Schnitzel Von Krumms Basketwork

Schnitzel Von Krumm, with the very low tum, is back in another stand-alone book. Schnitzel sleeps under the stairs in an old bed. The bed is a little small and, frankly, it stinks. But it is Schnitzel's bed and it is just right. Then Schnitzel's family decides to get him a new bed. One that is the right size and that has no odor. But to Schnitzel, this one is definitely not just right. Schnitzel Von Krumm sets out to find a new bed that is just right. But no matter where he tries, things are not right. The size and smell are not right. Braving all sorts of disturbances, including automatic sprinklers, Schnitzel becomes sad as he thinks all hope of sleep comfort are lost. But right at the end a solution is found and Schnitzel Von Krumm is happy again. I first ran into Schnitzel in HAIRY MACLARY FROM DONALDSON'S DAIRY. Since then I have seen him in a number of other books as a supporting character. This dachshund is a delight. Like in Lynley Dodd's other books the story is told in a lyrical style using clever language. The story is accompanied by delightful, full-page illustrations. It is easy to see why Ms. Dodd is the #1 children's author in New Zealand. Check out all of her books.

Schnitzel Von Krum has a worn-out old basket. His family decide it is too old and worn so they buy him a new one and a new blanket- it is very flash and beautiful, but Schnitzel just doesn't feel comfortable - so he tries everywhere else instead, the cupboards, the laundry, the vegetable basket, even the garden. To no awail - everywhere is uncomfortable. Lovely rhyming poem, gorgeous illustrations which the kids love - it is fun for adults and children to read. Excellent for under 5s - you can start them early on these books and they are fascinated by them.

My daughter LOVES this book and others by Lynley Dodd. Her friend introduced them to her at the local library. We can hardly make a trip there without bringing at least on Lynley Dodd book home! Now we are on a quest to find a copy of our own!

Schnitzel Von Krumm, who first appeared as one of Hairy Macleary's companions, got a story of his own in this book. His people took away his too-small, ratty old basket and replaced it with another that was a much "better fit" but did he like it? "No, not a bit!"He sets off to find another nice place to sleep, but nothing is as good as the old basket. In the end his dear old basket is retrieved from the rubbish, and he is the very image of a contented sausagedog!The story is wonderfully repetitive, with the great rumpty-bump rythm that endears kids (and grownups) to Lynley's other stories. And do you mind reading it aloud? No, not a bit!