Over in the Grasslands

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book for Parent and Child
Review: I am VERY picky about kids books. They have to be educational, entertaining for the child, and fun to read for the parent. There is nothing worse then buying a book that a child never wants to see or having to read a dull one over and over again. This book hits the mark! I enjoy reading it and my son (four years old) almost has the thing memorized. An excellent and timeless choice!

Rating:
Summary: Delightful. colorful pictures, but with some problems
Review: This is obviously supposed to be sung to the tune of "Over in the Meadow" (It is a not-so-original take-off of that old song.) Unfortunately, the beginning phrase "Over in the grasslands" has the right number of sylables, but causes the tongue to stumble over the next line when singing aloud. Worse, the clever premise of setting the story in Africa, is not very well executed. The toads appear to be frogs on lily pads, the monkeys look like chimps to me, and the eagle looks suspiciously like an American bald eagle. Do warthogs go "Oink"? Just in case you think I am being picky, the above possible errors were pointed out by my 2 and a half year old grandson whose mom just happens to be a biology teacher. While I didn't expect a science book, I do wish a little more care had been given to choosing animals that were exclusively African and protraying them a little more thoughtfully.

Rating:
Summary: What do you seek?
Review: This is obviously supposed to be sung to the tune of "Over in the Meadow" (It is a not-so-original take-off of that old song.) Unfortunately, the beginning phrase "Over in the grasslands" has the right number of sylables, but causes the tongue to stumble over the next line when singing aloud. Worse, the clever premise of setting the story in Africa, is not very well executed. The toads appear to be frogs on lily pads, the monkeys look like chimps to me, and the eagle looks suspiciously like an American bald eagle. Do warthogs go "Oink"? Just in case you think I am being picky, the above possible errors were pointed out by my 2 and a half year old grandson whose mom just happens to be a biology teacher. While I didn't expect a science book, I do wish a little more care had been given to choosing animals that were exclusively African and protraying them a little more thoughtfully.

Rating:
Summary: What do you seek?
Review: While those looking for science book might find this book lacking, those seeking a STORYbook won't be disappointed. I find myself reading it as much for my own enjoyment as for my daughters'. The singsong melody makes for easy reading, and the artwork is a treasure.