Janet's Thingamajigs (Mulberry books) [Paperback]

Beverly Cleary (Author), DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 23, 1997 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Mulberry books

When twins Jimmy and Janet squabble over Janet's collection of "thingamajigs" their mom presents them with a "grown-up" surprise and Janet's collection becomes a thingamajig of the past. "The softly colored illustrations neatly catch the spirit of this slice of real life."--Kirkus Reviews.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this third picture book about twins Janet and Jimmy, Cleary's sure ear for the dialogue of young children is evident. Janet collects small objects which she calls "thingamajigs," (mimicking her mother's expression) and keeps in paper bags in her crib. Jimmy wants badly to touch Janet's things; Janet passionately doesn't want him to do so. Readers, both children and adults, will recognize the true-to-life quality of the twins' bickering and of their mother's exasperation. The problem is resolved as both children voluntarily give up the now babyish thingamajigs when their cribs are replaced by real, "grown-up" beds. DiSalvo-Ryan's cheery, colorful pencil-and-wash pictures suit the tone of the story exactly.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1 The reissue of Two Dog Biscuits and The Real Hole (both Morrow, 1986) introduced four year olds Janet and Jimmy to a new generation of readers. This new story about the twins portrays sibling squabbles as a part of growing up. Janet likes to collect little treasures and resents Jimmy's handling them. When their mother suggests to Janet that she bag them and put them in a special place, Janet chooses her crib. As the crib fills up and bags begin to spill out of the bars, the day is saved when a surprisenew twin bedsarrives. The bags are forgotten as the twins celebrate a milestone in growing up. DiSalvo-Ryan's full-color pencil-and-watercolor illustrations, large enough to be seen by a group of young listeners, depict the commonplace with warmth. Soft frames are broken occasionally by hands or toys. Two additional strengths are a patient but firm mother and the reassurance of seeing real children, instead of bears or bunnies, dealing with some of the skirmishes of family life. Susan Hepler, Windsor Public Library, Conn.
Copyright 1987 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
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (May 23, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688152783
• ISBN-13: 978-0688152789
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #844,203 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #35 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( C ) > Cleary, Beverly

More About the Author

Beverly Cleary's birthday, April 12th, is celebrated across the country on D.E.A.R. Day, with activities related to the Drop Everything and Read Program. One of the most popular and honored authors of all time, Beverly Cleary has won the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw, and both Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Ramona and Her Father have been named Newbery Honor Books. She makes her home in coastal California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Beverly Cleary is clever., December 19, 2006

By 

Christy G. Hutson "chefgreen2002" (Ontario,Ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Janet's Thingamajigs (Mulberry books) (Paperback)

I have always enjoyed Beverly Cleary. This story where Janet collects little objects that are insignificant to us grown ups is cute. Not only does she collect the items but she hordes them as well. Protecting them from her brother. In the end she lets all the stuff go for something much better.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great to read aloud!, July 30, 2001

By 

Debra L. (Virginia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Janet's Thingamajigs (Mulberry books) (Paperback)

Another wonderful story for pre-school and younger elementary students. Part of Beverly Cleary's series about young twins Jimmy and Janet. Janet is a collector who saves her treasures in paper bags. The twins move from cribs into "big beds" in this story, so it's a good story for the two or three year old who is making that transition. My children loved to have this story read to them.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Silbling rivalry, May 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Janet's Thingamajigs (Mulberry books) (Paperback)

I bought this book for my daughter when she reached age 2 1/2 and began to experience sibling rivalry with her older brother. Although the book is a bit dated (traditional mother at home with children, father off at work), it deals very well with the feelings children experience when their possesions and space are sought after by a sibling. It also deals well with the mother's frustration when the kids are constantly bickering - helps to show a child why a mother might get frustrated.