Reviews (1)

Poppleton in Spring
Another gem from Cynthia Rylant! Great blend of sweet and silly. My six year old can read some of it, but it is neither simplistic nor boring (like so many "early readers"). ... Read more

Book Description

It's Christmas Eve and the Pigs are headed for Bean Town, but they miss their flight. Luckily, Mr. pig gets them seats on a special delivery plane. Sure, they have a few extra stops on the way, but the plane is full of holiday spirit, and the pigs have plenty of time to get to their destination before santa arrives. or so they think.... ... Read more

Book Description

There's trouble on the Bean farm. First a toy train disappears.Then Prinny the Dog's dinner is missing and Egbert the Rabbit is nowhere to be found. The animals of Bean Farm need a detective, and fast! Luckily, Freddy the Pig is on the case.Having just finished reading Sherlock Holmes, Freddy and his partner Mrs. Wiggins the Cow set up a detective agency in the barn.But when Freddy's best friend Jinx the Cat is framed for a dastardly deed, all of Freddy's detecting skills are put to the test. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Still a lot of fun
I enjoyed the Freddy books when I was a kid, so I recently re-read this one to see if they still held up. It did: as a 35-year-old, I still found this book interesting, funny, and a lot of fun. The Freddy series is maybe a little like a cross between the Winnie-the-Pooh books and Charlotte's Web, though more lighthearted.

Understanding Freddy
Many rears ago the local library was too far to walk to so a book buss would bring them to our school. I milled offer the shelves and found a series of intriguing stories. It was the Freddy the pig series. I enjoyed many hours reading about Freddy's adventures with his pal Jinx. Then for years he just disappeared from view. No one ever heard of him. I combed the used bookstores and still no one heard of him. Then one day he returned. Today I am rediscovering Freddy. Not only are there new adventures but the originals ar being republished.
This is the best book to start with; it explains how Freddy became a detective, which he uses, in subsequent adventures. After reading a book on Sherlock Holmes he decides he can be a pretty good detective and recruits friends in the process.
The stories are intriguing in them selves. However underlying the story are several real life concepts for one to work out as what's the matter with going to jail if you get fed and do not have to work? What do you do when the judge has already made up his mind befor the trial? I especially like the way he browbeats the pore little rabbit during his interrogation. One forgets how intimidating it could be.
Well you will enjou this story as freddy must fingure out what happened to a childs toy train and what diabolical plot it is used in.

My Favorite Children's Book Series
I was so happy to see these books back in print, that I had to buy this one, which is one of the best in the series. When I was first learning to read, I came upon these in my grammar school library and read all of them, over and over.
Any parent should be happy to see these back on the shelves. They're clever, cute and, for lack of a better word, just plain sweet. Reading them now really takes me back. Buy them for your children, and you might find yourself sneaking a read of them too.

Always Gets His Animal
You are going to love finding out who killed the crow, who stole the model train, and how Freddy rids the barn of those venal rats. And then there's the difficulty of striking a balance between the justice of incarceration, and compassion for the incarcerated. Whether assembling clues, shadowing the suspicious, or selecting a judge, Freddy is the right pig for the job. And you'll hardly recognize our old friend in his disguises.

One of the finest children's books I have ever read :-)
As of now, I am almost 14, but only this past summer did I read this, my first FREDDY book, when my mom showed it to me in the library. I am very glad I didn't turn it down! In several hilarious adventures, Freddy the pig, the Sherlock Holmes of Bean Farm, recovers a stolen toy train, deals with a gang of rats, finds a missing bunny (though he doesn't realize it at first) and even thwarts a pair of real-life bank robbers without saying a word (with the help of some old clothes)! A must-read for the young or young at heart. ... Read more

Book Description

Stanley Snoutowski has always been a precocious piggie-and Mary has always encouraged her little ham. In the barn and even at school (where Stanley followed her, even if it was against the rules), Stanley shows star quality. Mary knows she can't keep him down on the farm, so off he goes to the bright lights of Broadway. The days of cattle calls and nights of waiting tables are rough on the runt, but he perseveres. He knows that with hard work, determination-and a bit of luck-someday he'll play the ultimate role: Hamlet. This is a laugh-out-loud story of a determined pig and the little girl who believes in him. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Mary's little ham
This is another great adaptation of a classic story. Mary has a ham instead of a lamb. This ham is destined for showbiz, maybe in "Cinderswine". It has puns and jokes that will keep adults chuckling, but kids will like it, too.

SPECTRUM Children's Book Club Recommendation
Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Mary's little porker was a real ham - an actor that is - and you can't keep someone with that much talent down on the farm.

I took a stack of picture books to a restaraunt one noon so I could catch up with my review back log. At one point, the manager walked over and asked what was so funny for I was laughing out loud at this Mickey Rooneyesque from-the-farm-to-fame-on-broadway opus. However, I wonder if most kids will really appreciate how funny this book actualy is. Even the wonderful illustrations are dripping with theatrical humor - particularly the page of posters for such smash hits as The Pork Loin King, and Hamadeus. Heck, forget about the kids, get this book for yourself.

- KB Shaw, Publisher
SPECTRUM Children's Book Club
www.incwell.com ... Read more

Book Description

Whenever there"s trouble on Detective Doggedly"s beat, that low-down, no-good, chicken-chasing, pig-poaching Big Bad Wolf is always the prime suspect. But when the three little pigs" house is huffed and puffed into a pile of straw and only a sheep named Esmeralda is found at the scene of the crime, Doggedly has a new mystery to solve: Where"s the Big Bad Wolf? With the help of some wise elderly cows who live in a home across the road, Doggedly sniffs out the clues. But can he catch the culprit before the three little pigs get gobbled up? Here"s a new wrinkle on the classic tale, enlivened by Eileen Christelow"s fast-paced narrative style and her drolly comic illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

wonderful adaptation of the classic tale!
My sons (ages 7 and 5) absolutely love this book. Esmerelda is a wolf in sheep's clothing who tries to convince the gullible pigs to build ever-flimsier homes ("Build a cardboard house! It's so much easier"). Detective Phineas T. Doggedly finally tracks down the BBW (Big Bad Wolf) with the help of the elderly cows who live nearby. It's a great book with captivating illustrations and characters. So far as we're concerned, it ranks right up there with Steven Kellogg's "Three Little Pigs" and "The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig". Definitely a classic -- I'm really surprised that no one has reviewed it before. ... Read more

Book Description

New, beautiful images from the blockbuster hit, in which a fifteen-year-old schoolgirl is transported to a feudal Japan inhabited by evil demons and goblins. There she encounters the half-demon, half-human Inuyasha, who, with the other demons, seeks to capture the Shikon jewel so that he can become omnipotent-his success spells disaster for the world! " Over 60,000 2005 calendars in print " A top-rated show for males and females, Inuyasha is the #1 rated show on Saturday for males 12-17 (out of 249 shows). " Over 700,000 DVDs have sold in North America since Inuyasha's debut here in 2002: The Demon Within DVD hit #1 in the Top 10 Anime Home Video in June 2004. " The first Inuyasha animated movie, Inuyasha: Affections Touching Across Time, was released in U.S. theatres in July 2004; first day of DVD release of movie (September 8, 2004) saw staggering sales: over 7,200 units sold in ONE day. " Cross licenses include PS2 games, trading cards, apparel, and wireless games. " Inuyasha graphic novels are consistently among the top on manga lists.

Book Description

Adults, children, and reviewers are falling in love again with Walter Brooks's talking pig and his barnyard friends who live on Bean Farm in upstate New York. The Freddy the Pig books have long been considered classics of American children's literature and with each reissue by The Overlook Press, this wonderful pig is charming his way into the hearts of more and more readers. Freddy's Bean Farm is a frolicking place and Freddy-whether he's a pilot, cowboy, explorer, politician, or detective-will always save the day and be sure to have fun doing it.

In Freddy Rides Again, Freddy-the porcine idol of people everywhere who love to laugh-gets it all started when he mixes it up with Mr. Elihu P. Margarine, a wealthy foxhunter who does not care a fig for the damaged vegetables he and his hunters leave in their wake. In the background, Henrietta the rooster chastises her husband Charles, "A fine mess you've got yourself into! You know where you'll end up, don't you? On a platter with a lot of dumplings, that's where!" With the help of Cy, the steed who taught Freddy to ride, Freddy rids the countryside of several menaces, including a rattlesnake and Elihu Margarine-making even Henrietta happy. It all makes for a stirring saga of a remarkably colorful pig and his steadfast barnyard compatriots. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Cowpig OK; Goatcat better
"Freddy the Cowboy" is one of the best titles in the series, with a reasonably tight plot and the thoroughly delightful origin story of the Horrible Ten, so it is not surprising that it was followed up immediately by this sequel.

Unfortunately, "Freddy Rides Again" is weaker than "Freddy the Cowboy" (or "Destry Rides Again"). Elihu Margarine is snobbish and arrogant, but not quite villainous enough; the animals' campaign against him veers on the obnoxious. The most memorable image is Jinx, in his little cowboy outfit, riding his faithful steed, Bill the Goat; if only the story made more use of him!

One more note: When Freddy is talking Western Badman Speak, the word "greaser" pops up, apparently in its racial sense; in questionable taste in the fifties, and you may want to smooth over it today! Yoicks! ... Read more

Book Description

"Otto wants to learn how to write his name, but he doesn't know the alphabet.So Puddle decides to teach him using his own original words and pictures.The result is an ABC book unlike any other.Holly Hobbie's irresistible watercolor illustrations brim with life and humor." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Toot & Puddle : Puddle's ABC
This is a must have for all Toot and Puddle fans. A great ABC book for children learning thier alphabet as well as a all around good book. The books starts as a children's picture book and moves into a ABC book and then returns to a picture book style which gives a little variety to the book. It will keep children's interest and as usual the writing and art work is fabulous! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Not his best
My 3 1/2 year old daughter is a huge Munch fan and likes this one well enough, but it's my least favourite. She tends to memorize books and quote them constantly, and I'm not thrilled with the "hey, you dumb...." mantra. This is kind of minor, but how was it that the pigs showed up at school after Megan locked them back in at home? If you're wanting to add to your Munch collection, he's written better. Alligator Baby and Thomas's Snowsuit are fun without the insults and a little more logically consistent.

!!!!~~~~~@@@@@####$$$$%%%%^^^^&&&&****(((())))
I liked this book (somewhat) because meagan kept on getting squshed and how they ended up in the pig-pen.I would recomend this book to people with pigs because they would know that pigs cant do all that stuff and would actually think it is funny I think that is one of the worst robert munsch books, even though it was ok(there are better book's)

Pigs-Desription
Pigs was an exciting and interesting book to do an author study on. My friends and I had a very fun experience acting this book out for a play. We got to show everyone the exciteness of this book. I know Robert Munsch had a very exciting experience writing this book. I recommend for kids to read this book, because not only is it a book for fun but it also teaches a moral. The moral is that you should listen to your elders. This book is better than other books because it is exciting and thrilling. I would rate this book 5 stars!!!

We Love THis Book
I read this book yesterday to my 3-year-old pre-k class today during our afternoon circle time. This story had their attention from beginning to end. I have to add Robert Munsch to our list of favorite authors. Pigs kept my class of 24, that is not a typo,twenty-four 3-year-olds entertained 2 times in a row! The want to hear it again tomorrow for our morning circle time.

...

WONDERFUL read-aloud...
Being a substitute teacher isn't always the easiest job and sometimes you have a lot of time to fill. I frequently used this book during those down times and it was ALWAYS a hit with the grade school set, they loved to make the pig sounds in the book. A MUST HAVE for any grade school teacher or a parent with grade school aged children! ... Read more

Book Description

Adults, children, and reviewers have embraced the stouthearted Freddy the Pig since he and his Bean Farm chums first appeared in 1927, andthe Overlook reissues of this classic series-with almost 150,000hardcover copies sold-have brought these timeless adventures to an entirely new generation eager for a good time and a good laugh. As a recent USA Today feature about the Freddy phenomenon noted, the Freddy books brilliantly illustrate the cardinal virtues: "fair play and a good sense of humor."

In Freddy the Cowboy, Freddy buys a pony, learns to ride, and winds up in a tussle with the rascaliest varmint in Centerboro. It seems Mr. Flint, owner of the dude ranch, is plotting to rob the First Animal Bank where the animals keep their valuables. And from there on in Freddy and Flint develop a mutual dislike for one another-so much so that Flint lets it be known he will shoot Freddy on sight! With the aid of a brave mouse, the Horrible Ten, and the Bean Farm gang-not to mention Cy, his trusty mount-Freddy shoots it out with Flint in the aisles of the cosmetics department of the Busy Bee. The Wild West was never like this! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not just a children's classic!
Freddy the Cowboy is one of the funniest books I've read! Freddy's adventures with Cal Flint, the picklefaced cowboy, and attempted riding will keep you in stitches. The farm animals each have their own personalities, some may remind you of a neighbor or brother. The rhymes are great, and you will love the Horrible Ten! Must read! ... Read more

Amazon.com

An affectionate, sometimes bashful pig named Wilbur befriends a spider named Charlotte, who lives in the rafters above his pen. A prancing, playful bloke, Wilbur is devastated when he learns of the destiny that befalls all those of porcine persuasion. Determined to save her friend, Charlotte spins a web that reads "Some Pig," convincing the farmer and surrounding community that Wilbur is no ordinary animal and should be saved. In this story of friendship, hardship, and the passing on into time, E.B. White reminds us to open our eyes to the wonder and miracle often found in the simplest of things. ... Read more

Reviews (306)

among the best in children's literature
As we all know, there are those certain books in the world that literally every single child in the world should read, and "Charlotte's Web" is a perfect example of must-read literature. It's such a classic story, not to mention a beautiful one. E.B. White creates such memorable characters and describes them very well. When a little girl named Fern hears that some baby pigs have been born in the barn, she is terrified to hear that her father plans to kill the littlest one, the useless "runt." Fern talks her father into letting her adopt the pig. She names it Wilbur and treats it as her own. Then the time comes for the pig to be more on its own, so Fern is forced to sell him to her uncle, who owns a farm. Wilbur feels lonely and out of place until he meets Charlotte, a kind spider who befriends him and, eventually, saves his life. Beautiful, beautiful story of friendship and courage. It contains characters and a fun plot that any child can enjoy. I read this book for the first time when I was in fourth grade, and I recently helped a little second-grader that I baby-sit for with her "Charlotte's Web" comprehension questions. It brought memories back. This is one of those books that you remember for the rest of your life once you've read it. It's excellent, and well worth the money.

'O best beloved'
This is a book which should have ten stars, not just five.

Faced with the impending slaughter of Wilbur, the runt piglet she has saved and nursed to health, Fern is appalled that she has fattened him for the axe, and commits herself passionately to save her beloved animal. So, too, is Charlotte, the spider who inhabits the barn with him, and woh turns her web into a sort of billboard/oracle which astonishes (and admonishes) the community by weaving words that inform them that this is no ordinary pig! She recruits Templeton the Rat and the rest of the animals in her battle for Wilbur's life...will they succeed? or will Wilbur be a nine-days' wonder? and what will be the ultimate cost?

This is the best present I can imagine to inspire a young reader; it's a wonderful tale of courage against the odds; it's warm, sad, and delightfully funny, and 30 years after I read it in fourth grade, I still get a lump in my throat thinking about it. A special, special book. (With wonderful original illustrations!)

A Great Book about Friendship
I must confess that having just read "Animal Farm" shortly before reading this book, I was a little hesitant about excepting this as a pure children's story without any hidden political agenda. I kept expecting the talking animals to rise up behind the pig and take over the farm. Rest assured however there was none of that, as E.B. White does a good job of keeping the story at a purely kids level.

Wilber is the runt in a litter of pigs, and Mr. Arable the farmer is going to take him out back and have him slaughtered since as he says, "He is small and weak and will never amount to anything." His young daughter Fern who is eight, hears this and requests that her father give the pig to her to raise instead. The father wishing to prove a point to her, allows this so long as she promises to do all the work to take care of it. To Mr. Arable's surprise Fern does an excellent job of raising Wilber and he turns out to be "Some Pig", proving that even though he was very small he still could amount to something.

As Wilber grows bigger the Arable's can no longer support feeding him, so Mr. Arable has Fern sell Wilber to her uncle Mr. Zuckerman who has a farm down the road. There she goes and visits Wilber every day. Being young I guess gives you the ability to sit and listen to the animals more intently than adults, and by doing so Fern is able to hear that the animals can actually talk and she understands them. (Being the father of two girls who are 7 and 5, I'd have to disagree somewhat with this logic as my girls never sit still, and certainly have a hard time listening at times, but for the sake of the story we'll just give them the benefit of the doubt.)

Anywise Wilber meets all the other animals in the barn who are very nice, but none of them are really his close friend. He becomes lonely and wishes for a friend. A gray spider named Charlotte answers his prayers and after introducing herself, she becomes Wilber's best friend.

When the other animals tell Wilber that Mr. Zuckerman is just fatting him up to eat him for Christmas, this makes him greatly disturbed. Charlotte being a great friend promises to do all she can to make Wilber so important to Mr. Zuckerman that he would change his mind. She sets a plan in action to weave messages into her web proclaiming how great the pig is, and by doing so she hopes to trick the adults into believing it as well. With the help of Templeton the rat she obtains some newspaper clippings and begins her work.

Each new message in the web is looked upon as miracle, but rather than looking for any religious connection, the folks in the town just believe they have a very famous pig on their hands and accept it at face value.

The suspense builds as Zuckerman takes Wilber to the Fair. If he can just win an award there, Charlotte knows his life will be saved. Charlotte and Templeton have to stow away in Wilber's crate just to accompany him to the Fair, and then when they get there the pig in the stall next to Wilber is twice as big and looks to be a shoe in for first prize.

This book was obviously written at a much simpler time in history. At the Fair grounds the adults send the kids off on their own. Besides Fern who is 8, she has a little brother Avery who is only 5. After giving them all kinds of warnings such as not to eat too much, and to stay out of the sun, to not get dirty, and to be careful on the rides, the mother stops and says to the husband, "Do you think they'll be all right?" and he responds, "Well they have to grow up sometime." (None of the warnings were about staying away from strangers.) Of course when the kids returned they hadn't stayed out of the sun and were hot, and completely dirty, but they had fun.

Fern meets a boy at the Fair, and starts to grow up a bit as playing with him starts to seem like more fun than talking to bunch of animals.

It is a great book about overcoming obstacles even though you are very small, growing up, and most of all friendship. My girls loved the book as well, and especially seemed to like the illustrations by Garth Williams.

Quality literature for children
A spider saves the life of a friendly pig by spinning accolades about him in her web, thereby producing a miracle that impresses people for miles around. This is a beautifully written little story for children that has real literary quality. The prose is excellent. Note in particular the simple but lovely descriptions of the passing seasons that Mr. White writes. The themes include friendship, coping with the loss of loved ones, and the realization that life goes on, changed but still worth living.

Best book ever
I think this is a really good book.It was about a pig and a spider who were vary good friends. My favorite part of the story was when they went to the Fair. The book was great. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Wonderful, Can't Go Wrong with Poppleton!
These books are such gems, and Poppleton in Fall is another one. We love these books. They are funny, orginal and very entertaining, great for boys and girls and parents will enjoy reading them as well!

Anthony, Janae, Danielle, and Nicholas LOVE Poppleton books!
Our names are Anthony, Janae, Danielle, and Nicholas. We are 2nd graders from Lockport, NY. We have read all of the Poppleton books with Ms. Fletcher. The book we liked best is Poppleton in Fall. The characters are Poppleton, Cherry Sue, and Zacko. Anthony's favorite part is when Poppleton stormed out the door. Janae's favorite part is when Poppleton went to the pancake breakfast. Danielle's favorite part is when Poppleton met the geese. Nicholas liked the part when Poppleton ate the pancakes for breakfast. We hope Cynthia Rylant writes a lot more Poppleton books!

Anthony LOVES the Poppleton books!
I am a 2nd grader at an elementary school in Lockport, NY. My name is Anthony. I have read all of the Poppleton books. My favorite book is Poppleton in Fall. The characters are Poppleton, Cherry Sue, and Zacko. The best part is when Poppleton stormed out the door. I hope Cynthia Rylant writes a lot more Poppleton stories!

Dom. and Kitty LOVE the Poppleton books!
We are 2nd graders at the Anna Merritt Elementary School in NY. We have read all of the Poppleton books. they like the book Poppleton in Fall the best. The characters are Poppleton, Cherry Sue, and a mouse. Dom's favorite part is when Poppleton chopped down the tree. Katty's favorite part is when Poppleton goes to the pancake place. We hope Cynthia Rylant writes a lot more Poppleton books!

2nd Graders in Lockport LOVE Poppleton!
We are 2nd graders at Anna Merritt Elementary School in Lockport, NY. We have read the Poppleton books with Ms. Fletcher. Our names are Nicole and Betty Sue. Our favorite book is Poppleton in Fall. The characters are Poppleton, Cherry Sue, and Zacko. Nicole's favorite part is when the coat didn't fit Poppleton. Betty Sue's favorite part is when the lions flip the pancakes. We hope Cynthia Rylant writes more Poppleton books! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good Clean Fun!
What a clever bath time book! Start counting from one end reading catchy rhyming text about ten pigs who bathe until they "aren't dirty anymore." Then FLIP THE BOOK OVER and watch those same pigs get dirty all over again! My daughter was fascinating with the flip part. I liked the illustrations. Definitely worth a look. ... Read more

Book Description

Amanda Pig and Lollipop love playing make-believe at Amanda's house. But Amanda likes Lollipop's house even more. Her room is purple, Amanda's favorite color. And Lollipop has a cute baby sister. But when Amanda sleeps over, she finds she likes her own house best at night.

"Delightful...A comfortable, reassuring book for beginning readers."--School Library Journal ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Amanda Pig and her best freind Lollipop
Kindergartner Amanda and her new shy freind are featured in these four stories. Lolipop will only whisper at first while visiting Amanda- but overcomes this shyness in a humorous way. The freinds have fun visiting each others houses and comparing a little sister to a big brother among other things. This book is a favorite at our house. ... Read more

Book Description

It's Mr. Pig's birthday, so Mrs. Pig and the piglets take him for a round of miniature golf. And they give him his present -- a new lucky golf shirt. But the new shirt isn't lucky enough. It seems like Mr. Pig can't make a single hole in one, while Mrs. Pig sinks every putt. Can studying the geometry of the golf course give Mr. Pig a better chance? With a free pizza prize at the end of the game, nothing can hold the Pigs back. Play ball! ... Read more

Book Description

Beyond the resourcefulness of its porcine citizens, there wasn"t much to recommend the small mining town of Rumpus Ridge. But even in such a hardscrabble place, they had created something they could be proud of: over the years they had collected the biggest ball of string in the world. Folks came from miles around to see it. But one night, a flood carries their prized string away and washes it ashore near the town of Cornwall. Rather than return it, the Cornwallians decide to keep the string for themselves. They start to make plans to dedicate the string in its new gazebo, but their celebrations could be short-lived, because, having discovered the deceit, those resourceful piglets from Rumpus Ridge have begun to make some plans of their own . . . ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Another wonderful book by Arthur Geisert
This book is so much fun! My boys love it - they giggle and laugh all the way through it. The drawings are wonderful and there's a great message in the end about teamwork! We can't wait to see what Arthur comes up with next! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

good for teaching ESL
I just finished teaching one of my English classes about food, and I forgot I had this book. That's a shame.

This delightful book is about a porcine family which loads so many food items that the picnic basket becomes too heavy to lift, so they have their meal indoors.

Gets young readers excited that they can do it themselves!
This book is alot of fun for beginner readers!! My 5 yr old loves to read it over and over because he can!!! Would love to have more books like it in our family library !!! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A perfect story about friendship for all ages
I was looking for a gift for my god daughter and my best friend recommended the Toot and Puddle series. She already had the first book and raved about it to me. Not only did I purchase this book for one smart little girl who loves Toot and Puddle, but I purchased two more books from the series for my baby on the way. What I absolutely loved about this book is the extent of friendship between these two adorable pigs, one that reminds me of the deep and loving relationship i share with my best friend.I was so impressed with Holly Hobbie's portrayal of this beautiful relationship, as well as her amazing illustrations that I would recommend this particular book and the rest of the series to children of all ages as well as the adult population, for the joy I got out of it is inexplicable. I can happily say that my best friend and I not only share a love for Toot and Puddle, but that our babies will grow up appreciating its beauty and story about friendship too.

Uplifting - a Beautiful Book
This was the first Toot and Puddle we ever saw, and it's still our favorite. The message(s) is (are) important - and all too rare in children's books - that we aren't all cheerful and happy all the time, and that's OK, that we all need the steady faith and support of dear friends, that STORMY weather isn't necessarily "bad" weather and can be renewing. We adore Toot and Puddle and Holly Hobbie's art, which I would happily display in my living room if I could find some prints from the world of Toot and Puddle.

lacks the rhythm of the first "Toot and Puddle"
Though the illustrations are typically charming (don't miss the pigs' turtlenecks), this book lacks the read-aloud timing and rhythm of the first Toot and Puddle book. My daughter loves predictability, but it is hard to guess what will be happening on the next page. Also the inclusion of a third major character (Tulip the parrot) precludes the back-and-forth rhythm that graced the first book.

Toot & Puddle together again!
Toot & Puddle are perfect porcine pals who, in their delicate way, teach us all that sometimes we're just out of alignment and that's OK.

On a beautiful, sun-shining morning in Woodcock Pocket, Puddle was out catching butterflies. The sun was shining, birds singing, flowers blooming and... Well, in the house, Toot was moping.

Like anyone who's ever had an off day, Toot can't quite explain what's the matter, nor does he particularly *feel* like explaining. SOMETHING'S clearly the matter, Puddle and Tulip the parrot can see that, because nothing seems to cheer him up--not the blue sky, not the clean air, not even "five-berry cobbler with heaps of whipped cream..." Well, the cobbler HELPS a bit, but the next day Toot comes shuffling across the yard, hands stuffed in pockets, floppy hat with equally floppy ears sticking out, half-heartedly kicking some stones.

His friends try to cheer him up. An adventure seems in order, but white water rafting proves to be not quite the right medicine for melancholy. Similarly, a picnic with friends and a game of hide-&-seek is fun for everyone except for Toot, who isn't in the mood to be "it". In short, nothing works and Puddle and Tulip are getting concerned, when a thunderous storm hits.

Toot, who is the only one who is NOT afraid, is out braving the storm in his yellow rain slicker on a beautiful 2-page illustration that itself makes the book worth reading. Lo', the next morning, a happy, smiling Toot comes marching through the puddles towards his friends who, lying in the grass, conclude that "sometimes you need a big whopping thunderstorm to clear the air."

While "You are My Sunshine" doesn't have quite the flow or action of "A Present for Toot", it is an immensely enjoyable book (I personally recommend collecting all three of Ms. Hobbie's works, and any more books to come). The pen & ink illustrations are astounding, and capture the feel of the character moods instantly. The blue sky, Puddle's exuberant jump with a butterfly net, frame his joy at simply being ALIVE on a wonderful day as much as the muted golds & yellows of Toot's room captures his moping, tired affect perfectly. ANYONE who's felt a little off-a little blue or down in the dumps-even on a beautiful day will deeply appreciate this book and it's final message that friends always care for friends, even when they're feelin' down.

A simple reminder that we don't always have to be happy
The Toot and Puddle series by Holly Hobbie is a sweet (without being saccharine) and charming series about a pair of pigs who are best friends. There are subtle "morals" woven into each book; they fall under the general theme of "everybody is different it's worth trying to understand those differences". In this book, Toot is sad - he can't explain why. He sits and mopes. His friend, Puddle, tries to cheer him up. Toot recognizes this (and even seems to appreciate it), but it does not cheer him up.

Finally, there is a gentle "surprise" ending that made me happy - because I am one of those people who loves "terrible weather"

This is a good book for kids - as a reminder that sometimes people just get sad for a while and can't explain it. It's also a good "gift" book for sensitive adults who appreciate such things. The story is deep enough to speak to adults, I think ... Read more