The Nickle Nackle Tree

by Lynley Dodd

Introduces the numbers one to fourteen as a variety of fantastic birds come to perch in the Nickle Nackle Tree.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Number, Poetry, Counting, Humor

38 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Dame Lynley Dodd is an internationally celebrated writer for children whose titles are highly regarded and much loved by her readers in New Zealand and around the world. Her stories are known for their lively sound qualities, curious animal characters, and the memorable illustrations that accompany the text. Lynley has received numerous awards, both for her writing and illustration, and in 2002 she was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to children’s literature.

Lynley was a founding member of Bookrapt in 1983.

Reviews

[Carol, She's so Novel ꧁꧂ · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Manglemunching Forest there's a Nickle Nackle tree,
Growing Nickle Nackle berries that are red as red can be.

My children have been adults now for quite some time, but I still remember how much they both loved this story and would say the lines along with me. (I still knew the opening lines!) This story helped them learn to count.

I wish the family copy hadn't disappeared. My suspicion is that it (& quite a few of their other childhood books) disappeared when I handed them a rubbish bag & told them to clean up - properly this time. Sigh.

As always, beautiful artwork and wonderfully rich use of language.

I have bought the board book version for a 10 month old nephew but I would recommend for up to the age of four, or even a bit older if the child is struggling with counting.

[Jaksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our family's all-time favorite children's books, originally purchased in 1982 for our oldest daughter. A great, funny, silly read - with a must-count-the-birds-on-each page flavor. I just introduced this to the two-year old grandson (told him it was his mother's book when she was his age and got a wide-eyed, disbelieving look) and he loved it. Grandfather came into the room while I was reading and stood there with a smile - yup, this was the book HE read to our daughter.

One of those, really can't-go-wrong books for young children. (And their grandparents.)

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still holds up on a re-read 30 years later. The best of all counting books.

[Chris Weasel · Rating 2 out of 5]

A slap in the face and a fall from Grace... I'm at odds with this work from our old friend Dodds. Gone are the days of our favorite corner dairy, and our favorite pooch that old doggo mclairy. Or is the case of what many say rings true....you do one for them and you do one for you?

[zespri · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the imminent arrival of my first grandchild I have been plundering my garage! How could I forget to add this wonderful book to my Goodreads library. One of my all time favourite children's books. I can't exactly explain why - but I love everything about it. Is it the illustrations? The hilarious combination of words? Those lurking yuk birds? If you have never encountered this book, grab a copy - read it to a child, and be prepared to be delighted by this Lynley Dodd classic.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some will love it. I might like it more if I had a young child to share the nonsense verse with. But the simple cartoony drawings aren't enough to make it special, imo. I do like, however, that it counts past 10 all the way to 14. Here's a sample:

"Seven haughty Huffpuff birds, with hoity-toity smiles..."

(Did Rowling pay homage?)

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent for younger children who are learning to count. An easy book to read and encourage the children to count along with you!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful rhyming book in the style of Dr Seuss, a counting book full of nonsensical creatures.

[Melissa Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous story about an overloaded nickle nackle tree filled to the brim with nonsense birds. Reminds me of the style of Dr Seuss. Lovely rhyming book to read.

[Alice Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for really young children, full of bright and engaging pictures. It would be perfect for teaching phonics and developing word comprehension.

[FMF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still a favourite!

[Em Alaġbary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a treat to find a Lynley Dodd book I didn't know about. We all loved this unique and very fun counting book.

[Tegan (Slant Postscripts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The block colour drawings and rhyming alliteration were a hit with my 17 month old

[Fatima Seraj Alam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only it is a counting book but the alliterative rhyme scheme makes it a fun read along with cute illustrations of fictional birds.

[Ange · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lot of fun, a counting book with rhymes reminiscent of Edward Lear and Dr Seuss, and a lot of quirky illustrations.

[Jamie Ritchie]

One of our favourites

[Mads · Rating 4 out of 5]

the kids liked it lol

[Sunflower · Rating 4 out of 5]

When my kids were little they loved books that rhymed. They would memorise them quickly, but even so, they wanted them read over and over. I'm sure that this is universal. This book introduces a flock of unlikely birds; my favourite are the Yuk birds,(the sly and smirking kind-what child knows the words "sly" and "smirking" until they see the illustration) and the concept of counting is introduced almost without being noticed. Fun to read.
PS I want one of those trees.

[Wendy Bamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read aloud with bright colors that lead to children making their own colourful bird pictures and a hastily cut out nickle nackle tree made from black paper for them to go on on he wall. Definitely one to bring out year after year, we want our tree stretching round the library walls!

[Lisa Rushton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful book.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple counting book turned literary classic with delightful alliteration and comical rhymes.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute little counting book with some interesting rhymes.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tried it at babytimes (older children) didn't really work even thou it ticks all the criteria sadly.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! The pictures are wonderful and I love the names of the different birds. The ending was great too.