Mr. Tanen's Ties [Hardcover]

Maryann Cocca-Leffler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1999 | Grade Level: K and up

The students of Lynnhurst Elementary love their principal, Mr. Tanen--and his ties! But Mr. Apple from the school office does not love Mr. Tanen's ties. He insists that Mr. Tanen wear only blue ties from now on.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

When grouchy school administrator Mr. Apple tells Lynnhurst Elementary's beloved principal Mr. Tanen to get serious about teaching and stop wearing those crazy ties, not only is Mr. Tanen crestfallen, but the whole school gets the blues. Now how will the students know what kind of day it is? Mr. Tanen's famous ties made every day a holiday. On rainy days, he wore a tie with umbrellas on it, and when it was someone's birthday, he sported one that played "Happy Birthday." And the one he wore on Frankfurter Friday, well, you can imagine what that tie was like.

School becomes even less fun when a discouraged Mr. Tanen calls in sick and Mr. Apple, wearing a rather uninspiring blue tie, arrives to substitute. Not willing to let school become so boring, one clever student conspires to give Mr. Apple, a passionate bird watcher, a tie with bright red cardinals on it. ("'Thank you... But that's not quite my style,' says Mr. Apple." Or is it?) Mr. Apple just can't resist wearing his gorgeous new tie to the supermarket where his dandy appearance charms a certain pretty lady. Before you know it, romance blooms, and a happy Mr. Tanen is returned to his grateful students. Visually delightful, each page of this boldly illustrated book is bordered by a brilliant flow of wacky tie designs. Better yet, it's just the kind of tale about getting the best of adults that kids relish. Anybody got a wedding-bell tie? (Ages 5 and older) --Marianne Painter

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Mr. Tanen, an elementary school principal, loves to sport unusual neckwear-"funny ties, crazy ties, holiday ties, ties that play music, and even ties that light up." Unfortunately, Mr. Apple (also known as Mr. Crab Apple), a school department official, thinks that Mr. Tanen should wear a "proper," plain, blue tie. When the principal is out sick, Mr. Apple fills in for him at school. A gift of a special tie from the students helps the man find romance as well as a new attitude. The writing is good, and the conflict between Mr. Tanen and Mr. Apple will keep readers interested. The happy albeit improbable ending suits the earlier drama of the story. Cocca-Leffler's watercolor cartoons are bright and appealing. Ties decorated with flowers, food, music, highways, birds, hearts, and wedding bells flow from the pictures and border the pages. An enjoyable read-aloud for classrooms and libraries.
Shelley Woods, Boston Public Library, MA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807553018
• ISBN-13: 978-0807553015
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #799,040 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Website: www.maryanncoccaleffler.com
My PLAY: www.princesskimthemusical.com
my Blog: www.maryanncoccaleffler.blogspot.com

I've been writing and illustrating children's books for more than 25 years and have published over 50 books. I graduated from Massachusetts College of Art in 1980 with a BFA in illustration. My Italian childhood sneaks into my books. The first book I wrote and illustrated was "Wednesday is Spaghetti Day". My books "Bus Route to Boston" and "Clams All Year" are family stories which I hold dear to my heart. Recent books include "Rain Brings Frogs-A Little Book of Hope" ,"Princess K.I.M and the Lie that Grew" and "Princess Kim and Too Much Truth", which are currently being made into Pristin K.I.M The Musical. Broadway here I come! Please keep checking my website and blog to see my new books or learn news about upcoming projects. I live and work in NH where I write and illustrate on an average of two books a year. I have two wonderful daughters and a supportive husband who are the first ones to see my ideas (love to torture them!).
I'd love to hear from you.
Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun, enjoyable story with beautiful illustrations, May 3, 2000

By 

James Dennis (Boston, MA.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mr. Tanen's Ties (Hardcover)

I loved this book and so did my kids. The colors and pictues are very inviting to children of all ages. Mr. Tanen is a very likable character and his story is funny and thought provoking. The story teaches a subtle lesson of tolerance while entertaining simultaniously. My 10 year old loved it as well as my 3 & 4 year olds, and so did I.

5.0 out of 5 stars Mr Tanen Lives!, October 6, 2008

By 

Tony Boston "Tony Boston" (Boston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mr. Tanen's Ties (Hardcover)

Did you know that this is based on a real Principal? He was the best part of lynnhurst elem. I loved him. Even when he through me out :)

5.0 out of 5 stars t-ties review, March 22, 2006

By 

Michele Mcgough "k-teacher" (CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mr. Tanen's Ties (Paperback)

The k-students in my classroom were captivated by this story, they loved the illustrations, and looked forward to when I would turn the page, so they could see what tie was on the page. The illustrations are fun and colorful.