Handa's Surprise Big Book (Reading and Math Together) by Eileen Browne Ages 3+ 32 pages Candlewick March 2011 Paperback     Now available in a BIG BOOK format which is ideal for reading to children in a classroom setting or in a large group, this oversized edition of Handa's Surprise features bold, bright illustrations that are sure to capture and hold any child’s attention. The simple story is about a little African girl named Handa who places some fresh fruit in a basket she plans to take to her friend in a neighboring village. Balancing the basket on her head, Handa is off to see Aleyo. Along the way, various animals like a monkey, zebra and elephant steal the fruit without the little girl knowing it. Poor Handa. She’s not going to have anything left once she reaches her friend’s house - but that’s not really the case. During her walk, the missing fruit is replaced so the journey is not a waste. How this happens and what takes the place of the stolen fruit is a delicious twist. Naturally, I don’t intend to tell you what Handa’s big surprise is! Because of the book’s size, you’ll need to use a table or sit on the floor to use this book at home. At approximately 18” x 15”, this is not a volume that can be easily read by having your child sit in your lap or next to you. On the other hand, a book this large is certainly special and made more attractive by its unusual format.     web reviews   Bob Walch/2011 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)