Tobias, the Quig, and the Rumplenut Tree [Hardcover]

Tim Robinson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Standing alone in a yard, a rumplenut tree sadly ponders its solitude, wishing for a bird to carry its rumplenuts beyond its shade so that new rumplenut seedlings can grow. And just over yonder roosts a splendiferous quig with gleaming feathers, all alone in a house, confined by a cage. It is up to the hero of this tale, a lad named Tobias, to embark on a very important mission - to bring the quig and the rumplenut tree together so that they each can live long into the future.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 4-In this modern-day fable, Tobias, a gardener's son, must release the quig, an unusual bird prized for its plumage and that longs to be free, in order to save the rumplenut tree. The tree's nuts fall in the shade where they cannot sprout, and need the quig, whose natural home it is, to spread them for propagation. The tale is reminiscent of the true story of the interdependence of the dodo bird and the Calvaria tree, which depended on the bird to digest its fruit, spurring seeds to germinate. The playful rhymes have a Seuss-like quality in the best passages and beg to be read aloud. The bright, saturated colors in the illustrations have an appealing Seuss-like quality as well, especially in depicting the rounded leaves of the trees and the fanciful feathers of the quig. Unfortunately, the overly ornate typeface is beautiful to look at but distracting to read. Though the message seems a bit heavy-handed, the playful text and fanciful art make this book appealing, and the ecological message of interdependence cannot be told too often.
Robin L. Gibson, Muskingum County Library System, Zanesville, OH
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Winslow Pr; 1st edition (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890817201
• ISBN-13: 978-1890817206
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 10.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,115,011 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 4 year-old nephew carries it everywhere, June 9, 2000

By 

Edward R. Gomez (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tobias, the Quig, and the Rumplenut Tree (Hardcover)

I gave "Tobias" to my nephew on his 4th birthday and he carries it with him everywhere. Each time I've visited since, he insists that I read it to him. A wonderful story with colorful, creative illustrations.

5.0 out of 5 stars Must buy for the holidays, December 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Tobias, the Quig, and the Rumplenut Tree (Hardcover)

Tobias, the Quig and the Rumplenut Tree has become the family favorite book. It will be our family gift to everyone we know for the holidays. Great illustrations and a wonderful lyrical story. Put this on your list for holiday gifts.

5.0 out of 5 stars Birthday book of the year, May 31, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Tobias, the Quig, and the Rumplenut Tree (Hardcover)

This is our birthday gift of choice this year for all the young people and babies we know. It's a timely, gentle adventure story embellished by sumptuous drawings and the rhymes of a truly clever wordsmith. Mr. Robinson clearly has a high opinion of young children and their ability to understand a fable with an environmental message couched in intelligent verse. Thanks to him and his publisher from a grateful parent!