A Great Big Cuddle: Poems for the Very Young
What’s inside...
'A Great Big Cuddle: Poems for the Very Young' is a delightful collection of poems by Michael Rosen, tailored for young children. The book combines the whimsical and playful nature of childhood with the melodic rhythm of poetry to engage and entertain its young audience. Accompanied by Chris Riddell's charming and vibrant illustrations, each poem captures the nuances of a child's experiences, thoughts, and emotions. From funny noises and silly scenarios to moments of comfort and joy, the poems are designed to be read aloud, fostering a love for language and reading. This collection is a celebration of the simple pleasures of childhood and the warmth of a loving embrace, embodying the heartwarming spirit that is ideal for sharing between parents and children or in a classroom setting.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which poem made you smile the most, and what about it did you like?
Can you think of a time when you felt the same way as a character in one of the poems?
If you could create your own poem about your favorite cuddly toy, what would it say?
How do the pictures in the book make the poems feel more special?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child choose their favorite poem and read it aloud together, emphasizing the fun sounds and rhythms.
Discuss the emotions conveyed in the poems and ask your child how they felt while reading them.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene or character from the book, then describe why they chose it.
Use the poems as bedtime stories, creating a soothing, rhythmic storytelling session that enhances bonding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of emotions
Explanation: Through playful and expressive poems, children explore a range of emotions from joy to sadness, teaching them emotional literacy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to identify and express their feelings more effectively, aiding in their emotional development.
Example Lesson: The value of creativity
Explanation: The imaginative poems encourage children to think creatively and appreciate the power of words and rhymes.
Real-World Application: Fosters creative thinking skills which can be applied in problem-solving tasks at school or in play.
Example Lesson: Language skills development
Explanation: The rhythmic and repetitive nature of the poems helps enhance phonetic recognition and reading skills.
Real-World Application: Improves their reading and speech abilities, allowing for better communication in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The joy of shared reading
Explanation: The fun and engaging content is ideal for reading aloud, promoting a shared family reading experience.
Real-World Application: Encourages bonding and improves social skills through interactive reading sessions with peers or family members.