Me First [Hardcover]

Helen Lester (Author), Lynn Munsinger (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Being first isn't always best, as Pinkerton Pig finds out after an encounter with a mean Sand Witch. As always, Helen Lester's wonderfully offbeat humor and Lynn Munsinger's whimsical illustrations result in a hilarious lesson about piggishness. The picture book duo of Lester and Munsinger has created six previous books, including the award-winning TACKY THE PENGUIN.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In another successful joint effort, the creators of Tacky the Penguin and Pookins Gets Her Way introduce a memorable character--a plump, delightfully expressive pig named Pinkerton, who always insists on being first, "even if it meant bouncing off bellies, stepping on snouts, or tying tails." When Pinkerton's Pig Scout troop goes to the beach, Munsinger's hilarious, whimsical art shows the pushy fellow (wearing pink-and-white dotted trunks, an inflatable tube and goggles) stepping on the heads of two pals to be "first out of the water, and first into the picnic basket." But when the piggy Pinkerton rushes across the beach to respond to an alluring question ("Who would care for a sandwich?") he gets a well-deserved comeuppance, for he is pressed into service by a tiny Sandwitch who needs someone to take care of her. This funny, fetching tale will bring chuckles--and a lesson--to any child with a tendency to echo Pinkerton's cries of "Me first." Ages 4-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- A funny story about a child (in this case a young pig) still in the egocentric stage. Pinkerton is pushy. He is the first one on the bus, the first one in the water, and the first one down the slide. He is leading his Pig Scout troup one day when he hears a voice ask, : `` `. . . Who would care for a sandwich?' '' Pinkerton then learns that first is not always best, because he must take care of a demanding Sandwitch (doing her dishes, telling her a bedtime story, etc.). From the opening description of Pinkerton as ``pink, plump, and pushy,'' to the many labors he must endure, the tale is filled with humor. The pictures are replete with action, and the expressive watercolors greatly enhance the comedy. Sure to be both popular and useful, this is Lester and Munsinger's best collaboration to date. --George Delalis, Oakland Pub. Lib
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (September 28, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395587069
• ISBN-13: 978-0395587065
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #417,132 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Helen Lester has published The Wizard, the Fairy, and the Magic Chicken in 1983, in collabroation with Lynn Munsinger. They have also worked together on the hilarious Tacky the Penguin series and many other wildly funny and popular titles, including the award-winning Hooway for Wodney Wat. Helen Lester is a full-time writer who makes her home in Pawling, New York.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS!!, July 25, 2001

By 

Esther Ortiz - See all my reviews

This review is from: Me First (Sandpiper paperbacks) (Paperback)

Talk about a twist and turn of events! My first graders loved this book. It teaches children that being first is not always best. I use it now whenever my first graders fight to be first in line. We all yell out, "Don't be a Pinkerton!" and in a gentle humorous way the "pusher of the line" concedes. It is also a great book for a follow up discussion on homophones. When you read this book, you'll know what I'm talking about. You see, Pinkerton wants to be first when he hears someone offering a "sandwich" but it turns out to be a Sand Witch who makes him realize his selfishness. It is an adorable book and voted one of the top five in my classroom!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a must for every child., October 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Me First (Sandpiper paperbacks) (Paperback)

Although we have bought, borrowed, and checked out (from the library) many, many books for our children, this is one of our all-time favorites. My wife and I have never read a better book for teaching children (and their parents) that being first is not always best.

The message is conveyed through the experience of Pinkerton, the "pink, plump and pushy pig" in terrific fashion. The illustrations are great for kids as is the entertaining (but educational) story line.

This book has become a classic for our family. In fact, although we don't buy that many books (usually we check them out from the library), we wouldn't be without our own copy. We even make it a habit to buy it for our friends and family with little "Pinkertons" of their own.

Don't miss this one, it's great.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A moral and fun word play, November 12, 2005

By 

Paula L. Craig (Falls Church, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Me First (Sandpiper paperbacks) (Paperback)

This is a cute little book, and Pinkerton the pig is a good character. The moral of the story can't be argued with. The word play of "sandwich" and "Sandwitch" is clever. I like the idea of the pig learning what it means to care for someone, too. My child got tired of it quickly; however, it's an inexpensive book. Fine for preschoolers and beginning readers.