Books like Billy's Bucket

No bookshelf is complete in an early years classroom without "Billy's Bucket". This is a must have children's picture book. It was winner of the Children's Book Award. This review is in reference to the 32 Page Paperback edition. This is such a lovely, beautiful, light-hearted story that gets your brain thinking as to why a boy would want a bucket for his birthday. When Billy fills his bucket with water, it sets in motion mystical forces that defy the laws of nature. The premise of the story (a young boy wanting a bucket for his birthday) captivates the reader, and it keeps us right up until the end. You are constantly wondering where this story is going, and whether or not Billy’s parents will ever believe him about the world of nature that is living inside his bucket. Unfortunately for Billy's parents they do not heed to Billy's advice, which is very clear, "You must never ever borrow my bucket." I read a very funny review about this book, whereby a parent wrote that children can learn disastrous things can happen when people do not listen to what they have been told, just like Billy telling his parents never to use his bucket. There is a constant repetition of the word ‘bucket’ which really ingrains the word into your head. In many ways it reinforces the idea that this book was written to be read aloud and enjoyed by groups of children all listening to it together in unison. If read aloud to a group, I really feel that it will breathe animation to the words on the pages of the book.There are some absolutely fantastic lesson plans that could arise as a result of this book. I, for one know that many early years teachers have read this book aloud to nursery, reception and year one children, and they have all absolutely loved it. Playing on the subjectivity of one’s mind is a powerful skill. We each have different thoughts, ideas and opinions. Children could bring in their own buckets and decide what kind of things they would like to imagine being inside it. They could draw and/or write down all their ideas, and then place them inside the bucket, and share them with the rest of the group. They can be as creative as they want. Another great aspect of this book is the illustrations. The illustrations beautifully compliment the imaginative content. Whilst reading the book we transcend into Billy's world, which is a great one that children will love being a part of. It is even a very fun book for adults to read, as it really arouses your curiosity the very first time that you read it. The genius is in its simplicity; the whole focus on something as simple as a bucket enhances the engaging element to the book.