How to Win Friends and Influence Creatures

Publishers Weekly

The lessons about life and friendship that the quirky, cartoon animals learn in this diminutive book are both practical and fun. A blue creature peeks out above a white fence as the text reads, "Stand up straight..." Opening the gate reveals a snake-and the rest of the sentence: "unless you have no legs to stand on." On another spread, one elephant stands apart from the noisy herd: "When everyone else is talking... learn to listen" (the elephant is then shown with a mouse in his trunk and its ears perked up). The information-and the humorous touches in the art-lend it both kid and adult appeal. Wishes for You is also available. Ages 4-8. (May)

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Children's Literature - Susan Treadway M.Ed.

Even though small in size and with a very gentle cover that contains a bright, soft 3-D polka-dotted umbrella top, the contents are more sophisticated than at first glance. Appearances can be deceiving, "Fancy feathers don't make the bird. Don't dress like a peacock… if you're a penguin." As the reader turns every page, bits of timely wisdom about friendship and relationships are presented with flair, humor, and whimsy. Elephants show that "When everyone else is talking… learn to listen," while tigers point out "Don't open your mouth… just to hear yourself ROAR!" Delightful characteristics of numerous animals bring life lessons to people of all ages, such as "Try to see things from another creature's point of view" as an owl hidden under a flap perches upside down beside a bat. An octopus is tied up in knots as a reminder to "Keep your tentacles to yourself… even when others don't." Certainly friends and extended family members should remember "If you're invited for a sleepover… don't SNORE" as an elephant's trunk blows various types of critters across the grass. Who can deny that a book about proper manners, tact, behavior, and kindness is both timely and smart? "DON'T hog the mudbath" and "Croak good things about others" demonstrate good sense. There are indeed times when it is best to be last in line, definitely a tough lesson that younger students find hard to accept. In the book there are several different sizes of fish who are about to eat one another so that the smallest fish is last in line and may perhaps escape. "Stick your neck out to help others" shows a giraffe stretching its neck across a crocodile pond so that a monkey safely makes it across as the flap is lifted. Thus,a few strategically placed flaps combine with splendid cartoonlike illustrations. Every declaration produces an immediate smile which some creatures just cannot manage, of course. "To make new friends, start with a smile… unless you're a SHARK." One particular favorite is a bright red and green parrot who is behind a bright red flap and proclaims, "Try not to repeat yourself. Try not to repeat yourself. Try not to repeat yourself. Try not to repeat yourself. Try not to repeat yourself." Who can argue with that! Reviewer: Susan Treadway, M.Ed.