Jake Takes Charge
Michael Catchpool, illustrated by Shanarama
Otter-Barry Books

This is the second book about Jake, his family and friends who live in Maple Street. After an introduction to the characters there are four short stories: The Surprise Party, The Christmas Performance, A Great Adventure and That was Lucky!

The first story sees Jake and his brother heading to the park early one morning with Grandpa who lives in a flat below the home of Jake, younger brother Sam and elder sister Ellie and their parents. This is so Mum and Dad can make preparations for the party they are going to have as a surprise celebration for Grandpa’s birthday. When the three arrive at the park they find a sign saying that the play area is closed for repairs; Grandpa wants to go straight home but Jake hastily invents a delaying tactic, but will it give those at home sufficient time to get the party plans completed? Happily yes and a great time ensues.

In the second story, Jake is disappointed at being chosen as a shepherd rather than being allocated a star part in his school Christmas nativity play. Having accepted the role, thanks in no small way to Grandpa, Jake practises his lines and come the day of the performance, Jake’s little brother Sam mistakes the toy lamb for his own almost identical one and that causes an interesting diversion. How will the audience react?

A Great Adventure introduces readers to Algie, the bear that members of Jake’s class take turns to look after for the weekend. When it’s Jake’s turn, he wants to do something exciting but everybody seems too busy. Again Sam gets involved in the events that follow but so too does a very lively dog. Will it perhaps turn out to be an exciting adventure after all?

Jayden is Jake’s buddy from school and when he comes over the two play in Jake’s bedroom. The boys get rather excited; can the visit end without serious damage being done enabling them do decide That Was Lucky…

With Shanarama’s black and white illustrations on every spread, this is an ideal early chapter book for new solo readers, but equally the stories are great for reading aloud at home or in a Foundation Stage setting.