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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Idk this didn't do much for me I would have liked if it either 1) talked about how to stand up for yourself/get an adult or 2) painted the other child to be something other than just evil??
Great book for kids with a new baby. Phoebe is able to use Digger, her new toy, to channel her anger at being upstaged by the new baby. But Phoebe realizes her mom is still there for her when she backs her up when confronted with a bully.
This could be used in a storytime, but is probably better one on one.
This could be used in a storytime, but is probably better one on one.
Age: Preschool-1st grade
Toys: Digger truck
Siblings: Older sister & new baby
I loved the story of this book. It begins by paralleling the arrival of a new baby with the arrival of a new toy, Digger, for Phoebe, the older sister. "Mama and the baby were always busy" seen watering plants. "So were Phoebe and Digger" seen eating said plants. With a look of exhaustion and a case of the cooped-ups, Mama decides to bring everyone to the park. While Phoebe is at the park, a bully arrives to crash her digging party.
The illustrations and facial expressions are spot-on aligned to the text and the narration is perfectly peppered with ironic contrasts between the words and pictures.
Toys: Digger truck
Siblings: Older sister & new baby
I loved the story of this book. It begins by paralleling the arrival of a new baby with the arrival of a new toy, Digger, for Phoebe, the older sister. "Mama and the baby were always busy" seen watering plants. "So were Phoebe and Digger" seen eating said plants. With a look of exhaustion and a case of the cooped-ups, Mama decides to bring everyone to the park. While Phoebe is at the park, a bully arrives to crash her digging party.
The illustrations and facial expressions are spot-on aligned to the text and the narration is perfectly peppered with ironic contrasts between the words and pictures.
Good for construction vehicles. Bullying. New babies. Good for pre-K or outreach.
Reasons why I dig this book:
1. Phoebe is a girl who loves her digger. Yay for girls who like things that go!
2. Phoebe and her family have black hair, dark eyes, and brown skin. Yay for a main character who isn't distinctly white!
3. Phoebe acts like a real preschooler. She pouts, she uses her knuckles ("just a little") and also her foot ("not too hard") when using her words doesn't get results with a bully. Some grownups may object to some of Phoebe's actions and the fact that the boy who is upset about worms is "a crybaby boy", but I like that Springstubb has written a truthful story about preschoolers, and the adult can always tell kids after sharing the story, "we don't call others 'crybaby'" or whatever.
4. The mom kind of solves the problem, but doesn't completely take over. When mom approaches, the bully backs off - so the solution is realistic. It is comforting for little kids to know that grownups can help when other kids take your stuff,and thank you, Springstubb, for not giving the mom a preachy speech.
5. Nifty art.
1. Phoebe is a girl who loves her digger. Yay for girls who like things that go!
2. Phoebe and her family have black hair, dark eyes, and brown skin. Yay for a main character who isn't distinctly white!
3. Phoebe acts like a real preschooler. She pouts, she uses her knuckles ("just a little") and also her foot ("not too hard") when using her words doesn't get results with a bully. Some grownups may object to some of Phoebe's actions and the fact that the boy who is upset about worms is "a crybaby boy", but I like that Springstubb has written a truthful story about preschoolers, and the adult can always tell kids after sharing the story, "we don't call others 'crybaby'" or whatever.
4. The mom kind of solves the problem, but doesn't completely take over. When mom approaches, the bully backs off - so the solution is realistic. It is comforting for little kids to know that grownups can help when other kids take your stuff,and thank you, Springstubb, for not giving the mom a preachy speech.
5. Nifty art.
Huh. Kind of bombed in storytime. Bummer. Still think it would work well as a lap read though.
First of all, YAY for a book with a girl character who likes to play with construction equipment (and a mom who gives it to her!). Second, LOVE the illustrations. Third, excellent story about how to handle conflict.
Loved this one!!! How refreshing to see a girl character playing with construction toys! Great book, engaging illustrations, and good plot!
I reference this story when my son is being a "giant" or playing with his digger like Phoebe. I love how mom was there for Phoebe even when Phoebe felt all alone. I use the term "boring bench" whenever I'm threatening a playground timeout, too! Definitely a repeat read request.
We were lucky enough to have the author, Tricia Springstubb, visit our school. I had lunch with her and I can't say enough about what a lovely, warm, talented person she is. I was able to ask her questions about the idea behind her books, and her writing process. I have read this book to approximately 300 children and they all loved it - I suggested to the author that she write some more Phoebe and Digger books - hopefully she will! I am also going to ask publishers to reprint some of her earlier children's books - I would love to get them for my library!