Pass the Parcel (Activity Books) - Tapa dura

Based on the favourite game of pass the parcel, each character in turn finds the parcel and the reader helps them tear off a layer by opening the double flap. Inside is a parcel of a different shape, until finally the final layer comes off and out pops mouse. The bright, clear pictures and flaps appeal to the very young, while older children can enjoy spotting and naming the different shapes. (The Word Pool 2005-03-01)

The parcels here have no labels; it is up to the reader to discover the rightful owners. An exciting introduction to the language of patterns, colours and shapes. The careful design allows young children to share the thrill of opening a parcel over and over again. (Carousel, Spring 2005)

If you’ve ever watched young children open layer after interminable layer of wrapping paper in a game of pass the parcel, knowing yourself that the present is another ten layers away, you’ll find humour in this book of the same name. When Mouse brings a parcel, no-one knows who it is for and each animal opens a wrapper, under a flap, and passes it on. (Cork Evening Echo 2005-02-01)

Big, bold, bright simplistic illustrations perfectly partner simplistic repetitive text in this ‘lift the flap’ picture book for infants. Mouse delivers Frog a square parcel which is patterned and coloured the same as frog. When the flaps are lifted, a circular parcel with a different colour and pattern is revealed. When the page is turned a new animal character (who is the same colour/pattern as the parcel) is introduced and the parcel passed on and opened anew.

This is an entertaining, amusing book and the bold, colourful illustrations and repetition of words will appeal to younger infants. (Inis 2005-06-01)

A fun lift-the-flap book, and an engaging first introduction to shape and pattern, which encouraged discussion and anticipation. When Mouse brings a parcel with no label, no-one is sure who it’s for. Can you help the animals guess? The wrapping paper is a clue. The trouble is, the paper keeps on changing!