Common Sense Media Review
By Patricia Tauzer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lovable tale of two friends full of holiday fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Two irresistible pig friends, Toot and Puddle, try to come up with ideas for perfect presents to give each other. After much thought about past gifts as well as the things each one enjoys doing, they each hide away, privately working on an idea. Both come up with Christmas surprises that show what good friends they are.
Is It Any Good?
Two better friends could not be found; though they're pigs, they're kind, thoughtful, and irresistibly lovable -- much like the characters in Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad series, but even more so. This is a Christmas book without the frenzy or the glitz that often accompanies the season. Nor does it bend into the religious sphere. It's all about a true and gentle caring that taps solidly into the heart of the holiday.
Holly Hobbie's uncluttered watercolor illustrations are painted with a pleasant precision. Dressed in bulky winter sweaters, knitted scarves, and comfortable ski pants, Toot and Puddle are always small within the scene, but expressive, colorful, and central against the background. They are smiling and playful, except on the rainy-day page when their expressions match their disappointment. And they are always very, very cute. If kids haven't already met Toot and Puddle, they are in for a treat, not only with this book but with the others in this series that has spanned the past 10 years.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about all the things Toot and Puddle think about when they try to find the perfect gift for each other. What did Toot choose, and why? What about Puddle?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Holly Hobbie
- Genre : Holiday
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown and Company
- Publication date : October 1, 2007
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
- Number of pages : 32
- Last updated : June 19, 2019
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