Customer Reviews

Charming Opal (Toot & Puddle)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

The Toot and Puddle series is a great series in the first place, and this book is excellent. The new character, Opal, is absolutely precious. The pictures are outstanding. I love the details in them - Opal's little Mary Jane shoes by her bed, her fun little frilly bathing suit, the beauty of Woodcock Pocket. And the expressiveness of Opal - the look on her face when she loses her tooth in the pond will break your heart. (Don't worry - it all ends well!) A very sweet story and one of my favorites.

I bought this for my two and three year old granddaugters and read it before giving it to them and loved it. The stories and illustrations are so sweet. Some of the illustrations made me laugh out loud. Very toddler appropriate. It's a joy to read to them and plan on buying more Toot and Puddle books in the future.

My now 4 yr old daughter (soon to be 5) first noticed Toot, Puddle & Opal in a Christmas special when she was 2. Every year, she watches that special. And, loves the books. They are among her favorites. I ordered this book in an author signed format for her, along with an Opal plush made for the book, and will be giving them to her for her birthday this year.

I love the books and show as well. This book would be a good read for any young reader.