Going to the Volcano by Andy Stanton

Ill. by Miguel Ordonez. Hodder Children's Books, 2018. ISBN 9781444933444
(Age: 3-6) Themes: Rhyming stories, Volcanoes - fiction. Follow Dwayne and Jane and a cast of colourful and quirky characters on their journey across the globe to see a volcano. Andy Stanton's super rhyming story gathers a cast of silly characters, aliens, rabbits, cheerleaders, dinosaurs and a marching band, together with two intrepid explorers determined to see an active volcano.
Down the lane-o, riding the Great Dane-o, sitting on the train-o, jumping on a plane-o, the rhymes and ways of travelling become bigger and funnier as we see their adventure unfold. Even the rain-o doesn't dampen their enthusiasm. There is a pause in the rhythm of the story as they gather on the volcano's rim, a perfect opportunity for the reading audience to predict what happens next. Yes the ending involves a lesson in safety and a sensible warning!
Miguel Ordonez adds colour and fun with his delightful digital illustrations, simple characters with silly expressions, aliens, robots and dinosaurs. Take time to look at the line-up at the end of the story and see if you can find them on the previous pages.
Andy Stanton's Going to the Volcano is just right for sharing, the rhyming endings are easy to guess and this fun story is one that can be re-read and enjoyed.
Rhyllis Bignell