The Doorbell Rang (Hardcover)

~ (Author, Illustrator) "I've made some cookies for tea," said Ma..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Victoria and Sam are just sitting down to a plateful of Ma's cookies when the doorbell rings, and two of their friends arrive to share the feast. The doorbell rings again and again and each time the number of cookies per person dwindles until at last there is only one cookie per person and . . . the doorbell rings again! (Luckily, it's Grandma arriving with reinforcements.) Hutchins's quirky illustrations nicely depict her suspenseful tale; the characters have an unusually authentic feeling and convey a strong sense of family. The book is, of course, a mini-lesson in short division. But don't tell any kidsthe arithmetic is so subtly incorporated into the story that they need never know it's there.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3 Victoria and Sam are delighted when Ma bakes a tray of a dozen cookies, even though Ma insists that her cookies aren't as good as Grandma's. They count them and find that each can have six. But the doorbell rings, friends arrive and the cookies must be re-divided. This happens again and again, and the number of cookies on each plate decreases as the visitors' pile of gear in the corner of the kitchen grows larger. When each child's share is down to one, and the doorbell rings again, Sam and Victoria are worriedand then elated, when they discover that it's Grandma with a tray of dozens more cookies. Hutchins' illustrations are more than cheerful. Her exuberant colors flow from page edge to page edge with a lavish generosity born out by Grandma's abundant supply of cookies. The double-page spreads are filled with details for children to find, such as the peripatetic cat, Ma's unending battle with the footprints on her clean kitchen floor and the changing facial expressions of the multiracial children. The math concepts shown make this a beautiful choice for curriculum support in the primary grades, and the evident dismay of the children may lead to further discussion in areas other than math. As refreshing, enjoyable and unpredictable as an unexpected visit from a friend. Ruth Semrau, Lovejoy School Library, McKinney, Tex.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books; 1st edition (May 12, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688052517
• ISBN-13: 978-0688052515
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #216,575 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A user friendly story with great illustrations., December 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Doorbell Rang (Paperback)

I have got a lot of mileage out of this book. With my own son, it has brought back wonderful memories of his own Grandma's cookies. As a Day Care Provider, I have delighted my day care children with this story during "circle time". They would get a kick out of following the kitty in the illustrations. As an investigations math instructor, I have relied on this story for Grade levels 2&3 to explain the concept of fractions and division. Every kid that has heard this story, for whatever the reason, gives it a two thumbs up.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun to Read, June 17, 2000

By	Gail A. Brewster (WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Doorbell Rang (Paperback)

This book was one of my daughters favorites when she was little. She giggled every time I said, with great zeal, "And the doorbell rang"! My house has always been quite active which made this story perfect for us. For any parent with a busy life, this book with tickle you to the core. I enjoyed reading it as much as my daughter enjoyed listening to it. Truly a fun read!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Book for A Young Child's Library, June 2, 2005

By	Pam Tee "Harmless" - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: The Doorbell Rang (Paperback)

How silly... they list the age ranges for this delightful book as 4 to 8 years of age; like 2 year olds aren't interested in cookies and friends!

In fact this small book is a good choice for any young child's library, especially as this is a story that can grow with a child. When they are really young it can be a tale about friendship and sharing. When they grow older, the sly parent can introduce a math lesson along with a reading lesson. (At first there are 12 cookies for 2 children, which makes 6 each. When 2 additional children visit that makes 3 cookies each and so on.)

This book was on my entering kindergartners summer reading list and we definitely agree that it is a great read. Certainly my just-turned 3 year-old and 5 year-old give this wonderful book two thumbs up.