Product Description

About the Annikin Series:

Annikins are mini books made especially for children -- small enough to fit into tiny hands and pockets. Each book measures 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" and contains full color pages.

Orders for 100 units or more qualify for a handsome clear acrylic counter display. Please mark your order.

Re-orders of individual titles in 20s only (Available only to retail stores -- not sold as individual books)

Customer Reviews (6)

Too little
It was not at all obvious that this "book" was only 2 inches square. I almost threw it out with the packaging. The content is cute but I cannot figure out why it is published in such a tiny format. I guess I'm not familiar with Annikins.

Warning:nightmares
Definitely not a story for younger ones.Over-promoted &/or marketed.We viewed the 'Bunch of Munsch' DVD which included this story & it gave my 5 year old nightmares, & left my 4 yr old unhappy. Both were confused.Only one of the stories was really appreciated by the kids.A friend who watched with us summed it up:"Weird.Why?" In summary, Beware:some Munsch are better than others, skip the 'Bunch.'

The Boy in the Drawer review by: Deicy ...
I read this wonderful book called The Boy in the Drawer.It starts with a girl whose name is Shelley.One day Shelley went into her room and there were socks on the floor, socks on the bed, socks on the dresser, socks on the walls and socks everywhere.Shelley heard a loud yell,`'BE QUIET!''So, very careful Shelley looked into the drawer.A small boy was sitting there reading a book.Shelly ran downstairs to her mom and told her that a little boy was in her room.Her mom told her to tell the little boy to go.But the problem was that the little boy didn't want to leave.So Shelly's mom had to kiss the little boy so he could leave.
The message of this book is that parent's should listen to what their children are saying.Why I say that is because in the book, the mom doesn't listed to what Shelly is trying to say to her.She just tells her to go to her room.Shelly comes twice to tell her that there's a little boy in her room but her mom tells her the same thing go back and tell the little boy to go away.
I think that this book was OK because the mom made the mess and sometimes she made the girl pick it up.But anyway, I still want you to read this book I think you would like it.

Led to some good discussions
I have used this book with children in social skills groups to teach them how being mean to other kids can hurt them. Even though the kids found some of the book funny, and loved the illustrations, they didn't entirely understand the point at first.The book is rather complex, and most young children won't get the underlying message without some adult coaching to help them understand it. I do believe the book is worth it, though, because what the author is trying to teach is so important.

Subtle and Complex for Young Readers
My family enjoys all the books by Robert Munsch. This one is too subtle and complex for the very young children. Yes, sowing kindness will wipe away our troubles more than anger ever will, my children are too young to get this and they miss the blatant humour in many of the other Munsch books. They don't understand why the boy was there in the first place, they didn't get the book at all. Better for children who love Munsch but are seven or older. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (10)

A Recommendation by Jessica
This book is about a girl who rides a 50 speed wheelchair.Every time she got a wheelchair she said it was too slow!In the end she took her brother to the hospital but she wanted an even faster wheelchair!I liked Zoom because we read it a lot in class.My favorite part was when Lauretta tried the wheelchair in the store!I hope you like it!

Not one of his best, but still pretty funny
So, our main character wants a new wheelchair. So they go to this WONDERFULLY awesome wheelchair store and she immediately chooses not the five speed chair, nor the seven speed chair with purple wheels, but the NINETY-THREE (or whatever) speed wheelchair.

And gets a ticket for speeding. But before her parents can take her chair away and get her a slower one, her brother pricks his finger just a little bit and she has to rush him to the hospital (all the time muttering that her family is insane, but hey - BLOOD!)

In the end, she decides that she needs an even faster wheelchair, and we see her on the last page in this improbable monster truck of a wheelchair on the highway. Awesome!

Now, the first bit of good is the attitude taken in regards to her disability. There's no explicit moral message given. We're not condescendingly told she's a normal child - we're shown she's normal (at least, as normal as it gets within the bounds of a Munsch book!) and her wheelchair is THE COOLEST THING EVER.

The second good thing is the story itself. It has nothing to do with wheelchairs at all. Her need for speed could have just as easily been satisfied through having an able-bodied child on a dirt bike or a sled. It's just a funny, silly story about a kid going super fast.

It doesn't grab me as much as Munsch's other books, and I'm not sure why, but it's still head and shoulders over most picture books with disabled protagonists. DEFINITELY get this one for your home or school.

Zoom! and Robert Munsch!
I think any Robert Munsch book is a winner! You can't go wrong with Munsch! I recommend all the Munschworks collections (each volume contains 5 stories) and anything else by Robert Munsch; he is so smart, clever, witty, entertaining, funny, creative and just plain amazing! This book is particularly popular in our family because my wife uses a motorized wheelchair. We all like to think that Lauretta (the girl in the story) is "mommy" as a little girl. "Mommy" still likes to go fast and the kids like it too!
Zoom! shows that a kid who uses a wheelchair is just like any kid who wants to have fun! Zoom! also shows that a book with a character using a wheelchair does not need to have a blatant message on disability. A great, fun story!

Recently, I learned that the character Lauretta in the story is based an actual girl named Lauretta Reid from Ontario. Lauretta uses crutches most of the time and a wheelchair for.long distances. Zoom! came from a combination of Lauretta's request for "a story about a little girl who walks with crutches and uses a wheelchair" and a story idea from a student named Grant; he wanted to be in story about a kid who got a new bicycle that was so fast he got a speeding ticket. Grant (now in his 20's) gladly gave up his role in the story and we have Zoom!

Unfortunately, Zoom! is currently out of print and the publisher (Scholastic) has given no information about when the book will be reprinted. There are a few used copies available online but they are pricey! And at this point, I will honestly admit that I am the one who bought all the reasonably priced copies I could find - and in my search for copies I learned the story behind Zoom! You can read the whole story and see pictures of the real Lauretta at www.robertmunsch.com . I hope in the near future new copies of Zoom! will be available. Feel free to visit the Scholastic website and write a comment requesting that Zoom! be reprinted - I did!

My 6 year old son's favourite book these days
How can I not put in a plug for this book?My 6 year old Kindergarten son has borrowed this book 3 weeks in a row from the school "media center."He has all but memorized it and loves reading it aloud, with or without an audience.It's fun for the adults too, with fun illustrations.It goes without saying that I am planning to buy this for our home library.

Zoom
As with all the Robert Munsch books we own, my son frequently picks this one for reading. It is silly and always makes him laugh. ... Read more

Product Description
The Princess Elizabeth is slated to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon attacksthe castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabethfinds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald--who is less than pleasedat her un-princess-like appearance. Full color.Amazon.com Review
Elizabeth, a beautiful princess, lives in a castle and wearsfancy clothes.Just when she is about to marry Prince Ronald, adragon smashes her castle, burns her clothes with his fiery breath,and prince-naps her dear Ronald.Undaunted and presumably unclad, shedons a large paper bag and sets off to find the dragon and hercherished prince. Once she's tracked down the rascally reptile, sheflatters him into performing all sorts of dragonly stunts thateventually exhaust him, allowing her to rescue Prince Ronald. But whatdoes Prince Not-So-Charming say when he sees her? "You smell likeashes, your hair is all tangled and you are wearing a dirty old paperbag. Come back when you are dressed like a real princess." (Atleast he has the courtesy not to mention that the princess's crownresembles a dying sea anemone.) In any case, let's just say thatPrincess Elizabeth and Prince Ronald do not, under any circumstances,live happily ever after. Canadian author Robert Munsch celebratesfeisty females everywhere with this popular favorite, and MichaelMartchenko's scratchy, comical, pen-and-ink drawings capture thetongue-in-cheek quality of this read-aloud crowd pleaser. (Ages 4 to8) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (135)

Classic Munsch- funny and with a purpose
The best Munsch books are morality tales with the moral cleverly disguised and/or delivered with a comedic punch.In this medieval tale turned on its head, a ravenous dragon burns down a castle and kidnaps the prince, leaving the princess behind to come to her betrothed's rescue.Displaying courage and wits, the Princess- one of many strong and clever female heroes in the Munsch canon- brings the dragon to his exhausted, collapsed knees and saves her imprisoned prince.It as it this point, when the prince sees who his rescuer is and the condition she is in, that the concluding moral is deftly delivered with a witty repartee from our paper bag hero.
The book is funny, suspenseful, illustrated perfectly by Munsch's decades long partner Michael Martchenko, and stands as one of the best children's books of the last 30 years.

Great Book!SMALL SIZE
I really love this book and so does my daughter, but I was extremely disappointed in the size of the book.I guess I should have looked at the size, but that's not always something one would look at when purchasing a book online - I know better now.It would help with such items as these to place "pocket size" or "travel size" which usually means that it's small.I have read this book to my daughter and son at night with great difficulty b/c they couldn't see the pictures/book at the same time.I will be re-ordering a bigger size of this book.I guess I should have known by the price as well, but I thought I had found a super-great deal, but found out otherwise!Very disappointed, but partly my fault; should have look at size.Anyway, great read:children and adults will enjoy this book.Check the dimensions!!!!

Perfect Princess Book
If you're looking for a princess book that does NOT have a damsel in distress waiting for her prince charming to rescue her, then this is the book for you.Elizabeth doesn't wait for anyone to solve her problems, she goes out and does it herself.We got the board book for our 4 month old daughter because her father and I love fairy tales, but wanted something that also had a positive message.This totally fit the bill.Its not too long, so it keeps her attention.While she doesn't understand it yet, I hope some day she will appreciate that like Elizabeth, she can use her own brain to get out of trouble, and in the end she doesn't have to marry the prince!

A favorite!
Our twin daughters had just turned 3 when we got them this book.They are into the usual girly stuff but dragons and dinosaurs top the list, so we bought this book for the dragon.They love this book and recite lines from it all the time, especially the "I'm a very busy dragon, come back tomorrow" line.We own "Love You Forever" and looked at other Munsch books but none others interested us, "The Paper Bag Princess" is a true stand alone winner.Hopefully when the girls are older it will teach them a little about about walking away from loser guys :)

A Recommendation by Robert
This book is about a princess and her prince named Ronald.The princess is Elizabeth.Elizabeth is a beautiful princess but a mean dragon blew off her clothes.She found a paper bag and she had to put that own.She went to the dragon's cave and she tried to get Ronald.The dragon showed her he could blow fire.In the end the princess and the prince never get married because he is mean.I like this book because it is funny.I hope you get to read it.It is my favorite book and it is fun to read. ... Read more

Product Description
On their way home from a field trip, the class meets a famous writer who says he is looking for a kid to put in a book. Hailey volunteers, so the writer flattens her out, folds her up, and stuffs her in. But Hailey feels folded and scrunched and trapped and stuck, and asks the kids to get her out of the book. They try all kinds of things, but nothing works, until finally they have an idea--and turn the tables on thefamous writer!Put Me in a Book! was inspired by a project that a grade two classroom in North Bay created and mailed to Robert Munsch--now they really ARE in a book! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Yet another fine collaboration between cartoonist Michael Martchenko and story teller Robert Munsch.
Munsch is primarily a story teller and entertainer who draws crowds of parents and children wherever he goes. The books have a rhythm and usually a repetitive line (I have to go PEE which he employs to engage his many fans to respond. His approach to developing a new story is to ask children in the audience for suggestions and then involve insert them into a story.

Put Me In A Book is especially charming because of its self referential nature.Students in Mrs. O'Dell's class come across an author (who looks somewhat like rather young Robert Munsch ;-) working on a book. One of them asks himhow characters get into his stories - and then finds herself in the story - and trapped in the book.The fable is more than 2 dimensional as each of the children, Jakob, Rachel, Ethan and Kiku try and get her out. It's a wonderful variation on the theme of "be careful what you wish for"as well as a nice jumping off point to discussing the relationship between what we read and the world.


I don't think you can go wrong with this as a gift for a young boy, girlages 3-8, or as a gift to a young parent. It's Munsch's latest so the child is not likely to already have it A nice complementary book would be The Flat Stanley byJeff BrownI'd also recommend any of Munsch's earlier works either with Martchenko (Something Good, Angela's Airplane, We Share Everything!, The Paper Bag Princess) or with other illustrators Purple, Green and Yellow) But our all time special favourite has to be Love You Forever which I feel should be in every parents read to me collection.I've heard Munsch perform that story - the parents and children sing along and there isn't a dry eye in the house.

Martchenko's art work is warm and engaging, especially his faces and wildly gesturing limbs, actively adding interest and life to the rhythm of the text.

Highly recommended.Enjoy!

Put Me in a Book
Wouldn't it be cool to be the character in a book? Just imagine it. All your friends and family would be so proud. Your teachers wouldprobably even ask the librarian to put a copy of the book in the school library where everyone could see it. It would be great? Wouldn't it?

Well that's what Hailey thought too. That is, until it happened. Everything started off pretty good. Right up until Hailey found out that she'd literally be in the book! All that bending and squishing kind of hurt. Plus, she really wanted to get out and play with her friends.

It was at that point that Hailey and the rest of Mrs. O'Dell's class realize that Hailey was actually stuck in the book. No amount of pulling seemed to help. Was Hailey going to have to stay in the book forever?

I fun story. A little shorter on text than some of Munsch's other works. However, that worked in my favor as I could enjoy the book with younger kids with a slightly shorter attention span.
... Read more

Product Description
Christopher's playdough cookies may look delicious, but when he tricks his parents and teacher into eating them, they soon realize that these "cookies" are NOT what they seem! When they decide to give Christopher a taste of his own medicine, and he falls for his very own trick, the entire class is in for an hysterical adventure!With a playdough recipe included, here is yet another off-beat story from the author of bestseller LOVE YOU FOREVER, bound to have kids and cookie fans of all ages cheering for more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

YUCK! PLAY CLAY!
I love this book. In true Munsch fashion, the reactions of the parents (and eventually kid) eating play clay cookies are incredibly over the top and hysterical. They gag, they scream, they brush their teeth a zillion times. And of course Christopher learns his lesson because, as we all know, turnabout is fair play.

There's no real moral to this book, it's just a bit of fun.

One of Munsch's best books
This is a funny, entertaining story.I've been reading this book to the children in my Pre-K classroom for years.Every child I've read this book to has loved it.The only people who don't like this story are uptight adults.

Mmmore Munsch!
I have been reading this book with my now 2-year-old son since he was a few months old.He loves to "play along"!

Like most Robert Munsch books, this book is silly and features repetition (in this case, they're fun sound words that are made from making disgusting, bright red, fake cookies).After a couple readings, kids will love to make pretend cookies ("WHAP WHAP WHAP") along with you and Christopher.

Dumb and kinda mean
I absolutely am turned off the message of this book. The boy plays tricks on his mother and father; when the parents tell the teacher what happened, the teacher plays a similar trick on the boy. I just don't like it. The drawings are great, and I totally love other books by this author, especially Zoom!... but this one is going in the trash can (Sorry Mr. Munsch!).

Are You Kidding Me?
Anyone who gives this book a bad review is not using it in the setting it was meant for.Robert Munsch is a storyteller.His books are best enjoyed in a group setting.I've been reading books outloud and telling stories for many years.This book has stood the test of time.It remains one of my students' favorites.It surprises me how much upper grades enjoy the book, but I especially like using it with children grades Pre-K - 1st.The repetion is delightfully addicting and the whole idea of pulling one over on adults fascinates children.Don't buy this book if Love You Forever is the only Munsch book you've read.This book is more true to Robert Munsch's writing style.If you enjoy Stephanie's Ponytale, Thomas' Snowsuit, or Purple, Green & Yellow then this book is for you! ... Read more

Product Description
Aaron grows his hair long to look like his father.But the hair is unruly, and one day while combing it, Aaron says "Hair, I hate you!"Suddenly the hair jumps off Aaron's head and runs away!With Aaron in frantic pursuit, it attaches itself to people and things all over the neighborhood, resulting in a huge traffic jam.Aaron is finally reunited with his hair--but not quite in the way he or his family planned! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

A Breakthrough!
My 11 year old (Special Needs/Massive TBI) grandson & I are reading the book: "Aaron's Hair". It's hysterical. He has never read a book & got the humor till tonight. We laughed till our sides ached, and I had tears. If you have a child between oh I guess 4 & 8 or if a special needs child like my grandson, then up to any age I guess, heck I loved the book too! I'm now... hoping to find books similar to this, Don't know if this one can be topped though...

The nieces like it more than I do.
Robert Munsch, for the uninitiated, writes a number of cheerfully absurd books. This one is about a boy who hates his hair, and finds that saying that hurts his hair's feelings so much that it runs away. Sentient hair!

Frankly, I find Aaron running around telling people to tell his hair that they hate it so it'll stop growing on them to be a bit tasteless, but my nieces *adore* this book and ask for it often, so I can overlook that part.

If you're concerned about use of the phrase "I hate you" you may wish to read this book before you buy it.

amazing book


Aaron's Hair is the funniest book I haved ever read.
When the hair is on the statue.
My favorite character is Aaron because he is funny.
I think the pictures were realy cool.
This story makes me remember of my baby sister shelby when they cut all her hair.

Aaron's hair is the best book ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aaron's hair is one of the best book I have ever read. I really like
Aaron. My favorite part was when Aaron's hair got away. The funniest part was when the people yelled, "Help, help, help, help." Aaron is my favorite character. I like the pictures. I am a fan and myteacher is a fan too.

it is a fantastic book!!!!
Aaron hair is a good book for kids because it is funny. My favorite part is when the hair came off his head. My funniest part when the hair was on the police officer's face. My favorite character is Aaron. The illustrator is a good drawer. I will recommend to read this book to my little nephew. This book make me thing when my hair get all messy. ... Read more

Product Description

Young readers may be amazed to learn that Canada's bestselling author (30 million books so far) started off in Pennsylvania and struggled in school. A solitary daydreamer, raised in a large, boisterous family, he found solace in books at an early age. Considered a slow learner by the nuns who taught him, his creative gifts were eventually recognized by a sympathetic librarian who encouraged him to keep reading.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

It's about time!
Robert Munsch is one of Canada's most well known children's authors, and is in fact Canada's 78th most famous Canadian in history according to the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation). He is particularly beloved by parents and teachers for his works read-aloud appeal and repetitive phrasing that encourages children to join and engage with his stories verbally. My own elementary school memories are filled with enthusiastic chanting along with the repeated choruses and boisterous laughter that accompanied the reading of his stories. It was with much delight that I encountered a juvenile biography of Robert Munsch written by Frank B. Edwards.

Edwards traces Munsch's life from birth into a large Roman Catholic family through high school, a Jesuit novitiate, college, daycare work, teaching at the University of Guelph, and into his career as a full time-storyteller and into the present. Filled with photographs from Munsch's own collection readers young and old are treated to an overview of the author's life.

Written in a light and simple style, readers will easily enter into the personal world of a favourite author. Glimpses into the inspiration for several of his most-loved books include such titles such as The Paper Bag Princess, Thomas' Snowsuit, Love You Forever, and many others. Edwards successfully draws out both the serious, quiet aspect of Munsch's personality when in the presence of adults, and his zany, boisterous, and fun-loving side when interacting with children. His life-long love of literature, storytelling, and children is an ongoing thread throughout his entire adult years and is still present in the personal interaction and frequent school visits that Munsch conducts on his own dime.

All the major periods of Munsch's life are explored in enough depth to give readers a level of knowledge of his life and career far beyond that of the casual fan. A timeline of Munsch's life, index, and list of published works are included for easy reference. Edwards hits the high points while not becoming bogged down in needless detail and overwhelming young readers. Little ones will be excited to read of Munsch's early love of books, adopted children, and interaction with pint-sized fans. Adults will be intrigued by his unconventional policy on school visitation and his anthropological approach to children's stories that results in tried and tested stories long before publication.

As Canada's bestselling author (over 30 million copies to date), it's about time a biography of this caliber has been written for Munsch's fans both young and old. Robert Munsch makes an excellent introduction or conclusion to a period of time spent reading through Munsch's works, though some prior familiarity with his books adds to the pleasure gained by acquiring knowledge of the author as a man.

Whether introduced formally to begin or end an official period of study, or casually incorporated after a passion for Munsch's stories had been developed, readers young and old alike will delight in the additional knowledge that makes Robert Munsch seem even more of a friend than ever before. Personally, I was captivated by the insights into his life, it will be a few days yet before I'm able to stop sharing tidbits from Munsch's life with my family. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (9)

perhaps the book for you
If you feel uncomfortable overtly instructing your preschooler on how to be prejudice, yet you still want to instill in them a good dose of institutional racism, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!

Firstly...you don't have to even mention that the main character is a minority. According to some research, your child will AUTOMATICALLY pick up the difference in ethnicity and begin to categorize him as different [...]. Young children love to learn and categorize and try to figure the world out. What are we like? What are they like? This book will help!

Next comes the magic of the book. The story has a minority doing many things that you tell your child are bad or wrong. Some examples include; A passed out father figure, hurting strangers, stealing all a stranger's Halloween candy, robbing other items from their homes, and scaring and not respecting a police officer. Congratulations! Because of institutional racism, you have been able to guess the ethnicity of the main character....and after reading the book, your child will be able to also!

Bingo... no direct instruction on your part necessary. What could be easier? Your preschooler will easily be guided and helped to come to their OWN conclusions about how people of a specific different ethnicity act.

If this sounds like your kind of book, write the author. Perhaps he can be convinced to write about least 3 other minority heroes so your child's education can be complete.

Cute
Robert Munch is a wonderful author. I bought this book to add to my collection and my students always get a kick out of the humor.

Great Halloween Book
I donate this book to my mom's day care where they already have lots of Robert Munsch even an authographed one(Get Out Of Bed).The kids really enjoyed all the candy the little boy got from scary people, especially the the police officer and the teenager.They all want enough candy to last theme a year.

This book doesn't even deserve 1 star!
The description in the book order made this sound like it would be a fun book but the first time I read it, I was horrified by the bad values that the book teaches.After the kid scares everyone into passing out, he takes their bags of candy, but he doesn't stop there.He actually goes into someone's house and takes all the candy on the table, but he doesn't stop there either.He goes to their refrigerator and takes everything from it too.Not only does the book condone stealing, but it wasn't even funny either.I expected it to be amusing, but really it was just plain stupid.If you were considering buying this book, don't.

Review of Boo!
Robert Munsch is my favorite author.So, of course I love this book! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Class Clown
I didn't find this book to be quite as funny as other Robert Munsch titles, but my students still laughed and could relate and share stories about class clowns they remember in school.

Class Clown by Robert Munsch
Absolutely funny and wise book for children, great illustrations. Robert Munsch is my favorite children's author and I have read his books to many kids thru the years including foster kids up to the age of 14 who you couldn't get to sit still for anything else. Some of those kids are adults now and still remember our times reading his books ... Read more

Product Description
Gah-Ning insists on going to Kapuskasing any way she can--by bus, bicycle, or balloon--and her father is equally determined to stop her, afraid the Oriental tyke will catch the city's shopping fever. Simultaneous. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Hillarious story of a determined little girl to go a mall.
Where is Gah-Ning? is a terrific story for all ages. My 6 year old has loved it for 2 years now,and her 15 month old sister likes it too, especially when read in different voices. Gah-Ning is like many little girls, determined to get to where she wants to go, whether or not her father says no! Additionally, the story takes place in Canada, and my daughter has looked up Kapukasing on a map, and is learning aboutCanada and its cultures.We look forward to reading more books by Robert Munsch. Melissa and David Rinn (along with Devon and Hanna) dmdhr@capital.net Queensbury, NY ... Read more

Product Description
Kristen's parents just can't seem to do anything right.First they have their baby at the zoo, not in a hospital.Then, they accidentally bring home an baby alligator instead! After it bites everyone on the nose, they return to the zoo and come back with a baby seal! Kristen sees that she will have to solve this problem herself.She bikes to the zoo and finds their baby with . . . a gorilla mommy.When the baby bites the gorilla on the nose, Kristen sees her chance--and takes home her new baby brother! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

A Recommendation by Margot
This book is about a mom and dad who are looking for their baby.They found an alligator, seal and a gorilla.The got the baby from the gorilla.I liked this book because it is funny because they keep getting different animals.It is crazy!

Alligator Baby
This is a fun, hilarious book for children.My granddaughter and I have read it together many times, even as a play!!Robert Munsch seems to connect with children in all of his books.I have never been disappointed.Alligator Baby is a great reading experience for children.

That's not our baby!
Kristen's mother is having a baby.She and father hurry to the hospital, but they end up at the zoo instead.Somehow the babies got mixed up, and the one Kristen's mother brought home had a long green tail, a green claw, and a long green face with lots of teeth.That's not a people face!
Two more trips back to the zoo to find Kristen's baby brother are equally unsuccessful. Finally Kristen makes the trip herself, and rescues her baby brother.

A silly story for toddlers who laugh at the various animal babies.

Response to Literature by Monte
Alligator baby
I read the alligator baby. It was a woman who had a baby in the zoo. The parents keep going back and forward because they thought they grabbed the baby but they grabbed baby animals. This time the little girl went and got her little baby brother back.This book is five stars because it is funny!

Now Kristen, don't be jealous!
Another weird book by Munsch.

Kristen's clueless parents drive to the zoo instead of the hospital when her mom is in labor. Three times, they ignore their daughter's warnings that their son is another's, and three times they get whapped in the face by the not-a-people-baby.

Finally, Kristen has to save the day, which she does in a quick and admirable way (the illustrations in the zoo are funny in and of themselves, by the way). Everybody gets their own baby back, and we're told that everything is fine from then on... until Kristen's mom had twins. (Uh-oh.)

This book is so absurd, you can't not love it. I really recommend it to anybody having a second child. It's a wonderful change of pace from standard "new baby" books. ... Read more

Product Description
"Children will love the way Moira's parents collapse at each fresh disaster while Moira sails along, calmly solving each problem."--Homemaker's Magazine. ". . . . brims with humor, bright colors and intensity."--Quill and Quire, Canada's Book Review Journal. Full-color illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Moira's Birthday
Good book....was a tiny bit bent when arrived, but I believe that was done by the mailman bending it to fit it in the mailbox.Satisfied.Quick delivery.

Moira's Birthday: A Teacher's Review
Moira wants to have a birthday party at her house, and despite her parent's orders, she invites the entire school to her house for the event. This is the basic, charming, and wonderfully funny Robert Munsch story perfect for grades K - 5.

Moira's birthday party is one of confusion and chaos, with swarms of kids everywhere in the house. Worried that they cannot feed all of them, Moira orders 200 birthday cakes and pizzas from local businesses to solve the problem. Worried about the mess, Moira offers her presents as bribes.

While utterly silly, children relate to the story because of the presents and the birthday cakes. I've read this story aloud in all grade levels, and even the older kids get a giggle from this one.

For teachers (and parents wanting activities, here are a couple of ideas:

1) Munsch's books are great for studying cause and effect. Have the kids note Moira's attempts to solve the problems, and the result of her solutions.

2) Estimate how much food everyone in the school would eat if they came to a birthday party. Check with the cafeteria to see if the classes numbers match up!

3) At the end of the story, Moira has a "normal" party. Have kids describe that party, and compare/contrast it with the first one.

4) Have groups of students plan a party for Moira. Who would be invited? What would they eat? Come up with a plan for the party, and a budget for the cost.

I highly recommend "Moira's Birthday" as a fun, engaging read!

great condition...great price
The book came quickly, was in great shape and was all I could have asked for.

Funny as always!
As usual, this book is just a bit of nonsense, very over-the-top. That's what makes it so hysterical. 200 kids? 200 birthday cakes, 200 presents, 200 pizzas? Kids on the roof? Munsch eschews subtle in exchange for hilarious.

And as usual, the book features a diverse cast, which is always nice.

Magnifying Glass Needed
This book was smaller than a post-it note.I was very disappointed when I received this lilliputian sized thing.I (obviously) could not use this book during reading time for my students.I recommend that "odd" book sizes be disclosed in the description/condition. This was a waste of my money! ... Read more

Product Description

It's Mortimer's bedtime, but he would much rather sing his rowdy song. Mom, Dad and even the police can't get him to quiet down, until they become so distracted by each otherthat Mortimer drifts off to sleep.

Customer Reviews (16)

A Recommendation by Mary
Mortimer is about a boy that is not going to stop singing.It the like songs in this book.It is funny and a good book.My favorite part is when the brothers and sisters and the mom and dad have a fight.

Kids cannot get enough of this book!Its a must-have!
Ditto to all the other reviewers who have praised this book!What a great way to foster a love of reading into our young kids!I also read it to my kindergarten class and have them participate in the thump-thump-thump as characters climb and descend the stairs, and of course sing Mortimer's noisy song.:-)Easily one of the best stories for kids ever!

Mortimer - storybook = fantastic fun!
I am a music teacher using a lesson from Dr. Artie Almeida incorporating music into the story called, Mortimer.What a great book - my classes LOVE the story, memorize their parts easily and ask to hear it again over and over.Great book!Cute pictures, too.

Book Scares Son
My 4 year old son is afraid of this book.His preschool class is reading it and he doesn't like it at all.I can see why.The faces in the book are so mean looking.What kind of message are you sending when the police come yell at a child to go to bed.Then, you have a bunch of people fighting and hitting each other.

The nieces really liked this one :)
Mortimer must be a daily chatterbox, because all his mom says when she puts him to bed (throws him in bed in the book, I don't like that part so I edit it to be a little less antagonistic) is BE QUIET.

Well, I know little ones, and you know little ones, and we all know little ones, and Mortimer says yes but immediately does what he shouldn't. He sings. Loudly. He's gonna make his noise all day long.

So his whole family, and ultimately the cops troop up to tell him to be quiet, and while they fight over whose responsibility it is (and stop paying him attention for singing), he falls asleep.

The ending is a bit predictable, isn't it? But for a bedtime book, as I think this is, that sort of ending is just what you need. Nice and predictable and quick. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Great story for a hard to get out of bed kid!
This is a great story that went out of print. It's a shame. I read this story for my daughter who would not get out of bed in the morning and class rooms of elementary students who absolutely loved it and laughed so hard every time.

love these books
the best!!!!! what a difference in the normaly bedtime or any time stories.most of the ones by this author have me laughing as I am reading, which only makes it that much better for my children!!

The best book ever by munsch
`I really liked get out of bed.' I really liked were they tried to wake her up but she slept and wouldn't to get out of bed. My favorite Arthur is Robert Munsch. I think all of kid should read it.

Zzzzzzz....
Amy the nightowl stayed awake to watch the Late Show.Then the Late, Late Show.Then the Late, Late, Late Show.THEN she watched the Early, Early, Early, Early Show.FINALLY, she went to bed.

You can imagine the consequences of this:she couldn't wake up the next day.Her family tries to wake her up (her brother even blows her hair off her face with the volume of his voice), but to no avail.What to do??Brother has to go to school & mom and dad have to go to work, she can't stay home!So, they take her to school in her bed!

Now the fun REALLY begins!!Her teacher can't get her to wake up, no matter how loudly she bellows.She doesn't wake up through gym.She doesn't wake up through lunch.She doesn't even wake up through recess!!Finally, she's carted off back home in her bed where she sleeps through the night.

You can imagine what happens when she comes to school the NEXT day!!

Robert Munsch has written over 20 books, including the very popular "Love You Forever".His fun, fast-paced style will hold readers' interest as well as the bright, fun illustrations by Alan & Lea Daniel, the husband and wife team who have illustrated other works by Munsch.

The illustrations will rope readers in as quickly as the story when they see the teacher teaching reading in Amy's bed (the students hold a copy of "Get Out of Bed!" themselves, creating a fun reflection-in-the-mirror effect that sharp-eyed readers will love), Amy's nose being painted during art class, and the wonderful paintings of Amy's teacher trying to WAKE THAT GIRL UP!!

For any child who is a night owl (or, at least not an early bird) this book is a must.

Get Out of Bed kept us laughing during storytime for weeks!
This book was a hit at my house. My boy wanted it read every other night for weeks. It was funny and showed silly consequences of not going to bed. Kids won't want to end up like this child and at school in there bed! ... Read more

Product Description
". . . warmth and humor of Munsch at his best."--Globe & Mail. Full-color illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Not for young children
I rented this book from the library and my sister read it first to my daughter while babysitting.My daughter informed me the next day that it was quite scary even though it ended ok and that she thought I should read it.I agree with her.The story is about a young child who broke her promise, was almost killed by goblins which led to a new promise which her family had to trick the goblins to get out of.Not a great story and no moral to the story as the 1st broken promise wasn't ever addressed.My daughter is 5 (3 months short of 6) and she felt it was too scary to hear - she asked for it to be returned to the library the next day.

A great book for learning!
I'm fascinated about this book. It contains 3 bits information.
#1. you can not break a promise
#2. stay away from the ocean
#3. have an adult supervising you.
I hope there are more books like this!

a promise is a promise
This book is a good book because it relates to real life and even
mine.Its like if you really want to to do something so badly so you lie but just like guilt tthe quallapillious will catch youand youll have to live with guilt forever until you admit it andthe guilt will leave you.I think kids trying to clean up their lives should read this.I give this book a rating of 4 and a half

Keeping promises
The Qallupilluq is an imaginary Inuit creature that lives on Hudson Bay, according to the book's afterward. This troll-like thing wears a parka made of loon feathers and is said to grab children when they walk near the cracks in the ice.

This creature was invented much like others' hobgoblins, to frighten children into listening to their parents.

This version of an encounter with the Qallupilluit comes from Michael Kusugak, an Inuit man who was raised in the Arctic. He sent it to Robert Munsch, who had stayed with Kusugak's family while visiting Rankin Inlet in Canada's Northwest Territories.

The result is a dance with some of the greater truths that transcend all cultures. Alyssa A. Lappen

Teaches culture and morals.
Colorful pictures of a cultural heritage tell a scary story that teaches the reader that "a promise is a promise."Allashua lives in the North West Territories where she goes ice fishing on lakes and at theocean.Her parents warn her of the Qallupilluit, imaginary troll-likecreatures that seize children who are out on the ocean ice without theirparents.Allashua is caught and promises to return with her brothers andsisters.She must keep her promise but her parents must also protect themfrom the Qallupilluit.The story might scare some young children, but theending is a happy one.The sentence "a promise is a promise," isrepeated throughout the book.With the threat of the Qallupilluit,children learn not to disobey their parents, always to keep a promise, andwhere applicable, to not go onto the ice alone.It is a good story thatgives insight into one small part of Inuit culture.A good book formulticultural themes. ... Read more

Product Description
Jonathan is upset because his house has been turned into a subway station just after it was cleaned up. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Classic lesson in computer science
This simple kids' book contains important computer science lessons relating to databases and authoritative data sources. It also raises sociological questions about the impact of information technology on decision-making in complex organizations. A must-read for anyone interested in computing or the social impact of computers.

I really love Munsch!
This book has all the classic Munsch traits - an exceedingly improbable situation (subways keep opening up into Jonathan's apartment, making progressively greater and greater messes), useless adults (his mother blames HIM for the impossible mess, and at city hall he's told the routes can't be changed), and a silly solution (he bribes the man who makes the maps to move the station to the mayor's office. LOL!)

It's great. Silly, fun, over-the-top, and no pretense at a moral. Plus, bonus - trains! If you're a fan of Munsch, you know you want this.

Good Munsch reading
This book keeps you in suspense to know why the cleaning up never gets done, kind of a little mysterious.

Great children's book for subway lovers
Silly and fun. Every child will love the story about poor Jonathan who couldn't clean his room thanks to the crowds of people leaving the subway station that was magically connected to it. The illustrations arewonderfully rendered. ... Read more

Product Description
Robert Munsch's hilarious take on bathtime is a long overdue tribute to the kids who dread taking them-- and the poor parents who dread giving them!Adam is covered in dirt. His hands are dirty. His face is dirty. And his feet are dirty."Adam, you need a bath!" his father yells.But Adam doesn't like baths. All that soap in his eyes, soap in his ears, and soap in his mouth! He doesn't like them one bit.So while his little sister, his dog, and his cat are laughing, Adam's father outsmartshim and pops him in the tub.Little does Dad know that Adam has a few tricks of his own...and once ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Down the Drain
When you see the name Robert Munsch, you can guarantee that the book is going to be a winner. His stories are always so much fun. He takes simple things to such extremes that while reading you can't help but get caught up in the silliness.

Down the Drain is a perfect example of Munsch mania. The story takes place in the bathtub. Adam forgets to turn off the water and the bathroom begins to flood. The solution seems simple enough- just pull the plug but Adam decides that this is the perfect opportunity to get a few things that his father wouldn't normally get for him. Hilarity ensues.

Dissapointing

I know that Robert Munsch's books are immensely popular. In fact a few years ago I was a huge fan and purchased and gave away copy after copy of many of his books. Yet I find in his more recent books that there is a cynicism and disrespect that I no longer enjoy.

In this story, Adam who winds up in trouble, ends up blackmailing his father to get him a new skateboard, new shoes, a dress for his sister and a hamburger. Those are not the kinds of lessons I want my children learning - that they only have to do what you ask them if you bribe them.

The story is supposed to be fun and humorous and the illustrations are great. But it is just not a story I can recommend.I find that some of the most cynical people in life are formerly religious, and even more so for Jesuits. Maybe that explains Munsch's writing and stories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

My Son's Story
I love this book it was a perfect way to express how I feel towards my son. I will love him forever no matter where life takes us. He is 12 now, but he still has the book in his room, and when I say I love you forever he knows exactly what I mean!

Love You Forever
This is an emotional story about a mother and her son.I like the story even though it made me cry.Yes, as a grown adult the first two times I read the story I actually cried, REAL TEARS!It is sweet and caring, and helps people understand as we grow, so do all of the people around us.I like the story although it is a little mushy.

LOVE this CD!
My boys, now age 7 and 5 year old twins, received this about four years ago as a gift.I just purchased another one because we have literally wore it out.My boys' know all the stories by heart, act out the parts and love imitating all the noises.Mr. Munsch is the BEST story teller and I highly suggest this for a gift...of all ages.

Great for the car!
My kids (ages 7 and 4) love this CD. Munsch is a great story teller -- he is energetic and funny. Recommended without reservations!

Great book for young ones!
My sons and I enjoyed this book.Sends good message to kids that they do not need to be perfect to be loved. ... Read more

Product Description
Rene loves to play "pretend." After convincing her dad to build her a playhouse, a play barn, and play farm animals, Rene feels something is missing--people! She wants a play mommy and a play daddy to go along with her new playhouse. But Rene's parents don't like the idea, and so she creates cutout-parents from cardboard instead. Her parents cleverly put a stop to Rene's bossiness when a playdaughter takes Rene's place at the dinner table! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A funny story
This is a funny book that your children will enjoy.It's as simple as that.The book is meant to entertain your child and encourage them to enjoy reading.There's no life lessons or moral message in this book.It's just what it should be....a funny story.

Great book but creepy conclusion
Robert Munsch is a fantastic childrens' author.His books with illustrator Michael Martchenko are some of the most creative and enjoyable picture books out there.Unfortunately, this one starts well but doesn't succeed like their other joint productions.

In this book, a little girl asks her dad to build her a playhouse, and he does so in grand style.This playhouse looks like a guest cottage.But instead of revelling in her storybook wonderland, the girl gets more and more demanding.Most kids would assume she's going to get a come-uppance for her bratty behavior, but the way it's handled isn't going to make your kids comfortable.

Among the "more, more" things she demands are a play dad and mom for her playhouse.When her parents finally balk at her suggestion, she just makes them herself.Her parents do the same thing back to her.Maybe some kids might find that funny, but I think this is somewhat creepy.Kids don't want to feel they'll be replaced with a similacrum, even if they started it.Classic fairy tales of changelings usually had some sort of resolution; this story ends with a swapping rather than having it lead to the adventure attempting to put things right.

If a child gets a come-uppance in a kids' book, it shouldn't come at the hands of their own parents, and that's probably why this one just doesn't work.There's just too much of a moral to this one, and it's not done with his usual light touch.

Don't buy this one blind.Usually you can rely on Munsch and Martchenko, but this one is one of their rare misses. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great story
Great story about a little girl's midnight trip to a lighthouse, complete with maple icing donuts!My son, who normally does not like traditional kids stories, loves this one!

What a Beautiful Book!
A wonderful story of a father and daughter reliving memories of the grandfather, who often took the father to visit the lighthouse near their home in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Well-written, as is usual for Robert Munsch, and the illustrations are beautiful.

In the style of "Love You Forever"
Another classic Munsch book.Written in the style of "Love You Forever" If you don't like the sad endings you might want to stay away from this book.If your child is coping with the loss of a Grandparent I would definitely recommend this book.It gives a wonderful message of remembrance and tradition and the importance of what parents pass down to their children. ... Read more