disclosure:  we were sent this book for the purpose of review

We love Jez Alborough in this house, in fact, one of my son’s most treasured (and sadly, much battered) possessions is Hug, a book of few words, but wonderful imagery that his godmum bought him for his first birthday.  He adores that book.  So when Random House recently sent us Jez Alborough’s latest book Billy the Goat’s Big Breakfast, I knew we’d be on to a winner.

This lovely 30-page hardback book was released on 5th September and is a sequel to Nat the Cat’s Sunny Smile.  Perfect for pre-schoolers as well as early readers with the large, clear text.

We meet up again with Nat the Cat, Billy Goat and Hugo Hare.   Nat the Cat is making a breakfast treat for her friends – homemade bread.  Billy the Goat arrives early, and the bread hasn’t had time to rest, let alone bake.

My son, who as you know, will be 4 in December sat patiently with me as I read him the rhyming story.  Billy the Goat is like all goats, he likes to eat and isn’t particularly patient.  He tries to make himself useful while waiting for the breakfast to be ready and for Hugo Hare to arrive.  But temptation is too great and he helps himself to the breakfast treats and he munches a big hole in the resting bread dough mixture.  Not so nice! But he swallows it.  We read on, as poor Billy the Goat’s tummy starts to expand – oh no!

Billy the Goat eventually explains what he’s done to his friends, but Nat the Cat had already guessed what had happened.

Billy the Goat’s Big Breakfast is a tale of patience and friendship, of working together.  We thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and can recommend it.  There is even a song to sing at the end of the book.