You are here: Home » Reviews » Family » Jim – A Cautionary Tale *book review*

Jim – A Cautionary Tale book review

Posted by dulwichmum on Tue 17 November 2009

Name of product: Jim – a cautionary Tale, by Hilaire Belloc and Mini Grey.

Price: £12.99

The blurb: “Award-winning illustrator Mini Grey turns her inimitable hand to Hilaire Belloc’s classic cautionary tale of Jim: who ran away from his Nurse and was eaten by a Lion! First published in 1907, Belloc’s wickedly funny poem describing the sad end of Jim is now fabulously illustrated by Mini Grey for this extra-special new edition. A perfect gift with much to explore…”

First impressions: This is a hard backed, nice quality, beautifully illustrated book, filled with imaginative pop-ups, interesting flaps and lots of imaginative and engaging detail.

Ease of Use: It is a book! Turn the pages…

This publication, aimed at children from age 7 to 9, provided a curious read for my 6 and 8 year old poppets. Children of this age are keen not to be perceived as babyish. My two munchkins are both reading “chapter books” with minimal illustration now, and to my horror, only agreed to read this book with me as I told them it was meant for younger children and I asked them to help me review it.

The poppets were delighted and enthralled by the gory tale and clever detail in the illustrations and as a result we spent a very enjoyable half hour together. Despite the scary nature of the story, which I felt makes the book unsuitable bed-time reading for children under the age of seven, the few lines of simple text are not challenging or satisfying enough for children above the age of 6.

Pros: This book is simply ideal for special story time with a grown up, perhaps with an aunt or grandma who enjoys reading avec les enfants. It would make an ideal end of term gift for a favorite teacher as it provides a very engaging half hour activity for an afternoon spent with children.

Cons: Despite the fabulous illustrations, entertaining tale and lovely quality of this book, I am sad to admit that I feel this book could be rejected by a typical 7 – 9 year old if presented as a gift. Children of this age are keen to be seen to have moved on from “pop-up” books. However, if this book were to be produced by a storyteller at a children’s party, or by an aunt or visitor, it could provide the foundation for happy, memorable occasion.

Value for money: My children enjoyed this book, once or twice it provided a perfect half hour of entertainment. But it is an “occasion” book, and would not hold the attention a child of age 7 – 9 beyond that. I should expect that at almost £13, a book should entertain a child for many hours. If purchased for the right occasion, this book could be excellent value for money.

Dulwichmum verdict: For an average afternoon read for a child of aged 7 – 9, I would not rate this book very highly, but, if a teacher, grandma or aunt were to produce this book for a special story-time together I would give it 5/5.