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Original poster

Tiddler or Snail and the Whale

37 replies

Sleeepdeprived · 03/05/2023 08:51

We love Julia Donaldson books so would like to gift our friend’s little boy (2) who is obsessed with oceans and sea life either Tiddler or Snail and the Whale but we haven’t read either so not sure which one is better.

If you’ve read both - which do you prefer? Or any other suggestions? Thanks!

OP posts:
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TheKeatingFive · 04/05/2023 11:45

Real soft spot for Tiddler here 🥰

AuntieJune · 03/05/2023 16:29

Have you thought of usborne flap ones, like this? https://usborne.com/gb/see-under-the-sea-9780746096383

DC loved flap books at that age

See Under the Sea

https://usborne.com/gb/see-under-the-sea-9780746096383

Original poster
Sleeepdeprived · 03/05/2023 16:22

Thanks everyone! Going to get Tiddler for my friend’s little boy and probably going to get both for my little ones because now I need to see why they’re both so good!

OP posts:
bbyno2 · 03/05/2023 13:27

Tiddler!

IsabelleSE19 · 03/05/2023 13:25

I also prefer Snail and the Whale and also cry every time. Also at Paper Dolls, while my children look at me like WTH? I had to hand House at Pooh Corner over to DS (11) to finish reading the other day to DD as I couldn't speak 😂

Agree that younger DC might prefer Tiddler though.

TheIsleOfTheLost · 03/05/2023 13:14

Is there a reason you can't give both? I would choose Tiddler because I can't read the snail and the whale without crying and my kids think I am being weird. Which is true really.

sendbackaletterfromamerica · 03/05/2023 12:26

Tiddler. Just saying the title makes me nostalgic!

GoneTillNovember · 03/05/2023 10:57

Tiddler.

Snail and Whale is so dull! Surprised it gets any love. I also don't like the Paper Dolls or the Ugly Five.

Tabby McTat and a Squash and Squeeze and the best ones I think.

afrikat · 03/05/2023 10:46

I saw Julia Donaldson perform a musical version of A Squash and a Squeeze in Edinburgh several years ago, it was fabulous

FastAndLast · 03/05/2023 10:44

BernardsarenotalwaysSaints · 03/05/2023 10:33

Tiddler! It's my 2nd favourite JD book (1st place is A Squash & A Squeeze).

Squash and a Squeeze is my favourite too ❤️

JenniferBarkley · 03/05/2023 10:42

Snail and the Whale. Tiddler is hardly touched in our house. Snail and the Whale is beautiful.

BernardsarenotalwaysSaints · 03/05/2023 10:33

Tiddler! It's my 2nd favourite JD book (1st place is A Squash & A Squeeze).

afrikat · 03/05/2023 10:30

Snail and the Whale is probably my all time favourite kids books. But Tiddler probably better for that age.

Bluedressyes · 03/05/2023 10:20

We've got both. I ❤️ Snail and the Whale, it's beautiful to read aloud. Agree kids love Tiddler just as much so you can't really go wrong!

onlyoneoftheregimentinstep · 03/05/2023 10:14

Tiddler! My all time favourite book.

lucysnowe2 · 03/05/2023 09:54

The Snail and the Whale if your friend doesn't mind tearing up at that one line every time :) Ah... I miss reading these books to my kids

PizzaPastaWine · 03/05/2023 09:34

I'd go for tiddler.

I preferred The Snail and the Whale even though it made me emotional reading it!

Findyourneutralspace · 03/05/2023 09:31

Both are absolutely lovely but my heart still melts at my curly haired toddler, joining in with TIDDLER’S LATE!!

He’s 17 now 🤣

Zooeyzebra · 03/05/2023 09:29

If you want a non JD book, look for Magic Beach. It’s lovely

Newuser82 · 03/05/2023 09:27

Definitely tiddler!!

Hugasauras · 03/05/2023 09:26

Floofsquidge · 03/05/2023 08:58

For a 2 year old, Tiddler. Lots of phrase repetition, fun story. However as a parent of a 3 year old I have received multiple duplicate gifts of Julia Donaldson / Axel Sheffler books from well meaning friends and family so check with the parents first. I think we had 4 copies of The Gruffalo at one point. Where we have had duplicates if they're a board book it's ok as they can live in the car for journeys. Tiddler is one of my son's favourites.

Yes, Julia Donaldson books are a favourite gift! We have got several duplicates over the years. I think we had three Monkey Puzzles and four Gruffalos at one point. So I'd probably check or get something a bit less mainstream that they are unlikely to have! We had pretty much the entire JD collection by the time DD1 was 2!

ASimpleLobsterHat · 03/05/2023 09:23

Tiddler; my boys loved it at that age. They never really got into snail and the whale. I think a PP is right - SATW is liked more by adults but the patterns in the text of Tiddler make it appeal to children more than SATW.

ToddlerMum2 · 03/05/2023 09:05

DS is 2.5 and absolutely loves them both. I’d say Tiddler is better for repetition at that age though 😊

The Works has the board books for £4 each at the moment 😊

Playdoughcaterpillar · 03/05/2023 09:02

Tiddler, tiddler, tiddler's late!
Better for younger one

Finchgold · 03/05/2023 09:02

Grown ups love Snail and the Whale but kids love Tiddler.