There was an old mozzie who swallowed a lady by P. Crumble

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Ill. by Louis Shea. Scholastic, 2015. ISBN 9781743623831
(Age: 3-6) Recommended. Another in the series based on the familiar rhyme, There was an old lady who swallowed a fly, in this one Crumble turns the tale on its head and has the mozzie swallowing the old woman. The mozzie then swallows a horse to chase the old woman, then a girl guide to ride the horse and so on until he finally swallows a toad that explodes the lot and all happily sit down to tea.
This is an exuberant tale that will have pre-schoolers jumping in delight with the strange humour and guessing what will be swallowed next. The exploding ending of course will have them in stitches.
The illustrations by Louis Shea are very funny too - the old lady have very purple wavy hair, the girl guide had a wonderful time galloping on the horse and the glow from the bug zapper is gorgeous.
This is a great story to read aloud and children could have fun making up their own rhyme based on the story. Reluctant readers will also enjoy the humour and illustrations.
Pat Pledger

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