Synopsis: When Ollie makes his first visit to the shops without his mum her words of warning are clear and practical. The question is, will Ollie follow these instructions or will this ordinary outing prove to be something of an extraordinary adventure?

Review: This book introduces us to Ollie, a young boy, who is about to demonstrate independence by making his first visit to the local shop without his mum. Although his mum details important instructions, which not unexpectedly begin with ‘don’t,’ she scoffs at Ollie’s intention to avoid cracks in the pavement in case the bears get him. ‘That’s only in stories’ she says and so confirms to the reader that a huge adventure is about to begin. Not unexpectedly Ollie does not follow all his mother’s instructions and encounters some interesting and challenging diversions along his chosen route; a route which is engagingly charted by the colourful illustrations of Ross Collins. Diversions include witches, a bug eyed monster, aliens, ghosts and the inevitable bears. This is a story which deals humorously with a very real issue. Young readers and their parents will both relate to the ‘rite of passage’ which marks an important stage in growing up and letting go. Cleverly Angela McAllister offers a positive view of this situation to both parent and child. Although Ollie fails to follow his mother’s instructions to the letter, he demonstrates that he has learnt strategies with which to face the unexpected and perhaps this is ultimately what being trusted is all about.

This book would make a good addition to a young child’s personal collection, whilst teachers could usefully explore its theme more deeply through class drama and circle time.

2006-12-17