Customer Reviews

Higglety Pigglety Pop! Or, There Must Be More to Life

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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This book belongs on every shelf, possibly next to The Little Prince or Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are. This beautifully illustrated fable (Sendak wrote to deal with the death of his beloved Sealyham Terrier, Jennie) stars the always hungry, always selfish and always charming little dog Jennie. Though Jennie has everything, she decides there must be more to life and sets off to find it.

Along the way, there are feline milkmen, job applications to theatre companies, babies who won't eat, lions and the bit of Mother Goose rhyme from which the book takes its title. Somehow, the ending manages to be both uplifting and very sad at the same time, and when you're done, the little voice in your head will plead "read it again!".

Sendak's art is brilliant, carefully rendered black and white illustrations with charming characters and whimsical details that add to the text of the story. Sendak's storytelling as at it's peak here as well. It's much wordier than Wild Things, and also aimed at an older audience. If your kids are too young for this, buy it anyway. That way, it's there when they're ready.

I have read this book to my daughter since she was about 3 and we return to it at least 3 times a year. The language is simple and witty, with a wonderful depth of feeling for Jennie and her desire to gain "experience". The darkly humorous chapter with Jennie attempting to placate the Baby is one of Sendak's best pieces of writing and both child and parent will find themselves imitating Baby's shouted speech with glee. This is a wonderful book to read aloud, but take time to savor the illustrations. Their off-kilter warmth caps a great reading experience.

I loved it as a kid and had my husband read it years ago. Some of Jenny's quirks became permanent jokes between us (like when she passes out yet still wants syrup on her pancakes...)My 7-year-old son, a tough customer, also thinks the book is hysterical. It's funny on so many levels and the illustrations are beautiful.

An "adult" book disguised as a children's book, children will love the illustrations and silly phrases, but only adults will truly appreciate the basic "message". A favorite gift for friends who have everything! I have it shelved along side my tattered copy of "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" - the interpretation changes yearly. Enjoy it with your children!

This is my absolute all-time favorite book from childhood. When I got pregnant the first book I bought for my little guy was this one. Every child must have one. It doesn't follow the usual guidelines for children's literature, which is usually boring and has some obvious moral theme. Higglety Pigglety Pop can be thought of as somewhat nonsensical and stimulating to the imagination. Your little one will love it! The characters are genius.

I read this book when I was a child and have vivid memories of certain sections. I was telling my daughter and son about "Jenny" the other day when we saw a dog that looked just like her. I haven't read the book for 20+ years (my mom bought the hardcover when it first came out), but I still remember it like it was yesterday. I thought the story within a story would appeal to my daughter.

This book will appeal to the precocious young reader and to the parent who wants to read along. I just wish I could get it in hardback as my childhood copy seems to have vanished...

This is one of Maurice Sendak's lesser-known books. Jenny, the Sealyham terrier, has everything, so she runs away from home to find adventure. And find it she does! When she gets a job as a nursemaid, she has to make Baby eat. "NO EAT! NO GROW!" says Baby, and Jenny is doomed to be eaten by the lion who lives in the cellar. Instead, she winds up as the leading lady of the World Mother Goose Theater. At every step of her adventure, Jenny eats -- and eats -- and eats.

The illustrations follow the text perfectly, and are placed so that the adult reading the book aloud can finish a page, turn it around to show the child, and then go on.

This was one of my children's favorites, and I recently bought it for my friend's grandson. I know he'll love yelling, along with Baby, "NO EAT! NO GROW! SHOUT!"

This is a gorgeous little book is (the printing is beautiful) highly recommended to anyone who appreciates a good classic book and the dog is just charming!

Loved it as a kid, a perfect gift for my friend's kid. This is a great, happy, fun story that is inspiring and is entertaining for adults too.

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I read it when I was young, but I still enjoy it. It is on the longer side (though not too long), so for kids it's not necessarily a quick bedtime read but might be better read in a few sittings. It does have chapters, but they are short. Great story, great illustrations, and it's funny.