The story is very easy going to read and flows in a way that is appropriate for children from about age 7 upwards. (I am not by any means an expert on this but I think this is around about the right age!)
The quirky features of the story like the names of the ants and their home InhabitANT are wonderful and are a brilliant way for children to learn the meanings of new words and expand their vocabulary (They are also amusing for any adults who may be helping out on the way!) The inclusion of characters of other species such as PleasANT and ElegANT are helpful in the plot and create a broad range of personalities that open up a whole realm of possibilities for future plots.
PleasANT is my favourite character (for obvious reasons ;) ) and I’m sure that kids will become quickly attached to their favourite. The main characters, Brill, Zube and HesistANT provide three different personalities that will provide a relateable character for any reader. They are warm and will make any child feel enthusiastic about the contents of their garden. The thoughts of the ants will also bring children to the ants’ level and allow them to imagine what things are like when you are that small.
The pace of the plot is good and the story keeps the excitement moving. The only quibble I have is that Douglas could have made more use of the two-legs’ house, but you never know this may be in the next book! As I have previously said excitement is easily kept and it is more than difficult to prevent yourself from wanting to know what is going to happen to the ants! Parents will be just as interested as their children!
ONE SENTENCE: Children will be enthralled in this backyard-world.
No comments:
Post a Comment