Customer Reviews

Little Toot

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The story of a little tug boat who becomes a hero when none of the grown-ups could come to the rescue appealed to me when I first read this as a child over twenty years ago. As an adult, I think the illustrations appeal to me more than the narration did before.

"Little Toot" by Hardie Gramatky hit the bookshelves in 1939. It has never left. With art which remind readers of Virginia Burton's "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel," and a story with a message not unlike "The Little Engine That Could" Watty Piper, it is a classic.

The Plot:
Little Toot is a tugboat who, though he could create a sound, could create smoke. Like in "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf, Little Toot liked to spend his days peacefully. He would play instead of work, spinning Figure 8s. Other tugboats teased him, and soon, Little Toot had no friends.

One day, Little Toot wanders into the ocean, a deep and scary place, and so he sent an SOS smoke signal. The tugs all came to his rescue, but the waves held them back.

"Little Toot" is an adventure story for younger children. The smallest boat becomes a hero, like the young angel in "The Littlest Angel" by Charles Tazewell.

I fully recommend "Little Toot" by Hardie Gramatky.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

I had not seen this book for at least 3 decades. When I did see it, I knew I had to have a copy for myself. It was the first book I ever read and it brought back precious memories.

The story is about a frivolous young tugboat that would rather play than work. This damages his own and his family's reputation. By the time he is ready to turn over a new leaf, none will take him seriously. He does get his big chance, however, and redeems himself while saving the day when nobody else can.

This is the book that kindled my love of reading and stoked the fires of my fascination with ships. In that respect, it is still an influence in my life today.

For young readers, it is a good story in terms of entertainment and life lesson. The artwork helps as well. Great for kids!

What a joy to see the beautifully re-published restored edition of the classic book available again. I recently heard a glowing review of the restored edition on National Public Radio, and decided to purchase it for my five-year-old for Christmas. The story is timeless, and reminds children (and all of us) that we can make mistakes, but still go on to change our behaviors and do great good. It is as vividly-written as I had recalled from my own childhood -- not "dumbed-down" for children -- and the vibrant restored illustrations are glorious. The reviewer who who lamented an older edition will be delighted with this restored version. A wonderful gift to myself and my little boy this year.

i knew when i purchased this book that it was going to be about perservance and it was. my kids ( almost 5 and 6 1/2 just love it. at first, my older child just looked at the tugboat on the cover and decided that she was not interested, but once i read it to her she wanted us to read it over and over again.

I just finished reading Little Toot to my 5 year old. He loved it as much as I remember loving it when I was his age.

I purchased this book as a present for my two year old and he loves it. The illustrations and brief story make it one of his favorites. We embellish it with extra little details here and there. I like it beacause it has survived the love and attention of my very destructive little man.

A wonderful child's book from the yesteryears--My mom read it to me as a child and it's just as great!

Much in the form of Thomas the Tank Engine, Little Toot presents the joy and foibles of life in a simple, easy to follow story line for children. The style is minimalistic but has plenty of emotion and guile.
Highly recommended. Read Little Toot to your little tot!!

This is a beautiful book with a great story. I always favor giving books as gifts to young children and seek out "the classics." This one fits the bill!