The Dodsworth series is a fun way to introduce your little
one to other countries and regions in the world. In this book, Dodsworth, the
traveling mole, and his quirky duck arrive in London via a hot air balloon and
endure a string of silly scenarios ultimately leading them to Buckingham
Palace, where the Queen invites them to stay the week! Although the book could certainly be
read in one sitting, it is broken into four chapters. The pictures take up the top half of a page, while the
bottom half is filled with text. These elements make this a great
book for transitioning to beginner chapter books.
Humor is a strong element throughout the story, including
scenes where Dodsworth's duck throws a dart that hits a book, which hits a waiter,
who drops a pie on a lady's head, or when his duck is asked to leave Pershing
Square for swimming in the fountain. Your little one may ask about the many
locations mentioned in the book, which can encourage a great conversation and
learning experience. Unlike many children's books, all of the locations from Trafalgar
Square to The River Thames are real locations in London that you could visit
someday. Watch your child begin to daydream when you tell them that! You can
encourage curiosity by posing some questions about the locations in the
story such as has your child ever seen a double-decker bus?
My niece Emily got a kick of out Dodsworth and
his duck's shenanigans. She thought it was so
funny when Dodsworth teased a duck about his British accent, thinking it
was his own duck being silly, but it turned out it was the Queen's royal duck
instead! Emily asked me what a British accent sounded like, so I did my best
impersonation, which is admittedly not very impressive. She spent the rest of
the afternoon trying to mimic my awful impression, and her mom could not figure
out what she was trying to say.
--Audra
