Book Description

Murphy is a simple dog with simple pleasures. He"s happy just to lie on the porch and watch the people go by, especially if they have treats for him to eat! All those treats add up, though, and even Murphy has to admit that maybe he"s not such a fine example of his breed after all. But what"s a dog to do? Cheryl says he has to diet, and that"s just the beginning. One day a delivery van arrives with a strange machine. Murphy puts up quite a fight, but Cheryl is determined to get him trim and fit. Soon, the neighbors can"t stop talking about Murphy"s new activity. Who says you can"t teach an old dog new tricks! Readers will delight in the familiar battle of wills between pet and owner, hilariously portrayed through Harriet Ziefert"s witty text and Emily Bolam"s warm, expressive illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Dog's eye view of the world
I just had to respond to the reader who panned this book: do you own a dog? This is a VERY funny book! And well done. Murphy, like many dogs and their humans had gotten into the habit of too many calories and too little exercise. To view the storyline as a case of "society's...reverence of appearance above all else" and to equate Cheryl's conduct with "humilia[ion] by forced exercise or dieting" is a major case of the reader projecting HER issues on Murphy! He's a dog: he lives to eat, sleep AND please his alpha dog, Cheryl. And Cheryl, like any good alpha dog (or parent, for that matter) is using positive discipline and proactive behavior to mold her protege into the best--and healthiest--dog he can be.
My kids love this book! And they don't see the negative messages that the CA reader does; they see a funny story about an owner's creative way to help her dog get healthier.

Sad commentary
Murphy is a fat yellow lab whose human, Cheryl, purchases a treadmill and forces Murphy to use it. He does, loses weight, attracts a female dog, and becomes famous.
While Ziefert's intentions may be good, i.e. to encourage children to exercise and eat right, the less-than-subtle messages conveyed here are disturbing, to say the least. Is it alright to force someone to exercise, or to threaten them with punishment if they don't? Do we want to perpetuate this society's fascination with and reverence of appearance above all else? How many of us were humiliated by forced exercise or dieting as children, and how do we feel about it now? Did it improve our relationship to food or exercise? Were the results ultimately beneficial?
Though this reaction may seem strong, picture books are read and absorbed by impressionable young children, many of whom are already overly body conscious. We don't need to encourage this kind of coercion. ... Read more

Book Description

Angelica Cookson Potts has the most divine life: Divine friends. Divine family. Divine housekeeper (who makes the most looovely custard tarts). True, her friends can be so perfect it hurts, and her mother is an annoyingly skinny ex-model type. But they are all so delightful that Angel forgives them their "perfections."

What is not so delightful is that Angel feels like a big wobbly whale whenever she is around said friends, family, and custard-tart creator. And with the school fashion show quickly approaching, Angel is determined to make Life Changes by starting a healthy new diet -- sans tarts.

Adam, the school hottie, is sure to be at the show. If Angel can just get Adam to notice her, she knows he'll fall hopelessly, madly, totally in love. And he'll realize that there's more to Angelica Cookson Potts than her delightful friends, family, and custard tarts. In fact, Angel is rather divine herself! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

This book runneth over with fun!
I loved this book for the most part. Angel really is just like a young Bridget Jones. It is funny and realistic and enjoyable. The secondary characters also made the book so enjoyable - especially her parents and Mrs. Something-Hyphenated and her kids. I hope someday someone makes a movie of this. The only reason I don't give it a 5 is because sometimes it does go overboard with the fat jokes. But overall the comedy and romantic quotients were high!

Entertaining
Initially I was put off by this title but, at the insistence of my co-workers (all children's booksellers), I picked it up again.I was not disappointed.This is a fun, whimsical Bridget Jones-ish title with a strong lead female character.Also consider My Scrumptious Scottish Dumplings.

I Love This Book!!
Wow! My Cup Runneth Over by Cherry Whytock is one of the best books I have ever read. I loved the way the book is illustrated. Angel and her friends seem like such down to earth people that you wish you could meet them for real. This book is a great confidence booster for people (especially teens) who are uncomfortable about who they are or their appearance. Pick up a copy today at your local bookstore.

Wonderful New British Teen'Lit Book
Fourteen-year-old Angelica Cookson Potts, better known as Angel, has the absolute perfect life. She has a wonderful family, even if her Father is a little embarrassing, and her Mother a bit on the bossy side. A fantastic housekeeper, Flossie, who makes utterly divine custard tarts. And a whole crew of amazing friends - Minnie, Mercedes, and Portia - who make her life absolutely wonderful. However, Angel is also big and wobbly, and feels that she reminds people of a whale, what with all of the jigglies on her. And now with the school fashion show quickly creeping up on her, Angel decides to make a few Life Changes, even if they are a bit drastic. Like dieting non-stop. After all, it's not just for her. Adam, Angel's to-die-for crush, is sure to be at the fashion show, and while there he's sure to realize that she's the one for him.

In this hilarious new series starring a British teen who's a bit-round, but filled with tons of wonderful laughter and life, readers are able to finally see life from the perspective of a girl who's a bit larger than most fictional characters. Filled with hilarious misadventures starring a pint-sized Bridget Jones', Angel is sure to become a hit with readers the world over, especially those who enjoy British Chick Lit. Accompanied with wonderful illustrations on almost every page, MY CUP RUNNETH OVER is something that absolutely cannot be missed!

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

you'll love it
My Cup Runneth Over was a quick, light, refreashing read.I read it in two days, and loved it.Its a cute book, and recomenned it to anyone whos looking for a fun read. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An ably-told self-esteem story
Kathy Caple's "Starring Hillary" is about a little girl (well, a little girl cat) named Hillary who is perfectly happy with herself until she finds out that maybe she ought to lose a little bit of weight. As it turns out, Hillary's all-time-favorite heroine, an actress, is ever-so-slightly chunky just like Hillary is--and Hillary learns that there's nothing wrong with bodies coming in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

It's an important lesson, but Caple sometimes edges into pedagogy in telling it. Still, overall, this is a valuable book--for little girls especially.

A great book for building self esteem
If you are looking for a book that children will enjoy and will build self esteem at the same time, then this is a book for you. The author deals with a difficult topic, weight, yet it is one most young children are already painfully aware of. This book helps children to see themselves as alright despite their size or shape. I am a teacher of 5 and 6 year olds and my class enjoyed the story as just a story but best of all they also related to it's theme of liking and accepting ourselves. After reading this book and the author's other book "The Biggest Nose", my class is beginning to say,"Hey I like myself." ... Read more

Book Description

When Hazel is invited to the Halloween ball being given by Boris the Boor, she discovers she has "nothing to wear".After a trip to Felicity's Dress Shop, Hazel decides that she must lose some weight so that she can fit into a lovely new gown and so she goes off to the "Health Farm".After six zany days of exercise and a poor diet, Hazel is able to fit into her new dress and arrives at the Ball looking stunning.She is asked to dance by Prince Boris only to decide that she didn't go to all the trouble of losing weight for a "silly man" and promptly devours everything in sight on the buffet table!The storyends with "Gentle Reader:Accept yourself the way you are, and you'll be happier by far.Remember though, whatever you do, that exercise is good, and too much food is bad for you. ... Read more

Book Description

"Here"s Mishmash again! This time, our favorite mutt is somewhat overweight and rather lazy. But fear not, he solves his problem by joining a school marathon. A rib-tickler." —An American Bookseller"s Pick of the Lists

"Once again the easy style, accessible layout, and high volume of chuckles add up to a good choice for both eager and reluctant readers." —Booklist ... Read more

Reviews (1)

GOOD Book!!!
This book is good!!! Should read it because it helps you realize things you took for granted after finishing read it. So read it, if didn't! ;D ... Read more

Book Description

A delightful story for all ages, featuring Aunty Pua, a pig with a big problem.Find out how her ohana (family) helps solve her dilemma in a humerous story about being happy with who you are. 28 color illustrations. ... Read more

Book Description

Meet Maya

RU4 Real:Maya pushes the perfect appearance . . . until it perfectly pushes her to the edge. She’s trying to organize a fashion show. She bought the dresses, and they can’t be exchanged. Now, she can’t believe her friends are going to the lake house without her. They only have a week to squeeze into their designer dresses—and she knows they’re all gonna just pig out the whole time. She’ll be the only one left with a waistline.

Reviews (1)

A Great Read!
I really liked this book, as I do all Todaysgirls.com books. But I especially liked this one because I can relate to Maya. I'm 14 and have a 12-year-old sister. I care a lot about weight, health and beauty, while my sister is just the opposite. This book is about Maya and her younger sister Morgan. Maya tries to help Morgan with her looks and her weight, but Morgan doesn't want her older sister to help. I think you'll like this book. I gave it 4 stars because it isn't my favorite in the series. I have all of the ones out so far (as of November 2001). ... Read more