Ex-libris Rebecca Schaffner ( )

This book contains "definitions" of words based on the author's conversations with kindergartners. You can very easily see how these conversations veered into different word associations (as conversations with very young children often do). For example, "Hands are to make things. Hands are to eat with. A tablespoon is to eat a table with." It's a cute concept but beyond a quick 'aw, that's sweet' response from adults, I don't see a ton of value in this title. I would be hesitant to use it with young children as they might not get the conceit and would walk around with incorrect definitions in their heads. The black-and-white illustrations by Sendak are charming, which is a plus. ( )

This is an informal informational book. It is a book about child projected definitions for hands, buttons, holes, cats, and numerous other things.
I thought it was a sweet book and one children could easily relate to. It lends itself nicely to patterns and the definition of definitions, sort of speak. Great as a starting point for writing assignments about informational pieces or for students who struggle with the concept of a definition.

I'm sure I read this as a child, but I think I enjoyed it even more this time.
Mud is to jump in and slide in and yell doodledoodledoo."
"A dream is to look at the night and see things."
The book itself is a nice small-format cozy, just right for a child's small hands, perfect to be his own treasure to carry around and dip into often and again.

I want to get it for my own permanent collection, along with the sequel (!) [b:Open House for Butterflies|22765|Open House for Butterflies|Ruth Krauss|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386923640s/22765.jpg|23772]." ( )