Customer Reviews

Play with Me (Picture Puffins)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I loved this book as a child, and reading it to my own child takes me back to lovely, lazy afternoons spent in the company of my grandmother. The message of Play With Me is one of respect and interest in the lives of living creatures around us. The book is wonderful for anytime, but especially for preparing a young child for bed or for a nap because it is a quiet, quietly happy book. Buy it for your budding naturalist or environmentalist and enjoy!

This book is wonderful at teaching children about nature/wildlife and about how to be gentle and patient. The illustrations are simple, yet full of expression. You watch the little girl try to play with various creatures from nature, and you see her sad expression as they all leap away from her. But because of her patience and gentle, quiet spirit, all the creatures eventually come to her to play. And that is the only reason I did not rate this a 5. In trying to be realistic with my own children, having a fawn or chipmunk come up to play is unrealistic regardless of how quiet or patient you are. But overall a great book for young children.

This is another book that I would recommend in a larger hardcover copy, to get the full affect of the illustrations. Written in 1955, the illustrations are simple line drawings set against light brown pastel washes, with specific creatures brought into focus with color. The illustrations are by no means exsquisite, but their simplicity is appealing to young children, and the point of the story is well taken, that you don't play with wild animals as you would your dog or your neighbor- you learn to sit quietly and patiently, and are grateful for their presence when they come near (something most children in their world of business don't learn to enjoy). I give it 4 stars for that alone. Attributes about each of the animals are learned as the child reads along and waits with the girl in the story for what might happen next. The only criticism I have is that the story could be more descriptive, to enhance the simplistic artwork. If your child loves it, buy it. It is certainly worth a review at the library.

I read this book as an assignment in my "Literature for Children" course at West Virginia State University. Although the story and the pictures are extremely simple, the story has a good moral and the pictures are really interesting. It is amazing that all of the illustrations (especially the background) are drawn with only a simple line. This is a cute story.

I was so delighted to find this beatiful little book as it was one that I read to my children years ago.
I can still see the smiles on their faces as they became one with the little girl and her relationship to
the small creatures she invites to play.

My children now have children to share this magical invitation to let their innocence take flight
as did their mommies. I am giving them these priceless little treasure at Easter. Can't wait to see my
daughters' faces light up with recognition. A few tears are guarateed.

What a resource for retracing "moments". I am now searching for a couple of other little treasured books.

Patti Yaeger

And this is one of them. Not much of a story: a girl goes for a walk, wants to play with animals, scares them away, and then, by being quiet, draws them back. But it is sweet and specific and beautifully drawn. Abd kids love it. What more do you want?

This is my favorite childhood book. I wanted to get it for a friend.
I wasn't sure what "school and library binding edition" meant but I took a chance. It was everything I hoped for; brand new, sturdy, hardcover, and affordable. Just like I remembered it. It should live for decades. A beautiful and timeless meditation on the qualities of stillness and observation!

This is one of the most wonderful books for small children. I strongly recommend it! Teaches kids how important it is to understand the nature of who they are interacting with and that being respectful of that nature is how in the end you can interact in a positive way with someone(in this case with forest animals). Lovely book!

I grew up with this book, so when I saw it on Amazon, I had to buy it for my daughter. After re-reading it, I was reminded why I loved it so much as a child. The story is sweet, and very repetitive, great for little ones learning to read. However, I do not much care for the illustrations. They are sweet, but not very captivating for young audiences. I appreciate them as an adult, but I doubt the very young would.

I am a children's literature bibliophile. Play with Me (Picture Puffin) by Marie Hall Ets is at the top of my list. The adorable line illustrations and text are simple yet portray a beautiful tale. This little book is a wonderful nature lesson for young children that will be appreciated by adults. In this busy world it is nice to remember the wonders solitude provides. As a Christa McAuliffe Fellow, WONDER WINDOWS is my fellowship title. The WONDER WINDOWS project integrates wonderful children's literature with science and nature. This book make a delightful introduction for character education themes of patience and kindess.