A Hole Is to Dig [Paperback]

Ruth Krauss (Author), Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up

What is a hole?
A hole is when you step in it
you go down

A hole is
for a mouse
to live in.

And, of course,a hole is to dig.

This is the funniest book
of definitions you'll ever read!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

First published in 1952, this hilarious classic is now available in paperback to a new generation. Krauss's definitions--from "toes are to wiggle" to "a hat is to wear on a train"--tell what's what--and Sendak's inimitable early illustrations show how. All ages.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A unique book . . . with drawings bouncing with action and good humor." -- --NYT

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (September 7, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006443205X
• ISBN-13: 978-0064432054
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #321,552 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Philosophy
  • #20 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( S ) > Sendak, Maurice
  • #96 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Baby-3 > Basic Concepts > Words

More About the Author

This outstanding American illustrator and author was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1928, the son of Jewish immigrants from Poland. Sendak's career as an illustrator began after a stint as a window dresser. He illustrated more than 40 books between 1951 and 1962. Where the Wild Things Are--the book that made Sendak's name internationally, appeared in 1964, and its popularity has never waned.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An overlooked classic -- Early Sendak for kids and adults, August 10, 2000

By 

"nymom" - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Hole Is to Dig (Paperback)

This book is a terrific classic -- a listing of definitions, "laws" if you will, that are really almost self-evident in childhood. Each page contains a collection of drawings that illustrate the definition of something. The illustrations tend to show the early Sendak style, but in this book, there is essentially no overwhelming background -- each boy or girl or dog is illustrated in black and white (or beige). Each picture is self-contained, but there is some flow to the text on certain pages.

It's difficult to describe this book, but there is really a separate level for adults in these definitions that makes this an enjoyable read for parent and child. For the adult, this book evokes the simplest play of childhood and a return to certain basic principles that were probably totally accepted and later forgotten. I don't know why, but this is an overlooked classic. I can't think of another book like this.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book that my kids want to hear over and over, May 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Hole Is to Dig (Hardcover)

Or maybe it's me that picks out the book over and over at bedtime. I was really touched the other day when my 5-year-old son helped my 3-year-old son zip his jacket, looked at me and said "a brother is to help." A great book that everyone should read.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful!, July 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Hole Is to Dig (Hardcover)

My mother told me about this delightful little book, one of her favorites from childhood. It makes note of things I might have thought myself as a child, and mixes in wonderful details like the sound "boodly boodly boodly!". Excellent reading for a child of any age, even those who are only inner children anymore!