Muddy Fun

This is the mud by Kathryn Apel

Mud, the muckier the better, is always likely to appeal to small boys, and this book provides lots of it.

Loosely based on This is the house that Jack built, this is a simple story about a cow getting stuck in the mud, and what happens to the farmer and friends who try to rescue her.

The great rhythm and rhyme and lovely large cartoon-like illustrations help this work well as a read-aloud for groups. And the colloquial language, "the ute spun and bogged" "don't worry old girl" is a refreshing change from Americanisms for 'down under' kids.

This was one of the earliest books (other than illustrated songs) that Mitchell asked for again and again. I've found that it works well for kids from 2 to 4 - older children will enjoy it, but not ask for it again.