'The Lighthouse Keeper's Picnic' By Ronda & David Armitage

'The Lighthouse Keeper's Picnic' is a tale about something we can all relate to - the temptation of food (and I'm not talking the healthy stuff). Mr Grinling, the lighthouse keeper, carries a few extra pounds and after an embarrassment at the village picnic his wife is determined to help him lose weight.

This is a modern classic and part of a best-selling series of children's picture books based around the adventures of The Lighthouse Keeper. First published in 1993, the illustrations reflect the fashions and style of the time and I'm sure it has remained a firm favourite amongst many of my contemporaries purely from the nostalgia of reading it themselves as a child.

The illustrations have a sketchy nature to them, a style of which I'm not overly keen particularly in relation to the character drawings, however there are some very impressive atmospheric images of the landscapes which are stunning and really do capture the imagination and sense of place.

The story itself I find pretty loose. In my opinion one event doesn't feel as though it naturally leads on to the next. My main plot criticism would be that the issue of Mr Grinling's weight doesn't feel resolved, he merely cheated on the diet and got what he wanted anyway - not sure this is a moral I'd want to be encouraging! Maybe it was meant to be about positive self-image and I missed the point.

What was fantastic and a real strength of the book was some of the use of language. This is a great story to share to really support children in extending their vocabulary with words such as geraniums, heliotropes, splendid, magnificent and delectable as just some examples. Furthermore, this book would be ideal to use as part of a seaside topic and has plenty of scope for linked activities such as creating fitness plans, taking part in races, designing and making their own sea-themed picnic treats and creating hot air balloons.

What do you think of this book? Let me know if you agree/disagree with my review and share your ideas on how this book can be used with children in the comments below.

RRP: £5.99

Available here for just £2.50!