The very mention of poo is enough to get many children giggling. Something about this topic delights young readers, and once again, anything that makes books desireable is a plus in my opinion. So here is the dirt on the very best books about poo.
1. The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business - Werner Holzwarth
The very best book ever about poo. This is one of our favourites, as my sons, like most young children find poo very entertaining. The main character is mole, who wakes up one morning to rather unpleasant surprise, just as he pokes his head out of his hole, a rather large poo plops down on his head. Mole spends the rest of the trying to find out who the culprit was. In his search he meets several different animals, who all give him a demonstration of how they eliminate waste. After a long and smelly day, mole at last finds the guilty party and takes revenge in kind, before retiring at last to his hole.
While some people might find this book a bit rude, crude, even distastful, those are just the qualities that make it so amusing to young children. My son laughed until he ahd tears in his eyes when we first got this book and even now it brings many a smile. A really delightful bedtime story - although perhaps not so well suited to mealtimes :) This is available in standard paperback, or a newer version, a board back with sound buttons. My sons do prefer the newer book - but the sounds are more musical than poo like in my opinion.
2. Bottoms Up - Jeanne Willis
This story starts with several small children carrying banners protesting nappies and asking "Why won't you let us run around in the nude?" In the next page the children move from nappies to pants, but this is not met with any happiness on the children's part. After all animals don't wear underwear do they? There is page after page of silly suggestions about different creatures in panties, knickers, bloomers etc... And of my sons very favourite part asking if wombats wonder if they must cover their ------. The answer is no of course "that would be silly". The book ends with the children stripping off and proudly displaying many bare bums.
Now from an adult point of view, this book may not seem terribly funny. In fact I'm sure a few people would find it in poor taste. To a two year old, the idea of all sorts of animals sticking out their underwear clad behinds is hilarious, but children taking their clothes off and mooning everyone is even more funny. My son knows this story by heart, but still can not listen to it without bursting into giggles.
The text to this is very short, with a nice rhythm and rhyme to it which I think suits this age group especially well. There is also a picture of a child sitting on a potty which I think is good during the period when children are learning to use the toilet. The illustrations are really cute and very funny, especially to my son. he loves the pictures of the bear and elephant shaking their bums at everyone. Personally, I like the rather indignant look on the bullock wearing breeches.
We have had tis book for years now, and while it is not read as often as it once was, it still gets a laugh when it is brought out. I think this would best suit younger children perhaps 18 months - age 3, but my oldest did still have a laugh at age 6 - although at 7 he has completely outgrown it, and my 4 year does still keep this in our favourites book shelf.
3.The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas.
The story is about a very greedy little boy. He has mountains of toys but he wants so much more - so Santa Clause leaves him a very strange gift - a gigantic dinosaur egg with a very large dinosaur inside. But for all the disgusting bits - and this book really is disgusting - it presents a message as well. Christmas is more than gifts and tinsel - what matters most at Christmas is the people you love - something Danny does come to realise - but is it too late?
Some very sensitive children might find some pages distressing- especially the part where Danny's family is eaten - but don't worry it will all come out in the end ---- literally. I don't think it can be taken as spoiler because the title clearly gives away the ending, but after eating everything from the Christmas Dinner and presents to Danny's family, pets and even Santa Claus the dinosaur finishes off by eating the whole house, leaving Danny alone in the snow.
The dinosaur is sorry and thinks of a way to fix things - so the dinosaur begins to poo..... and he poos and he poos and he poos. Out of his bum comes the house, the Christmas presents, Santa and his reindeer, Danny's family and even the Christmas dinner. Everything is back to the way it began - more or less. Except that it is covered in poop and rather brown and smelly. But Danny has learned his lesson and won't be so greedy next year, and the dinosaur has learned his lesson too - I gather pooping a house, reindeer and all the other bits and pieces might not be very pleasant - he won't be gobbling anything else up either.
4.Who's In The Loo
The story is very simple and told in a rhyming text. It begins with the question, "Who's in the loo" and offers several very entertaining guesses. Could it be an elephant having a poo? A poor frozen penguin whose pee has has turned to ice midstream? Each suggestion is illustrated in a manner that completely captivates the children, but my son's favourites are the very expressive rhino who is feeling the after effects of a hot curry, and a very naughty monkey who looks like he is dancing in the toilet. Each page is delightful though right up to a very cute ending.
My opinion of this book is that it is absolutely brilliant. Not only does it help interest children in reading and books, but I think it also helps demonstrate what a toilet is for and encourage the use of the loo. I especially like that the creators of this book are not frightened to show the characters using the toilet, or even a stream or puddle of pee. I think being unwilling to discuss such things could only make it harder for a child to learn to use the toilet, and I think children should see this as a natural activity, not something embarrassing.
5. Farley Farts
Farley farts is an exceptionally rude tale about a frog with a serious flatulence problem. The story begins with Farley sitting on a pot, with loo roll beside him, and has several PFFFOOOOTTT!'s No matter what Farley is doing, he is farting as well. Finally his teacher and parents have had enough, and Farley is told he must stop. Without passing the gas though, it builds up and Farley swells up like a huge balloon before floating up into the sky. Only one thing can save him - you guessed it - farting!
6. Potty Poo-Poo Wee-Wee! - Colin McNaughton
The story itself is very simple, everyone seems to want Littlesaurus to use the potty - but he uses it for everything except what he is meant to. Littlesauraus delights in singing at the top of his lungs "Potty Poo Poo Wee Wee!" and no amount of telling him "That's rude" will get him to stop. Of course at the end he does use the potty - but only when everyone gives up on making him do it ---- there could be a lesson for all of us grown ups there :)
A few others to consider : Aliens Love Underpants, Dinosaurs Love Underpants, The Pop Up Book of Poo, Cinderella's Bum and Sing a Song of Bottoms!
Friday 23 November 2012
Tuesday 20 November 2012
Books about naughty children part 2
6. The Christmas Crocodile - Bonny
BeckerMy son's love books with
plenty of naughtiness and mischief and this book is just packed with both. Alice
Jayne finds a most unusual gift under the Christmas tree, a crocodile with a
bright red bow wrapped around it's neck. From that point on it's one mishap
after another, but the book always tell us "The Christmas Crocodile didn't mean
to be bad, not really". And I don't think he does mean to be bad - it is just in
his nature.
However, things go from bad to worse. The Christmas Crocodile eats his lovely red bow, then the presents, the wreath and the Christmas roast. He takes things too far when he decides to have just a smallish bite of Aunt Figgy's toes while she is sleeping and is banished to the basement. But that isn't the end of things - oh no, the Christmas Crocodile is only getting warmed up - but of course ""he doesn't mean to be bad - not really".
This is an absolutely delightful book. It is quite large and perfectly illustrated and certain to have any child in giggles at story time. Children of course relate to a creature that doesn't mean to be bad. After all most children don't really mean to get into trouble either. But the crocodile gets up to mischief on a scale most children could never dream of - and even if they could dream of it, eating the Christmas tree is just out of the question. Even a real crocodile would be hard pressed to eat many of the items in this story. Both of my sons, ages 3 & 6 enjoyed this and this is currently in the favourites pile, it just stays beside the bed as it gets read every night.
My favourite part of the story is Alice Jayne - she truly loves the crocodile - warts and all. No matter how many mistakes he makes, and how much trouble he gets into, she loves him just the same. This book is now so much a part of our family life that when one of my sons really misbehaves I'll say, "But of course you didn't mean to be bad - not really", and perhaps mention that sometimes crocodiles and little boys just can't resist. And of course like Alice Jayne - I love them just as much no matter what. Everyone needs an Alice Jayne in their life, someone who loves and accepts them, just as they are.
Another nice aspect of this book is that it very subtly draws attention to the fact that Christmas is not just a tree, gifts and a fancy meal. Thoese things are only trimmings. Christmas is about family and love and kindness to each other, and even without all the trimmings, it is Christmas just the same. Of course we love our tree and decorations, our presents and sweets, but this book offers a gentle reminder that Christmas is more than all that. It is so easy to get wrapped up in all the material aspects - we forget what is really important.
7. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak:
Note : This review is for the original storybook as shown, not the modern movie version. The movie is loosely based on this, but very loosely in my opinion.
Everything about it is perfect from the storyline to the lovely pen and ink drawings that illustrate it. You can see the expressions clearly on Max's face and the monsters are botth a bit frightening, and quite adorable at the same time ( not unlike some children ). I personally love the way the illustrations show the trees growing in Max's room, so that you can really imagine it changing. I think all children must imagine their own rooms growing into forests like this after reading the story, at least I did as a child.
The story itself is simple but unforgetable. Max is a typical boisterous wee lad, dressed up in a wolf costume. He seems bent on mischief, until his mother sends him to bed. There in his room a forest grows. Max discovers a boat and sails away for the land of the Wild Things. he fits right in among the beasts, so well that they make him king and enjoy a wonderful wild rumpus. But of course little boys can only remain beasts for a short time, and he longs to be home where someone loves him "best of all". So sails back on a tremendous journey until at last he reaches his own room and finds dinner waiting for him.
I remember this very well from my own child and remember be totally captivated by the magic of the story, you could almost smell the woody forest, and feel the sea breeze. I do remember I also cried my eyes out because the poor monsters were left alone and were sad, but then I was an odd child.
My sons both love this book. They jump up and dance around with waving arms and terrible roars and we have our own wild rumpus. They both loves stories about nauhty children anyway , and find the part about Max's misbehaviour hillarious. They also likes that Max's mother loves him best of all anyway. I think perhaps all children may like that reasssurance that even if they act up a bit, Mom always loves them "best of all".
8. David Goes to School
For those of you who are not familiar with this character, David is the literary creation of David Shannon and meant to be a literary incarnation of the author as a child. If David were a real child, he would be the type that would drive some adults bonkers. In reality he is not very far removed from many delightful children I have known - but I know a few people described them in other terms. He is the type of child that you have to meet halfway, and keep them busy, or they will drive you to distraction. But these children also have a certain charm. and a spark to them that simply can not be matched. I can't tell you how many times I have been the position as a youth leader of trying to correct one of these boys only find my eyes tearing up with repressed laughter - which of course they catch on to right away! You just can't stay mad at them.
David is character that parents will either love or hate. He has been described as ADHD in a few reviews - I'm not sure if it is possible to diagnose a fictional character, but he certainly has a few of the common traits. Some adults find him frightening, with sharp teeth and small black eyes. Others feel he is a terrible example for children. But for every one who despises David, there are many who love him. He is a bundle of irrepressible energy - childhood in a pure and natural state. Yes he gets in trouble - and plenty of it but you can't help but smile as you read about his escapades, and children relate to him completely. He allows them to experience pure naughtiness vicariously, and gives them some one to empathise with when they too are misunderstood by the adult world.
This book shows us a day at school for David. All of the books in this series have a very simple text - usually one short sentence in large black crayon. The book begins "No David!" and a brief list of school rules " No yelling, No pushing ......" Each of the following scenes will show David doing something he shouldn't - or at least that the teacher believes he should not and the teacher's words - always another way of saying no.
We have had the first two "No David!" books for years and they have been among our most loved and cherished story books. I had skipped this one simply because my son is home educated. I didn't really think they would relate much to the school setting, but when we bought the Christmas book, we bought this as well simply because there are no other books in this series that we do not own. I need not have worried about the boys not relating - mischief is mischief and once again David Shannon's book has become a fast favourite.
I really like the simple text in this book. It is so clear and easy to read. Of course this was very easy reading for my 6 year old, but my 3 year old was able to memorise this in a few days and recite the story as he followed the words on the page. I do believe this helps the children learn to read at an earlier age. The illustrations are lovely, and the book is quite funny.
On the downside though, I'm afraid this gives a rather negative impression of school. I can't help but think if you were reading this to a toddler who has not yet started school it might fill them with dread. My sons' eyes were rather wide in a few instances as they asked me if schools really do things like that. I like to hope they do not, but it did remind me of my own school days. There is one scene where David is clearly desperate for the loo. He is holding his hand up while squirming in front of the class. - while the teacher shouts "Again?!" I remember this all to well from my own school days as I developed rather serious kidney infections and only a letter from the doctor and a few weeks out of school convinced the teacher to be a bit more lenient. I still remember the teacher deliberately humiliating others who needed the loo though - and I have had lifelong kidney complications. I would hope these days have passed. If a prisoner or suspect is denied the right to use the toilet as needed during questioning, that is considered a clear violation of human rights that may result in any criminal case being thrown out as well as a hefty financial settlement. I would like to think the average school child enjoys as many human rights as prisoner. While this is the most disturbing scene in the book it is not the only one.
Of course part of the story is just ordinary childhood antics - a food fight in the lunch room, staying out late after recess. But the overall tone of the school setting here is very repressive and even frightening. There is nothing that makes school look fun or pleasant, and the only good thing to happen to poor David is to finally be allowed to go home after being held after class.
My sons love this book - and I have to admit I enjoyed reading it myself - at least the first 50 times. It is full of humour and a wonderful way to help children learn to read. Of course David is always in trouble - in every book - one expects him to be in trouble here too. I afraid it was a rather accurate representation of many schools years ago - I just like to hope they have moved on a bit. This is the only one of the David books where my sons were really concerned by the adults behaviour. Even in our situation, as a home educating family, I did have some concerns that this book could give my sons too negative a view of school. I home educate my son now, because I feel that is the best option at this point in time. Things change, and they may want to attend an ordinary school at some time, or we may find a school with more to offer. I do expect that they will attend regular schools at least by secondary school though, and I would not want them to think schools are awful. I would recommend this book for a child who is already comfortably established in a school routine. I'm sure most will find a few a bits to identify with and hopefully it will make their school look very good by comparison. I also think it would provide an excellent opportunity for children and parents to discuss your child's experiences at school. It could prove a real eye opener. As much as we loved the book - I can not find myself giving this an unqualified recommendation though. If your child has not started school yet - I would think very carefully before buying this and be certain to preview it carefully before sharing it with a child
9. Rotten and Rascal
Two terrible Pterosaur twins with a horrible case of sibling rivalry. This book will have children laughing until they are in tears, but may upset some childen with it's shock ending. Please be aware thisnreview will contains spoilers.
The story begins with the pterosaurs arguing, they are constantly shreiking and screaming and none of the other dinosaurs get a minutes peace and quiet.. the arguing gets worse as they both fight over a fish. Each dinosaur suggests a wat to solve the argument, but it only makes things worse with a horrible hollering hullabaloo. Until T Rex comes along. He silences the twins for good and the ending will shick most children into silence as well.
10. That's Not Funny
A practical joking hyena deligts in the misfortune his jokes cause others - but he won't get the last laugh - nor will he come up smelling of roses in a book that could ahve qualified for mention in my list of books about poo as well.
11 Troll Swap by Leigh Hodgkinson
A wonderful story about a very active, energetic little girl and a shy and quiet troll who both learn that is OK to be different - we don't have to change who we are to be loved.
http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=Troll_Swap_by_Leigh_Hodgkinson
However, things go from bad to worse. The Christmas Crocodile eats his lovely red bow, then the presents, the wreath and the Christmas roast. He takes things too far when he decides to have just a smallish bite of Aunt Figgy's toes while she is sleeping and is banished to the basement. But that isn't the end of things - oh no, the Christmas Crocodile is only getting warmed up - but of course ""he doesn't mean to be bad - not really".
This is an absolutely delightful book. It is quite large and perfectly illustrated and certain to have any child in giggles at story time. Children of course relate to a creature that doesn't mean to be bad. After all most children don't really mean to get into trouble either. But the crocodile gets up to mischief on a scale most children could never dream of - and even if they could dream of it, eating the Christmas tree is just out of the question. Even a real crocodile would be hard pressed to eat many of the items in this story. Both of my sons, ages 3 & 6 enjoyed this and this is currently in the favourites pile, it just stays beside the bed as it gets read every night.
My favourite part of the story is Alice Jayne - she truly loves the crocodile - warts and all. No matter how many mistakes he makes, and how much trouble he gets into, she loves him just the same. This book is now so much a part of our family life that when one of my sons really misbehaves I'll say, "But of course you didn't mean to be bad - not really", and perhaps mention that sometimes crocodiles and little boys just can't resist. And of course like Alice Jayne - I love them just as much no matter what. Everyone needs an Alice Jayne in their life, someone who loves and accepts them, just as they are.
Another nice aspect of this book is that it very subtly draws attention to the fact that Christmas is not just a tree, gifts and a fancy meal. Thoese things are only trimmings. Christmas is about family and love and kindness to each other, and even without all the trimmings, it is Christmas just the same. Of course we love our tree and decorations, our presents and sweets, but this book offers a gentle reminder that Christmas is more than all that. It is so easy to get wrapped up in all the material aspects - we forget what is really important.
7. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak:
Note : This review is for the original storybook as shown, not the modern movie version. The movie is loosely based on this, but very loosely in my opinion.
Everything about it is perfect from the storyline to the lovely pen and ink drawings that illustrate it. You can see the expressions clearly on Max's face and the monsters are botth a bit frightening, and quite adorable at the same time ( not unlike some children ). I personally love the way the illustrations show the trees growing in Max's room, so that you can really imagine it changing. I think all children must imagine their own rooms growing into forests like this after reading the story, at least I did as a child.
The story itself is simple but unforgetable. Max is a typical boisterous wee lad, dressed up in a wolf costume. He seems bent on mischief, until his mother sends him to bed. There in his room a forest grows. Max discovers a boat and sails away for the land of the Wild Things. he fits right in among the beasts, so well that they make him king and enjoy a wonderful wild rumpus. But of course little boys can only remain beasts for a short time, and he longs to be home where someone loves him "best of all". So sails back on a tremendous journey until at last he reaches his own room and finds dinner waiting for him.
I remember this very well from my own child and remember be totally captivated by the magic of the story, you could almost smell the woody forest, and feel the sea breeze. I do remember I also cried my eyes out because the poor monsters were left alone and were sad, but then I was an odd child.
My sons both love this book. They jump up and dance around with waving arms and terrible roars and we have our own wild rumpus. They both loves stories about nauhty children anyway , and find the part about Max's misbehaviour hillarious. They also likes that Max's mother loves him best of all anyway. I think perhaps all children may like that reasssurance that even if they act up a bit, Mom always loves them "best of all".
8. David Goes to School
For those of you who are not familiar with this character, David is the literary creation of David Shannon and meant to be a literary incarnation of the author as a child. If David were a real child, he would be the type that would drive some adults bonkers. In reality he is not very far removed from many delightful children I have known - but I know a few people described them in other terms. He is the type of child that you have to meet halfway, and keep them busy, or they will drive you to distraction. But these children also have a certain charm. and a spark to them that simply can not be matched. I can't tell you how many times I have been the position as a youth leader of trying to correct one of these boys only find my eyes tearing up with repressed laughter - which of course they catch on to right away! You just can't stay mad at them.
David is character that parents will either love or hate. He has been described as ADHD in a few reviews - I'm not sure if it is possible to diagnose a fictional character, but he certainly has a few of the common traits. Some adults find him frightening, with sharp teeth and small black eyes. Others feel he is a terrible example for children. But for every one who despises David, there are many who love him. He is a bundle of irrepressible energy - childhood in a pure and natural state. Yes he gets in trouble - and plenty of it but you can't help but smile as you read about his escapades, and children relate to him completely. He allows them to experience pure naughtiness vicariously, and gives them some one to empathise with when they too are misunderstood by the adult world.
This book shows us a day at school for David. All of the books in this series have a very simple text - usually one short sentence in large black crayon. The book begins "No David!" and a brief list of school rules " No yelling, No pushing ......" Each of the following scenes will show David doing something he shouldn't - or at least that the teacher believes he should not and the teacher's words - always another way of saying no.
We have had the first two "No David!" books for years and they have been among our most loved and cherished story books. I had skipped this one simply because my son is home educated. I didn't really think they would relate much to the school setting, but when we bought the Christmas book, we bought this as well simply because there are no other books in this series that we do not own. I need not have worried about the boys not relating - mischief is mischief and once again David Shannon's book has become a fast favourite.
I really like the simple text in this book. It is so clear and easy to read. Of course this was very easy reading for my 6 year old, but my 3 year old was able to memorise this in a few days and recite the story as he followed the words on the page. I do believe this helps the children learn to read at an earlier age. The illustrations are lovely, and the book is quite funny.
On the downside though, I'm afraid this gives a rather negative impression of school. I can't help but think if you were reading this to a toddler who has not yet started school it might fill them with dread. My sons' eyes were rather wide in a few instances as they asked me if schools really do things like that. I like to hope they do not, but it did remind me of my own school days. There is one scene where David is clearly desperate for the loo. He is holding his hand up while squirming in front of the class. - while the teacher shouts "Again?!" I remember this all to well from my own school days as I developed rather serious kidney infections and only a letter from the doctor and a few weeks out of school convinced the teacher to be a bit more lenient. I still remember the teacher deliberately humiliating others who needed the loo though - and I have had lifelong kidney complications. I would hope these days have passed. If a prisoner or suspect is denied the right to use the toilet as needed during questioning, that is considered a clear violation of human rights that may result in any criminal case being thrown out as well as a hefty financial settlement. I would like to think the average school child enjoys as many human rights as prisoner. While this is the most disturbing scene in the book it is not the only one.
Of course part of the story is just ordinary childhood antics - a food fight in the lunch room, staying out late after recess. But the overall tone of the school setting here is very repressive and even frightening. There is nothing that makes school look fun or pleasant, and the only good thing to happen to poor David is to finally be allowed to go home after being held after class.
My sons love this book - and I have to admit I enjoyed reading it myself - at least the first 50 times. It is full of humour and a wonderful way to help children learn to read. Of course David is always in trouble - in every book - one expects him to be in trouble here too. I afraid it was a rather accurate representation of many schools years ago - I just like to hope they have moved on a bit. This is the only one of the David books where my sons were really concerned by the adults behaviour. Even in our situation, as a home educating family, I did have some concerns that this book could give my sons too negative a view of school. I home educate my son now, because I feel that is the best option at this point in time. Things change, and they may want to attend an ordinary school at some time, or we may find a school with more to offer. I do expect that they will attend regular schools at least by secondary school though, and I would not want them to think schools are awful. I would recommend this book for a child who is already comfortably established in a school routine. I'm sure most will find a few a bits to identify with and hopefully it will make their school look very good by comparison. I also think it would provide an excellent opportunity for children and parents to discuss your child's experiences at school. It could prove a real eye opener. As much as we loved the book - I can not find myself giving this an unqualified recommendation though. If your child has not started school yet - I would think very carefully before buying this and be certain to preview it carefully before sharing it with a child
9. Rotten and Rascal
Two terrible Pterosaur twins with a horrible case of sibling rivalry. This book will have children laughing until they are in tears, but may upset some childen with it's shock ending. Please be aware thisnreview will contains spoilers.
The story begins with the pterosaurs arguing, they are constantly shreiking and screaming and none of the other dinosaurs get a minutes peace and quiet.. the arguing gets worse as they both fight over a fish. Each dinosaur suggests a wat to solve the argument, but it only makes things worse with a horrible hollering hullabaloo. Until T Rex comes along. He silences the twins for good and the ending will shick most children into silence as well.
10. That's Not Funny
A practical joking hyena deligts in the misfortune his jokes cause others - but he won't get the last laugh - nor will he come up smelling of roses in a book that could ahve qualified for mention in my list of books about poo as well.
11 Troll Swap by Leigh Hodgkinson
A wonderful story about a very active, energetic little girl and a shy and quiet troll who both learn that is OK to be different - we don't have to change who we are to be loved.
http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=Troll_Swap_by_Leigh_Hodgkinson
Wednesday 14 November 2012
Books about naughty children or animals.
Children love reading about other children who misbehave. I'm afraid this list is not designed to make your little one renounce all naughty behaviour. This is a celebration of the literary bad influence. These are our very favourite books about naughty children.
1. The Complete Adventures of Curious George:
The very first place on this list simply must go to Curious George. He was the original bad boy of children's literature at a time when most story books were designed as a means of teaching children proper behavior. Of course George isn't really bad - he doesn't mean to get into trouble. He is just curious and full of energy - not unlike many boys.
George gets into one form of trouble after another, including prank calls to the fire department - for which he ends up in jail. Add jail breaking to his list of offenses as he doesn't stay in prison long. He also floods the house, steals a cow, wrecks a museum exhibit, paints a woman's apartment in jungle scenes and alters a note from the Man with the Yellow hat to change an order for 1 dozen doughnuts to 10 dozen.
But George isn't all misbehaviour - he tries to be good. He also ends up on a rocket into space, helping a baby bear, and cheering up sick children in a hospital. He has all sorts of fun adventures - but one of his best is learning to read. This the most stunning depiction of the alphabet I have ever seen in a children's book with each letter being made into an animal or other object beginning with that letter. What a wonderful way - not only for a child to learn their alphabet and associate each letter with the correct sound.
Curious George is a quintessential part of childhood. If you have grown up without reading it - it is never too late - pick up a copy today. And do not allow your children to suffer the same fate.
2. No David! by David Shannon
Some people love David - and others hate him. He gets rave reviews for encouraging children to read - but also gets slammed for being a bad influence - but admit it - we all love a bad influence once in awhile :)
There really is not much of a story, the whole book consists of David getting into one form of trouble after another, from tipping over the cookie jar, to coming in covered in mud (and even the odd worm), and running down the street naked, to breaking Mom's vase playing baseball in the house. There are very few words other then "NO" and "DAVID".
The text to this book is in large black crayon, and there is only one short sentence per page. My children could both recite the entire book from start to finish by age 2. This was also wonderful when my son first learned to read as he could pick the few words in this story up very quickly.
The illustrations are rather crude, but they have their own charm. David is drawn much like a child's drawing, although the artists talent is obvious in the rest of each illustration. He has small black scribbled in eyes and large sharp teeth. Some reviewers have said he was frightening. He is also cited as a bad influence by many. One reviewer mentioned her son wanting to do all the things David did. Well we did just that. We set up each seen, and let my son read a page and then act it out. We filmed it and have a brilliant movie. We plan to make one for the youngest boy as well. My son's do enjoy seeing David misbehave, but they also know it is bad behaviour and they can not generally do the same.
My sons love everything about this book. We read our first copy so often we nearly wore it out, so I have bought a second. My youngest goes through spells of reading these books every night and then tiring of them for awhile before we start reading again, but they remain favourites in a huge collection of books. I imagine all children end up hearing the word "No" a bit too often. This book really gives you an idea how a child feels, and I am sure my sons do relate to it. I especially loved the ending in which in spite of all the trouble he has been in, his Mother reassures him "Yes David - I Love You". I think it is nice for children to know, no matter how much trouble they may get into they are always loved.
3. Tom and the Tinful of Trouble by Nick Sharrat,
This book is often listed with other books to teach simple mathematical concepts, in this case its time. It also has pictures with the text on less familiar words (like wallpaper) and is in clear easy to read text with short sentences and predominately familiar words. But don't but this book for educational value, that's missing the whole point. Buy it because its fun.
The story is about a boy who discovers a tin of red paint while Mom is busy. It takes him 3 seconds to decide what to do with it, which of course is get into mischief. Three minutes later, he has the lid off and the fun begins. In three hours, he has painted the front room, and absolutely everything in it. Tom's Mom only needs ten seconds to reach total meltdown which remains the children's favourite part of the story. When my youngest was barely a year old he could shout out "wahhhh!" and "What Have You Done!". It takes three weeks to undo the damage Tom has done, three months later and things are back to normal as he celebrates his birthday, and finally three years later - He finds the blue paint! This was the favourite book of my oldest child for quite some time, and then became his brother's favourite. At ages 4 and 7 they both still do enjoy this - although perhaps the neighbours do not. The shouts have grown quite loud over the years.
Lots of nice touches throughout, like the long suffering cat, and a tree that grows each year showing the passage of time. One of our very favourite books and highly recommended. As an added touch the text also includes rebus pictures, making this very useful for beginning readers. My own son had memorised it well before reaching reading age, but even so, this book was quite useful as the pictures helped him keep track of the text while he recited from memory.
4. David Get's In Trouble:
We first read about David in David Shannon's award winning book "No David" roughly 6 years ago. This book was so well loved I just had to get the next one "David Get's in Trouble". The first book has a monologue by David's Mother which primarily consists of the word "No" with a few variations. This book tells David's side of the story, but once again David is in trouble from the word go --- or should I say no?
This book begins with a crude childlike drawing of David with a halo over head and text telling us what David says when he gets in trouble. Now David is really not a bad a child, at least not in my opinion - but trouble is his constant companion. It all begins with a quick trip on his skateboard across the front room - and naturally a few accidents along the way. Most of David's trouble is accidental - or just forgetfulness - he even forgets to put his trousers on before school one day. The one truly naughty event is when he pulls the poor cats tail saying "But she likes it"! The illustration makes quite clear that the cat most certainly does not enjoy this treatment, and I made a point of telling my children - we don't really pull animals tails because it would hurt them. But for the most part the book shows the types of problems most children get into - making messes, saying bad words, and not wanting to eat what Mom has cooked for tea.
As mentioned, David is illustrated in a rather crude childlike fashion, with small eyes, sharp teeth and the body roughed in. The rest of the illustrations do show far more talent - and I believe David is deliberately drawn in this fashion. My sons quite like him as he is and so do I, but some parents have said their children find him frightening. I even remember reading somewhere that he was evil looking. I do think the artist has difficulty with hands, as these are even rougher than the rest of the picture, but it does not lose any charm for this. In fact, my son would never draw as it really isn't his strong suit, but I have convinced he can draw David and these crude childlike drawings have given him the confidence to try.
The text is also very simple. Except for the first page - which has two lines each page has only one very simple sentence written in large black crayon letters. My children have both had this memorised by the age of two and can point out the words as they "read" the book along with me. Of course the oldest really can read it now, but this book was great book to get them starting with reading. My 4 year old will occasionally take these out and "read" them to himself - and of course if I am not up for reading I can just close my eyes and recite the book from memory myself.
My sons really identify with David, and he is just so funny we can't help but love him. The book is written in America, and this because obvious on the page about bad language. David is pictured with a bar of soap in his mouth and the text reads "But Dad says it!" I had to explain to my sons that in America some parents washed their children's mouth out with soap when they said bad words. Parents in Belfast obviously do not follow this tradition - if they did their children's mouths would be cleaner than their hands ! But more seriously, I am not a great disciplinarian myself and my children are taught more with reason than punishment. Where punishment must be used it is appropriate to the crime - things like losing bicycle privileges after darting across a road - or the most dreaded of all punishments thought up by a sadistic mind - loss of video games. But I believe children's dignity should be respected in discipline and this really does not seem to be a dignified way to treat a child. This has concerned my boys a bit, but they have gotten used to it now. And they do love commenting that their Dad says the bad words too - and they both did when they were to little to know any better. They laugh that Daddy still doesn't know any better!
Overall though, the book is very light hearted and of just the right sort of humour for very young children. My sons both love all the books in this series and we are planning to write our own versions. They say these books are perfect except for one small flaw - there is no farting. I can't recommend these books enough for young children who are not as interested in the typically sugary sweet books. These books can entice the most reluctant reader into loving books and are completely unique to my knowledge. In fact , if any one knows of any other books even remotely like these, please message me asap. I will be buying them as soon as possible. My youngest loved this from age 1, and I do think this is suitable for very young children. My oldest will be 7 and still enjoys this, although he is rapidly outgrowing picture books. I do think children up to about age 10 would might enjoy hearing this once, but would recommend buying it for children ages 1 -7.
5. It's Christmas David!
You'll either love David or Hate him - there are no in betweens with this character who stars in a number of books. Some reviewers have described David as frightening with his small black eyes and large sharp teeth. Others feel he would be a bad influence on their children. One reviewer was unhappy that after a day of misbehaviour, David is rewarded with a hug in the original story. There seem to be a number of people who really dislike these books. But love them or hate them, these books are completely unique. I have never found any other books even remotely like these. If you want a book like all the others on your shelves - this book is not for you - but if you want something wildly different and plenty of fun - do read on. I love the David Books though, and so do my sons. My oldest (age 7) says they were the very best of his picture books, and his favourites until James Bond. Even though he is rapidly outgrowing picture books, he still enjoys these, despite the fact that we read them almost every night. My youngest son says the No David books are the best books in the world.
This is the latest addition to our David collection.In this book, it is Christmastime, and while David seems to be a good hearted child, he is just one of those kids who is always in trouble. The cover depicts him knocking down the Christmas tree as he reaches for a candy cane. The first page begins " At Christmastime everyone said ' No David !' ". Each of the following sets of two pages depicts David doing something he should not - from trying to peek at his gifts and get into the Christmas cookies early to running down the street in his boots, mittens and a woolen hat - but nothing else! David writes his name in the snow - making large yellow letters, breaks a window in a snowball fight and causes general havoc where ever he goes. Will he be on Santa's Naughty list? Will he end up with a stocking full of coal?
Both of my sons absolutely love this book. The oldest, at age 6 could read the very large black crayon type print with ease. At 4, my youngest my can not read this, but he can recite it word for, only stumbling on one page with an exceptionally long text. One of the sentences on the long page is "seat your Grandmother", but not quite understanding this, he recites it as "eat your Grandmother" which my 7 year old finds especially amusing. Most of the pages have only one simple sentence, which is very clearly illustrated by the drawings, so this book is ideal for those just learning to read. I love these books. I think they are wonderful for making children fall in love with reading. The books are completely unique and will have a wide range appeal - what child doesn't secretly enjoy watching some one else be very naughty? But they will especially appeal to boys who are turned off by the overly sugary sweet fare so often offered to children. Of course there is a place for lovely gentle stories - but I believe there is also a place for wild, irreverent, even subversive, and hysterically funny books.
Some people feel these books set a very bad influence for children - and perhaps at times they do. My own son wondered if it would be possible to write in the snow in the same way.... I suggested a squirt gun with yellow water would have the same shocking effect on the neighbors and passers by with the risk of being caught with your pants down ...... literally. He thinks this sounds a grand idea.
Perhaps these books do set a bad example, but the children always recognise the behaviour as naughty, and it usually is not malicious. All children misbehave at times ( and very much want to at others). I think it is fair enough to show that even when children make mistakes - they are always loved and valued, and I think this book does just that. I think it is healthy for children to understand that occasional misbehaviour is part of childhood. No child should be expected to be perfect. Everyone does things they should not at times - and that includes grownups!
I also think, from an adult point view, this can help us remember to see the humour in such situations, as well as remember how we would have felt as a child. David has an irrepressible energy and is the type of boy that drives parents to their wits end - but he is also full of life and energy - and sometimes we forget what it is like to be so young and full of curiosity. This is a book that will have children even stitches, but even adults will be hard pressed not to have a small laugh or two. It is a wonderful change of pace from the ordinary reading material presented to children and I can not recommend it highly enough. All the same if the idea of a book full of misbehaviour makes you cringe - if you fear your children being exposed to malign influences - you'd be well advised to avoid this one.
A delightfully bad influence - the naughty list has never been so much fun!
1. The Complete Adventures of Curious George:
The very first place on this list simply must go to Curious George. He was the original bad boy of children's literature at a time when most story books were designed as a means of teaching children proper behavior. Of course George isn't really bad - he doesn't mean to get into trouble. He is just curious and full of energy - not unlike many boys.
George gets into one form of trouble after another, including prank calls to the fire department - for which he ends up in jail. Add jail breaking to his list of offenses as he doesn't stay in prison long. He also floods the house, steals a cow, wrecks a museum exhibit, paints a woman's apartment in jungle scenes and alters a note from the Man with the Yellow hat to change an order for 1 dozen doughnuts to 10 dozen.
But George isn't all misbehaviour - he tries to be good. He also ends up on a rocket into space, helping a baby bear, and cheering up sick children in a hospital. He has all sorts of fun adventures - but one of his best is learning to read. This the most stunning depiction of the alphabet I have ever seen in a children's book with each letter being made into an animal or other object beginning with that letter. What a wonderful way - not only for a child to learn their alphabet and associate each letter with the correct sound.
Curious George is a quintessential part of childhood. If you have grown up without reading it - it is never too late - pick up a copy today. And do not allow your children to suffer the same fate.
2. No David! by David Shannon
Some people love David - and others hate him. He gets rave reviews for encouraging children to read - but also gets slammed for being a bad influence - but admit it - we all love a bad influence once in awhile :)
There really is not much of a story, the whole book consists of David getting into one form of trouble after another, from tipping over the cookie jar, to coming in covered in mud (and even the odd worm), and running down the street naked, to breaking Mom's vase playing baseball in the house. There are very few words other then "NO" and "DAVID".
The text to this book is in large black crayon, and there is only one short sentence per page. My children could both recite the entire book from start to finish by age 2. This was also wonderful when my son first learned to read as he could pick the few words in this story up very quickly.
The illustrations are rather crude, but they have their own charm. David is drawn much like a child's drawing, although the artists talent is obvious in the rest of each illustration. He has small black scribbled in eyes and large sharp teeth. Some reviewers have said he was frightening. He is also cited as a bad influence by many. One reviewer mentioned her son wanting to do all the things David did. Well we did just that. We set up each seen, and let my son read a page and then act it out. We filmed it and have a brilliant movie. We plan to make one for the youngest boy as well. My son's do enjoy seeing David misbehave, but they also know it is bad behaviour and they can not generally do the same.
My sons love everything about this book. We read our first copy so often we nearly wore it out, so I have bought a second. My youngest goes through spells of reading these books every night and then tiring of them for awhile before we start reading again, but they remain favourites in a huge collection of books. I imagine all children end up hearing the word "No" a bit too often. This book really gives you an idea how a child feels, and I am sure my sons do relate to it. I especially loved the ending in which in spite of all the trouble he has been in, his Mother reassures him "Yes David - I Love You". I think it is nice for children to know, no matter how much trouble they may get into they are always loved.
3. Tom and the Tinful of Trouble by Nick Sharrat,
This book is often listed with other books to teach simple mathematical concepts, in this case its time. It also has pictures with the text on less familiar words (like wallpaper) and is in clear easy to read text with short sentences and predominately familiar words. But don't but this book for educational value, that's missing the whole point. Buy it because its fun.
The story is about a boy who discovers a tin of red paint while Mom is busy. It takes him 3 seconds to decide what to do with it, which of course is get into mischief. Three minutes later, he has the lid off and the fun begins. In three hours, he has painted the front room, and absolutely everything in it. Tom's Mom only needs ten seconds to reach total meltdown which remains the children's favourite part of the story. When my youngest was barely a year old he could shout out "wahhhh!" and "What Have You Done!". It takes three weeks to undo the damage Tom has done, three months later and things are back to normal as he celebrates his birthday, and finally three years later - He finds the blue paint! This was the favourite book of my oldest child for quite some time, and then became his brother's favourite. At ages 4 and 7 they both still do enjoy this - although perhaps the neighbours do not. The shouts have grown quite loud over the years.
Lots of nice touches throughout, like the long suffering cat, and a tree that grows each year showing the passage of time. One of our very favourite books and highly recommended. As an added touch the text also includes rebus pictures, making this very useful for beginning readers. My own son had memorised it well before reaching reading age, but even so, this book was quite useful as the pictures helped him keep track of the text while he recited from memory.
4. David Get's In Trouble:
We first read about David in David Shannon's award winning book "No David" roughly 6 years ago. This book was so well loved I just had to get the next one "David Get's in Trouble". The first book has a monologue by David's Mother which primarily consists of the word "No" with a few variations. This book tells David's side of the story, but once again David is in trouble from the word go --- or should I say no?
This book begins with a crude childlike drawing of David with a halo over head and text telling us what David says when he gets in trouble. Now David is really not a bad a child, at least not in my opinion - but trouble is his constant companion. It all begins with a quick trip on his skateboard across the front room - and naturally a few accidents along the way. Most of David's trouble is accidental - or just forgetfulness - he even forgets to put his trousers on before school one day. The one truly naughty event is when he pulls the poor cats tail saying "But she likes it"! The illustration makes quite clear that the cat most certainly does not enjoy this treatment, and I made a point of telling my children - we don't really pull animals tails because it would hurt them. But for the most part the book shows the types of problems most children get into - making messes, saying bad words, and not wanting to eat what Mom has cooked for tea.
As mentioned, David is illustrated in a rather crude childlike fashion, with small eyes, sharp teeth and the body roughed in. The rest of the illustrations do show far more talent - and I believe David is deliberately drawn in this fashion. My sons quite like him as he is and so do I, but some parents have said their children find him frightening. I even remember reading somewhere that he was evil looking. I do think the artist has difficulty with hands, as these are even rougher than the rest of the picture, but it does not lose any charm for this. In fact, my son would never draw as it really isn't his strong suit, but I have convinced he can draw David and these crude childlike drawings have given him the confidence to try.
The text is also very simple. Except for the first page - which has two lines each page has only one very simple sentence written in large black crayon letters. My children have both had this memorised by the age of two and can point out the words as they "read" the book along with me. Of course the oldest really can read it now, but this book was great book to get them starting with reading. My 4 year old will occasionally take these out and "read" them to himself - and of course if I am not up for reading I can just close my eyes and recite the book from memory myself.
My sons really identify with David, and he is just so funny we can't help but love him. The book is written in America, and this because obvious on the page about bad language. David is pictured with a bar of soap in his mouth and the text reads "But Dad says it!" I had to explain to my sons that in America some parents washed their children's mouth out with soap when they said bad words. Parents in Belfast obviously do not follow this tradition - if they did their children's mouths would be cleaner than their hands ! But more seriously, I am not a great disciplinarian myself and my children are taught more with reason than punishment. Where punishment must be used it is appropriate to the crime - things like losing bicycle privileges after darting across a road - or the most dreaded of all punishments thought up by a sadistic mind - loss of video games. But I believe children's dignity should be respected in discipline and this really does not seem to be a dignified way to treat a child. This has concerned my boys a bit, but they have gotten used to it now. And they do love commenting that their Dad says the bad words too - and they both did when they were to little to know any better. They laugh that Daddy still doesn't know any better!
Overall though, the book is very light hearted and of just the right sort of humour for very young children. My sons both love all the books in this series and we are planning to write our own versions. They say these books are perfect except for one small flaw - there is no farting. I can't recommend these books enough for young children who are not as interested in the typically sugary sweet books. These books can entice the most reluctant reader into loving books and are completely unique to my knowledge. In fact , if any one knows of any other books even remotely like these, please message me asap. I will be buying them as soon as possible. My youngest loved this from age 1, and I do think this is suitable for very young children. My oldest will be 7 and still enjoys this, although he is rapidly outgrowing picture books. I do think children up to about age 10 would might enjoy hearing this once, but would recommend buying it for children ages 1 -7.
5. It's Christmas David!
You'll either love David or Hate him - there are no in betweens with this character who stars in a number of books. Some reviewers have described David as frightening with his small black eyes and large sharp teeth. Others feel he would be a bad influence on their children. One reviewer was unhappy that after a day of misbehaviour, David is rewarded with a hug in the original story. There seem to be a number of people who really dislike these books. But love them or hate them, these books are completely unique. I have never found any other books even remotely like these. If you want a book like all the others on your shelves - this book is not for you - but if you want something wildly different and plenty of fun - do read on. I love the David Books though, and so do my sons. My oldest (age 7) says they were the very best of his picture books, and his favourites until James Bond. Even though he is rapidly outgrowing picture books, he still enjoys these, despite the fact that we read them almost every night. My youngest son says the No David books are the best books in the world.
This is the latest addition to our David collection.In this book, it is Christmastime, and while David seems to be a good hearted child, he is just one of those kids who is always in trouble. The cover depicts him knocking down the Christmas tree as he reaches for a candy cane. The first page begins " At Christmastime everyone said ' No David !' ". Each of the following sets of two pages depicts David doing something he should not - from trying to peek at his gifts and get into the Christmas cookies early to running down the street in his boots, mittens and a woolen hat - but nothing else! David writes his name in the snow - making large yellow letters, breaks a window in a snowball fight and causes general havoc where ever he goes. Will he be on Santa's Naughty list? Will he end up with a stocking full of coal?
Both of my sons absolutely love this book. The oldest, at age 6 could read the very large black crayon type print with ease. At 4, my youngest my can not read this, but he can recite it word for, only stumbling on one page with an exceptionally long text. One of the sentences on the long page is "seat your Grandmother", but not quite understanding this, he recites it as "eat your Grandmother" which my 7 year old finds especially amusing. Most of the pages have only one simple sentence, which is very clearly illustrated by the drawings, so this book is ideal for those just learning to read. I love these books. I think they are wonderful for making children fall in love with reading. The books are completely unique and will have a wide range appeal - what child doesn't secretly enjoy watching some one else be very naughty? But they will especially appeal to boys who are turned off by the overly sugary sweet fare so often offered to children. Of course there is a place for lovely gentle stories - but I believe there is also a place for wild, irreverent, even subversive, and hysterically funny books.
Some people feel these books set a very bad influence for children - and perhaps at times they do. My own son wondered if it would be possible to write in the snow in the same way.... I suggested a squirt gun with yellow water would have the same shocking effect on the neighbors and passers by with the risk of being caught with your pants down ...... literally. He thinks this sounds a grand idea.
Perhaps these books do set a bad example, but the children always recognise the behaviour as naughty, and it usually is not malicious. All children misbehave at times ( and very much want to at others). I think it is fair enough to show that even when children make mistakes - they are always loved and valued, and I think this book does just that. I think it is healthy for children to understand that occasional misbehaviour is part of childhood. No child should be expected to be perfect. Everyone does things they should not at times - and that includes grownups!
I also think, from an adult point view, this can help us remember to see the humour in such situations, as well as remember how we would have felt as a child. David has an irrepressible energy and is the type of boy that drives parents to their wits end - but he is also full of life and energy - and sometimes we forget what it is like to be so young and full of curiosity. This is a book that will have children even stitches, but even adults will be hard pressed not to have a small laugh or two. It is a wonderful change of pace from the ordinary reading material presented to children and I can not recommend it highly enough. All the same if the idea of a book full of misbehaviour makes you cringe - if you fear your children being exposed to malign influences - you'd be well advised to avoid this one.
A delightfully bad influence - the naughty list has never been so much fun!
Sunday 4 November 2012
Good books for bad children ... In memory of Ursula Nordstrom.
This web page is dedicated to the memory of Ursula Nordstrom. She served as editor in chief for Harper's children's books from 1940 - 1973. In this time - she transformed the face of children's literature, printing books no other publisher would touch. Prior to this time children's books were written to teach children proper behaviour. I have no problem with morality books if they are fun to read - but too many of them were not. Ursula published books that broke all the rules - and had ever so much fun in doing so. Among her most famous is "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak, but she is also responsible for the publication of Charlotte's Web, The Giving Tree and Harriet the Spy. She was also the editor for Curious George. Quite frankly, without this lovely lady ever so many of our very best books would not exist.
The title for this blog is in fact a quote from Ursula Nordstrom given after it was suggested that since she had done so well publishing children's books, she might now move on to adult books with assumption that this would be a promotion to more important works. She replied "I almost pushed the luncheon table into the lap of the pompous gentleman opposite me and then explained kindly that publishing children’s books was what I did, that I couldn't possibly be interested in books for dead dull finished adults, and thank you very much but I had to get back to my desk to publish some more good books for bad children".
This quote is taken from Dear Genius - The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom.
This page is a celebration of books that make children want to read. I will be reviewing good books for bad children, and bad books for good children. This will have the scariest children's stories - because some children to delight in a deliciously frightening tale, the goriest, and simply the naughtiest. I will be reviewing books about naughty children - and ones in which the children triumph. If a book has been banned or challenged - it belongs here. But most of all - if a book has been well loved by children - if it is the type of book that makes children beg "read it again please" or pushes them to stretch their minds and learn to read themselves, then it belongs on this page.
The title for this blog is in fact a quote from Ursula Nordstrom given after it was suggested that since she had done so well publishing children's books, she might now move on to adult books with assumption that this would be a promotion to more important works. She replied "I almost pushed the luncheon table into the lap of the pompous gentleman opposite me and then explained kindly that publishing children’s books was what I did, that I couldn't possibly be interested in books for dead dull finished adults, and thank you very much but I had to get back to my desk to publish some more good books for bad children".
This quote is taken from Dear Genius - The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom.
This page is a celebration of books that make children want to read. I will be reviewing good books for bad children, and bad books for good children. This will have the scariest children's stories - because some children to delight in a deliciously frightening tale, the goriest, and simply the naughtiest. I will be reviewing books about naughty children - and ones in which the children triumph. If a book has been banned or challenged - it belongs here. But most of all - if a book has been well loved by children - if it is the type of book that makes children beg "read it again please" or pushes them to stretch their minds and learn to read themselves, then it belongs on this page.
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