There Was An Old Woman Who Swallowed A Weta product reviews

Last year my daughter was in hospital getting a gastrostomy (feeding tube) operation, and whilst recovering was given a choice out of a couple of books, one she could take home and this is what she picked.

In my family we own the original "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" and never been to keen on remakes that like to change the ending "She's dead of course", but since my two year old was determined to have this one, home it came.

I must say, that whilst I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book I rather did enjoyed it. Each animal/item that she consumes is a New Zealand item/icon and so well suited since my children knew everything in it. They loved the pictures and seeing her eat some kiwi natives.

The ending was a surprise, and whilst part of my always hopes for the original ending I wasn't disappointed with this ending. So if you like NZ themed books or the original then this is a fun read.

This book puts a great spin on the story we had as kids. The pictures help the story really come to life and with the way some of them are drawn they come off the page. It has been read nearly half a dozen times in the past couple of days and i doubt will make it to the book shelf.

One of the girls hates the book, or content of, and the other loves it. It is a fantastic New Zealand book and i will have to get a copy for the pastor when he goes home to America.

The last page of the book really surprised me, i wasn't expecting that.

Well I can honestly say that I personally found this book more that just a little icksome given my all-consuming loathing of wetas and it did not appeal to me at all.

Good thing I'm not the target audience huh?

My daughter loves it and finds it hilarious!

This is a very kiwi book (which I do love) right down the illustrations which remind me very much of Murry Ball and Footrot Flats. The premise is, as it says, an old lady eating a variety of odd creatures. The good thing is that it's a chance for kids to learn some of what New Zealand wildlife has to offer, including some they may not be so aware of.

While it may not appeal to this adult the kids love it so I'd have to rate it a hit.

And as Mr Geek doesn't hate wetas he can do the repeated readings!