Tops & Bottoms

Tops and Bottoms

By Janet Stevens

Published by Harcourt Children's Books (1995)

Reading Level: 4-8 Years

Pages: 40

Genre: Picture Storybook

Summary: Bear had lots of money and land but was lazy and only wanted to sleep. His neighbor, Hare, was poor and his family was starving, so they came up with a plan to trick Bear. They offered to work his land if he gave them part of the crop. Bear chose the part of the plants he wanted and the rabbits grew plants so they could get the parts with the food. They teach Bear to work and save their family in the process.

My Reaction: I thought this book taught a valuable lesson and the telling was fun. I thought it was hilarious that Bear was in a different napping position on almost every page. I also thought that it was neat that the book was sideways so that top was one one side and the bottoms on the other.

Recommendations: I would recommend this as a great book to read to younger children, but I think school aged children could read it.

Awards this books has received:

• ABA's Pick of the Lists
• ABC Children’s Booksellers’ Choice
• ALA Notable Children’s Book
• Bill Martin Jr Picture Book Award [Kansas]
• Booklist Editors’ Choice
• Caldecott Honor Book
• Colorado Children’s Book Award [Colorado]
• Instructor Magazine's Best Picture Book of the Twentieth Century
• IRA Teachers’ Choice
• IRA-CBC Children’s Choice
• KCTE Storytime Feature Book
• Maryland Children's Book Award [Maryland]
• National Parenting Publications Gold Award
• New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
• Parents’ Choice Silver Honor
• Show Me Readers Award [Missouri]
• Society of School Librarians International (SSLI) Honor Book
• Storytelling World Award Honor