Finn Throws A Fit! by David Elliot

Finn Throws A Fit
Author: David Elliott
Illustrator: David Basil Ering
Publisher: Candlewick
Published: August, 2009
Pages: 40
Price (Hardcover) : $16.99/20.00
ISBN: (Hardcover) : 978-0-7636-2356-2
Age Range: 2 yrs - 4 yrs
Grade Range: Preschool

Synopsis:

Finn likes peaches. Usually. But not today. Today Finn doesn’t like anything. Uh-oh. Is Finn going to thow a fit? Author David Elliott directs the event with wit, warmth, and appropriate wariness, while illustrator Timothy Basil Ering's energy and whmsy match this tantrum turn for turn. At once empathetic and uproariously funny, this picture book speaks directly to anyone (young or old) who has ever had -- or tried to contain -- a real earth-quaking, ground-shaking, full-on fit.

Who among us hasn't encountered that force of nature called "a fit"? A best-selling author and illustrator depict a toddler’s tantrum in all its horror and hilarity.

My Thoughts:

I knew I wanted to review "Finn Throws A Fit" the moment I saw the cover! Yes, it was love at first sight for me and well, let's just say that I haven't stopped reading it since! Who hasn't been going about their business and then all of a sudden out of nowhere it seems like this precious child has gone from zero to sixty in a matter of seconds and over what? Everyone in the room and even if it's just you is looking around like ... "Excuse me? Where is my lovable, sweet child and..... [insert long pause]  What did you do with him?"

That's adorable Finn! Oh, he usually likes peaches but, his mother gave him the mistake of thinking he might like some today. Finn doesn't like peaches today.  Finn doesn't like ANYTHING today and EVERYONE is going...to...pay! You see Finn doesn't just throw any 'ol toddler fit, he throws THE FIT to END ALL FITS!  He throws a full on tantrum and soon there is thunder in the nursery, lightening in the kitchen, and even a blizzard in the bathroom! Imagine what goes on in the rest of the house!

I have to say that Finn is one of the most adorably drawn characters I've seen in a long time! The illustrations are beautifully done throughout the book and the story is sure to make both parents and children alike laugh outloud.  I have bought two of these books already as gifts.  What can I say, Finn had my heart at page one.  His little blue blankie and those yellow boots, peaches or not, I'll take him home any day! If you're looking for a fun book to read aloud with your favorite little one, look no further, you've found it in "Finn Throws A Fit!"  

About The Author:

Some things you may not have known about David Elliot (as taken from his bio page).

1.  I love corny jokes. (Did you hear about the little girl who ate bullets? Her hair grew out in bangs.)


2.  I can yodel.

3.  I would like to live in Paris.

4.  I give my dog a big juicy kiss every morning.

5.  Three of my favorite kids' books are Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, Kidnapped by Robert Lewis Stevenson and Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit.

6.  Three of my favorite books for adults are My Antonia by Willa Cather, Bleak House by Charles Dickens and The Diary of Helena Morely translated from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Bishop.

7.  When I was twelve I worked on a dairy farm, but for only one day because the farmer said I made the cows nervous.

8.  I love pancakes.

9.  I am almost always on a diet (see No. 8).

10. Frogs give me the creeps.

KISSES and TOODLES!!

Speckle The Spider by Emma Dodson

Speckle The Spider
Author:  Emma Dodson
Publisher: Candlewick
Published: July 13, 2010
Pages: 32
Price (Hardcover) :  $14.99/$18.00
ISBN: (Hardcover) : 978-0-7636-4778-0
Age Range: 3 yrs - 7 yrs
Grade Range: Preschool - Grade 1

Synopsis:

Speckle is sure he’s a special kind of spider -- so special and talented that he should be better appreciated than he is at home in the Bahamas. So off he sets on an adventure in search of fame and recognition, and after some run-ins with giants of various species, finally finds himself on public display. The ambitious Speckle is certainly getting lots of attention, but it’s not quite what he had in mind! With fun, energetic illustrations and plenty of interactive features -- including "fan mail," memorabilia, and a mini book of spider facts -- this engaging tale of "be careful what you wish for" is certain to charm even the arachnophobes among us.


Join Speckle the spider as he tap-dances his way to fame -- with maps, flaps, and other novelty surprises throughout.

My Rating!!

My Thoughts:

Even as an arachnophobe, Speckle stole my heart from page one! This book is filled with big, bight beautiful drawings to keep even the youngest readers that are just starting out interested.  Not only that, your little ones will be turning the pages to find out how Speckle did on his report card, read his travel papers and even read some special mail from his fans! Each one comes out of an envelope or other little holder within the book for your child to find. 

Speckle is adorable, lovable and hard to resist.  As a matter of fact, speckle is SURE he's SPECIAL and he's definitely knows how to dance!  What Speckle wants more than anything is to be in the limelight and to PROVE it to everyone he has what it takes to be a star! So, Speckle leaves his cozy home in the Bahamas behind and heads for "somewhere" else on a boat.  But to this little spider's surprise, being special isn't all it's cracked up to be.  Soon he's given a home at the zoo where everyone can see him dance all day long!  But he's not alone in his home, here he lives with Suzy, who can't dance well but "can turn a pretty good cartwheel".  All Speckle knows is he has to end this dream turned nightmare and he must take beautiful Suzy with him. After all, they're both rare spiders and he can't just leave her behind.

Speckle longs to be back in the Bahamas and soon both he and Suzy are on the lamb...  Will they make it back? Is the grass always greener? Is this why they say you should never look for happiness further than your own back yard or to Be careful what you wish for?  To answer these questions and more, you may purchase a copy of  "Speckle The Spider" today, which just so happens to be it's release day, go out and pick up a copy! You and your little ones will not be disappointed! I can't recommend SPECKLE THE SPIDER enough! You'll love it from it's cute fuzzy cover to all the flaps and envelopes inside all the way until the great big surprise at the end!  This is a fun book to read aloud together and to help little hands take out the surprises and read what they say.  Let them know that EVERYONE is special and deserves to be loved.  Best of all, they don't have to go far to get it.  Tell your little ones just how special they are to you (and they won't even have to hide in a box of bananas) and hit the mainland for love!

About the Author:

Emma loves to be busy. She has been working as a freelance writer/illustrator for 10 years. She has written and illustrated childrens' picture books, produced images for magazines, greetings cards and giftwrap. For 14 years she has also worked for film and TV, producing props and art work. Emma also teaches on illustration BA at University of Westminster.

KISSES and TOODLES!!