Customer Reviews

The Mitten 20th Anniversary Edition

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I ordered this because I was having difficulty finding the original THE MITTEN from my childhood. This re-telling kills the beautiful original message of giving and sharing. In the original, the cricket invites all of the animals into the mitten out of kindness--it's the coldest day of the winter and she feels sorry for them. In this version, each of the animals feels "bullied" into letting the next animal in out of fear. Ugly! And what a terrible message in this day and age, when bullying is such an issue. I would never recommend this book when the original is still available. And something about the simpler drawings in the original allows the story to truly shine, as it should. This version is pretty, but hollow.

The lush illustrations in this book offer a wonderful chance for an adult to share time studying them with a youngster. Readers can feel the frosty air of the forest, smell the wood smoke in the fireplace, and hear the footfalls of wild creatures as they examine each page. So, bundle up, nestle down, and read this with someone young--even if it's just your inner child, you'll both be very satisfied by this lovely story and its mezmerizing pictures.

I keep buying this book for ME and giving it away when children love it that visit. I bought this one for my Grandson for Christmas who is 18 months. We have this book in 3 languages at my border Middle school. I have purchased all her books for the Library. The students, parents and teachers love them. JR

We borrowed this book from the library and I found myself reading it to my son one day when he was upset and needed distracting. He was quickly drawn into the story. I had him participating in the story telling, something he doesn't commonly do. I would ask him I wonder who is next and from the small picture in the border he could figure out what animal was coming next. After the story was over we got out the globe and found the Ukraine and talk a bit about how its different there.

The illlustrations provide details of Ukranian traditional culture.
You will want to be in those pictures (and I want the little boy's coat).

I can understand the disappointment from those that know the original folktale and don't appreciate that it has been changed, but the result is a very enjoyable book. I will be looking for others by this author.

I was told the original version of the story in Ukrainian as a child. I wanted to find it for my daughter, but could not find the Ukrainian book in my stash. I was delighted to find it here. The illustrations are beautiful - keeping in tradition with the appropriate dress, characters, house & scenery. And although the book might not be EXACTLY like the original, it is close enough. My daughter calls my mother Baba and she loves that there is a Baba in this story. I good addition to any child's library.

My son Sonny brought this book home last year and we had such a wonderful time reading this. We laughed so much that evening. I truly believe in reading books that help a childs imagination. The Mitten was a wonderful story. In loving memory on Sonny...Mom

No one does a Children's book better than Jan Brett. I bought The Mitten when my daughter was in grade school. The story line is so cute. But, her illustrations are even better. You can almost FEEL the fur of the animals and textures of material with your eyes. I'm always delighted in the sub-story line depicted in the side illustrations. They give you both sides of the story at once. My daughter is grown up and has a child of her own. I'm still buying ALL of Brett's books for my own library. Now I can share them with my grandson. If you can only afford to buy one book, THIS IS THE ONE. After that one, you'll be able to spot her books on a book pile and will be a fan forever more.

My 2 year old son thinks this book is great. The illustrations are very colorful, and you can see the animal coming toward the mitten in the previous page. My son likes to say what is coming next. Lots of fun.

If you enjoy books that are funny, short, and filled with illustrations of animals, then The Mitten, by Jan Brett, is the book for you. The Mitten is a short picture book about a boy, named Nicki, who loses his snow white mitten one day while playing out in the woods. When Nicki dropped the mitten, a mole came acorss it and decided that it looked like a warm and cozy place to sleep, so it went inside. Next, a rabbit came and decided to huddle in the mitten. Then, a badger came, and after the badger was five more animals. Eventually, after an , the mitten exploded! There is an unexpected ending, but this book will hold young readers' attention from the very beginnning.
The author definitely chose the right vocabulary and drawings for this book and age group. Jan Brett did an excellent job of portraying the sotry with her pictures. The simple vocabulary is perfect for children learning to read. "Once there was a boy named Nicki who wanted his new mittens made from wool as white as snow." This quote is a perfect example of the book's simple vocabulary.
This book is a great way for parents, gradnparents, or older siblings to bond with their children, grandchildren, or siblings. It's a cute and funny story that will make everyone laugh. "The force of the sneeze shot the mitten up into the sky, and scattered the animals in all directions."
Another reason that kids might enjoy The Mitten is because many kids can realte to the characters. They might not exactly be able to relate to the animals, but many kids will be able to relate to the adventurous Nicki. "So off Nicki went. And it wasn't long until one of his new mittens dropped in the snow and was left behind." Tons of children are like Nicki and are always losing things when they are having fun.
The Mitten is full of fun laughs that will be suspensful for young ones till the end. It's easy to read and enjoyable. So, if you are a young reader who enjoys a fun story and a good laugh, then this book is for you.

Sorry, but the computer deleted some of the words in the review. Sorry for the inconvenience.

In the mid 80's, I came across one of Jan Brett's books while looking for another author. I was completely blown away by the artistry...which was my main reason for purchasing. I wrote her, and to my surprise she responded with a lovely letter and also enclosed illustrations of books yet to be completed. I have remained a fan, purchase her books to share with children of all ages. Since then, she has expanded her resources with a wonderful website where you can find illustrations, ideas for reading and sharing with children, and so much more.

All her books that I buy for my family know that these are "treasures and keepsakes" to be passed down...