Children's Book Reviews
Page Two of TwoA Handful of Beans by Jeanne Steig, Pictures by William Steig
Michael di Capua Books, October 1998.Hardcover, 141 pages.
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
ISBN: 0062051628.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
A Handful of Beans is a collection of six classic fairy tales
("Rumpelstiltskin," "Beauty and the Beast," "Hansel and Gretel,"
"Little Red Riding Hood," "The Frog Prince," and
"Jack and the Beanstalk")
retold with the original tales intact, but with some
additional wit and humor, William Steig's humorous
illustrations, and
a wonderful little rhyming couplet at the end of the tale
which comments on the previous story. After Rumplstiltskin's
demise, the author comments: " Is it wicked to smile?/Well, the
villain was vile./And as for the King,/Rapacious old thing,/
He got all the loot./And a princess to boot!/"
Why buy yet another
version of the classic fairy tales? Well, because
this version is fresh, funny and has wonderful silly verse which
only adds to the enjoyment of the classic tales. The Frog Prince
teaches a valuable lesson about keeping one's promises, and the
expression on the Princess's face when forced to
keep her promise to befriend the frog after he finds her golden
ball is priceless. A wonderful retelling of the classic fairy tales
which is sure to enchant both adults and children alike.
Life With Bob by William Joyce
Laura Geringer Books, October 1998.Board Book, 20 pages.
Reading Level: Baby through Preschool.
ISBN: 0694011819.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
The charming Dinosaur Bob is back in another
board book adventure which has been adapted from the
original, lengthier book by talented children's author and
illustrator, William Joyce. Bob, the giant green dinosaur --
a friendly looking brontosaurus -- is living happily with his
adopted family, the Lazardos. They paint pictures, they
go to school, they read books after school with friends,
and play games like hide and seek. One day, Bob decides
to join some friendly dogs in a game of chasing cars -- a
big mistake. Bob actually catches one! (No one is hurt, though).
This incident makes everyone
extremely unhappy, including the local constabulary. But
Bob, a likeable soul, promises never to chase cars again and
happiness is restored to Bob, his family and the town.
Dinosaur Bob is a wonderful invention which children will
love. Much more appealing than television's Barney, Bob
is a joy to watch. The illustrations will appeal to children,
with their vivid color, friendly dinosaur and whimsical
tone. Set in a time period reminiscent of the
1930s, the pictures will captivate parents as well with their
sense of humor and period detail. A wonderful introduction
to the world of Dinosaur Bob for toddlers.
Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods That Make My Day by Jamie Lee Curtis, Illustrated by Laura Cornell.
Joanna Cotler Books, 1998.Picture Book, 32 pages.
ISBN: 0060245603.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Popular actress Jamie Lee Curtis and artist Laura
Cornell have teamed up again to continue the wonderful
children's series started with Tell Me Again About the Night
I Was Born. Today I Feel Silly is a picture book which teaches
children about the different moods they may feel, with
a catchy rhyming text and vivid, colorful illustrations that
are sure to captivate children's attention. "Today I feel silly/
Mom says it's the heat/I put rouge on the cat and gloves on
my feet/" Later on, the moods turn darker: "Today I am angry./
You'd better stay clear./ My face is all pinched and red ear to ear."
The message at the end of the book is clear; emotions are natural
and are nothing to be afraid of. At the end of the book is a Mood
Wheel, where the child can dial up different emotions picking
different mouths and eyes to put on the pictured face.
This book is an excellent
tool for a teacher or parent to use to explain about why we
feel the way we do, and then to explain what is an appropriate
way to express the myriad of feelings the child will feel in
his/her life. With the vivid illustrations and silly, fun rhymes, this
is one book that your child will want to read again and again.
Click Here For Children's Book Reviews Page One
Return to the February 1999 issue of The IWJ.
More from Writers Write