We’ve always loved a twist in the tail/tale at Gecko Press—ideally a double twist!
Perhaps counterintuitively, a twist ending can encourage reading again and again, to enjoy the build-up, spot any clues, and take full pleasure in the ta-da moment. Twist endings create opportunities to talk about a book, to discuss and anticipate while you’re reading. And there’s nothing a child reader likes more than guessing and knowing what’s coming when the adult reader-aloud doesn’t seem to get it…
Kim Crumrine’s delightful The Little Red Barn has a twist at the end that you don’t anticipate the first time then continue to enjoy with every re-reading. She ingeniously makes a story about animals going to sleep also a book about perspective—animal side-view leads to animal bottom as each one trots into the barn. So what happens when the barn view turns side-on?
Here are some Gecko Press favourites with a twist or two at the end. Happy reading!
Little Red Barn written and illustrated by Kim Crumrine
It’s time for the farm animals to go to sleep in the little red barn. First a mouse, then two cats, three dogs, four chickens, five pigs…
Group by group, the animals trot in, carrying toys and cuddlies and snacks. All of them disappear, bottom by bottom, through the door. But how can so many animals fit inside? Turn the last page to find out how the barn that looks so small has room for everybody!
The Little Red Barn is a goodnight book, a counting book, and a funny joke, as a succession of cheerful farm animals disappear into the very looooong little red barn.
Poo Bum written and illustrated by Stephanie Blake
The international bestselling picture book about a little rabbit who could only say one thing.
Once there was a little rabbit who could only say one thing: “Poo bum!” Though Simon is loved by his family, he knows how to push boundaries. An intelligent story with a triple twist, this international bestseller is a guaranteed favorite.
“Likely to stop even non-bookish kids in their tracks.” —The Guardian (UK)
You Can Do It, Bert! written and illustrated by Ole Könnecke
This is Bert’s big day. He is well prepared, mentally and physically. But he might need some encouragement.
You Can Do It, Bert! is a joyful picture book with a light as a feather story about taking a risk and believing in yourself.
This Irma Black Award Honor Book is a minimalist masterpiece that gives a boost to readers of all ages.
“Könnecke’s single-plane vignettes are gems of minimalist visual humor … handled with a light touch and easy-going reassurance.” —starred review, Publishers Weekly
Monster in the Lake written and illustrated by Leo Timmers
Four ducks are tired of their small pond and set out for an adventure in the big lake.
Walking at the back, Eric isn’t sure. He’s heard there’s a monster in the lake, but his friends don’t believe a word of that old story! Eric reluctantly tags along, only to make a startling discovery and find himself in a wonderful underwater adventure.
This large-format picture book features a detailed, fold-out, underwater world of mechanical marvels and sea creatures. The story of a nervous duck who finds courage and the overconfidence of groups will resonate with anyone who’s nervously dipped a toe in unknown waters.
“Here be monsters—and they are monstrously fun!” —starred review, Kirkus Reviews
I Am So Strong written and illustrated by Mario Ramos
The big bad wolf knows he rules the forest—but he likes to hear the others tell him so.
He marches through the woods, asking: “Tell me, who is the strongest?” Everyone, from Little Red Riding Hood to the Three Little Pigs to the Seven Dwarfs, agrees he is the strongest, the toughest, the terror of the woods. So when “a little toad of some sort” stands up to him, the wolf is furious—then quickly learns his lesson.
I Am So Strong is a great read-aloud for families and classrooms, and a delightful story for anyone who’s known an overconfident wolf.
“The only disappointment is that the book is over so soon. Better read it again.” —starred review, Publishers Weekly
The Kerfuffle written and illustrated by Clotilde Perrin
Dog and Cat were happy living next door until a misunderstanding caused a real kerfuffle! Now they can’t stand each other any longer, so they start to build a wall between their gardens. The wall goes up and up and up.
One day a funny rabbit pops its head over. But whose garden will this new friend play in? Here’s another cause for chaos between neighbors! Finally a better idea for how to use the bricks finds three happy friends sharing the garden after all—until some pigs move in next door . . .
From the creator of sensational lift-the-flap books about fairy tales and adventures comes a delightfully simple story about getting along with friends, which doesn’t put the lid on pandemonium.
“Form and function meld with fun and whimsy in a tale of the futility of building walls.” —Kirkus Reviews
