'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Saturday 19 March 2011

Review: Ask Me

This simple little book is filled with wonderful questions designed to get conversations started with your preschooler. From basic likes and dislikes to questions about dreams and emotions and behaviour, the questions are ideal for parents and young children to read together and then chat about.

With a small, square format, the book features a question in black text on one page with a colourful photograph or drawing on the opposite page. The questions are simple and direct, asking children to recall memories, use observation skills or discuss their thoughts and feelings.

I love including questions in my bedtime conversations with my children. It always amazes me how creative and imaginative children can be when offered the opportunity. My children enjoy asking me questions in return as well and the whole process has been a wonderful way for us to get to know each other better.

This simple little book offers a range of questions that both children and parents can answer and discuss. The book isn’t designed to be read in one sitting and parents could perhaps read one or two pages at a time, using each page as a springboard for more questions and discussion. This is a lovely prompt for parents who want their quiet time with their children to include opportunities for creative thinking and conversation or who are simply looking for some new discussion starter ideas.

- this review by Susan Whelan

Title: Ask Me
Author: Antje Damm
Illustrator: Antje Damm
Publisher: Walker Books, $19.95 RRP
Publication Date: October 2010
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9781847801258
For ages: 2-5 years
Type: Picture Book