Rosie's Walk (Board Book) by Pat Hutchins

Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins can, at first glance, seem to be a rather simple story but if you spend some time with this story it reveals a great plot, plenty of humour, beautiful illustrations and interesting talking points. It is the story of Rosie the hen and her walk at the farm. She is oblivious to the danger and chaos behind her.

The moment she leaves the safety of the chicken coop a fox appears, ears pricked, eyes wide and tongue hanging out. He looks hungry.

Rosie wanders across the yard and the fox launches into the air… Only to land on a rake that flips and hits him square on the nose!

Rosie then walks around the pond, over the haycock (haystack), past the mill and through the fence. Each time the fox’s attempts to capture Rosie are thwarted and she remains oblivious. Even when the beehives begin to topple above her, she just keeps on walking.

Rosie steps back into the safety of her chicken coop just in time for dinner, still none the wiser to the danger and disasters behind her.

The story is great to read to children as they quickly pick up the order and begin to ‘read’ with you. It is also fantastic for children beginning to read independently as the text is big, bold and supported by the gorgeous, vibrant and stylistic illustrations. Rosie’s Walk is also the perfect book for introducing or reinforcing prepositions as Rosie walks across the yard, around the pond, over the haycock, past the mill, through the fence and under the beehives.