Pete's a Pizza Board Book

William Steig is one of my favourite children's book authors and this is one of my favourites that he has written. It has a unique effect on family relationships that goes beyond just reading a book. I have gifted this book to my favourite nieces (I have no nephews who are parents yet!) to read to their children. One parent reads the book and the other parent does to their baby what the character Pete's parents do to him in the book. Pete's parents pretend Pete is a pizza and they knead the dough (interpret as massaging Pete) and scatter bits of things over him to replicate grated cheese and other pizza toppings. This also works as a way of making a child enjoy bathtime. I think any book that motivates cuddles and affection shown to children in a fun way is wonderful and goes miles to build confidence in children. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I would also recommend all of William Steig's other books.

This is rather lovely, and very reminiscent of how a lot of parents will try and distract a grumpy child from their 'woes' with silliness.Pete can't go out to play football because of the rain. So his dad tries to cheer him up by making his son into a pizza. Kneading, stretching, twirling. Then the stages of pizza making continue with oil, flour, tomatoes, cheese... it's a good lesson actually.And you can see Pete's face 'thawing' into enjoyment as the game continues and he is put into the oven and tickled. He gets some fun time with his parents, and then of course - well, rain doesn't last forever, does it...?It's full of love and family fun. Quite liked that Pete's parents are a little bit older than the 'norm'. But still manage to come up with games to cheer their son up. It's warm and my son smiled throughout.This gives some nice cues and ideas to parents for playing with their kids and encourages imaginative play. It's a short one but a good shared bedtime read.For ages 3-6.

This book is lots of fun to read and play along with. It was recommended on a library reading list for 2-4 year olds, but I'd say it's for a younger crowd.