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How to Cross the Road and Not Turn Into a Pizza


How to Cross the road and not turn into a Pizza,
Anne Fine, Children´s Laureate 2001-2003
Illustrated by Tony Ross
Reproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London SE11 5HJ

This is a marvellously witty book; it will get road safety messages across to children without them even noticing! The characters are easy for any child to recognise and relate to, like Simon who would rather be doing maths.

Anne also picks up on small details of class room life - ‘’Can you all see me?’’ and ‘’Are you all listening?’’ Miss Talentino said as usual, - these subtle observations make for a much more absorbing read, than your usual road safety text.

Miss Talentino waited until the road was as empty as a desert the day after one lonely camel had passed by.
‘’Should I cross now?’’
‘’Yes!’’ shouted everyone, except for Sadie, who was cautious by nature.
And even she said, ‘’Maybe…’’’
‘’My Mum says ‘maybe’ is no good,’’ said Felicia. ‘’Not when you’re crossing roads. You can end up in big trouble with ‘maybe’.’’
‘’Flat trouble,’’ Arif giggled. ‘’Look!’’
He pointed. Out in the middle of the road there was a squashed round patch with little tufty bits sticking out at the edges.
‘’Bad luck,’’ said Helena.
‘’Prickly pizza!’’ said Arif.
And they all stared at the hedgehog that had crossed on a maybe.

The message of this chapter is simple; if you are on your own, never cross on a ‘maybe’.

Children must be taught that staying safe is much more than knowing the green cross code off by heart, it’s about understanding the real world, getting it right and only crossing when they are Absolutely Certain it is Safe to do so - or you might end up as a prickly Pizza too!

We would like to thank Anne Fine, Tony Ross and Walker Books for allowing us to review this book on our website.

Cover illustration © 2002 Tony Ross
From HOW TO CROSS THE ROAD AND NOT TURN INTO A PIZZA by Anne Fine and Illustrated by Tony Ross
Reproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London SE11 5HJ

http://www.annefine.co.uk/
ISBN 0-7445-9034-5