Are You My Mother?

Hilarious illustrations complement the tale, providing many giggles.

Author: P. Eastman Illustrator: P. Eastman Pages: 61 Publisher: Random House Inc. Published Date: 01/01/1960 Genre: Fiction - For Beginning Readers HC Price: $8.99 Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 4-8 Read Aloud: 2-5 Read Alone: 6+

Common Sense Note

Readers eagerly anticipate the baby bird's next move. Basic language and humorous illustrations keep the tale's tone light.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Ann Marie Sammataro

This classic tale is as appealing to modern-day children as it was to their parents decades ago. The short sentences and familiar words give new readers a chance to read on their own with a measure of success, depending on the child's abilities. And it works equally well as a read-aloud for younger children.

P. D. Eastman's illustrations prove the old adage that sometimes less is more. The simple line drawings are rendered in shades of brown and gray, with brilliant splashes of sunny yellow and vivid red adding zest to the pictures. Children laugh themselves silly over images of the gangly baby bird.

Preschoolers really get a kick out of this book. One read-aloud session was frequently interrupted by admonishment from the listeners, who felt oh so mature in comparison to the little bird when he mistakes the different things for his mother.

For the under-two group, this title comes in an abbreviated board-book version. It is also available in a video format. Another classic beginning reader for the very young is Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat. If you like Eastman's style, try his well-loved tale of speedy canines, Go, Dog. Go!

From The Book

I did have a mother, said the baby bird. "I know I did. I have to find her. I will. I WILL!"

Plot Summary:

I want my mother! Will the gritty determination of a very tiny bird win the day? Readers love the suspense and the hilarious conclusion, as a newly hatched baby bird begins a quest to find his mother. Uproarious illustrations complement the comical tale, providing giggles galore for young readers.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence Very young readers may be alarmed by the baby bird's separation from his parent, especially when he is perched atop the Snort and crying for his mother.
Language
Message
	Social Behavior
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco