A Hole Is to Dig (Paperback)

by Ruth Krauss (Author), Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
First published in 1952, this hilarious classic is now available in paperback to a new generation. Krauss's definitions--from "toes are to wiggle" to "a hat is to wear on a train"--tell what's what--and Sendak's inimitable early illustrations show how. All ages.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"A unique book . . . with drawings bouncing with action and good humor." -- --NYT

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Product Details

• Reading level: Baby-Preschool
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (September 7, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006443205X
• ISBN-13: 978-0064432054
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #60,030 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #2 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( K ) > Krauss, Ruth
  #6 in	Books > Children's Books > Reference & Nonfiction > Philosophy
  #19 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( S ) > Sendak, Maurice

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An overlooked classic -- Early Sendak for kids and adults, August 10, 2000

By	"nymom" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This book is a terrific classic -- a listing of definitions, "laws" if you will, that are really almost self-evident in childhood. Each page contains a collection of drawings that illustrate the definition of something. The illustrations tend to show the early Sendak style, but in this book, there is essentially no overwhelming background -- each boy or girl or dog is illustrated in black and white (or beige). Each picture is self-contained, but there is some flow to the text on certain pages.

It's difficult to describe this book, but there is really a separate level for adults in these definitions that makes this an enjoyable read for parent and child. For the adult, this book evokes the simplest play of childhood and a return to certain basic principles that were probably totally accepted and later forgotten. I don't know why, but this is an overlooked classic. I can't think of another book like this.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book that my kids want to hear over and over, May 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Hole Is to Dig (Hardcover)

Or maybe it's me that picks out the book over and over at bedtime. I was really touched the other day when my 5-year-old son helped my 3-year-old son zip his jacket, looked at me and said "a brother is to help." A great book that everyone should read.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a "must-have" for the bookshelf, April 25, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: A Hole Is to Dig (Hardcover)

I stumbled on an old copy in a used book store and bought it for myself (I'm 43!). It made me smile out loud as I stood reading it in the aisle. The illustrations and text are sweet and engaging... an example of what every book written for a young child (or young-at-heart adult) should be. I'd give this book more stars if they were available...