Mine! Mine! Mine! [Hardcover]

Shelly Becker (Author), Hideko Takahashi (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

“My name is Gail, and here’s a tale that I would like to share…” Gail may happily share her tale…but never her toys, books, or other possessions. And that’s the problem in this entertaining story, narrated in rhyme by the resistant little girl herself.
Gail’s favorite words are “Mine! Mine! Mine!” and she uses them all the time. Even when she tries to follow her Mom’s good examples of generosity, Gail doesn’t get it quite right. “An ugly hat, a broken bat, a smelly, chewed-up shoe…” are all she’ll hand over during her Cousin Claire’s visit. Will Gail EVER become a “sharing superstar”?  With its adorable art and humorous perspective, this picture book makes its point in the most delightful way.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2–Gail refuses to share her toys when her cousin Claire comes to play, prompting her mother to admonish her to be nice and find something her guest would enjoy. But Gail erupts in fury and claims all her possessions for herself. Finally, with a smug look, she digs out some cast-off stuff from the attic and presents it to her disappointed cousin. Her mother gently explains that she must share her favorite things, not throwaways, but Gail, who is not ready for that, promises to think about it another day. The story, told in rhyme, is illustrated in brightly colored acrylics that depict the possessive preschooler and her dejected visitor. But the mother is far too mild and ineffective in light of her daughter's obnoxious behavior, and the child is depicted as a sweet little girl. This story, although attempting to show a typical situation, conveys a negative message.–Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (September 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402725388
• ISBN-13: 978-1402725388
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #468,260 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely little book, November 4, 2007

By 

C. Wells "Me" (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mine! Mine! Mine! (Hardcover)

I bought this book after the cover caught my eye on the display shelf. The story is thought-provoking for kids, and the rhythm is fun to read. Lovely illustrations. One of my favorites for my pre-schoolers.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My grandson loves this book., March 25, 2009

By 

LH (Kalamazoo, MI USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mine! Mine! Mine! (Hardcover)

My 3 year grandson was having trouble sharing and he loves books. So I looked for a book about sharing. He loves this book and has really learned about sharing. I even remember that I have to share my favorite things! Now if we could only find a book about winning and losing!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Writing for Children Center Book Pick, March 7, 2007

By 

L. Suzanne Lieurance "The Working Writer's Coach" (Kansas City, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mine! Mine! Mine! (Hardcover)

I LOVE picture books, so I'm always happy when I find a new picture book that is as delightful as this new release from children's author Shelly Becker. From the very first page I could identify with little Gail when her "greedy" Cousin Claire came to visit and Mother told Gail she should be nice and find something that Claire would enjoy.

When Gail sees that Cousin Claire has snatched her teddy bear, she just can't take it.

Well, then I snapped (I hadn't napped),
A fury filled my head.

I scowled so bad with eyes red mad,
and this is what I said:

"MINE, MINE, MINE! You give it back!
And stop that squeaky whine.
Let's get this straight now, Cousin Claire.
See all this stuff? It's MINE!"

Gail goes on to describe her precious belongings, one by one, for Cousin Claire, letting her know in no uncertain terms that she should keep her hands off of EVERYTHING!

When Clair sobs and moans, Mom comes in once again to offer another tip for Gail. But the surprising way Gail takes Mom's advice is a hoot!

I won't give away the story here and spoil the fun for readers. I'll just say that kids aren't the only ones who will be charmed by little Gail's "dark side" and her efforts to change and learn to share.

I was amazed at how well illustrator Hideko Takahashi was able to convey Gail's and Claire's feelings through their facial expressions in such simple illustrations. But they were perfect!

This book is MUST HAVE for any preschool's (or preschooler's) library!