But Mum and Dad are sceptical and, when Dad unwittingly uses the bucket to clean his car, he's in for a big surprise! Children could bring in their own buckets and decide what kind of things they would like to imagine being inside it.

In many ways it reinforces the idea that this book was written to be read aloud and enjoyed by groups of children all listening to it together in unison. The premise of the story (a young boy wanting a bucket for his birthday) captivates the reader, and it keeps us right up until the end. This is such a lovely, beautiful, light-hearted story that gets your brain thinking as to why a boy would want a bucket for his birthday. His parents offered him a number of gifts including trainers, a computer game and a bike but Billy insisted that he would much rather have a bucket. He sees many different sea animals at the bottom of his bucket, whilst his parents laugh away at what he's describing.The illustrations that go along with the story really let you the reader dive right into Billy’s magical watery world. Anyone would think that Billy is just using his imagination once they hear what he says is in the bucket but he is actually telling the truth! Each time Billy looks into his bucket he sees his imaginative sea world with sharks, stingrays, clownfish, and mermaids in his bucket. This is when the ‘magic’ happens; every time Billy peers into his bucket he sees a variety of magical watery worlds. They offer suggestions of other more regular run-of-the-mill gifts but he sticks to his original request.

Re read the book encouraging children to join in with some of the things Billy says such as ‘You must never ever borrow my bucket. Billy’s Bucket illustrates the pleasure that comes from imaginative play and helps develop creative, playful minds. You are constantly wondering where this story is going, and whether or not Billy’s parents will ever believe him about the world of nature that is living inside his bucket. When Billy fills his bucket with water, it sets in motion mystical forces that defy the laws of nature.

When Billy brings the bucket home, he describes all the sea life that he observes swimming around inside. This book could be used as an opening lesson to creative writing, allowing children to recreate their own stories and their own magical watery worlds to share with their peers. The story of course, subtly is reinforcing to children that they do not have to necessarily be materialistic to have good play!

If read aloud to a group, I really feel that it will breathe animation to the words on the pages of the book. It is even a very fun book for adults to read, as it really arouses your curiosity the very first time that you read it.The book beautifully captures children's use of their imagination and takes the reader on an adventure on what can been seen inside Billy's bucket. Billy’s imagination led him into a magical ocean adventure where he found all sorts of sea creatures. When he found the special one he was looking for he filled it with water and then he could see many amazing things. Unfortunately for Billy's parents they do not heed to Billy's advice, which is very clear, "You must never ever borrow my bucket.

After filling it with water, Billy discovers that his bucket is in fact an ocean with a rock pool, crabs and seaweed. Billy’s parents are sceptical and are left shocked and surprised one morning after his dad borrows the bucket to wash his car.This book is perfect for children in Key Stage 1 as it encourages children to use their imagination. We used a map to find attractions in South Shields including; The Word, Arbeia Roman Fort and the South Shields Museum and Art Gallery. I, for one know that many early years teachers have read this book aloud to nursery, reception and year one children, and they have all absolutely loved it. Parents need to make sure they are listening to their children and allowing them to play as they please.