Owen's Marshmallow Chick [Board book]

Kevin Henkes (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 1 and up | Grade Level: P and up

"My favorite," said Owen when he saw the marshmallow chick.

"My favorite," you will say when you read this book.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Owen adores Easter. Life doesn't get much better than a basket full of jelly beans ("My favorite"), gumdrops ("My favorite"), buttercream eggs ("My favorite"), and a chocolate bunny ("My favorite"). Unless... there's also a little yellow marshmallow chick the same color as our hero's fuzzy blanket. Decked out in his purple plaid Easter finery, this boy mouse spends a giddy day playing with his sugary new pal. And does he succumb to tasty temptation? How dare you even think such a thing! Kevin Henkes, in picture books such as Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick, and our introduction to the blanky-toting mouse, Owen, creates recognizable characters in familiar settings and preschool predicaments. His bright, spring-hued illustrations and gently humorous plots are tremendously appealing for readers young and old. In no time, this cute little board book will have every youngster announcing, "My favorite." (Baby to preschool) --Emilie Coulter

From School Library Journal

Preschool-Kindergarten--The little mouse is back in this charming board book. Owen cannot resist any of the goodies in his Easter basket except for the yellow marshmallow chick, which happens to be the same color and texture as his cherished blanket. Instead of eating it, he plays with it, smiles at it, and finally puts it on his shelf and kisses it good night. Henkes has kept the text short, simple, and rich. His illustrations are also simple, uncluttered yet full of winsome expression. A sweet friendship story for toddlers and preschoolers.

Ann Cook, formerly at Winter Park Public Library, FL

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 1 and up
  
• Board book: 24 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books (January 22, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060010126
• ISBN-13: 978-0439488891
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,299 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Holidays & Festivals > Easter
  • #30 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Easter
  • #77 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs & Squirrels > Fiction

More About the Author

Kevin Henkes is the creator of many distinguished books for children, including Kitten's First Full Moon (winner of the Caldecott Medal), Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, and Chrysanthemum. His novels for young people include Olive's Ocean (a Newbery Honor Book) and Bird Lake Moon.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming and enteratining story for toddlers., March 6, 2002

By 

David J. Gannon (San Antonio, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Owen's Marshmallow Chick (Board book)

One of the basic behavior patterns ofd the toddler class is what my child psychologist neighbor so charmingly calls "anthropomorphic objectification", by which she means finding some aspect of an object comforting in the same way mom is comforting as an object and using is as an acceptable "mom" substitute. So we have favorite blankets, favorite bears, favorite cars--whatever.

This is a book about this process. Owen the mouse loves Easter and gets an Easter basket full of goodies, each of which he proclaims to be his "favorite" as he gobbles it up-except for his little yellow candy chick, which is the same color as his favorite blanket. Owen proceeds to act out kids "cherishing" behavior, finally kissing the chick goodnight.

The book seems to strike a chord with both parents and kids. I imagine it's because it's a behavior we all recognize, indulge in and identify with, and that fact seems to help us foster a fondness for Owen above and beyond that his intrinsic charm and cuteness engender on their own.

Good story, great illustrations, nice hardboard format is good for the toddler group who like to carry around and "play" with their books as much as actually have them read to them.

This is evolving into a very good series.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for little ones!, February 17, 2002

By 

Brandie Valenzuela (Apple Valley, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Owen's Marshmallow Chick (Board book)

If you see me at the library or the book store, there
is one area you will see me in -- the children's books.
You will no doubt think I am picking out a book for a
child. Not always so. Ever since I took a college
course on children's literature, I have been in love with
the colorful illustrations and sweet words that come
from them and "Owen's Marshmallow Chick" is no
exception! I read this book first because of how
adorable it looked, and then later introduced it to my

children.

The books shows us Owen, a cute mouse, who
has just received his Easter basket. He has all kind
of yummy goodies in his basket, which everything in
it is clearly his "favorite" -- so he quickly devours each.
But in his basket is something else that is his favorite,
and that is a yellow marshmallow chick. Owen doesn't
eat his chick, but rather he keeps it by his side at all
times, playing with it and even saying "good night" to his
favorite treat -- which is also the same color of his beloved
blanket.

As a mom of three, I have had children who have had an
attachment to a particular item and this book brought
back those beautiful memories to me. I highly recommend
"Owen's Marshmallow Chick" to parents. It is a board
book, and targeted to young toddlers and preschoolers,
but my oldest children (ages 11 and 9) loved this story
as much as I did. While it would make an excellent
addition to your child's Easter basket, this is a book
that I feel parents and children will be able to enjoy
all year round.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars kids will call the book "their favorite" too!, February 18, 2002

By 

sherry baldwin - See all my reviews

This review is from: Owen's Marshmallow Chick (Board book)

Very cute! I purchased this book for my boys ages 6, 4, and ten months. I predict that they will not only relate to every candy being their "favorite", but will also call the book one of their favorites. Kevin Henkes knows how to get into the minds of children and it shows in this playful Easter book. Personally I'm glad it's a board book so it will withstand several children of several ages reading it. Owen's Marshmallow Chick will be a hit on Easter morning.
Sherry Baldwin
author Beecher Bear Plays Here and There