The house that Wonky built (kit) based on the song by Craig Smith

Ill. by Katz Cowley. Paper engineering by Phillip Fickling. Scholastic, 2012. ISBN 9781775431152.
(Age: 5-9) Recommended. Lots of fun for young children and adults who enjoy folding and making things, this would make a perfect present. The house that Wonky built is based on the Wonky Donkey song by Craig Smith that won an APRA Silver Scroll Award in 2008 for Best Children's Song of the Year. It contains the book, The Wonky Donkey, and a CD of the very catchy song as well as a fabulous fold out of Wonky's stable and three rooms. There are stickers to decorate Wonky's home, and these will provide much entertainment for the young.
I really enjoyed reading the book and listening to the song on the CD. The book in itself is a great read aloud, with its repetition of information about the donkey and is very amusing. Children will enjoy guessing what is going to come next and the conclusion of 'a spunky, hanky-panky cranky stinky dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky donkey' is sure to make the listeners giggle. Katz Crowley's illustrations of the donkey and the little bird who spots him are hilarious and will really appeal to its audience. And of course the song is very catchy, funny and is certain to become a favourite.
The fold out of Wonky's house is beautifully made and quite a treasure. Children love stickers and they will have fun working out which room to put each one. As well as the stickers there are sturdy cut-outs that need to be folded to make furniture.
Pat Pledger