Customer Reviews

Owen's Marshmallow Chick

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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

No author captures the essence of a preschooler like Kevin Henkes. "On Easter monring, Owen's basket was full." Little blanket toting Owen jumped for joy as he first surveyed and then gobbled down all his "favorites." There were jelly beans and gumdrops, buttercream eggs and a big chocolate bunny. And then there was a little yellow marshmallow chick. "It was the same color as his fuzzy yellow blanket." And Owen loved it. He didn't eat the chick, but played with it all day. At bedtime, Owen decided to put "his favorite" on the shelf with his best toys. Sweet dreams..... Henkes' simple and gentle text is kept to a minimum. The real story is told through his bright and engaging artwork, and youngsters will enjoy the charming facial expressions and special details in each illustration. Perfect for little ones 4 and younger, Owen's Marshmallow Chick is a sweet and tender board book you don't want to miss.

Anyone who grew up finding marshmallow chicks in their Easter basket can relate to this story. When i was a kid they were yellow. Now these chicks come in all colors. I am a kindergarten teacher. My students loved this book. Now, one child takes it home with an Owen plush and a plastic egg with a marshmallow chick inside. They don't know what color their chick is until they get home. I provide a journal for them to document the color, write a story about their visit with Owen and draw a picture. They LOVE it!

This story is a perfect read for Easter or any time of the year! While my child loves to bite the head off of his marshmallow chicks, he could understand Owen's attachment to the treat. Owen projects his emotional attachment of his favorite blanket onto the marshmallow chick (that is the same color as his blanket)and doesn't gobble it up like his other holiday treats. This ending is absolutely priceless and we read this story at least once a week. Since there is no focus on spirituality or religion in this board book, it would be appropriate in a home of any faith (especially with those who are fans of marshmallow chicks!). Highly recommended!

Kevin Henkes is one of my favorite authors and I'm excited to share this story with our child. I love that he carries characters across multiple books.

My little girl loves peeps and this charming book was a hit on Easter morning.

I gave this to my almost one year old daughter for easter. she loves board books--chewing on them, turning the pages, running her fingers over the words and the illustrations, and, of course, having them read to her.

all of her other board books have held up to her treatment, but not this one. she was playing quietly with it less than an hour after getting it, when I discovered that her mouth was covered in what looked like paint chips! she had been chewing on the book and one of the corners had disintegrated. I understand that books are meant to be read and not chewed on, but most babies are going to stick a board book in their mouth. my daughter has done so frequently without any problems.

the amazon rep was helpful, and sympathetic, sent a return label and offered a refund.

the book itself was cute, and maybe for an older kid who won't chew on it? personally, I'd be careful and I know I am going to save the kevin henkes books for when she is older (which is disappointing because I love his stories and illustrations).

So sweet and so simple and so special! Owen adores *everything* tasty in his Easter basket, but when he gets to the Marshmallow Chick, he decides that perhaps he'd rather play with it then eat it. So cute, and so delightful! Definitely highly, *highly* recommended!