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!
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Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
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.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"A unique book . . . with drawings bouncing with action and good humor." -- --NYT
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By "nymom"
Format: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.
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format: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.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format: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!
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
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...
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
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.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By thecheese
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
this is one serious little book. i think it's too nuanced for my three year old to appreciate, but i love krauss's liberties with language and sentence structure. the pictures are the perfect complement.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By L. Franklin
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this book after a glowing recommendation in Honey For a Child's Heart. To say it did not disappoint is the understatement of the century. This book is so cute, as soon as I got it, I checked to see if there were any more used copies available for the price I got mine. Alas, none were available, so now I have to just be thankful for the one that I got at an awesome price rather than buying one for every child I know.
Buy it. Buy it. Buy it.
Buy it. Buy it. Buy it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
exceptional service
The book is a 1st edition as described. The book store proprietor was exceptionally earnest in making sure it was all good.
Published 2 months ago by Carolyn Bartlett
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cute
A cute way to look at the world. I love sharing this book with my son. Funny & true, this is a perfect bedtime story.
Published 4 months ago by W. Jackson
1.0 out of 5 stars
this book is wonderful but this copy was damaged
The book was misrepresented in the description. Pages were falling out. The whole thing needed serious repair. The book itself is a wonderful thing though. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Tina L Carrington
5.0 out of 5 stars
two for friends' kids and one for ME
My mother checked this book out of the Pineapple, Alabama library when I was in first grade and it accidently moved with us a year later. Read more
Published 5 months ago by L. Burdine
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful book, delightful illustrations
I recently bought this book to replace one I had as a child. I loved it then and I still do, its charm is timeless. Read more
Published 5 months ago by R. Mayfield
5.0 out of 5 stars
my grandson loved his shovel but it broke
His grandpa found him the perfect replacement shovel on EBay and I found this book-- it says the perfect thing about a shovel and so much else. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Kathy B. Krassa
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very silly and very good book.
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. Read more
Published 18 months ago by stephenTheObdurate
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful book!
I have had a copy of this book since I was a very little girl, and just purchased it for my little granddaughter. Read more
Published on April 4, 2011 by BinkyDiva
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Favorite at Our House
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. Read more
Published on December 29, 2009 by K. Schultz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect for a little one
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. Read more
Published on December 12, 2008 by Auntie Mel
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