Steve Metzger

This is a cute twist on the popular story, 5 little monkeys. The strong repeating pattern is there about the penguins slipping and falling and then the doctor gets called and the same results, no more penguins skating on the ice. This was our book of the week for our class last week (2.5- 5-year-olds) They had so much fun with this book, they would stand up and pretend to skate and then fall, it was so funny.

At Bear's urging, the forest creatures prepare for a visit from Santa Claus in this sweet holiday picture-book. Bear believes with all his heart, and every step of the way he reassures his friends that Santa will find the tree they're decorating, and bring presents for them. Badger is a bit grumpy, and provides the skeptic of the group, but in the end Bear's faith is rewarded, and the holiday gift-giver does indeed arrive...

There really isn't much to Waiting for Santa, which explores show more territory (woodland creatures having adventures involving Santa Claus) already well-covered in other holiday picture-books. That said, the tale author Steve Metzger sets out is heartwarming, and his conclusion, in which Bear is rewarded by being allowed to assist Santa will undoubtedly provide satisfaction to young listeners eager to meet Santa themselves. The artwork by Alison Edgson is cute - Santa's hat and beard look particularly fluffy here - although a little flat at times. Recommended to anyone looking for Christmas picture-books featuring woodland creatures and/or the idea of waiting for Santa Claus. show less

The skeleton's name is Sammy and he's heading out on Halloween night to go trick-or-treating but first his mom is making him deliver a thermos of soup to his grandma. Of course the closest path goes through the woods and Sammy gets a bit creeped out along the way. When a mummy shuffles into view, Sammy starts running as fast as possible! The mummy starts chasing him and eventually Sammy decides to do the only thing that stops a mummy -- unwrap him. The result is quite cute!

We love this one a show more bunch. We both love the drawings and the story is scary and cute at the same time. I think that books like this are great for younger kids because they get to experience a little bit of fright and then are shown that there's nothing to be afraid of after all.

http://webereading.com/2010/10/rip-reads-22-23-spooky-friends-and.html show less

Little Kid Reaction: My boys LOVED this book. It's a book about ICE CREAM! What more could a kid want? Spying hot fudge? Yum. Cherries? Yay! Ice Cream Cones? YESSSS! This is one we read a lot!

Big Kid Reaction: I loved the message: sharing is GOOD. I also loved the way the book is presented. The author, illustrator, and editor have created two worlds in the manner of the famous Wizard of Oz movie. The real world is black and white (sparse light pink highlights), with Arial font type, and show more prose writing. The fantasy world is FLOODED with color, with Curlz font type, and rhyming text. When he returns to reality, he is back to his normal world again. Just beautifully done. The rise and fall of the story is balanced, and the story is just the right length for kids 2 to 5 years old.

To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®. show less