Good Thing You're Not an Octopus!

Rating:
Summary: Two Thumbs Up
Review: A huge hit at our house! My 4 year old was able to "read" it by herself after listening just a couple of times. Beautifully illustrated, the pictures lead prereaders through the story and give them a huge sense of accomplishment.

Rating:
Summary: Charming and Engaging
Review: As the first page of this delightful new picture book states: "You don't like to get dressed in the morning? It's a good thing you're not an octopus. If you were an octopus you'd have eight legs to put in your pants." Julie Markes has taken some of those time consuming tasks, little ones are learning to do and written a wise and humorous book that will make them glad they're humans. Imagine if you were a caterpillar with sixteen feet and had to put on your shoes everyday, or a shark with 200 teeth to brush before bed. And, for those who hate naps, it's a good thing you're not a bear who has to take a really long nap, for the entire winter. With her easy to read, repetitive text and Maggie Smith's colorful, detailed and expressive artwork, children will be able to "help" you read this engaging book in no time. Good Thing You're Not an Octopus makes a wonderful addition to all home libraries and is a story pre-schoolers will want to read and share again and again.

Rating:
Summary: Hardly the message I want my preschooler to have...
Review: I borrowed this book from the library based on all the glowing reviews here. And goodness I'm glad I get to return it today! It's basically a laundry-list of all the everyday things we have to do (get dressed, put on your shoes, brush your teeth, ride safely in the car, etc), but each is presented in the "You don't like to ___?" form. Certainly, many children will find one or two things they "don't like to do" on the list, but it's never even occurred to my son to object to riding in his carseat or brushing his teeth or... And the book makes it sound like these are all horrible, oppressive things to have to do! Yes, the animals are cute, and with "modified" text I've provided ("Do you like to __?") it's at least less offensive... But it's far from any sort of classic.

The only redeeming thing for me is the pictures, which are cute, clever and full of detail to point out with your young child. But it's certainly not something I want my child reading on a regular basis. I thought I was being generous to give it two stars. ... Also, I'm surprised that it's recommended for ages 4-8. I'd have thought it was more appropriate for the 2-4 year old crowd. (Thought I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.)

Rating:
Summary: mom of 3 and 5 year olds
Review: Kindergartners laughed and laughed at the animal exchanges made in this simple story of a boy balking at his daily tasks. As each new chore is presented- dressing, riding in the car, eating lunch, taking a nap, bathing, brushing his teeth- ridiculous replacements are suggested. How would an octopus put on his pants? How would a shark brush his teeth? The five and six year olds enjoyed the repeating line, "It's a good thing you're not an...," and couldn't wait to guess the outcome. They complimented the clear and bright watercolors pictures, and admired the decorated end pages that signal the start of this very funny book.

Rating:
Summary: Kindergartners Recommend
Review: Kindergartners laughed and laughed at the animal exchanges made in this simple story of a boy balking at his daily tasks. As each new chore is presented- dressing, riding in the car, eating lunch, taking a nap, bathing, brushing his teeth- ridiculous replacements are suggested. How would an octopus put on his pants? How would a shark brush his teeth? The five and six year olds enjoyed the repeating line, "It's a good thing you're not an...," and couldn't wait to guess the outcome. They complimented the clear and bright watercolors pictures, and admired the decorated end pages that signal the start of this very funny book.

Rating:
Summary: mom of 3 and 5 year olds
Review: My kids love this book. They practically have it memorized and we have given it as a gift to several other families who have enjoyed it as much as we have.

Rating:
Summary: Hardly the message I want my preschooler to have...
Review: My three year old god daughter has me read this to her for the first time the other day and it has been on the top of the request list ever since. She loves the rhythmic style of the story and it's bright light-hearted style. The author has taken a simple premise and turned it into a playful romp that kids will absolutely love. And it has gotten her to get dressed and brush her teeth without as much fuss......read it to find out what I mean. Really fun book.

Rating:
Summary: Good Thing You're Not an Octopus!
Review: This book is cute and fun for both kids and parents. The subject matter addresses things that children tend to complain about and shines a positive light on each topic. The illustrations are great also.

Rating:
Summary: This book's a Good Thing!
Review: This is a great book for any parent who has struggled to get their young child ready in the morning. Ms. Markes cleverly compares children and animals engaging in the same activities such a dressing and eating. My son and I particularly enjoyed the caterpillar putting on shoes. It made his task of putting on only two shoes seem a lot easier. As a teacher I highly recommend this book for early readers. The text is simple and repetitive and the pictures are colorful and engaging. Ms. Smith's illustrations show the child as a master of the task at hand. As my son would say, " I can do that! It's easy."