About the Book and Author / Illustrator
Join Richard Scarry’s beloved Postman Pig for a day of discovery and adventure!
With deliveries to the police station, the doctor’s office, the library and many more, young readers will see how those in their communities go about the day and learn lots of new words along the way.
Richard Scarry (1919- 1994) was a student at the Art School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. He is best known for creating the animal characters of Busy World who entertained and educated multiple generations of young readers. To find out more about his work visit RichardScarry.com
Book Review
I liked the road workers the best
Ilaria took a while to get into this book and I think that is because it is quite a visually busy book which coincides with the name of the town – Busytown! For the first few readings we focussed on looking at the pictures and talking about what we could see.
After a while Ilaria chose it to look at and I think this was because she enjoyed hearing about all the different jobs that the people do in the town. I started reading the text with her after the first few readings and the detail included is nice to read together.
As an adult reading the book I found the traditional role division a bit of a shame for a book in 2023. The book was first published in 1978 so it is not surprising but as this edition is 2023 it would have been nice to have updated this – Meter Maid Millie after two male police officers, a male doctor and a female nurse, Carol the secretary with Sally the switchboard operator and the farmer and his wife just being some examples.
I also thought it was a shame that Postman Pig always eats a hot dog and ice-cream for lunch and felt that an opportunity to promote healthy eating to a young generation had been missed.
Overall, I think Ilaria did enjoy the book and the premise of learning about a whole town through the day of a postman works well. At two and a half years old Ilaria enjoyed this book but maybe found the detail a bit overwhelming. I think it would be more suitable for children who are a little older, maybe 4 years old, so we are looking forward to revisiting it over the next year or so.
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Alternatively, we suggest that you visit your local library and request to borrow a copy from a friendly librarian.
Whichever you choose we hope you enjoy being part of your unique reading community – happy reading everyone!
Reviewer Profile
- Name: Ilaria
- Age: 2 years
- Likes: Animals, looking after her bunny rabbits and yoghurt
- Dislikes: Bedtime and having to stop playtime
- Favourite Book: Bunny and Bee's Noisy Night by Sam Williams
- Favourite TV programme: Waffle the Wonder Dog
- Favourite Song: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
