Frank Asch

Reading this to the Littles was an interesting experience.

On the one hand, they enjoyed the voices I gave as I read it aloud, especially the soft-spoken, polite mouse about to be eaten. They also were excited to guess what would happen next, very certain that the little mouse would escape.

On the other hand, when I asked them if this was a book to keep in their library or to donate, it was voted "donate." One Little cited the appearance of blood as something she didn't like, the other Little show more didn't think it would be a book she'd honestly like to read again.

So, we put this book in the Donate Box, the first book I've given them to be put there. It was bound to happen one day. I'm rating it 3 stars because I think they did enjoy it but just not enough for a second read, which I too experience in a lot in my reading life. Once is sometimes enough. show less

I loved this book for two reasons. First, the illustrations were a perfect fit for the written text. In the story, the baby bird is portrayed as innocent and helpless, and the drawing of the baby bird is a great representation of that because he looks very small in comparison to things around him, and the frog is pictured helping baby bird and leading the way throughout the story. The illustrations are generally appealing to the eye as they are full of color, and fitting to the mood of the show more story. The second reason I loved this book is because it broadens the reader’s perspectives; this is especially significant because the book is meant for children around kindergarten age. In the story, the frog initially views the baby bird as a stranger, yet he willingly lends a helping hand when he notices the baby bird seems troubled. Together, the frog and the baby bird come up with their own solution and build a nest, something neither of them had ever tried before. The big idea that I got out of this book, is to teach children about teamwork, innovation, and even adventure (Baby bird says, “Mama, I’ve had the most wonderful adventure!” when he finally returns to his home.) show less

Self-proclaimed genius inventor Alex is convinced that his little brother Jonathan is evil. The kid never shuts up. He's a klutz, and he drools on his pillow when he sleeps. Jonathan's specialty, though, is sticking to Alex like glue -- and sticking his nose into his big brother's business. That's why Alex has to leave Earth and fly so far away that no one will ever be able to find him. Using cardboard, duct tape, old odds and ends and his amazing scientific imagination, Alex builds Star show more Jumper, a spaceship that will deliver him from his rotten little brother forever! It's a plan only a cardboard genius could ever hope to pull off. But Jonathan has other ideas -- and a secret that ultimately brings forth Alex's most brilliant creation ever! show less

The word that comes to my mind is macabre. The mouse reminds me of trickster heroes like Br'er Rabbit. The level of detail in the dialogue and in the pictures makes it clear that this isn't for little children, so the blood shouldn't come as too much of a shock. Spend a little time with it. Don't expect it to resemble [b:Mooncake|315851|Mooncake|Frank Asch|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1173706955s/315851.jpg|2988976] at all. I found it intelligent and more than superficially provocative, show more and if it encourages kids to become vegetarians, more power to them and to Mother Earth. show less