Customer Reviews

A Hole Is to Dig

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I stumbled on an old copy in a used book store and bought it for myself (I'm 43!). It made me smile out loud as I stood reading it in the aisle. The illustrations and text are sweet and engaging... an example of what every book written for a young child (or young-at-heart adult) should be. I'd give this book more stars if they were available...

My girlfriend got this book as a Christmas present, and I picked it up and read it. We don't know why it isn't listed with the zen books! Simple, profound truths about the world we live in: dishes are to do.

I was looking for something to send to my 4-year-old grandson and discovered this wonderful book that his father, now 44, loved when he was little. It is a complete delight, both for kids and the adults that have to read it (and read it, and read it...) to them. I still happily remember some of the definitions, these many years later. The text was written by children and the Maurice Sendak illustrations are priceless. This is one for the ages -- a real classic.

This is a very nice and silly book. It was published in 1952. Eisenhower was president and the red scare was in full swing so it's whimsy seems more surprising. I first saw this as a child of four or five in the middle 50's. When I saw it again thirty years later I remembered it distinctly, one of only two books I strongly remember. (The other, "The Little Fur Family" I also bought for a friend's child this Christmas. I recommend it and reviewed it). Some of the phrases like boodley-boodley-bo (I've probably spelled it wrong - I've already given the book) made me remember being a young child, not an easy task after 30 years. It still brings back memories. The illustrations by Maurice Sendak are wonderful.
The book, from river-city-books, was in very good condition, better than I expected by the description.

I have had a copy of this book since I was a very little girl, and just purchased it for my little granddaughter. The definitions are quirky and clever (I believe that Ms Krauss got the definitions from children, so it's not a grownup making them up). The pictures are by Maurice Sendak, and this was his first published book. Sweet, silly, and sure to delight a small child (and their grown-ups). Probably best for 3- or 4-year-olds and up.

My daughters (3 and 5) love this sweet, simple book. The illustrations are precious and the 'definitions' make it fun to read and re-read. This is a classic I am purchasing again-and-again to share with other little ones we know.

I chose this adorable book after combing through best loved classics childrens book lists on other sites. It is a gift for my 3 yr. old nephew. Ruth Krauss is a wonderful childrens author and there cannot be enough Maurice Sendak illustrated books in a kid library.
It's an endearing little book, sparking his imagination.