Riddell
(Frances Lincoln)
When Tom can't sleep, he tries counting sheep but the sheep take him to another world where he meets tigers, pirates and other hazards in large numbers. The illustrations are wonderful - huge spreads with gorgeous animals and an inset picture with shadow creatures grouped in tens to make counting easier. A marvellous book which is a delight to read aloud. Children will love it.
Links to numeracy - place value. Number range 12, 23, 36, 45, 54, 61, 70, 88 and 97
KS1/early KS2
32 pages ISBN 0711215375
Buy from Amazon

This is the Bear
by Sarah Hayes and Helen Craig
(Walker Books)
A good story about a teddy bear who has to be rescued from the dump after he falls in the dustbin. Well told in rhyming text with a touch of humour, some speech bubbles and good characterisation in the pictures.
KS1
32 pages    ISBN 0744536219
Buy from Amazon

Where's my Teddy
by Jez Alborough
(Walker Books   )
A simple story about a boy who loses his teddy and finds an identical one that is much too big. Well told in rhyming text with a lovely touch of humour and good illustrations.
KS1
32 pages      ISBN 0744536200
Buy from Amazon  

Wriggly Squiggly
by Jeanne Willis Illustrated by Tony Ross
(Rigby Red Giant)
A mountaineer falls into the home of some monsters but, when they see him hanging from his rope, they react just as humans do to a spider. A funny story with rhyming text.
Links with science - spiders and insects.
KS1 and KS2
24 pages    ISBN 0433031360