This is the story of Casper the cross Crocodile. Casper is lost and is not happy about it…help him find his way back home or he might eat you! However, there’s no need to be alarmed, Casper just needs a friend or two to help him along the way. What’s Next Door is a cleverly constructed gem of a book which leads children on an amazing journey they can become fully immersed in. The interactive features are genius, really involving children by holding their attention, helping them feel part of the story and prompting conversation. There will also be a giggle along the way!
During the adventure to get Casper back home, children are invited to help by drawing doors with their finger. This aspect is fantastic for promoting shape knowledge as we’re asked to draw a square, oval, rectangle and circle for him to squeeze through, hopefully finding his home on the other side. Sometimes, Casper struggles to fit through so we have to shake and jiggle the book or give him a little push! We don’t always end up sending Casper home and he ends up in places where he needs help – fan him when he’s too hot, shake the snow out when he’s too cold but be careful not to create a blizzard!
There’s so many opportunities for participation on each page and children will enjoy peeping through the cut out to see what awaits Casper next. The bold, bright illustrations in this innovative picture book are stunning, with lots to spot. Can you find the creatures Casper meets along the way? It has everything – humour, interaction, a lovable character and a happy ending. What’s Next Door? is bound to become a firm favourite, perfect for reading aloud and enjoying a giggle together.
The review was written by Emma Davis
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