This book is very clever.  It’s simple.  It's about your family and how you wouldn’t be you without your parents, and your parents, wouldn't be them without your grandparents, etc.  The book is 2 sided, mom’s side and dad’s side, and while the wording has almost no changes, the illustrations really show each side of the family and the difference of where they came from.  

 I am officially in love.  Maruice is anything but a beast.  No matter how hard he tries or  how many lessons he takes.  The story is lovely, but it wouldn’t be anything without the amazing illustrations.  I would hang every page of this book on my wall as art.  It is beautiful and I want a PRINT! 

 Oh my goodness.  This was so much fun.  The story is told in the pattern of the Napping house where something happens, then it connects it to everything before it.  The ending is ofcourse what really sets the story off and brings on the laughs.  Plus, it has just as many dogs and trucks as it does houses. 

 This was interesting but a bit long.  As a librarian I knew most of the information but it was nice to see it put out for kids.  I  especially like how Todd was an “everyday hero” instead of a “super” one.  The illustrations are okay, but not in a style I gravitate to, but kids will find them interesting. 

 The forest animals go on vacation to the great indoors.  But by the weekend they are tired and just want to go home.  The book is meant to put a fun spin on vacations, but it’ didn’t really do anything for me. 

 Such a stirring story of a man who just wanted better for his people.  I love that these books start by looking at a childhood and progressing to the reason they are a “known individual”.  I also like that the story is basically told a second time when real pictures are used to give a timeline of the person’s life. 

 I was first introduced to this series with If I built a car.  Well let me tell you, I have been to some nice schools, but none as nice as this.  I want a perimeter pool, and a trampoline basketball court.  Can I please give back a few years of my life and go back to school?  I think this would be a really fun classroom read aloud and then get the kids to design their school. 

 This book is cute, but at the same time I have problems with it.  Andy is always hiding from his aunt who always wants a hug and a kiss.  Until one day Andy’s aunt doesn’t come over.  He realized at the end that he actually loves the Kiss Kiss hug hug.  The problems are that now we are teaching kids to be more aware of personal space.  Andy should not have to hug and kiss someone just because they are family.  It can be seen as forcing intimacy on a child.  There are two schools of mind, and I am sure this would make for a great librarian debate, but it is one I would pass on reading to a group of kids at this time. 

 I liked this story, but trying to say why is hard.  It was sweet, and about a kid playing with his toboggan in the snow.  He helped out the animals while looking for a wish tree.  But we never found out what his wish was, or why he needed the tree in the first place.  I like the story, but don’t think it has the staying power to be on shelves 50 years from now. 

 Just as sweet and heartfelt as I remember listening to all those decades ago.  There is a reason Little Critter books are still in print and this is a shining example why.