Good Job, Oliver! [Library Binding]

Laurel Molk (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Irresistible bunnies, a mother-son bond, and a sweet can-do story make this picture book a classic crowd pleaser.

When little Oliver Bunny enters the Strawberry Contest, the big bunnies just laugh at him. Little bunnies grow little berries, they tease. But with his mother's encouragement, Oliver is determined to win. He plants his strawberry patch far away from the big bunnies' patch and hopes for the best. Then -- STOMP! STOMP! STOMP! -- the berry-loving BEARS arrive! And only little Oliver bunny thinks of a way to save his beautiful strawberries, save the day, and win the strawberry contest. Suddenly size isn't important anymore -- except when it comes to a giant Mother Bunny hug and a big slice of strawberry pie. . . .

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Oliver, the cotton-tailed protagonist of this gentle-hearted picture book, is determined to win the annual strawberry-growing contest, despite teasing from the bigger bunnies and his own lack of experience. Self-assured and hard-working, Oliver is also quick-thinking: he outwits hungry birds, gophers and even a party of bears to save his crop and emerge victorious, harvesting the biggest, brightest berries around. Though occasionally didactic, Molk's (Beneath the Ghost Moon) text cheerily conveys several important messages, including the value of self-confidence and conviction, and the positive effects of a parent's love and encouragement. Sunny, airy watercolors provide an up-close look at a garden cycle; a few spreads offer cutaway views, showing life below ground as well as above. For all the roving bears and swooping birds, this countryside remains serene, subtly preparing the reader for the bedtime theme of the ending. Ages up to 8.
Copyright 1998 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-Oliver is full of anticipation as he enters the annual strawberry contest, but the bigger rabbits tease him: "Little bunnies grow little berries." Fortunately, Oliver's mother encourages him to ignore their taunts and do the best that he can. While keeping an eye on the actions of the older gardeners, Oliver plants and cares for his seeds. Each time his strawberries are threatened by danger-birds, gophers, or large and hungry bears-the youngster comes up with a resourceful solution. When he is declared the winner, all of the participants celebrate together and the prize berries are made into an array of mouthwatering treats. After all of the excitement, Mother Bunny scoops up her son and whisks him off to bed. Molk's affectionate watercolor illustrations capture bunnies and bears with equal allure, and youngsters will instantly connect with Oliver's newfound competence. His mother's tender, unflagging encouragement makes this story perfect for pairing with Margaret Wise Brown's The Runaway Bunny (HarperCollins, 1942).
Lisa S. Murphy, formerly at Dauphin County Library System, Harrisburg, PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Topeka Bindery (February 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613337565
• ISBN-13: 978-0613337564
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,684,521 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book with great lessons, January 24, 2002

By 

Oliver Chubb "olivercc" (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Good Job, Oliver! (Paperback)

Perhaps I am biased given that I am also an Oliver. However, in Good Job, Oliver, the combination of repitition, beautiful illustration (I have the hardcover version) and a very positive message of not letting challenges overwhelm you is very uplifting. I always feel revitalized after I read it. I can not recommend it more strongly.

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful and thought provoking, August 23, 2001

By 

J9JC "j9jc" (Vacaville, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Good Job, Oliver! (Paperback)

This book is so pretty, you will find something new to look at each time you read it. The beauty does not outweigh the messages that you can be little and still accomplish more than the bigger "bunnies", and also that by stoping and thinking you can find the solution to problems. Oliver saves the day and then shares his good fortune...multiple messages, great pictures, all around enjoyable!

5.0 out of 5 stars A hero that children will cheer for !, April 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Good Job, Oliver! (Hardcover)

A wonderful book for young children. Oliver proves that biggest isn't always best and provides encouragement for the "little guy". It is a very reassuring tale and the illustrations are superb.