The Shopping Basket [Paperback]

John Burningham (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

On his way home from a quick trip to the store, Steven encounters several marauding animals ready to relieve him of his goods.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Run down to the store for me, will you, Steven, and buy six eggs, five bananas, four apples, three oranges for the baby, two doughnuts, and a bag of chips for your snack."

What could possibly go wrong on a simple trip like this? Nothing resourceful Steven can't handle. In the style of the cleverest fairy-tale heroes, he outsmarts a bullying bear, a menacing monkey, a cantankerous kangaroo, and a plethora of other thugs who try to purloin his produce. In the end he arrives home only a little late, with a slightly lighter load, but victorious nonetheless. John Burningham's one-of-a-kind style has established him as one of today's most highly acclaimed author-illustrators of children's books. A two-time Kate Greenaway Medal recipient, this fantastically understated storyteller combines gently repetitive, building text with inviting pen and ink and watercolor wash illustrations. Some of his best-loved children's books include Cloudland, Mr. Gumpy's Outing, and Harvey Slumfenburger's Christmas Present. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

Burningham (Courtney, 1994, etc.) adds a winner to the rest of his collection of light gems. Steven's mother sends him to the store to buy groceries, but on the way back he is accosted by a series of animals, each with a demand for a goodie. Steven's wit gets him out of each scrape, but he has to sacrifice an item every time, e.g., he throws a doughnut through a gap in a fence and dares the pig that's been threatening him to try to squeeze through and an elephant is conned into sticking its trunk through a mail slot. In addition to its entertainment value, the story becomes a counting exercise as readers keep track of the disappearing groceries. The ending is abrupt, but the trip is worthwhile, marked by sure pacing, quirky humor, and an airy style of illustration that belies its sophistication. (Picture Book. 3-7) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (March 3, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763600989
• ISBN-13: 978-0763600983
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,080,393 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars modeling of inappropriate language, May 31, 2005

By 

Andrea L. Elson - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Shopping Basket (Paperback)

I have a three year old, and also work as a speech language pathologist with elementary school children. I know children frequently pick up and repeat what they hear not just in movies, but in stories. While the illustrations are eye-catching in the book I was very weary of the language. For example, "Give me these bananas or I'll pull your hair." "Give me those apples or I'll punch you." ANother line is "I'll squash you against the fence.", "I'll butt you against the fence.", or "Ill whack you with my trunk." After one read through, I quickly sent this book back to the libraray--Didn't want my daughter repeating back any of those lines!!

4.0 out of 5 stars Model This!, November 17, 2006

By 

Leggo Ami (Richmond, VA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Shopping Basket (Paperback)

My daughter thoroughly enjoyed this unusual book at age three and never imitated any of the, according to one reviewer here, unsavory language. Kids know the difference between saying something and doing it! Give them credit.

Burningham rules! His illustration style is thoroughly original and his stories are top notch. Never hesitate to get any of his books.

5.0 out of 5 stars My daughter's favorite book!, February 16, 2001

By 

Tina Schneider (McCordsville, IN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Shopping Basket (Hardcover)

I have such fond memories of this book! My daughter, who is now 22 years old and a student in vet school, loved this book as a child. We probably brought it home from the library every other visit. I'm buying it for her now - she will be so pleased to see it again.

The illustrations are beautiful and the humor is gentle; the list probably helps with developing a child's memory and the animals that accost him on his way home are not remotely scary. It's an excellent book for your permanent library!