Bub: Or the Very Best Thing [Paperback]

Natalie Babbitt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1996

Wanting the very best thing for their prince son but not knowing what that thing is, a king and queen survey all of their royal subjects for suggestions, but the prince is the only one who knows the answer. Reprint. PW.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Babbitt ( Tuck Everlasting ; Knee knock Rise ) has created some extraordinary children's books, and this one is no exception. It is, quite simply, Babbitt at her best. In a medieval castle, a king and queen argue a crucial question: what is the "best thing" for their young prince? The king insists that his wife gives the child too many toys ("If this keeps up, he'll turn out soft and silly"); she retorts that he gives him too many lessons ("If that keeps up, he'll turn out dry and dusty"). The king resorts to his books to find the answer, whereas the queen polls everyone she meets. The responses run the gamut from "vegetables" (the day nursemaid) to "sunshine" (the gardener) to "a song" (the court musician). But it is the cook's daughter who points the perplexed parents in the right direction, instructing them to ask the prince himself. "Bub," replies the toddler, which translates into the inarguably "very best thing": love. This splendid story is matched by exquisite artwork, which offers a refreshingly realistic depiction of the medieval setting and featuring the royal dog (patiently sporting a court jester's cap), who is entirely devoted to the very lovable prince. All ages.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-A unique and enlightening picture book. A king and queen are determined to identify the "one and only very best thing" for their son, but what can it be? The king is sure the answer will be found in books. The queen asks everyone she encounters in the palace. After receiving an array of answers from the "experts," the frustrated woman asks the cook's daughter's advice. The girl suggests they ask the prince. The parents don't understand his response, but the cook's daughter (and readers) know that "bub" means love. The timeless message is delivered with humor and a light touch. Framed pastel paintings feature the royal family, their faithful aides, and their loyal pet, a comical dog dressed as a court jester. The canine truly adds merriment to each scene. Most children will find the story and the illustrations entertaining. Ultimately, though, it is for parents, especially those who believe the best things they can give their children come from stores. Youngest readers may miss the book's full significance, but hopefully everyone will realize the simple wisdom of the prince's words.
Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Trophy Pr (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062059122
• ISBN-13: 978-0062059123
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #412,483 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A gifted artist and writer, Natalie Babbitt's novels are inspired by a brilliance and imagination that is completely original. She began her career in 1966 with the publication of a picture book, The Forty-Ninth Magician, a collaboration with her husband, Samuel Fisher Babbitt. Her first novel, The Search for Delicious, established her gift for writing magical tales with a more profound meaning embedded within them. Kneeknock Rise earned her a Newbery Honor Medal, but it is Tuck Everlasting which has insured Babbitt's place in the history of children's literature. This modern classic, which has also been made recently into a major motion picture starring Alexis Bledel, William Hurt, and Sissy Spacek, asks an enduring and powerful question: If we could live forever, would we want to? Babbitt has written six more novels including The Eyes of the Amaryllis and Goody Hall-each one presenting her unique vision of an enchanted world. Her latest novel, Jack Plank Tells Tales, was published in Spring 2007. Natalie Babbitt lives in Providence, Rhode Island, and is a grandmother of three. When asked what she wants readers to remember about her books, she replied, 'the questions without answers.'

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars good read, August 19, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Bub: Or the Very Best Thing (Library Binding)

This beautifully illustrated book is great to read with your kids.
It is about what is most important in a child's upbringing.
The king and Queen in the book both think they know
what is best for the little prince, but neither of them
can agree on what that is. Together they set out to find the answer,
but the little prince already knows the answer it's Bub or Love as he can't quite pronounce it yet. I think
you and your kids will enjoy reading this book together.

5.0 out of 5 stars Delicious, September 26, 2011

By 

W GLENN JAMISON MD - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bub: Or the Very Best Thing (Paperback)

The book is in good, solid condition. It arrived in good time, well packaged. I'd gladly order from this supplier again.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book.. Especially for Golden Retriever Lovers, December 10, 2010

By 

dayna forsythe - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bub: Or the Best Thing (Library Binding)

My dogs nickname by my step-daughter was Bub.. and he was a white faced Golden Retriever who recently passed.. This book meant allot to her.. it was adorable.