Under The Table
by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Bruce Ingman
Interest age: 2 to 5
Published by Walker Books, 2023
About this book
It's a normal day, just like any other, when little Elsie Cannon runs outside to tell her Dad that not only has an egg mysteriously appeared in her egg cup... but there's an elephant hiding under the table!
So begins a fun and whimsical story where strange new friends keep popping up in Elsie's house. There are penguins in the fridge, a talking ketchup bottle, runaway cutlery, and of course, a kangaroo. It's up to Mum and Dad to choose the only natural course of action - take everyone on holiday!
Children will have a brilliant time pointing out all the different characters in the expressive background illustrations (a sneaky piano and a perpetually surprised cat are two of our favourites) and clear, simple text makes this a lovely story to read out loud together. See how many times you can spot the runaway egg, too!
About the author
More books like this
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The Jolly Christmas Postman
by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Janet Ahlberg
4 to 9 years
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Mrs Wobble the Waitress
by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Janet Ahlberg
2 to 9 years
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Peepo!
by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Janet Ahlberg
0 to 4 years
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The Baby's Catalogue
by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Janet Ahlberg
0 to 7 years
Lists of recommended reads
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Our favourite books by Allan Ahlberg
Allan Ahlberg wrote over 150 books in his long career, shaping several generations' childhoods. He and his wife Janet created much-loved classics such as 'Peepo' and 'The Jolly Postman', which engage and delight children from the very first page. Here are some of our favourite books by him.