Charming Opal (Toot & Puddle) [Hardcover]

Holly Hobbie (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

When his cousin Opal loses a tooth during a visit, Puddle dresses as the Tooth Fairy so that Opal's hope of receiving a shiny quarter will not be disappointed.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-Puddle's cousin Opal comes to visit Woodcock Pocket in Hobbie's latest piglet adventure. With her gamine smile, Mary Janes, sunbonnet, and pink femininity, she's a charmer and delights in playing with Toot and Puddle. The loose tooth that she has been wriggling and wobbling suddenly falls out and disappears and Puddle wrestles with the necessity of a visit from the Tooth Fairy. Does the Tooth Fairy truly come to Woodcock Pocket? Hobbie's story and humorous and expressive watercolor illustrations are perfectly tuned-in to her audience. (How does the Tooth Fairy know where to go when someone with a lost tooth is away from home?) The sight of Puddle's earnest Tooth Fairy costume with a shower-curtain gown and clothes-hanger wings will warm readers' hearts. Pair this title with Joy Cowley's Agapanthus Hum and the Angel Hoot (Philomel, 2003) to delight those with "holes in their smiles."-Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX
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About the Author

Holly Hobbie has worked as an artist for more than thirty years and is the author of five previous and highly acclaimed Toot & Puddle picture books, as well as an illustrated memoir, The Art of Holly Hobbie. The mother of grown children, she lives with her husband in Conway, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; First Editiion First Printing edition (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316366331
• ISBN-13: 978-0316366335
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 0.4 x 10.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #405,611 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Holly Hobbie has worked as an artist for more than thirty years and is the author of seven previous and highly acclaimed Toot & Puddle picture books, as well as an illustrated memoir, The Art of Holly Hobbie. The mother of grown children, she lives with her husband in Conway, Massachusetts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Is it possible to top yourself?, August 25, 2003

By 

A Bookaholic "a1chick" (Clinton, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Charming Opal (Toot & Puddle) (Hardcover)

Toot & Puddle are fantastic stories about two adorable pigs that highlight the differences in people and how they can get along, matched with equally rewarding illustrations resulting in perfect combinations. This time around add cousin Opal into the mix and I was reduced to a withering mass. This journey about a first loose tooth has got to be one of the best...if not the best...of the series. The expressions and actions come through loud and clear and the journey is one acted out everyday. And, well Opal is positively Charming!

Another fantastic book from Holly Hobbie and one I intend to be gifting as much as possible.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming Opal by Holly Hobbie, December 13, 2004

By 

Elizabeth M. Timmins "desperate librarian" (oneida, wi) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Charming Opal (Toot & Puddle) (Hardcover)

I found Charming Opal in a pile of recently published children's books at my favorite bookstore. It both caught my eye and stole my heart. A light hearted story of youthful "piglet" innocence and joyful discovery, Opal's protected world comes close to shattering. Her treasured loose tooth finally falls out, but is nowhere to be found. Without a tooth to place under her pillow, the Tooth Fairy would not come. Cousin Puddle and Toot do their best to reassure her that everything will be all right.
Author Holly Hobbie remembers what it is to be a child. By accurately portraying the excitement, innocence, and angst we all experienced, her readers are drawn into and become part of the story. They can feel Opal's joy as well as her pain. This story reflects the simple and uncluttered flow of a child's mind. No complications or hidden agendas. Holly Hobbie has written six other popular Toot & Puddle picture books.
Both author and illustrator, Holly Hobbie has worked as an artist for thirty years. Her skill is evident in every picture she draws. I consider Opal her most adorable character. The soft, gentle flow of both color and line add elements of warmth and comfort to the entire book. An excellent use of constrasting light and shadow intensify the mood and feeling the author is striving to portray. Text and illustrations are beautifully matched.
Of course, I shared this story with my class of kindergarteners and first graders. Their toothless grins and smiles confirmed how they felt and identified with the story!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Toot & Puddle Hit, September 12, 2006

By 

J. Martin "book lover" (Waynesburg, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Toot & Puddle: Charming Opal (Hardcover)

My 4 year old daughter and I are big pig fans, and Toot & Puddle are among our favorites. This story is especially endearing. In it we are introduced to another sweet pig, Opal, who is Puddle's cousin. I enjoy this book because it reads more smoothly than some of the other Toot and Puddle books which rely on the charming pictures to carry the story. It is also a lovely story of friends working together to help out each other when Opal loses her first tooth.