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*Previously* by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Bruce Ingman
 
Also by Allan Ahlberg:

The Runaway Dinner

 
Also illustrated by Bruce Ingman:

The Runaway Dinner
Previously
by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Bruce Ingman
Ages 4+ 32 pages Candlewick April 2011 Hardcover    

Previously links together several well-known fairytales and nursery rhymes into a single narrative, traveling back in time with each character, jumping from tale to tale.

For instance, in the first story, we learn that prior to breaking into the three bears’ home, Goldilocks had been rubbing shoulders with Jack (of the Beanstalk fame). The second story, which details Jack’s adventures, ends with a reference to his sister, who we learn in the next story was named Jill and had climbed up a hill with Jack to fetch a pail of water, and so on.

Previously comes to us from the same team who wrote and illustrated the hilarious and zany The Runaway Dinner. Conceptually, this is a clever and creative idea for a book and well-supported by quirky and entertaining illustrations.

However, unlike their other book, I found Previously more intriguing in concept than in execution. The stories are so disjointed that it’s hard to see the common links between them and know why these particular tales were selected.

The telling of each story also feels rushed, without enough depth or interest to each segment. Still, I think Previously will find its share of young fans.
 


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  Usha Reynolds/2011 for curled up with a good kid's book  






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