Title: Each Peach Pear Plum
Author: Janet Ahlberg
First published January 1, 1978
34 pages, Board book
ISBN: 9780670882786 (ISBN10: 067088278X)
Rating: 4.22
Overview
Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s “Each Peach Pear Plum” is a children’s book that has stood the test of time. This classic picture book is perfect for young children who love to play “I spy” and explore the world of fairy tales and nursery rhymes.
The beautifully illustrated pages are sure to capture the imagination of young readers, encouraging them to interact with the pictures and find their favorite characters. This board book edition is perfect for little hands, making it easy for children to turn the pages and discover new adventures.
With its delightful rhymes and charming illustrations, “Each Peach Pear Plum” is a book that children will want to read over and over again. It’s no wonder that it has been called a “work of genius” by readers and critics alike.
About the Author
Janet Ahlberg was a talented British illustrator of children’s books. She and her husband, Allan Ahlberg, worked together to create the popular Jolly Postman series.
Janet was born in Yorkshire in 1944 and attended Sunderland Technical College, where she met Allan. The two fell in love and were married in 1969.
They collaborated on their first project, The Old Joke Book, which was published in 1976. Janet was awarded the 1978 Kate Greenaway Medal by the British Library Association for her outstanding children’s book illustrations.
Sadly, Janet passed away from breast cancer at the age of fifty in 1994. Despite her untimely death, she left behind a legacy of beloved and bestselling books.
Her daughter, Jessica Ahlberg, followed in her footsteps and also creates children’s books.
Editoral Review
Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet Ahlberg, first published on January 1, 1978, is a classic children’s illustrated book that has captured the hearts of generations. The author, Janet Ahlberg, was an award-winning author and illustrator whose works have been cherished by both children and adults alike.
Each Peach Pear Plum is a delightful example of her innovative style and charming storytelling. The book combines familiar nursery rhyme characters such as Mother Hubbard and Tom Thumb with a refreshing twist.
The illustrations guide the story while encouraging readers to find hidden characters in the scenes, adding an interactive layer to the book. The story begins on the first page with, “In this book with your little eye, take a look and play ‘I Spy’,” introducing the game-like element that perfectly suits the target audience.
The characters embark on a journey of hide and seek through the pages and eventually find each other, bringing a sense of warmth and unity to the story. Each Peach Pear Plum is an excellent example of a picture book that uses rhyming and repetition to engage young readers.
Every page has a few lines that rhythmically flow, and children love to say the words aloud. The pacing of the story is perfectly timed for young readers, keeping them interested and engaged throughout the book.
The themes in Each Peach Pear Plum are both timeless and ageless. Kindness, friendship, and adventure are front and center, and the book shows that everyone can have a role to play in an adventure.
The book’s historical and cultural significance cannot be ignored, as it has been a part of young people’s childhoods since the late ’70s. It has been translated into numerous languages, capturing the imaginations of children worldwide.
The illustrations by Janet Ahlberg are undoubtedly the book’s highlight, capturing the magic and whimsy of the story. The illustrations are colorful, detailed, and beautifully crafted, making it easy for young readers to follow the storyline.
The illustrations are also detailed enough to maintain the interest of older readers, as they discover hidden objects and characters throughout the pages. With all its strengths, Each Peach Pear Plum does have some minor limitations.
The rhyming and repetition can become monotonous for some readers. But these elements are also what make the story so appealing to young readers, so this may not be a disadvantage for them.
Overall, Each Peach Pear Plum is an excellent book for children of all ages, and it is a delightful addition to any child’s bookshelf. It is perfect for children who love interactive stories, nursery rhymes, and fun illustrations.
I highly recommend it to parents who are looking for a story to share with their children, and to teachers who are searching for books that engage and inspire students. This book is undoubtedly a classic, and it earns five out of five stars in my book.
