Quote of the Day
Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.
~Maya Angelou
Timothy Smallbeast wants to make himself stronger, so every night before bedtime he exercises vigorously, drinks fortified milk and thinks "strong" thoughts. His best friend, Monkey, sticks close by his side and helps him out at every turn. Mom notices that Timothy's pyjamas are worn out and suggests that he may need a new pair, to which he replies, "but mom, they don't sell FAVORITE pajamas at the store, only NEW ones. Please fix these instead." So loving mom, wanting to please her son, mends them with "Patches of Power and Buttons of Braveness." When Timothy dons his "new" old pyjamas he becomes a super-strong, superhero. He and Monkey catch an elephant from falling off a cliff, carries a mountain of packages for an elderly woman, rescues a princess from a tipping tower, rights a sinking ship, drags an alligator back to the zoo and carries a sleeping bear into the "deep dark forest." When he tries to free his stuffed monkey from under the sleeping bear he accidentally rips his pyjamas and is rendered powerless. What is poor Timothy to do? Not to despair dear reader....all those he previously helped show up to help him and Monkey out and deliver them safely back to their home. Hurray for the "Pay it Forward" mentality. "Pay it Forward" is the opposite of payback; when someone does a good deed for you, instead of paying them back, pay it forward by doing a good deed for someone else. What a great life lesson to teach your kids.
This charming little book is illustrated in watercolors that vary from small vignettes, to vertical and horizontal panel scenes, all the way to full page spreads. They are expressive and very, very detailed.
Kids who envy super heroes, power and strength will really enjoy this book! Recommended for ages 4-8.
About the author:
Viviane Schwarz is the author of the acclaimed picture book, The Adventures of a Nose as well as Shark and Lobster's Amazing Undersea Adventure. She has also had comics published in the German children's magazine, Der Bunte Hund.
Her latest title is Timothy and the Strong Pajamas. The story was inspired by Viviane's grandmother, who used to make stuffed toys for her. "She'd make them using my favorite picture book characters fro reference," says Viviane. "Whenever it was time for a present I could ask for absolutely anything and she'd make it. It was like magic! It's also inspired by the rest of my family. When I was little we always had craft projects going, and they never discouraged me from even the most ambitious plans. I was always dreaming that somehow we could invent and make something truly spectacular and good. In this book, that's what actually happens..."
Her latest title is Timothy and the Strong Pajamas. The story was inspired by Viviane's grandmother, who used to make stuffed toys for her. "She'd make them using my favorite picture book characters fro reference," says Viviane. "Whenever it was time for a present I could ask for absolutely anything and she'd make it. It was like magic! It's also inspired by the rest of my family. When I was little we always had craft projects going, and they never discouraged me from even the most ambitious plans. I was always dreaming that somehow we could invent and make something truly spectacular and good. In this book, that's what actually happens..."
Viviane Schwarz lives in London, England.
Book Review Rating: 8 (Fantastic)
Read on and read always!
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