A programme for children under five
(BBC recording)
A mother recalled how deeply Diana Ross's story, 'William and the Lorry,' had impressed her small boy. 'Since hearing it,' she says, 'he has invariably picked himself up after a fall - "cos William did".' The behaviour of this little boy makes explicit, we think, something of the reason for the appeal of this tale for so many of our under fives, for, added to the seemingly unfailing attraction of all things mechanical for so many of our young listeners, is the further, crucial fact that every child who hears the tale can identify himself with William. Not only does he hear a story about a lorry-which is exciting in its own right - but he can see himself, in William, enjoying those experiences and relationships which he would so much like to have as part of his own life.
Our listeners can renew acquaintance with William today and tomorrow when Julia Lang tells them his story again. She will also be with them on Thursday with 'The Water Baby,' by Ruth Ainsworth. On Wednesday and on Friday comes Dorothy Smith with 'Tommy's Shadow,' by June Colbourne, and 'The Day there were no Prawns for Tea,' by Amy Smith.
(Elizabeth A. Taylor)