Shh! We Have a Plan

Product Information

Look at the expressions of the characters in the illustrations. How are they feeling? What are they thinking at different points? Make some puppets to represent the characters in the story. Could you use them to perform it to an audience? Chris Haughton tells a big story in stunning illustrations in his near-wordless picture book… a wittily told story with a strong message about communication'

Many young readers will enjoy the story for its humorous elements while others will nod gently, recognizing its life lessons about the impact of force versus gentleness. The repetitive use of cautionary "Shh"s hissed at the youngster as the gang tries to execute its plans and the moody digital illustrations are bound to make readers feel as though they are moving stealthily through the night. One of the most exciting author/illustrators in children’s books today and this latest offering is a delight ... a lovely book for reading aloud full of expression and fun, with a final twist in the furry tail'This is a beautifully produced book which will take pride of place on my bookshelf alongside Chris Haughton's other books.'

The winner of the 2014 Association of Illustrators' Award for Children's Books, Shh! is the covetable new picture book from Chris Haughton, one of the most exciting new voices in children's literature. Four friends out for a walk decide they must have the beautiful bird perched high in a tree. They have a plan... Trouble is, their plans don't quite work and each time they land up in a tangled heap as the bird flies off. But look more closely and you will see that the littlest one doesn't join in - he has a much better idea. Even then, things don't quite go according to plan in this almost wordless picture book which relies heavily on the clever picture to relate the story.' When children hear the story several times they’ll get to know it really well. This helps them to tell it in their own words, using the pictures as prompts. Listen for the ways they use words and phrases from the story. This familiarity will help them to read the story independently and with increasing accuracy. Watch a Trailer Re-read the story, encouraging children to join in with the repetition and fun: ‘ready one, ready two, ready three… GO!’ Tell the story Through seemingly simple but wonderfully sophisticated visual techniques, Haughton excels in his goal and in doing so, proves that even as profound a concept as achieving peace through understanding can be conveyed visually, without words'

Most of the illustrations use different shades of blue. Could you try to create your own pictures using different shades of the same colour? Play ‘What’s the Time Mr Wolf’ to experience, first-hand, suspense, chasing and being chased. Draw and write the next story Children can re-enact and retell the tale of the hilarious villains. Using movement and the repetition to build the suspense, swiftly followed by disappointment, will make it exciting and amusing for their audience. Play a game One of the most exciting new voices in children’s literature, comes a new picture book about a beautiful bird, an unquenchable desire and plans gone awry' What happens next? Children can draw and write what they imagine happens next in the story of the hunters and the squirrel.