May Belle and the Ogre (Dutton Easy Reader) [Hardcover]

Bethany Roberts (Author), Marsha Winborn (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up | Series: Dutton Easy Reader

One summer night, May Belle meets an Ogre who wants to steal her pretty hat, her pretty gloves, and even her pretty feet with their toenails painted pink. At first May Belle is scared. But the Ogre turns out to be just a furry little Ogre. Then May Belle isn't scared at all. She also knows just what to do with that pesky Ogre-make a new friend!

May Belle and Ogre sing songs, bake pies, and even paint their toenails pink. Readers will admire May Belle's spunky independence and delight in her fun with her bad-mannered buddy.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-A spunky heroine, buoyant text, and irresistible illustrations make this easy-reader a real winner. In the first chapter, May Belle has big plans for a lovely summer night, as she puts on her new hat and gloves and sings a song. The unexpected appearance of an ogre at first frightens her, but she soon finds a way to put her visitor in his place. In chapter two, the youngster quickly solves the mystery of a disappearing blueberry pie with hilarious consequences. The book comes full circle in the final story, which features a wistful May Belle, who is feeling lonely until the ogre once again shows up at her house, and the two become fast friends. The child's winning personality will charm readers, who will find themselves humming along with her little ditties: "Oh, a cozy bed,/A cozy night,/Friends forever-/It feels just right!/Dee-diddle-dee-dum-dee!" Combining pastel washes with scratchy black-line details, the cozy watercolor artwork supports the mood and action of the bouncy text. An energetic, bright book that will be a hit with beginning readers.
Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 2. This upbeat Dutton Easy Reader tells a story of friendship between an energetic child, May Belle, and a furry little ogre. May Belle, who lives alone in a manner reminiscent of Pippi Longstocking, entertains herself with dress-up clothes, baking, and books until she meets the ogre, who seems scary at first (he steals May Belle's pies), but eventually becomes a good friend. Well-crafted repetition helps make the text accessible to beginning readers. Within each of the three chapters, related actions are described in the same phrases, and the ogre's bumping and thumping noises recur throughout the book, as do May Belle's songs. Cheerful pictures, similar to the illustrator's work in the Digby and Kate series, add color and personality. A solid addition to collections that need easy-reader material. Kathleen Odean
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile; 1st edition (June 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525468552
• ISBN-13: 978-0525468554
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,704,239 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous!, February 24, 2006

By 

Loves to Shop - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: May Belle and the Ogre (Dutton Easy Reader) (Hardcover)

My 3 yr old daughter loves this book. We read it over and over. It's an adorable story about a spunky little girl who makes friends with an ogre. I highly recommend this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet,and hilarious!, January 8, 2004

By 

Holli Lewis-Hoffman - See all my reviews

This review is from: May Belle and the Ogre (Dutton Easy Reader) (Hardcover)

My four year old THOROUGHLY loves "May Belle and the Ogre" ! This is an easy-read book....but in no manner does it lack in laughs for kids and adults alike. I was so thrilled to find how inovative the author was in creating and giving a "personality" to the little ogre.... totally non-threatening. May Belle says, "Why, you are just a little Ogre...." and proceeds to clean him up, help him learn some manners, and create a great playmate in the process! Awesome illustrations, and the sweet songs May Belle sings gives you and your children free creativity over tune, tone and volume...(whew...just that aspect is enough for great laughs!)

When I read this book to my little one, I "pretend" that it may be 'too scary'.... "no, bud. We probably should not read this story, it might be too scary. Let's put it down." And of course, I get the response, "Oooo, no Mom.... I will protect you, it isn't too scary... I will hold your hand!" :) It is absolutely one of his very favorites... and we read it daily!

I would suggestreading age from age 2-3 and up. Enjoy!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun to Read Easy Reader!, August 22, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: May Belle and the Ogre (Dutton Easy Reader) (Hardcover)

A plucky little girl and an ogre in need of some manners become best friends in this original fantasy. May Belle gives Ogre a bubble bath, teaches him to bake a pie, and gives him a home in her cozy house. Ogre bumps, clumps, and ka-thumps throughout. The cheerful, lively illustrations are full of humor and delightful details. Short chapters, silly sounds and songs, and lots of repetition make this an easy, fun book for beginning readers. Kids will take May Belle and Ogre to their hearts!