The Orion Early Reader series is brilliant for early and emerging readers. We have reviewed some other titles from this series before, both the blue and red levels (listed at the end of the post), and I’m always very happy with them.
The Little Nut Tree is an early reader version of the picture book by Carnegie award winning author Sally Gardner, based on the well known traditional nursery rhyme. I remember the rhyme from my own childhood and it translated over into a reading book format very well here.
The Little Nut Tree is a blue level early reader, which is the easier of the two early reader bands from Orion.
The language used is quite manageable for most children of 4 or 5 years and there is not too much text on each page.
They are plenty of illustrations as well as text, to keep young children interested. Both the text and illustrations are done by Sally Gardner.
For those who are not familiar with the traditional rhyme, The Little Nut Tree tells the story of a little girl who was given a little nut tree on her birthday, which ends up bearing golden fruit. It become known far and wide. A princess came from Spain and demanded the tree – which the girl sadly gave away to her. She found a golden twig which had been left behind and it gave her the ability to fly! When it was bedtime she kept that twig in a pot, and woke up to find it had sprouted into a new little nut tree!
Although I knew the rhyme in my childhood, Mr Z was actually not familiar with it before. So for him, it was a new story that he had not come across before. Mr Z is 5 and was able to read the whole book easily without any help. I was really pleased to see this as he’s improved a lot since the first time he tried the Orion Early Reader books!
It’s a lovely book and it’s great to see these traditional rhymes still being enjoyed by children of this generation.
I had a little nut tree
Nothing would it bear
But a silver nutmeg
And a golden pear
The King of Spain’s daughter
Came to visit me
All for the sake
Of my little nut tree
I skipped over water
I danced over sea
All the birds in the air
Couldn’t catch me
See more of our Orion Early Reader book reviews here:
Miranda the Explorer and Mondays at Monster School.
Algy’s Amazing Adventures in the Arctic and Poppy the Pirate Dog’s Shipmate
Do you remember the rhyme of the Little Nut Tree? Do your children know it? Let me know in the comments!
I remember The Little Nut Tree and still sing it to my son. I love the idea of the rhyme turned into a book and the pictures look beautiful. I haven’t heard of Orion Early readers, these look perfect for children at the beginning of their reading journey. If you have time I would love you to pop over and link up your review with my #kidsbookaweek linky
Kirsty recently posted…The Shape of My Heart by Mark Sperring & Alys Paterson
We’ve read this book and my son didn’t know the rhyme either! I think it’s weird how the fads change and we move on to something new 🙂
Jenny @ The Brick Castle recently posted…Nelsons Rescue Cream And Balm
The book looks lovely. I find these books which use whole word recognition and repeat familiar rhymes perfect for pre school readers. Later on children really need to learn phonics and to sound out words – but that’s far too involved for the younger children who are ready to read.
TwinsplusTwo recently posted…“Wiggling” the Wires
We’re big fans of the Orion Early Reader series – this one looks great.
Emily @amummytoo recently posted…Making hemp milk at home (recipe and review)
That’s so sweet, I vaguely remember the poem and I love that line, “I danced over the sea”. Gorgeous!
Globalmouse recently posted…Landmark Trust – The Old Parsonage, Iffley, Oxford
Looks like another great Early Reader.
Mummy of Two recently posted…Rewind #TheGallery
I really do love the early reader books!
LauraCYMFT recently posted…Rewind #TheGallery
F is too young for these but I think it’s good practise for him to start getting familiar with these books for when he starts school in 2015, the illustrations and wording look really easy to manage. x
Lori recently posted…ARE YOU WILD ENOUGH? // PROJECT WILD THING
We’ve read this book too, and I love the illustrations and story of the nut tree. My daughter (5) was really intrigued by the story and enjoyed reading it.
Healthier Mummy recently posted…7 tips for a healthier work-life balance for parents – and the chance to win tickets to the Work & Family Show
It is in a CD of nursery rhymes that we have.
Vai Chin @Rambling Through Parenthood recently posted…Gravity Defying Builds
Oooh – how lovely! I started singing the song as soon as a read the title, so was thrilled to see that the book was based on the traditional nursery rhyme. Great find!
Vicky recently posted…Lets Talk About Pets: which pet is best for you and your family? – small mammals
Gorgeous illustrations. Made a note of these books for when Toby is ready for them. We are home educating him so these would be good.
I love the pictures in it (yes I still have a thing about some nice illustrations) and its lovely to hear a long forgotten till you mentioned it nursery rhyme.
Sarah Bailey recently posted…JUST EAT: Review
Beautiful poem, beautiful book and gorgeous illustrations. Ahhh bless xx
liska recently posted…Wood Green Shopping City Was Opened by The Queen – The Photo Gallery
Nice pictures really make a books at this stage… they are so important
Agata Pokutycka recently posted…How to get paid for your opinions
Oh I havent heard this rhyme before! The book looks lovely
Foz recently posted…How NOT to bake brownies
It’s one of my favourite nursery rhymes, we like this book too.
Mary @over40andamumtoone recently posted…Brewster is the heart of our home
I remember this rhyme from school – lovely illustrations to go with the story as well.
Helen @ Peakle Pie recently posted…Happy 1st Birthday Peakle Pie!
I think the illustrations are great. Really make the book, for child AND adult!
I will have to look into these books, Meg is desperate for some of her own books to keep and read now she’s started bringing reading books home from school. It sounds like a lovely story too.
Thanks for linking up with #BookLove
Jess @ Catch A Single Thought recently posted…Me & Mine Project {January 2014}
sounds lovely, the illustrations are sweet
This sounds a lovely book – I think I will buy it for my girls! Thank you x
This does look like a sweet little book, and as I’ve a 4 year-old learning to read, is one I’ll look out for, thank you.
The Reading Residence recently posted…Marmaduke the Very Different Dragon – Review
I know the rhyme and I love the illustrations in this book. It would be perfect for my daughter 🙂
Catherine @ Story Snug recently posted…International Book Giving Day 2014
great review i got some of these books for my nephew and he loved them