WALKER BOOKS Out and About: A First of Poems

Absolutely the best children’s poetry book.

I discovered this book 32 years ago, when my daughter and son were the same ages as the family in the book. I loved it and I never forgot it. I bought this copy to give to my little granddaughter for her birthday. I love Shirley Hughes' charming evocative illustrations.

I’ve always loved Shirley Hughes books.. since my own childhood, I have nannied for a couple of decades and read then to all my children, now I have my own baby and want him to have every single book xx

This is another excellent book by Shirley Hughes. The pictures are amazing quality, very realistic and beautiful. They keep my 2 (nearly 3) year old focused and engaged, which is no small feat! We love reading the poems from this book at bedtime. She picks her own bedtime story books and regularly selects this one. We usually pick a few poems to read at a time but she would happily read all of them in one sitting. Her absolute favourite is The Grass House, which surprised me as I wasn't sure she'd understand it.I adore the pictures, and both me and my husband enjoy reading it myself again and again, unlike some of the other bedtime stories that can grow boring reading on repeat. The book is split into 4sections (summer, winter, autumn, spring). The words illustrate the beautiful pictures perfectly. I have added some photos of th chapter on summer. It really is very captivating, and so tangible for little ones who see this world around them and who spend their Seasons in exactly this way.Perfect for supporting children to learn about seasons, and could easily be used in conjunction with nature walks, etc.The paper is a nice thick quality and has withstood my 2 year old "reading" it. I envisage it being read for years to come, as well as used for copying/tracing/inspiring her drawings in future etc.Overall, an excellent first book of poems and highly recommended for age 2+, as a present for another child or as gift to your own child.

Aww what a beautiful book, it takes you back to your childhood.I had this book for my daughter who is now 30 and she loved it so much.It’s a book to share, read together, it teaches expression and love for the world around us.My daughter recently had a child and I bought it for her to enjoy.She’s only 5 months but her wee face lit up when I read it, it was so emotional.The previous book was re gifted but it was a joy to be able to get it again.My daughter and I reminisced about the poems and how we enjoyed the characters and illustrations.