A Squash and a Squeeze
By Julia Donaldson
The Story
An old woman feels her house is too small, so a wise man suggests bringing her farm animals inside—until she discovers her home is spacious again when they all leave.
Why It's Special
If your child loves whimsical problem-solving and delightful farmyard antics, A Squash and a Squeeze is a charming adventure.
- Big idea: A wise old man helps a little old lady realize her house isn't too small by filling it with farm animals, then removing them to show her newfound space.
- Vibes: Light-hearted and humorous with a touch of wisdom.
Notice how the little old lady's perspective changes as the animals come and go.
Perfect For Kids Who...
- enjoy funny animal stories
- love rhyming and playful language
- appreciate clever solutions to everyday problems
- like to explore cause and effect
Ask Your Little Reader
Encourage your child's critical thinking with these questions.
- Story & problem-solving: What do you think the little old lady learned by inviting all those animals into her house?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think the little old lady felt when her house was full of animals?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever felt like a space was too small? What did you do?
- Imagination: What other animals could the wise old man suggest bringing into the house? Let your child draw their answer and see what creative solutions they come up with!