The Runaway Chapati Big Book

by Susan Price

A major reading scheme for the teaching of reading and the development of literacy throughout the primary years. A popular traditional tale, The Runaway Chapati Big Book is ideal for shared reading activities with children in the Foundation stage/Primary 1 (ages3–4). The Big Book is designed to be used with the associated children's books (pack of 4): A Chapati; My Face; Run, Run!; Stop!, Come Back!. The Runaway Chapati Big Book spans the Key Skills (High Frequency Words) strand and the Language Patterns (Patterned and Natural Language) strand of Cambridge Reading. The Big Book can be used to develop children's Text and Sentence level skills through systematic coverage and repetition of four key, high frequency words a, and, my and the, and through the use of patterned and natural language of the speech refrains. The other two traditional tales (also comprising a Big Book and 4 associated children's books) are The Elves and the Shoemaker and Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Paperback

First published April 28, 1999

Reviews

[Ruby Patel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story encompassing a blend of culture! It tells the tale of a chapati that leaps out of a pan whilst trying to be cooked by a little girl. As the chapati runs it meets more creatures who want to eat him and unfortunately ends up in the belly of the jungle! It is an enjoyable yet short big book story, which is exciting and has captured children of all ethnicities through questioning. I have found some children do not know what a chapati is and this book can help introduce foods from different cultures to young children.

[Aqsa Sajid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This humorous tale is a retelling of 'The Gingerbread Man', but with a cultural twist. It is a lovely book that excites children at every point. It tells the story of a chapati who decides to run away because it does not want to be eaten by the girl who cooks it. On its journey into the jungle the chapati meets different animals, but during the chase it encounters a clever tiger who ends up eating the chapati.

This book was read to a year 1/2 class on one of my school placements. The children enjoyed every bit of the story and happily sang along to 'Run, run, as fast as you can. You can't put me in your frying pan!' They were fully engaged and were surprised to see the unfortunate ending of the chapati. In the classroom, this book is ideal to promote curiosity about different cultures. Many children did not know what a chapati was and described it as being similar to a 'pancake'. These types of books introduce new foods from cultures and help children learn about them.

I loved the rhythm of this book, as it made me want to quickly turn to the next page and discover the unexpected surprises in the story. The vibrant colours and illustrations are absolutely beautiful. Along with an interesting storyline, this makes it a book every child would adore.