Tag Archives: children’s classic books

The Three Billy Goats Fluff by Rachael Mortimer

A delightful new twist on a classic tale is what you’ll find in Three Billy Goats Fluff by Rachael Mortimer.

Mr. Troll is angry. How is he supposed to get any sleep with the three Billy Goats Fluff trip-trapping over his bridge? Finally he’s had enough and he warns them that if they make any noise traveling over his bridge they will become his next meal. Mother Goat listens to her children’s tale of woe and puts together a plan to keep everyone happy.

I love this book! The Three Billy Goats Gruff was never my favorite story as a child. It kind of scared me. In this updated humorous version, Mr. Troll is feeling out of sorts because the newspaper advertisement for his new apartment hadn’t included how noisy it was. He’s trying to sleep, but those three Billy Goats Fluff keep trip-trapping over his bridge and waking him up.  He acts out in frustration and the young goats don’t know what to do. But Mother Goat sympathizes with Mr. Troll’s problems and wants to help.

The Three Billy Goats Fluff is funny and adorable. Young readers will learn consideration for others and the importance of working together, while they are entertained by a charmingly illustrated story. Liz Pichon provides the artwork for this one and it is outstanding. Even the goats’ house is fluffy and the troll is fierce, but not frightening.

If you only buy one book for your children this holiday season, it should be this one.

Rating:  🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

  • Publisher:Tiger Tales
  • ISBN-10:1589251016
  • ISBN-13: 978-1589251014
  • SRP:  $15.95

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

 

Michael Hague’s Treasured Classics

Are you looking for a special gift for the young reader on your list? Look no further than Michael Hague’s Treasured Classics.

Acclaimed illustrator Michael Hague shares his talents with young readers in this beautiful collection of classic stories. From “The Story of Chicken-Licken” to “Jack and Beanstalk,” and from The Three Billy Goats Gruff” to “Cinderella,” these children’s classics are brought to life by Hague’s stunning artwork. Glossy pages are filled with beautifully detailed illustrations that will delight readers of all ages.

Michael Hague’s Treasured Classics is a beautiful collection any reader would be pleased to own for many years to come.

Rating:  🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

  • Publisher:Chronicle Books
  • ISBN-10:081184904X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0811849043
  • SRP:  $19.99

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

Judy Blume’s Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing at Springfield Symphony Hall

I decided to celebrate Children’s Book Week with a new adventure. I went on a field trip with the Lil Diva’s third grade class to see a local production of Judy Blume’s classic, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. This book tells the story of poor Peter who is beside himself because of his brother Fudgie’s cuteness, constant meddling in Peter’s things, and total bratiness.

I had never read this book, even though I was a big Judy Blume fan as a kid. This production was hilarious. I couldn’t decide, however, if I was angry over how inept the parents were portrayed or if it added  to the charm of the whole thing.

I keep thinking to some of the modern-day cartoons and shows, and how the adults are created to be such boobs.  Fairly Oddparents comes to mind. Is anyone familiar with that one? It’s a Nick cartoon where Timmy Turner is a young boy who has fairy godparents who grant his every wish because his life is so miserable. His parents care about almost everything more than Timmy and his babysitter is pure evil. Yes, it sets the stage for many hilarious antics, but couldn’t that happen without making his parents seem so self-absorbed?

iCarly is another show that comes to mind. I like the premise of three kids putting together a web show and doing some silly stuff, but Mrs. Benson is portrayed as a total nut job. She is so paranoid that something will happen to Freddie that she had a tracking chip placed in his brain, has a first aid kit the size of an equipment shed, and makes him wear antibacterial underwear. The teachers at Carly’s school–outside of Principal Franklin, who after the kids get him his job back, admits in an episode that he loves Carly, Sam, and Freddie–are portrayed as mean-spirited people who don’t like kids.

As a mom I can’t help but worry about the message shows like this send to our children; though it’s possible I’ve analyzed these shows much more than the average kid will.

Overall, I am glad I went to see this production at Springfield Symphony Hall. Though the day was cool and rainy, the kids enjoyed getting out and watching a play based upon a book they had recently read in school. I might pick up a copy of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume to see how closely the production followed the book. My daughter mentioned a few differences on the way home.

What did you do today to celebrate Children’s Book Week? Do you think some books and television shows portray parents in a bad light? Do you still let your children read or watch them?



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