Magnolia is, once again, magnificent. Her cautionary tales capture perfectly how the imagination of a child works. They also capture the imagination of our children to the point that we're often asked to "read me this book?" several times a day.
We looked forward to this new Magnolia story eagerly. It did not disappoint. The facial expressions on all the characters are very funny and so accurate to how kids react to the world. The little details reward re-reading the book with your kids as they discover what happened to that feathery headband thingy that Magnolia was wearing way back at the beginning of the book.
The story structure is well-crafted. Magnolia's growing anxiety as she tries repeatedly to impress her audience (while staying within the strictures of the library environment) build an effective story conflict for our 4-year-old and 2-year-old. Second-Born's concerned warnings to Magnolia on every read-through get louder every time, until the tension is released as he shouts, "BA-BOOM-BAAAA!" at the appropriate moment - his favorite in the book. First-Born is much more concerned with Magnolia avoiding making messes, being kind, and helping clean up. Her favorite moment is a bit unexpected. It's the moment near the beginning when the librarian warns Magnolia in a whisper to "Just don't let it get too noisy." I asked her why it was her favorite part, and she said, "He just looks like a really good librarian."
The comic relief moments are plentiful and multi-level - parents will appreciate some subtle touches too. And there are a few references to previous Magnolia books that loyal fans will appreciate. That girl loves her egg and cheese sandwiches.
The book facilitates discussions with children on multiple levels, too. Some of the topics that have just organically come out of this book (without our trying to force anything) include: following rules, being kind, making (and cleaning up) messes, being selfless (e.g. being quiet so the teenager in the library can finish his apparent dissertation research), trying to impress an audience, making decisions to get others' approval, taking things too literally (a poster that says "YOU CAN DO ANYTHING AT THE LIBRARY!" is a key tension in the plot), problem-solving, and the power of imagination.
I originally gave the book six stars, but was regretfully forced to remove one because of its irresponsible condonation of the inappropriate indoor use of crew-served field artillery by small children. Shocking!
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more
Frequently bought together
$16.40
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
In Stock
+
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the Publisher
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don't! | If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, Don't! | Neck & Neck | How to Catch a Clover Thief | If You Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, Don't! | It's Tummy Time! | |
| Customer Reviews |
509
|
241
|
175
|
88
|
133
|
5
|
| Price | $11.32 | $13.29 | $13.90 | $15.99 | $15.81 | $6.39 |
| Get ready to laugh out loud with more hilarious hijinks from Elise Parsley! | The first book in the hilarious, New York Times bestselling Magnolia Says DON'T! series. | Magnolia is back with the perfect entertainment for a trip to the beach: a piano! But it isn't exactly music to anyone's ears… | Leopold is the star of the zoo, until an unlikely look-a-like comes along. How far will he go to be top giraffe? Get ready to laugh! | Roy is determined to protect his clover. But as he gets absorbed in the books about guarding it, the clover continues to disappear. | Deck the halls, and walk the plank, with a festive and fun holiday fiasco that only Magnolia could dream up. | Play time, nap time, TUMMY TIME! This playful board book illustrates baby's daily activities in fun verse. |
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2017
