Reviews (5)

Get this and continue the Custard adventure
Another great book about Custard the Dragon! Have just as much fun with this book - My son loved this one!

Gotta love Nash
This is the 1961 sequel to "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" which was written in 1936. Both books are beautifully and imaginatively illustrated by Lynn Munsinger in their 1995 & 1996 publications. As with other works by Nash, the verse and illustrations vie for significance and importance. His couplets are cute with his tongue in cheek. The words and images carry a slightly archaic, old fashioned overtone that is pleasing.

This is not the greatest children's book ever published. However, the nuanced language is intriguing. It has a meaningful moral - that true bravery is not always recognized or rewarded but is a wonderful thing nonetheless. As a result, the "Custard" books have a rather timeless appeal.

My are Children's Book violent?
My twins love to hear Custard's two books, but I wonder why a character always needs to be killed? Is this how we introduce our children to the concept of death? I'd prefer both books resolve their conflicts with an alternative solution, bt I know it's too late for a revision!

Custard to the rescue...
A fanciful turn about a damsel in distress named Belinda, being rescued from Sir Garagooyle, the wicked, wicked knight by her faithful friendly dragon, Custard. The rhymes are fun, how often do you find edelweiss used in rhymes! The pictures are just right, my 4 year old loves Custard. We received this book as a gift and were delighted in it.

Just as good as the first one
For fans of "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" this book is a must. It has the same wit and love of language as the original. My son loves this one even more than the original as it has both knights and dragons. Its a pleasure to read and the illustrations are delightful. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

One of my favorites & a wonderful read-aloud!
This is absolutely one of the best books out there! I am a teacher and I enjoy reading this book immensely. The story is fun and whimsical to read. While one reviewer was "upset" by how the other characters were not very empathetic to Custard's fears and even teased him, I look at this aspect of the book as an opportunity to discuss it with my students and my 3 children. It's a great springboard into a discussion on kindness and perspective. Whatever you do, don't pass this one up because of that review. I was amazed this book had less than 5 stars. Parents will love reading this to their children. Also, a great discussion on the true meaning of bravery can ensue as a result of this book.

So much fun - made me want a dragon...
"Guess what happened in the little white house/ Where Belinda lived with a little gray mouse,/ And a kitten, and a puppy, and a little red wagon,/ and a realio, trulio, little pet dragon." I personally feel that lyrical poetry is a great tool to help children learn to read. It helps them to feel the rhythms of the English language, they can anticipate what will come next, and then they can memorize passages - it's just a wonderful thing.

So many kids have loved this book - I read a review about some of the characters being "mean" to Custard... I can see what the reviewer meant, but I don't agree - the characters are all sort of larger than life and absurd in their own way. I don't think that they come off as mean - but that's just my opinion...

Mean spirited
Isn't anyone else bothered by how mean the other characters are to Custard? All he wants is to be in his own little cage, safe and sound, but they all make fun of him! He is "teased unmerciful" and constantly taunted by the others.

Even when he makes his wonderful courageous stand, the others end up belittling him!

Yes, the language flows beautifully and I LOVE the description of Custard. But, typical of Nash, the mean-spiritedness of the characters overshadows everything else.

Nash is just so cool
I have always loved Ogden Nash's writing. The words that he chooses paint wonderful images. The sounds are melodic and provide kids with an opportunity to develop an ear for language. I want more of Nash's writing to come back into print. His writing is truly sumptuous.

Timeless Classic
My mother read this poem to us out of a Childcraft book -- we all memorized the story because we loved it so much. I am so excited to be able to buy the book version to keep forever and hopefully read to my own children one day! ... Read more

Book Description

Daddies can do lots of things, like bake you a birthday cake, play with you in the park, and take you trick-or-treating. But what do they do best?

Mommies can do lots of things, like teach you how to ride a bike, sew a loose button on your teddy bear, and read you a cozy bedtime story. But what do they do best? The answer is made perfectly clear in this irresistible celebration of parents and the everyday things they do. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

This is a MUST HAVE for all Moms!!
My 3-year old LOVES this book! This is a DARLING little story of all the things Mommies can do (like bake a birthday cake, play with you in the park, hold you when you're feeling sad, etc) but in the end of the book the thing they do best is "Mommies can give you lots and lots of love!" Cute illustrations and just a sweet little story! Get one for yourself and also for a Mom!

Double Love and Challenging Parental Stereotypes!
This volume is two books in one, but with different illustrations built around identical texts (except one version talks about "mommies" while the other one talks about "daddies"). One cover has the mommies while the other cover has the daddies. The two texts and covers are printed upside down from one another. I've never seen a book quite like it. Just when you think that it's merely cute, you begin to notice subtle differences. The sex roles are mixed among the parents, and the illustrations mix it up even more. Mommies are messier than in the usual expectation in some cases, while daddies are neater than the usual expectation in other cases. The illustrations feature warm, funny anthropomorphic animals that will have you and your child giggling. The book will encourage much more involvement for both parents with your youngster. I recommend this book as a gift from a child for either mother's day or father's day.

The mommies' version begins with bears while the daddies' has hippos. I think the mommies got the advantage on that one. " . . . can teach you how to ride a bicycle, make a snowman with you, and bake a delicious cake for your birthday." The daddies' cake is much nicer though. Maybe the daddies did okay. What do you think?

The mommies' version goes on to use pigs. Hmmm. " . . . can help you make a garden grow, give you a piggyback ride, and take care of you when you're sick." But daddies are goats. I'm not sure either parent was advantaged here.

The mommies pick up as mice. That one had me laughing. " . . . can watch the sun set with you, sew the loose button on your teddy bear, and hold you when you're feeling sad." The daddies are foxes. I roared when I saw that.

In the next section, mommies are elephants. " . . . can take you trick-or-treating, help you give the dog a bath, and play in the park with your rollarblades." Daddies are rabbits. Mommies have the weight edge here.

In the final section, mommies become . . . porcupines. " . . . can read you a bed time story, tuck you in, and kiss you good-night." "But best of all, . . . can give you lots and lots of love!" Guess what daddies are? Crocodiles! Pretty sharp, eh?

However you decide to have fun with this book, it should add a whole new meaning to parenting in your household. Whether you are a mommy or a daddy, I suspect this book will give you the chance to do more things with your children. That's a great gift!

After you finish the book, you might ask your child to discuss what animals other people remind her or him of. You can extend the humor in that way, and also get many interesting insights into how you child sees and thinks about others.

Erase parental stereotypes with a big dose of laughter!

Great book for children who have one or both parents.
My 18-month old loves this book. It accomodates the father which is great since my daughter loves to have her daddy read to her. Additionally it covers a wide variety of activities that parents might engage in with their children. The only thing that struck me funny is that the illustrations for the Daddies version indicate that dads are fancier/do things better. It's not a criticism, just funny. The daddy makes a grand cake, and the mommy is slopping stuff all over the kitchen. In another scene, the daddy is trimming a topiary, and the mommy is hoeing in a corn field. But regardless, a unique book that caters to parents' situations. ... Read more

Book Description

Grandmas can do lots of things, like paint with you, take you on a picnic, and teach you how to dance. But what do they do best? The answer is made perfectly clear in this Irresistible celebration of grandparents and the everyday things they do.

Grandpas can do lots of things, like play hide-and-seek, help you build a sand castle, and sing you a lullaby. But what do they do best? The answer is made perfectly clear In this irresistible celebration of grandparents and the everyday things they do. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Grandma's review
Very good, I know my grandchildren would like it. We just spent a few weeks with them, and did most of those things, so they would especially appreciate this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What a happy, happy place the world would be if daddies always did allthe things they do best: bake you a magnificent birthday cake, give you apiggyback ride, hold you when you're feeling sad. In Laura Joffe Numeroff (If You Give a Mouse a Cookie)and Lynn Munsinger's picture book world, they do indeed! Munsinger's adorable(but not cutesy) watercolors depict a hippo papa, fox father, bunny daddy, andmore top pops, giving their little ones "lots and lots of love." Terrific detailand brief text ("Daddies can help you make a garden grow") create just the rightmix in this reassuring bedtime read aloud. In one spread, the goat dad offershis daughter cough syrup and a teddy bear as she hunkers down in hertissue-strewn sickbed; in another, a bunny's father helps her blow-dry thefamily dog after a bath. Mommy feeling left out? Numeroff and Munsinger sing herpraises, too, in What Mommies DoBest. Cuddly enjoyment for the whole family! (Ages 2 to 6) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A charming children's storybook
My son loves this book.It is adorable - the words and the pictures alike!We read it over and over, and it is one of the few children's books that I don't mind to hear 20 times in a row.It talks about cute things that parents "do best!"Sweet and charming! ... Read more

Book Description

That's how this monstrous adventure begins.What follows is a hilarious romp through the house as a young boy tries to control his naughty but loveable guests, whose high jinks get wilder as the numbers get higher. Here's a rambunctious story, full of mischief and fun, that's sure to have young children giggling - and counting!This board book format is perfect for little hands. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A wonderful book for children!
This is a really adorable little book that teaches children to count by introducing ten little monsters that are very hungry and want to eat everything in this little boy's house. The drawings by Lynn Munsinger are also adorable, making the monsters look silly with huge eyes, a horn on their noses, and big smiles! These are not mean monsters- they are silly little monsters. The little boy counts by giving them a number of each type of food. It is a cute book, and the ending is really funny and cute. And hey, my two year old nephew loves it! Who can beat that? I highly recommend this book!

A treasure - a classic to read-aloud over and over again
I give a copy of this book to every new parent I know because it brought such joy to our house. The illustrations are gloriously creative and funny. The rhyme is unforgettable. Three cheers for all (count them) ten monsters!

If you can't beat them - join them
I don't know how Max (two and a half years old) came up with the idea of monsters. All of a sudden they were there, and he was as scared as only little kids can be. In the evening, he looked at the window with big wide eyes and whispered, "Papa, dark. Monsters!" I said, "No, Max. There are no monsters. They're all asleep. The monsters make night-night when it gets dark. Just like you." Not much use. Five minutes later he asked in a low voice, "Papa, monsters?" "No, Max . . ."

Since I could not simply shoo the monsters away, I decided to invite them in. The first guest was "One Hungry Monster." In fact, there appear ten little monsters in the course of the story; and a little boy who tries to keep the monsters from licking at paintings, hanging from chandeliers and other acrobatics in their search for something to eat. The monsters are cuddly, furry creatures with cute bulging eyes. Illustrator Lynn Munsinger makes them look rather lost and helpless in their greedy search for crackers, with just the right touch of mischievousness. By Max's definition they are "naughty." Essentially, they are doing most of the things he is not allowed to do. Max thinks that is rather funny, and he laughs out loud at their antics.

The morning after introducing "One Hungry Monster" (and its nine friends) to Max, he inquired eagerly, "Papa, monsters?" And dad said, "Yes, Max, you can see the monsters. I get you the monster book. But don't forget to eat your breakfast . . ."

I love this book!

I LOVED THIS BOOK WHEN I WAS LITTLE!
This is a wonderful book that is great for little kids. I loved this book when I was little and had people read it to me so often that I memorized it. Infact, it helped me learn how to read, because after I memorized it I started looking at the book and was able to pick out those words in other books. No, it didn't let me start reading novels in a couple of days :). But it was a great place to start!

THE favorite book in our house.
We love reading this book to our six month old. It has a rhythm to it that makes it so much fun. The illustrations are adorable and the story-line is very creative. The cardboard books are best for a young baby who likes to turn the pages too.
I give this book as gifts all the time. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Inspired Whimsey
I've read this book to countless kids (and adults) using different voices for each character, and it never fails to get lots of giggles and outright guffaws. This should be on everyone's shelf and ranks right up with Dr. Seuss and A.A. Milne as a classic of children's literature.

A Wonderful Children's Book!
This is a great read-aloud book for kids of all ages! I teach high school, and tell stories as an avocation (yes, I know the two are not mutually exclusive!). When I get to the part where Bismark tries not laugh, I go into hysterics. Little kids love it, high school kids ask to have it read again, and adults have been known to snicker a time or two. It's a good read, and an audience-pleaser. Some food for thought, too. My favorite line is Zachary's: "It is a tragedy to be clever but not happy." Spinoza couldn't have said it better. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Monsell at a reading conference once. She has made the world a happier place by creating this wonderful story.

Absolutely one of the best books for kids and parents.
This book was and is one of our favorite books. As Bismark the buffalo discovers the joy of Underwear, you discover the joy in your child. My daughter and I spent many hours laughing uproariously over this book. Just try not to laugh. ... Read more

Book Description

What do mommies do best? From riding bicycles to making a snowman, five adorable animal pairs depict the love between mother and child. This sturdy board book edition is an abridged version of the best-selling hardcover -- the perfect way to celebrate Mother's Day every day. ... Read more

Book Description

This companion volume to the best-selling Slugs and Skunks! takes an irreverent look at another of the world's most misunderstood creatures-bugs. Accompanied by Lynn Munsinger's sly, witty illustrations, Bugs! is sure to disgust and entertain both bug lovers and bug haters alike! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Fun for kids & adults!
I bought this for my nephew but am now buying it for my husband...it is a clever, witty, and well illustrated book suitable for anyone with a wacky sense of humor.

Creepy crawly fun!
This book is just plain gross... but ALSO, it is truly funny! I get a big kick out of the fast paced jaunty way it reads out loud, and the way it makes your skin crawl as you read it.

My son who is 2 may be a little young for it...he may even go out and eat a bug because of it. I think it was a little creepy to him at first (with the boy riding on a REALLY big black spider), but now he requests it, and enjoys the funny illustrations as well. It is not scary by any means, but more silly and gross. I recommended this book for kids ages 3+ for a creepy crawly good reading time.

Bugs! By David Greenberg
David Greenberg's book, Bugs!, crawls with humor and entertainment for all ages. I absolutely love it! The story in verse is original, fast paced, and definitely stimulates the imagination using more of the readers' senses than just sight. Tastebuds balk at the thought of eating a squirting bug. Ears hear the loud crunch of that first imagined bite. Noses begin to scrunch up as stinkbugs are sprinkled over a salad. Skin twitches with feelings of being crawled on. The author's style is grossly hilarious and quite clever. His ridiculous use of the bugs is sure to keep the interest of readers, even reluctant ones. Surprise and the unexpected are the usual bill of fare in this book, especially the ending. Lynn Munsinger's colorful illustrations further complement the story. Each bug is characterized with individual personalities through the various facial features and expressions. None of the bugs, even the creepier ones, appear fierce or frightening. They lean more towards harmless, lovable, and/or goofy looking. The illustrations and text are in harmony and together create a light hearted, amusing story in verse.

Hilarious! Entertaining for all ages.
I checked this book out from my local public library to read to my children, ages 6 and 3. Not only did my children find it an enjoyable book, they wanted to keep it. It has ben passed around my children's school, and has only recieved great reviews by the teachers. It is a book that will be added to the school's library.

Custard like.
Fantastic, and reminds one of the Custard books. Since she (he?) illustrated those, these are great. Highly recommended. My son wants to eat a bug now. Ycccccch. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Illustrator Lynn Munsinger, along with a very cute family of bears,brings 20th-century songwriter Irving Berlin's 1938 classic to life in GodBless America, a warm, nostalgic picture book packaged with a CD of the songsung by none other than Barbra Streisand. Berlin's original lyrics areaccompanied by various scenes of a bear father and his two cubs on a roadtrip--from the mountains, to the prairies, to the ocean white with foam. Alongthe way they witness a parade of firefighters and police officers, stop at theLincoln Monument, and stand in the crown of the Statue of Liberty. The trip endsback at the ranch: "My home sweet home." Inspired youngsters will find themusical notation to the song at the back of the book. A portion of thepublisher's proceeds will be donated to the God Bless America Fund to benefitAmerican youth. (Ages 4 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (4)

God Bless America
This comes with a CD of Barbra Streisand singing God Bless America - which is great (and I am not a huge Barbra fan). The illustrations are wonderful and do a great job translating the lyrics of this classic song.

The Best Patriotic Children's Book I've Seen Yet
Most patriotic children's books get sappy or trite ... but not this one. The words are merely the lyrics of the great song. However, the illustrations that bring those words to life create a wonderful, colorful celebration of our country, without being overly sentimental. They are so well done they stir up feelings nonetheless. When you turn the page to the fireworks over The Statue of Liberty, goosebumps are guaranteed. My kids loved the family trip across the U.S. This is Lynn Munsinger at her best! I highly recommend this book over any other I've ever seen.

Great book!
This is a wonderful picture book. I am using it for second language learners during summer school. This also appeals to the musician in me. I plan to play the CD of God Bless America while showing the book to the students.

An Appropriate Children's Book for post-9/11
What a wonderful adaptation for the younger child. The illustrations are precious, and my daughter was truly able to understand the "trip across America." ... Read more

Book Description

Hunter and Stripe are best friends. This young raccoon pair loves to do everything together, like dress in striped sweaters, read the same stories, and even eat the same lunch -- a crawfish sandwich, huckleberries, and milk. But when Stripe arrives one day at school in a mischief-making mood and starts stirring up trouble in Mr. Ringtail's class, should Hunter follow along?

Laura Malone Elliott and Lynn Munsinger introduce two delightful pals who will entertain young children as they also provide an important look at peer pressure and first friendships.

Reviews (5)

My daughter loves this book!
My daughter will be 3 in April and we discovered this book at the library while picking out books after story time. She wants to read this one every night at bedtime, so I plan to buy it for her for her birthday. I echo all the other reviews, and agree that I think it is one that should be in every child's library! Even though the situations in the book happen to "raccoon children" they are real life situations that could happen to any "human child". Great job!

Great book!
I bought this book for my nephew who is named Hunter!
It's a great story--with a message, but not in a pushy way.
Peer pressure is a difficult subject to address; this book handles it superbly!!

Can a best friend, help his friend be his best self?
As an educator of young children for over twenty-five years, I find Hunter's Best Friend at School by Laura Elliott to be one of the best books I have ever read, dealing with being true to one's self. All children want to be liked and often do things that they would not otherwise do, just to be accepted. Hunter and Stripe are such friends, yet with the help of his mother and his teacher, Hunter is able to set an example that encourages Stripe to be "his best self." This book is absolutely delightful and entertaining. The words, the illustrations, the message of being true to oneself is certainly needed in today's world. I read it to a Kindergarten class that was spellbound by the second page. The school librarian is going to order one copy for each of the primary classes at our school. My own grandsons, age five and seven, were touched by Hunter's example, with the five-year-old saying, "my eyes are getting wet from hearing that story" and the seven-year-old saying, "I have that problem with my friend." Out of the mouth of babes is a telling review of this wonderful book and I would encourage every parent and grandparent to include it in their children's library as soon as possible.

An endearing tale about being your "best self!"
Ms. Elliot has followed up her acclaimed book for young adults, "Under a War-Torn Sky", with a charming new book for 2-6 year olds. My children love to hear about the little racoon's dilemma about following along with his best pal's naughty antics versus trying to inspire his friend to behave as his "best self." The story is wonderfully entertaining (my son walks around quoting his favorite characters' lines!), the illustrations are adorable, and the book teaches a valuable message for kids of all ages. Hunter has become my children's favorite book -- I highly recommend it!

A must for kindergarten classrooms!
This is an adorable book which will grab a child's attention from the beginning. I think this must become a staple for every kindergarten classroom. I was in public education at the kindergarten level. The lesson taught here on "peer" pressure, is a lesson that cannot be taught too early in a child's school career. The illustrations are wonderful too! Ms. Elliott and Ms. Munsinger, congratulations! You have done it again! ... Read more

Book Description

The Monroes have gone on vacation, leaving Harold and Chester at Chateau Bow-Wow -- not exactly a four-star hotel. On the animals' very first night there, the silence is pierced by a peculiar wake-up call -- an unearthly howl that makes Chester observe that the place should be called Howliday Inn.

But the mysterious cries in the night (Chester is convinced there are werewolves afoot) are just the beginning of the frightening goings-on. Soon animals start disappearing, and there are whispers of murder. Is checkout time at Chateau Bow-Wow going to come earlier than Harold and Chester anticipated? ... Read more

Reviews (23)

A Wonderful Book Read With a Wonderful Voice
Howliday Inn is written for children but is enjoyable for any age group with its humor and clever plotline. The main characters, a dog and a cat named Harold and Chester respectively, are a lot of fun to relate to and sympathize with, and a colorful group of minor characters complements them perfectly. The mystery is suspenseful and it is fun to try to guess the outcome. Hearing Victor Garber, a very talented actor with an amazing voice, reading makes the book an even better experience. He has a voice for each character, and they are not overdone, they are subtle and exactly right. Overall it is a fun and relaxing way to spend time. I highly recommend it.

Wonderful!!!
This is my favorite of all the Bunnicula books. Harold and Chester are sent for a bone-chilling week at "Howliday Inn" and immediately get plunged into mystery, mayhem, and murder! All the guests seem to have something to hide or are very strange, at any rate: Louise, Max, and Georgette, who are all involved in a love triangle, Howard and Heather, the howling "werewolf" dachshunds, Taxi, a rather stupid dog who idolizes Max, and my fave, Lyle, the secret agent cat! X3 This is much, MUCH better than the sequel Return to Howliday Inn. You must read this one!! There's real crimes to solve!

The only complaint I have is the addition of Howie at the end. Some may disagree with me, but I prefered things when it was just Harold and Chester (and Bunnicula). I dunno . . . Howie seems like a fifth wheel to me . . . a completely unnecessary character added for a few laughs XD But that's a minor complaint. Read the book, whether you like Howie or not! ^__~

Fantastic Animal Mystery for Middle Readers
Pete and Toby Monroe, along with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Monroe, are going on vacation, and, thanks for Harold's tendency to get carsick, they have decide to leave both him, and Chester at Chateau Bow-Wow, a supposed four-star hotel for dogs and cats. It seems like a boring place to Harold and Chester, until the first night, when they are trying to get some sleep, and they hear a horrendous howling, causing Chester to rename Chateau Bow-Wow, Howliday Inn. Chester becomes convinced almost instantly that there are werewolves among them at the hotel, and begins investigating. But pretty soon Harold and Chester have even more to investigate, because animals begin disappearing, and there are rumors of murder spreading around. Now it's up to Chester and Harold to solve the case, before their check-out time from Howliday Inn comes sooner than expected.

After reading THE MISFITS by James Howe, I thought that I'd check out another one of his novels, which led to my purchase of HOWLIDAY INN. This is one of the best books that I have ever read for children and pre-teens. The characters are intelligent and witty, and speak in such a simple way that children of all ages will be able to understand what is going on in the plot. Not only that, readers will be able to help Chester and Harold solve the mystery, while also getting a good laugh out of the quirky personalities of the other boarders at Chateau Bow-Wow. A must have book for all kids ages 6-13, as HOWLIDAY INN is something that even the most reluctant reader will be unable to put down.

Erika Sorocco

Howliday Innn is cool if u like mysteries you'll LOVE! this
Howliday Inn is an interesting book about two animals by the names of Chester, and Harold.All the other guests are all hiding something. There is even a murder!A new dog comes into the picture, his name is Howie. My favorite character is lyle, X3 the secret agent. Louise, Max, and Georgette, who are all involved in a love triangle, are only part of what this book has to offer thats interesting.

This book is my favorite out of all the bunnicula books because there is so much stuff that Chester and Harold go through. Some people may agree with me but, I think it was better when it was just Harold, Chester, and Bunnicula. Personally I think Howie is annoying.

Howliday Inn 1st in Mystery
In Howliday Inn you are scared because animals vanish. Some people say there is death. You are in suspence in the 3rd chapter. You need to find out what happens read it because it is so good. ... Read more

Book Description

What could be more awesome than celebrating your birthday with the animals in the zoo! Especially when they're putting on the party. The raccoons blow up balloons, the bats pass out the hats, the lynx pours all the drinks. There's never been a party as wild as this! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The most exciting birthday celebration ever
Birthday Zoo is a joyful picture book by Deborah Lee Rose about the most exciting birthday celebration ever. A whimsical poem about fun activities suggested by various playful animal friends, and cheerful color illustrations by Lynn Munsinger make Birthday Zoo an upbeat, entertaining, and highly recommended picture book for beginning readers.

A ZOO-FULL OF GREETINGS
What do children enjoy more than a birthday party? Young folks find a visit to the zoo exciting. The combination of the two in "Birthday Zoo" is bound to bring smiles of delight.

Illustrated in engaging watercolors and presented in catchy rhyme, the story opens with a question, "'Hey, what's the big deal?'" noticed the seal." When it's discovered that the big deal is a birthday preparations begin.

"'What do we do?' asked the emu. 'Make everyone happy,' said the okapi." And that's precisely what this joyful narrative will do as balloons are blown up, party hats distributed, and refreshments served.

At the last, imagine being wished happy birthday by a whole zoo!

- Gail Cooke ... Read more

Amazon.com

A bike is for just one monkey to ride, right? Well, not if anothermonkey jumps on the handlebars. "Hooray, the two shouted. / We're having suchfun. / This bike is far better for two / than for one!"That is, until theyhit a bump in the road and monkeys go flying. One Monkey Too Many playfully explores the hazards of loading too many monkeys into a golf cart, canoe, or hotel bed, and finally, into the picture book itself: "Six, said the author. / "This book is for six. / The pages are full, / so nomore of your tricks." Even that doesn't stop extra pesky monkeys from sneaking into the picture. Lynn Munsinger's thoroughly charming, expressive illustrations add energy and humor to Jackie French Koller's already vivacious rhymes. Children will love the fact that the monkeys gleefully ignore the warnings of the well-meaning adults, as well as the page-splattering chaos that ensues when one monkey too many is along for the ride. Kids will also enjoy locating the extra monkeys in this buoyant read-aloud romp, making it an excellent counting book. (Ages 3 to 6) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Hilarious and fun to read
My son and I first checked this book out of the library, but he kept wanting to read it, so we bought it and it was been one of his favorites ever since.I enjoy reading it to him too.The illustrations are fantastic and the verses are light, flowing and fun to read. The rhythm of the text lures my son into a read-a-thon and we end up reading it not once, not twice but three times or more.

Fun counting book
This is a fun counting book about monkeys who break the rules about how many people can do certain things at a time.Whenever one monkey too many joins the group, it starts off fun, but inevitably ends in disaster.The book is not exactly scary, but a lot of objects get broken, so it might be an uncomfortable read for kids with anxieties about breaking things.The story is quite humorous, and it has about 500 words.

Educators Recommend
This is one funny book! The story begins with a bear bikeseller telling the monkey, "This bike is for one. / One monkey can ride it, / and one can have fun." True to its title, it doesn't take long for "one monkey too many" to jump on the bike-with predictably disastrous results. "It started to wobble. / It started to pitch. One monkey too many crashed into the ditch!"

Left with a busted bike, the two monkeys are given a cart by a golfing tiger. "Two," said the golfer. / "This cart is for two. / If you're looking for fun, / this is perfect for you." Would have been perfect, that is, if "one monkey too many" hadn't hopped right on.

The story continues in this vein with the monkeys trying out a canoe, an elegant restaurant, and, finally, a large bed.

At story's end, the book's author tells the monkeys, "This book is for six. The pages are full, / so no more of your tricks." Of course, as soon as the author goes out to lunch . . . you guessed it . . . one monkey too many gets into the book-literally-making a huge, hilarious mess all over the last page.

Lynn Munsinger was the perfect choice for illustrating this clever creation. Her pen and ink and watercolor cartoons capture perfectly the rambunctious action and gleeful expressions of the monkeys, as well as the horrified-yet comical-faces of the onlookers.

The book is a delight to read aloud. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff.

Hilarious and uproarious
This is a wonderful book.The text has a lilting, easy-to-read flow to it, and the phrases are often hilarious, but the illustrations are what really make it a classic!My children love seeing what the naughty little monkeys will get themselves into next. The "twist" at the end of the book is the best part - we all laughed ourselves silly.What a fun, fun book for children and grownups alike!

Too Much Monket Business
My 3 and 4 year-olds love this book. The rhymes are very good (not your standard rhymes), the pictures are hysterical and the author manages to sneak in a counting exercise. Some books you get tired of reading but not this one. Finally, the lessons about safety (a not so subtle subtext) are not preachy but funny and to the point. You can't go wrong with this one. ... Read more

Book Description

There's nothing quite as sly and stinky as a skunk and nobody quite as imaginative and witty as poet David Greenberg and artist Lynn to bring them to life. In this hilarious book, readers will find skunks that are surprisingly useful - their smelly spray can flavor everything from sundaes to salad dressing and even help water the lawn. And their furry black-and-white coats make everything from comfy slippers to classy tuxedos! Fans of the irresistibly repulsive Slugs and Bugs! will delight in this newest celebration of a creepy creature. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This book is hilarious!
I bought this book for a 5-year-old, but the adults love it as much as he does. The idea is that skunks are great, and their smell is the best part of them. The rhymes are hip and irreverent and silly, and the drawings bring the book to life. My brother-in-law and I could not stop quoting the line "Skunks with purple mohawks, dude!" to each other--it made us laugh every time. I can't wait to get the other two books by this author (Bugs! and Slugs!).

I would highly recommend this book to anyone with a sense of humor, but I think it would be especially good for kids (especially boys) who think they don't like poetry.

The ideas for a skunk's use get zanier
Artist Lynn Munsinger contributes her hilarious drawings to Greenberg's consideration of the skunk and its possible attributes. Zany and hilarious scenarios include the idea that "skunks make superior sprinklers for watering your grass/Pump their tails several times, spray insects with their gas." The ideas for a skunk's use get zanier as the rollicking rhyme continues throughout. ... Read more

Book Description

The Let Me Read series fills the gap between board books and picture books for emergent readers.Bright, crisp pictures invite young children to read on their own with predictable story patterns, memorable rhymes, and comforting repetition.Tips at the back of the book guide parents in reading books with their children.Reading Recovery levels are available for most titles.Reading Recovery is a registered service mark of the Ohio State University.Hardbound.Reading Recovery Level 5 ... Read more

Book Description

Grandpas can do lots of things, like teach you how to dance, show you some magic tricks, and play games with you. But what do they do best? The answer is made perfectly clear in this irresistible mini-celebration of grandpas and the wonderful everyday things they do. ... Read more