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The Jolly Postman
The Jolly Postman
Depicts amusing correspondence from one fairy tale character to another, giving readers a chance to follow-up on some favorite tales.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1986
28 people are currently reading
3,371 people want to read
About the author
Janet Ahlberg
76 books143 followersJanet Ahlberg (1944-1994) was a British children's book illustrator, and the co-creator, together with her husband Allan Ahlberg, of the best-selling Jolly Postman series. Born as Janet Hall in Yorkshire in 1944, she studied at Sunderland Technical College, where she met Ahlberg. The two married in 1969, and began to work together, publishing their first co-venture - The Old Joke Book - in 1976. She won the 1978 Kate Greenaway Medal from the British Library Association - an award recognizing the year's best children's book illustration by a British subject - for Each Peach Pear Plum.
Janet Ahlberg died of breast cancer in 1994, at the age of fifty, having produced many beloved and bestselling books. Her daughter with Allan Ahlberg - Jessica Ahlberg - is also a children's book creator.
Janet Ahlberg died of breast cancer in 1994, at the age of fifty, having produced many beloved and bestselling books. Her daughter with Allan Ahlberg - Jessica Ahlberg - is also a children's book creator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 690 reviews
June 14, 2023
There are some children's books that are just so darn cute! And this is one of them.
It is about a postman who delivers letters. And then when the letter is delivered, the "person/s" get to read it. But what is especially fun, is that the envelope and the letter are on the opposite page for readers to also get to read!
When I saw this book I thought it was so very special. I kept it around to share with my grandkids when they were young, and it is still in my personal library.
I remember when my grands were younger they said, "Can I go deliver the mail to the neighbors? I want to see their happy faces, too."
Now isn't that why we read?
It is about a postman who delivers letters. And then when the letter is delivered, the "person/s" get to read it. But what is especially fun, is that the envelope and the letter are on the opposite page for readers to also get to read!
When I saw this book I thought it was so very special. I kept it around to share with my grandkids when they were young, and it is still in my personal library.
I remember when my grands were younger they said, "Can I go deliver the mail to the neighbors? I want to see their happy faces, too."
Now isn't that why we read?
January 2, 2009
I had forgotten about this book until Phyllis added it. This was one of my daughter's favorites. She LOVED the letters included with portion of the story. The interesting thing is that when we bought the book one of the letters was missing. We wrote to Chinaberry (the company we ordered the book from) and they very cheerily sent the missing letter - along with a personalized letter to my daughter - which then had to be included in the book and in each reading of the book.
July 3, 2013
The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters is the first book in a series of three written by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, which follows a Postman in his "uniform of postal blue" on his morning deliveries and is perfect for an Early Years Foundation or Key Stage One classroom.
With the use of narrative verse and illustrations, children are able to join the unnamed Postman on his journey, as he cycles to the houses of characters from traditional children's stories such as, The Three Little Bears and Cinderella, and delivers their letters. By including pages shaped as envelopes, Janet and Allan Ahlberg have added the element of curiosity to this book, as it instantly becomes interactive, enabling children to delve into the envelopes to retrieve each letter.
Each character's letter has a connection with their traditional story and gives children a new and interesting concept of how traditional stories can be adapted and reconceptualized. Through activities such as, hot seating, children can then begin to test their knowledge of the characters and the stories connected to them, and then imagine how this story could be told differently.
The Jolly Postman books are ideal for the introduction of letter writing in English lessons. By using this text in the classroom there is an opportunity to open the discussion of why people send letters and the technique for writing a good letter. As well as letters, this book also encourages children to explore how to write catalogues, cards and short stories which are introduced when the Postman delivers letters to the Witch, Goldilocks and Cinderella.
The cross-curricular links for this book are Geography, Art and Design and Drama. Creating a map for the Postman allows children to explore direction and distances, designing a stamp/postcard allows them to explore their creativity and through acting out the story of The Jolly Postman children begin to understand how written stories can be adapted to physical movement and also explore how to embody the characteristic of each character.
This book was one of my favourite stories as a child and will continue to be one of my favourites. Its educational value is endless!
With the use of narrative verse and illustrations, children are able to join the unnamed Postman on his journey, as he cycles to the houses of characters from traditional children's stories such as, The Three Little Bears and Cinderella, and delivers their letters. By including pages shaped as envelopes, Janet and Allan Ahlberg have added the element of curiosity to this book, as it instantly becomes interactive, enabling children to delve into the envelopes to retrieve each letter.
Each character's letter has a connection with their traditional story and gives children a new and interesting concept of how traditional stories can be adapted and reconceptualized. Through activities such as, hot seating, children can then begin to test their knowledge of the characters and the stories connected to them, and then imagine how this story could be told differently.
The Jolly Postman books are ideal for the introduction of letter writing in English lessons. By using this text in the classroom there is an opportunity to open the discussion of why people send letters and the technique for writing a good letter. As well as letters, this book also encourages children to explore how to write catalogues, cards and short stories which are introduced when the Postman delivers letters to the Witch, Goldilocks and Cinderella.
The cross-curricular links for this book are Geography, Art and Design and Drama. Creating a map for the Postman allows children to explore direction and distances, designing a stamp/postcard allows them to explore their creativity and through acting out the story of The Jolly Postman children begin to understand how written stories can be adapted to physical movement and also explore how to embody the characteristic of each character.
This book was one of my favourite stories as a child and will continue to be one of my favourites. Its educational value is endless!
August 2, 2018
If you've got kids then you'll not go wrong with getting this book, more than just a story, there are letter's, cards, leaflets, catalogues. Any kid will have at least 47minutes of fun with this book.
November 30, 2024
És possiblement el meu àlbum il·lustrat preferit de la història. L'he tornar a llegir i he tornat a ser la nena que l'agafava compulsivament de la biblioteca de Can Manent i he tornat a ser feliç i a no tenir preocupacions durant una estona
February 5, 2019
This is a great book as it includes a variety of characters from well known fairytales. I think this would be good to do with a KS1 class as they would be familiar with the characters involved and upper Key Stage 1 would then be able to make the links and use their prior knowledge to help.
July 29, 2020
I recently discovered that my parents had saved my copy from when I was little. The book is every bit as delightful and charming as I remember. I can’t wait to share it with my daughter when she’s a bit older.
November 24, 2020
I absolutely love this book! The pull out pieces of mail are so exciting to explore. I think children will find the characters really interesting, having to make text-to-text connections with familiar traditional tales (e.g. Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella). There are different types of mail to explore - hand written and typed letters, birthday cards, postcards, a mini version of Cinderella, and many more! It is interesting to consider the writer, audience and purpose of writing the letters, in line with the story. The different stamps and post-marks are also interesting to explore. Why are some of the letters marked 'URGENT'?
I will definitely be using this with KS1 children.
I will definitely be using this with KS1 children.
December 25, 2018
Loved this book as a small child but never actually owned it for myself until now!
August 4, 2011
The Jolly Postman is one of my favourite picture books. The book encompasses multimodality and intertextuality flawlessly. The book is eye catching and young children will be engaged in it because it involves them getting each letter out of the envelopes.
Many activities can be derived from this book, for example, older children can examine the different types of writing that are used. This could lead them to write in similar styles when writing a newspaper articles or leaflets. Using Multimodal books that have pieces of writing for different purposes allows the child to pick up on transcriptional aspects subconsciously.
Some feel that intertextuality can be an interruption to the text however I feel that it allows the child to identify with the story and forces them to stretch their imagination. It enables them to see a well known character from a different perspective.
Many activities can be derived from this book, for example, older children can examine the different types of writing that are used. This could lead them to write in similar styles when writing a newspaper articles or leaflets. Using Multimodal books that have pieces of writing for different purposes allows the child to pick up on transcriptional aspects subconsciously.
Some feel that intertextuality can be an interruption to the text however I feel that it allows the child to identify with the story and forces them to stretch their imagination. It enables them to see a well known character from a different perspective.
Read
October 30, 2018A creative, unique and interactive book which lets children discover the story for themselves by physically opening letters from an envelope. A great reading experience! The book follows a journey of a postman who delivers letters to characters from traditional fairy tales (who the children should recognise). Could be used to introduce writing for different purposes such as letters, postcards, rhyming.
July 10, 2019
So creative! Loved the letters!
December 30, 2022
Books☑️
Post☑️
Tea☑️
A clear 10/10
Post☑️
Tea☑️
A clear 10/10
October 16, 2019
Oh my! This interactive book is fantastic!!!
January 30, 2018
This book is delightful. I enjoyed the rhymes in the text as well the humor. It was fun to see what letters the postman delivered to each character. So, the interactive part was very enjoyable. The best part of this story was seeing all the loved fairytale characters in this book.
May 3, 2012
One of my all-time favourites! The Jolly Postman must surely be one of the most innovative and interactive books for young children. As we read the story we accompany the Jolly Postman on his rounds as he delivers post to classic children's characters, all of which happily live within his delivery round. We meet many different character such as the Three Bears, Cinderella (now happily married to her Prince Charming), Goldilocks and many more. The real magic in this book lies in the letters that are included and personalised for each of the characters. The post for each character is tucked into a neat envelope between the pages of the book, which hopefully makes sure they will not get lost. Enjoy Goldilocks' "Sorry" letter to the Three Bears, a Postcard to the Giant from Jack and, most amusing of all, the writ issued to the Big Bad Wolf by lawyers acting on behalf of both Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs. The Big Bad Wolf by the way is still occupying Grandma's cottage!
It has a range of letters including: invitations, a manual letters, a postcard, which could be a good introduction to letter writing. Role play area as a post office would enable children to create stamps for envelopes and write their own letters.
The story is told in charming verse to compliment this very active and unusual storybook. The Jolly Postman is a treasure.
It has a range of letters including: invitations, a manual letters, a postcard, which could be a good introduction to letter writing. Role play area as a post office would enable children to create stamps for envelopes and write their own letters.
The story is told in charming verse to compliment this very active and unusual storybook. The Jolly Postman is a treasure.
November 5, 2018
This is a beautifully nostalgic book that brings together lots of different fairytale stories into one. Not only is it great and physically interactive with pages made like envelopes for children to pick out and read, it has charming illustrations to support the journey.
I personally think this would be a great book to use in a KS1 for a literacy lesson. It provides great opportunities to aid modelling different styles of writing e.g letters, postcards, rhyming, description and re telling fairytales. It can be used to define children's understanding of some well-known fairytales and maybe lead onto dictation or conversational talk.
It also can be tied in with subjects like maths or geography with the use of adding prices to the hobgoblin supplies sheet and making a map of the postman's journey.
Overall, I love this book and cannot wait to put it to use in a future lesson!
I personally think this would be a great book to use in a KS1 for a literacy lesson. It provides great opportunities to aid modelling different styles of writing e.g letters, postcards, rhyming, description and re telling fairytales. It can be used to define children's understanding of some well-known fairytales and maybe lead onto dictation or conversational talk.
It also can be tied in with subjects like maths or geography with the use of adding prices to the hobgoblin supplies sheet and making a map of the postman's journey.
Overall, I love this book and cannot wait to put it to use in a future lesson!
September 28, 2017
I have very fond memories of this book from my own childhood, so this review may be a little biased! I think any small person opening this book for the first time would be delighted to find the treasures hiding inside and perhaps, as I have, remember it as an enjoyable reading experience.
I would also say that I think this book would be a great one for children who may have shown reluctance or perhaps even their dislike of reading. The interactive nature of this lovely book could help to draw them in and start to engage with the experience.
I would also say that I think this book would be a great one for children who may have shown reluctance or perhaps even their dislike of reading. The interactive nature of this lovely book could help to draw them in and start to engage with the experience.
May 28, 2020
What a terrific idea - there are actually envelopes with little letters and postcards - I think I have a nephew who would love this.
October 1, 2024
Love the illustrations and interactive parts to this book
June 2, 2020
My granddaughters love this book, as do I! The Ahlbergs are among the greats of children’s literature in my humble opinion!
December 6, 2020
I loved this clever, beautifully illustrated story giving an insight into the correspondence of some well-known fairytale characters. Children will love recognising their favourite characters, and will be so excited to open all the letters to see what is inside. I especially like the Jolly Postman being given a glass of Champagne in the middle of his round and then being rather wobbly on his bike afterwards!
August 8, 2012
The Jolly Postman, is a book which follows the day of the Jolly Postman who delivers letters, postcards and other items to a variety of well known fairytale creatures. Who do you suppose wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Bear, of Goldilocks and the Three Bears? What other familiar characters has the Jolly Postman managed to visit on his travels, how has our Jolly Postman’s day been, and who has invited him in for a cup of tea (green tea at that)?
I found that this book was very engaging and interactive for children as it includes separate pull out letters which are hid/ tucked behind envelopes on the page. I found that this was well achieved with some clever illustrations. Also with the inclusion and reference to well known fairytale characters, I believe that this is an extra catch for younger children who can familiarise with the characters instantly.
Teaching wise I feel that this book has a lot to offer, this book could be used in a letter writing unit of literacy work, I feel this book could also be used in a unit of work about careers and jobs, with the obvious use of a postman. I also feel it could be stretched further and used in a unit of work about community, including work about our neighbours and/or manners, due to the contrast between the bears and the witch in the story for example.
Overall I found this book very entertaining and feel a class would enjoy the engagement and interaction of pulling out the letters and reading them, etc. I would give this book 5 stars, partly due to the fact I remember studying this book during my time in primary school and the enjoyment it gave.
I found that this book was very engaging and interactive for children as it includes separate pull out letters which are hid/ tucked behind envelopes on the page. I found that this was well achieved with some clever illustrations. Also with the inclusion and reference to well known fairytale characters, I believe that this is an extra catch for younger children who can familiarise with the characters instantly.
Teaching wise I feel that this book has a lot to offer, this book could be used in a letter writing unit of literacy work, I feel this book could also be used in a unit of work about careers and jobs, with the obvious use of a postman. I also feel it could be stretched further and used in a unit of work about community, including work about our neighbours and/or manners, due to the contrast between the bears and the witch in the story for example.
Overall I found this book very entertaining and feel a class would enjoy the engagement and interaction of pulling out the letters and reading them, etc. I would give this book 5 stars, partly due to the fact I remember studying this book during my time in primary school and the enjoyment it gave.
July 21, 2011
I received a lovely handwritten letter from my sister-in-law on my birthday, and it was so personal, contemplative, rare, and different from the usual exchange of emails that it made me recall this wonderful book I read to and with my kids when they were growing up. I had to dig The Jolly Postman out of my box of saved books to read and enjoy again. The concept of reading actual letters that can be removed from the envelopes in the book is pure genius. I'm wishing for more books like this aimed at an adult audience, so I'm off to find and reread my copies of Nick Bantock's Griffin and Sabine!
March 20, 2017
KS1- Year 1
English: Letter writing- write letters to characters in the book, could write one to the postman himself.
Geography: Maps- look at the postman’s journey and plot different ‘landmarks’ or houses onto a template of the map. Are there any significant land features which could be placed on the map, if so the children could be taught some of the representations used on real life maps?
Maths: Data handling. Pricing for different letters- Size of the envelopes and/or size of the stamps dependent- how much will it cost to send a particular letter first or second class.
Class Discussions: Discuss some of the following questions- What are some reasons to write letters? What type of letting would you write if someone gave you a gift? What type would you write if you broke a friend’s toy? What type would you write if you were having a party? Do you like to get mail?
English: Letter writing- write letters to characters in the book, could write one to the postman himself.
Geography: Maps- look at the postman’s journey and plot different ‘landmarks’ or houses onto a template of the map. Are there any significant land features which could be placed on the map, if so the children could be taught some of the representations used on real life maps?
Maths: Data handling. Pricing for different letters- Size of the envelopes and/or size of the stamps dependent- how much will it cost to send a particular letter first or second class.
Class Discussions: Discuss some of the following questions- What are some reasons to write letters? What type of letting would you write if someone gave you a gift? What type would you write if you broke a friend’s toy? What type would you write if you were having a party? Do you like to get mail?
January 15, 2023
I think we can all agree this book is genius. Despite the simplicity of the poetic text, it still includes some funny ideas, and again the illustrations though deceptively simple also contain some nice background details. Meanwhile, the idea of having actual removable letters for children to take out of envelopes and read makes this a book that will be returned to over and over and always cherished. It also uses a different form of letter for every single one and could easily be used in an English class to teach different forms of writing. So much effort went into crafting this book. Deeply impressed.
April 14, 2008
I had to read this for my children's literature class. Alot of my classmates were incredibly enthusiastic about this book and were very fond of the memories they have of it. However, I do not share these feelings -- it seems like one of those books that you have to grow up with in order to appreciate.
I thought the letters were quite novel, and there was alot of humour in the pictures and the text that I could enjoy. But it didn't *wow* me, by any means. I'm definitely keeping it for my own future children, though!
I thought the letters were quite novel, and there was alot of humour in the pictures and the text that I could enjoy. But it didn't *wow* me, by any means. I'm definitely keeping it for my own future children, though!
April 7, 2009
I loved, loved, loved this as a kid. It still makes me laugh.
November 10, 2015
Read this years ago when WW was small. I will bring the Jolly Postman out from storage and give him a re-read.
Lovely book!
Lovely book!
December 21, 2016
Easily one of our favourite kids books, my boys spend ages reading all the letters and cards! It's such a sweet, fun idea, and really differentiates it from other children's books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 690 reviews