Hello, friends! Our book today is Jacob’s Toys by Claudia Woods, the tale of six cuddly toys going on a backyard adventure.

Jake decides that since he is a big boy now, he no longer needs his stuffed animals to play with. His mother agrees, promising to give the toys a wash then find them a new home. Put in the spin cycle then hung out to dry on a line, the six friends – Ted and Dupree, Tessa Turtle, Poncho and Mousy Dundee, and tiny reindeer Paul – contemplate their uncertain future. Just then, a huge storm kicks up, separating little Paul from the group. Unwilling to lose their friend, the group manages to follow Paul, kicking off a thrilling sequences of perils, cat chases, flying umbrellas and more. Where will their journey lead them? To a new home… or perhaps to a surprisingly familiar friend?

Very cute. Rhyming text leads the reader through a gentle yet engaging adventure story, featuring circumstances that are dire enough to be exciting without being truly scary. Quirky mixed-media illustrations are colorful and unique, and make each of the fluffy friends quite endearing. The ending is a bit abrupt, but a seek-and-find in the backmatter make rereading a treat. Even the rhyme scheme and repeating refrain are fun to read aloud, though American readers may puzzle at why “weather” and “umbrella” are paired as rhyming words (the book hails from Australia). The length was great, and JJ enjoyed it – overall, a fun romp. Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this books was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the author in exchange for an honest review.)