A Beasty Story

Rating:
Summary: Good spooky fun
Review: "A Beasty Story," by Bill Martin Jr. and Steven Kellogg, is a picture story about four hamsters: Nilly, Willy, Lily, and Silly. They come across a spooky Victorian-style house in a dark wood, and ultimately discover something scary inside.

The authors help children to learn colors as they tell the story; this is well-integrated into the book. "Beasty" is an effective mix of suspense and humor, although the surprise ending doesn't quite work; some readers might notice that the authors seem to violate the laws of science to achieve the surprise! Still, a fun book.

Rating:
Summary: A great book for preschoolers
Review: Bill Martin Jr.'s knack for rhyme and rhythm are the base for this exciting tale. Steven Kellogg illustrates the 'dark, dark woods' and the charming mice whose adventure we are sharing. This book is perfect for beginning readers and adults to share the reading. Children can easily memorize and 'read' the subtly changing text. Adults can chime in as the mice. I love to watch my Kindergartener's read this book 'outloud to themselves'. They cannot help but add dramatic touches to the reading. A new classic from these two great contributors to children's literature.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect book for new readers and parents to share together!
Review: Bill Martin Jr.'s knack for rhyme and rhythm are the base for this exciting tale. Steven Kellogg illustrates the 'dark, dark woods' and the charming mice whose adventure we are sharing. This book is perfect for beginning readers and adults to share the reading. Children can easily memorize and 'read' the subtly changing text. Adults can chime in as the mice. I love to watch my Kindergartener's read this book 'outloud to themselves'. They cannot help but add dramatic touches to the reading. A new classic from these two great contributors to children's literature.

Rating:
Summary: A great book for preschoolers
Review: My daughter (3 1/2) and son (20 months) both loved this book when we borrowed it from the library. It is full of suspense yet not scary. The rhymes are wonderful! It teaches colors as well. My daughter loved repeating the sentences.
A cute and educational book!