I started reading this book to my first child eight years ago. The anticipation grew after the first few times reading it, and he would happily join in the conversation with the cat, the teddy, the wind-up hen, and the Old Uncle; until finally YES! he found a Mommy. How joyful! Then he found a Daddy and his family was complete. Now my three year old daughter joins in on the fun. I've loved this book from the first read, and never tire of the little boy's sad story with a happy ending. Janet and Allen Ahlberg are masterful, in their artistry and their storytelling. Worth reading to all our children for many generations!

The Ha Ha Bonk Book is a hilarious combination of jokes, riddles, and funny rhymes. I was laughing 99% of the time I was reading this book. There are also funny introductions to each section of jokes.

Antonio's story evolves entertainingly as he plays off the behavior of his captors. His growing confidence builds the energy of the story. When our family read this together, we could just imagine it being great fun to stage the action for children. The interruptions of the brigands make the story lively, but a little confusing at times. It helps to use different voices for the primary characters (Antonio and the Chief) and the narration.

This book was published in the mid-70's and my daughter and I spent many hours of pleasure reading this together. As recently as last week we mentioned the book because something sparked a memory. This is a combination of many many characters from nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and children's classics. It is delightful to read, especially the first time, because you just do not know who and what you are going to run into next. I am looking for this book now to share with my grandchildren to get their imaginations kick-started too.

The pictures are detailed and interesting, showing kids doing just about anything you could do in the early weeks of school---circle, outdoor play, lunch, reading, assembly and even fighting! The text takes you step by step from the first day of school to Christmas break. A note---this school seems like a private religious school, as the children do pray and put on a play about Baby Jesus. One annoying part is the repeated repetition of a whole list of children's names---I am not sure what the point of this is---each time they are referring to the group of children they list each of the nine names---tiring when reading aloud! But an enjoyable good and a good introduction to preschool or kindergarten.

This book is a good book for little kids just starting school. It tells them what it will be like in school. My grandma gave me this book when I was going in to kindergarden. I injoyed it then and I still do now. It is still my favorit book.

This is a simple rhyming book showing babies engaged in various activities. Each page has an illustration of a baby with a two word description in large print, such as "Baby bounces," or "Baby drinks," (which rhymes two pages later with "Baby thinks.") The pictures are colorful and engaging, and the visual simplicity makes the book very accessible for infants. Also, the board book format is great for those who can't decide whether they'd like to read the book or eat it. My 9-month-old smiles broadly every time we open this book, and laughs happily at the end. That's high praise from the book's target audience!

Burglar Bill is an interesting story for me as it shows a profession which is usually stereotyped, in a different light. Bill eventually reforms his bad habits, but even when he is at his thieving worst he is portrayed sympathetically. Bill take showers attention on the little baby, perhaps to make up for attention he himself missed. I suppose some people might object to this book on the grounds that it makes light of such a serious matter. For me however it simply points out that everybody who commits a crime is not a demonic monster. I think this is helpful as those who never consider themselves as potential criminals, never consider the ways to return to a lawful lifestyle. Three strikes and you're out. Burglar Bill is a perfect metaphor for the bad little boy in the class. He is not the little devil that adults and other children often imagine him to be. In many ways he has an admirable personality, it is just that he does things which get him into trouble. Most of the things Bill steals are hardly worth the effort. Why would anyone want to steal a can of baked beans? Likewise most of the things which a teacher or parent might class as naughty, are just ridiculous. It is the fact that someone else is getting hurt which adds gravity to the situation. Perhaps he just hasn't been able to imagine himself in the place of the other person. He needs it pointed out to him. This is exactly what happens to Bill. It is not until he himself is burgled that he can see that what he is doing is wrong. Noticeably Bill does learn from his mistakes, perhaps the naughty little boy can too.

It is such a shame that this book is out of print - it is such a gem! It has been one of my son's favorites for years. It sounds great read aloud - particularly when you do the characters with Brittish accents. -- It shows how powerful a family can be when they pull together to solve a problem. And Mrs. Wobble's dilemma is a funny one (she is a waitress, but constantly wobbles, therefore spilling food all over customers). It also shows that a person's idiosyncrasies can wind up being embraced rather than shunned...

I rember my sister used to love this book when we were kids. We are 6 years apart and get along still like we did 10 years ago. Shes 20 and I'm 14, but I still remember reading this book and not understanding it; but she seemed to love it more and more. I am looking for this book today becuase I hope to read it and see what all the hipe was about.