Kiwi Corkers: The Whale and Snapper product reviews

We have a few of the Kiwi Corker series books just the smaller ones. I have worked out most of the mosts that have been retold is a fun New Zealand way. When this book "The whale and the snapper" came out I don't actually know which book it is retelling but I just loved it. What a lovely way to teach children do kind to others and kindness will come back to you.

This is a fun book, with lots of rhyming words, that children actually enjoy. The pictures are bright and bold and really show what is going on in the story. My 14mth old really enjoyed this book as I can change my voice to suit the fish or whale. My older children 8 & 9 enjoyed reading this aswell, and tried to work out what the book was telling them in the end they got it. They understood if you do something nice for someone else someone else or that same person will do something nice for you.

Its a softcover book so its not left around for 14mth old to get his hands on without an adult around, but it is on the bookcase if he wants to read it again with someone. The price isnt too bad for a fun loving book, but I would love to see them in a smaller hardcover form aswell for little hands to hold themselves. Perfect gift for those that do and don't live in New Zealand.

The Lion and the Mouse was always one for my favourite fables when I was a child. I have read, and enjoyed, several of the Kiwi Corker series which are New Zealand adaptations of traditional tales. The Whale and the Snapper is the latest in the series and is the marine version of The Lion and the Mouse. I was sure I was going to like this book.

Apart from the animals being different there are a few other differences I noted. Firstly this book is written in rhyme and it flows nicely rather than the forced rhyme in some books. Another is the subtle enviromental message about drift net fishing and snagging unintended marine life. The whale is also likely to drown as he is unable to get to the surface for air. The moral remains the same. As the final paragraph of the says "It does not make a difference if you're big or if you're small. We all have ways to help the world - you have to try, that's all." As adults it is important for us to remember that not only for our children but for ourselves.

When I first got this book I planned on gifting it to one of my young nieces or nephews once I had finished reviewing it. Now I am not so sure I want to part with it. I know that the young ones will love it but want to keep it for me to read to them when they visit. It is a sweet story with lovely illustrations. You can't help but feel an affinity with the wee snapper.