On The Stairs [Hardcover]

Julie Hofstrand Larios (Author), Mary Hofstrand (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 1 and up

From the first step "rain step" to the twelfth step "see where I have been step," this is a charming counting book for little ones. Clever verse and vibrant pastel watercolors convey the energy, enthusiasm, and pride of two small mice as they arrive at each step and then make their way back down.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

There's not a misstep in this polished concept book, set on a mouse family's staircase. A collaboration by two sisters and a first book for Larios, the work uses rhyming text and amiable watercolors to teach numbers and to bring out the warmth in quotidian activities. For example, the lines "Second step. Measure step./ See how I have grown step./ Now I'm getting oh-so-tall/ that I can reach the phone step" appear with pictures showing the mouse girl, dressed in a pink tutu, measuring herself on a dragon poster ruler while her brother stretches to reach a foyer telephone from the second step. Each of the dozen steps brings a new activity and a new view. On the third ("Window step"), they can look out and see the bird feeder, and on the fourth ("Family step") they can view photos of themselves as babies. Larios's text is pleasingly repetitive and full of cozy details, while Cornish's soft-washed watercolors portray a house filled with plenty of sunshine. A fine introduction to imaginative play and rhythmic language. Ages 1-6. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

PreSchool-A charming tale of two imaginative young mice. "On the stairs in my house, I play a little game./Every time I climb the stairs, I give each step a name." Each stair and rhyme is introduced by the featured number and a tiny object that can be found elsewhere on the double-page spread. "Fifth step. Story step./Where I sit and read step./Hidden shelf with all my favorites,/all the books I need step." There is a family step featuring family photos on the wall, a mirror step where messy hair can be tidied, and a clock step with a toy clock hanging from the wall. When the young mice reach the 12th step, the sun is setting; they put on their pajamas, descend for a peek at Mom and Dad in the kitchen, and prepare to name all of the steps again on their way up to bed. Cornish's softly hued, finely detailed artwork reveals a contented household with both parents caring for a baby while the older siblings quietly entertain themselves. A winning concept book.
Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 1 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Front Street Imprint of Boyds Mills Press; 1st edition (September 19, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886910340
• ISBN-13: 978-1886910348
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,686,495 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars On the Stairs, December 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: On The Stairs (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book which takes an everyday task, climbing the stairs, and makes it magical. Every step is an event in itself. The illustrations are so adorable it will hold the attention of the reader and the toddler alike. You will enjoy this book as much as your children.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great imagination and wonderful illustrations!, December 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: On The Stairs (Hardcover)

It is a book any child would like. A great way to learn numbers and so much imagination. It's an over and over again reading book. Each step up the stairs has an event. Also the illustrations are suburb, very well done!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely charming!, November 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: On The Stairs (Hardcover)

Beautifully illustrated, with delightful and resonant text, this book belongs in the library of any parent of a young child. An excellent bedtime book, this one is sure to please. (I'm pretty sure the second mouse is a little boy, though, despite what Kirkus says.)