Reviews (18)

A Real Family Book!
Finally a book about real families! I teach preschool, two year olds in fact, and Todd Parr is one of their favorite authors.We read all of his books.I was particularly moved by The Family Book because it deals with real families.From single parents, to two moms and two dads.It addresses things like how close some families live to one another to how very far away they live and how some families are the same color or adopt children.It is all done in the cutest pictures.I enjoy all of Todd Parr's books.The Okay Book and Do's and Don'ts are among my favorite.And now The Family Book leads the way!And whether you agree with the description of what a family is or not, they are factual description that apply to many people and children will at some point come across a friend who has two moms or has a single parent.It's a nice way to open the eyes of everyone!

We love Todd at our house!
With a diverse family it is so great to see Todd Parr's work so that my young daughter can see that there are many kinds of families and people. She loves the words and the art work. I love laughing with her during the silly parts of Todd's books.

My kindergarten class loves this book!
I thought I would take a minute to write that my kindergarten class absolutely LOVES Todd Parr books... ALL of them, and so do I.Forget the people who can't acknowledge that some families have two moms and two dads.It's a FACT.Just because some people are scared of that fact, doesn't mean it should be left out of good children's literature.It's like saying, "I don't like the color orange, so I'm going to pretend it doesn't exist."That's just silly.:)I almost always have a student who comes from a same-sex family, and when we study families and read this book, the whole class celebrates those kids when we get to that page.Imagine what would have happened if Todd Parr decided not to include that page in his book because he was afraid of the reaction.Well, I probably wouldn't have read it to my kids because it doesn't acknowledge ALL types of families.So, thumbs up to him! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Family    5. Family - General    6. Fiction    7. Individuality    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Social Issues - Values    11. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Editorial Review

For anyone who ever doubted it, Todd Parr is here to tell us all thatit's okay to be different. With his signature artistic style, featuring brightlycolored, childlike figures outlined in heavy black, Parr shows readers over andover that just about anything goes. From the sensitive ("It's okay to beadopted"--the accompanying illustration shows a kangaroo with a puppy in herpouch) to the downright silly ("It's okay to eat macaroni and cheese in thebathtub"), kids of every shape, size, color, family makeup, and background willfeel included in this gentle, witty book. In this simple, playful celebration ofdiversity, Parr doesn't need to hammer readers over the head with his message. Read more

Reviews (21)

This is worth buying!!
This book is unique, I have searched and searched for books like this- that value differences, as an early childhood educator, we need so many more of these kinds of books. Differences are every where we look and children (the next generation) need to not only value them but celebrate them. I would like to give credit to this book and its creators, and I sincerely challenge other children's book writers to embrace culture, disability and diversity as this book does- but boy, we need so much more of this to make each and every child feel as important as they are.

It IS okay to be different!!!
As an mother of transracially adopted special needs children, and a child care provider, I can NOT rave enough about this book!Every child IS different, and that's what makes this world so wonderful! Yes, "It's okay" is simple and basic, but that's what makes it so wonderful and entertaining to children.This book gets down on the floor with children and talks to them at their level!With its basic theme and big, bright pictures, Todd Parr's "It's Okay" is a fun read!
Great Book & Author
We just discovered Todd Parr from a Kindergarten teacher at my school. With a diverse family it is so great to see his work so that my young daughter can see that there are many kinds of families and people. She loves the words and the art work. I love laughing with her during the silly parts of Todd's books. It is ok to be different! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Fiction    4. Individuality    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Self-esteem    7. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    8. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    9. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (3)

Labels may not be helpful for young children
I love Todd Parr's animated illustrations and charm.But after purchasing this book and reading it to my 2-year old, I wasn't as excited about this particular book.The labels "good" and "bad" are used in a way that it introduces ideas into a young child's mind.Like some of the examples were "good:light", "bad: the dark".I am trying to teach my daughter NOT to think of the dark as something bad and not to be afraid of!So that's not too helpful.Also, it has "monsters: bad" as well as "big hairy spiders: bad".We're trying to convince my daughter that monsters don't exist, not that they are "bad" and make her scared even more.The other labels in the book are funny, like "smelly feet: bad" and "hot chocolate with marshmallows: good". Good Book
I am a teacher and I love these books. Todd Parr has outdone himself yet again in writing this book. I am sure that it will be a hit with my class of first graders.

New fun, funky emergent reader series
I love the Todd Paar books!Neon-y colors and goofy, childlike art make these very simple books stand out from the crowd.Things that make you feel good include bubble baths, pets, hot chocolate with marshmallows, and bedtime stories.Things that make you feel bad include smelly feet,stinkbugs, worm stew, and monsters.The combination of things that arereal and things that are silly will make you laugh and maybe take life alittle less seriously.If you're a kid, there's an important self-esteemmessage in these books that the littlest kid can relate to. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Baby - Boardbooks    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Children: Preschool    4. Concepts - General    5. Emotions    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories    10. Picture books   

Reviews (10)

Great baby gift!
This is a beautiful book.Not only is the sentiment lovley, the pictures are bright and bold, and appealing to little kids of all ages.We began reading it to our daughter when she was just a few months old, and she enjoyed the illustrations and the soothing text.Our three year old loves it as well, and we have wonderful discussions about what "peace" means to different people.I have given it to coutless friends as a baby gift, and everybody has raved about it!Really, you can't go wrong here - just order it.

Amazing book.....
Quiet and subtle, The Peace book doesn't have a hidden agenda.It has a message of love and tolerance and how easy it is to make a small difference in a big world.
wonderful
I chanced upon this book while looking for a gift for a friend's baby. I enjoyed it so much that I bought another copy for my son, and I plan on buying it in the future as a staple baby gift. Absolutely wonderful ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Concepts - General    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Law & Crime    9. Peace    10. Preschool Picture Story Books    11. Social Issues - Values    12. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / General   

Reviews (1)

We love this book!
We bought this a few years ago for my son, who is now 5yrs old.He always loved it.I am sure the bold bright colors and whimsical illustrations have everything to do with that, but the messages the book sends are outstanding, in my opinion.Now, we still occasionally read this book with our son, but our 3 yr old daughter also loves this book and can even recite parts of it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Boardbooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Emotions    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Preschool Picture Story Books    8. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    9. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    10. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

Although some mommies drive motorcycles, and others drive minivans; somemommies go fishing while others go shopping, all mommies want their children tobe who they are. That's Todd Parr's story, and he's sticking with it (asreinforced by his Read more

Reviews (7)

Great author!
We just discovered Todd Parr from a Kindergarten teacher at my school. With a diverse family it is so great to see his work so that my young daughter can see that there are many kinds of families and people.

Wonderful, Colorful Book...
Todd Parr books are so colorful and have great messages attached to them. This book does not disappoint.The pictures are simple and vibrant which really caught my daughter's attention.The message attached is great because it shows diversity among mothers.I recommend all of his books.

Ugh!
I bought this based on glowing reviews...I was very disappointed.First of all, the book is SO politically correct that it steps over itself and forgets to be interesting or fun.It makes sure to point out that some mommies cook, and some mommies work...etc, etc--too much.Plus, my son didn't care for the drawings. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Family - Parents    4. Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Mothers    7. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Editorial Review

Todd Parr likes to keep things simple. In his world, there isn'tmuch gray area between good and bad... and in his small, square books, blazing with primary colors and positive "it's okay to be you" reinforcement, there is no gray at all! Read more

Reviews (6)

DO read Todd Parr's book, DON'T miss out
Do's and Don'ts is a simply worded board book that gives kids funny suggestions on how to live life. "Do smile at people, don't stick your tongue out at them." My five year old son sometimes feels bad that he can't read like his older sister. This book makes him feel like he can with simple words and cute, simple illustrations. He loves to "read" it to grownups and laughs out loud every time!

Such a fun book!
Our family has had this book for over two years now, it's a bit tattered, but has held up well considering it's really a favorite.The illustrations are all in bold, primary colors the kids love.The text is really, really funny and will hold their attention easily through multiple readings at a sitting.My daughter's favorite thing to do is lean forward and kiss the "cootie bug" that the author instructs children not to!We have A LOT of books at our house, and this one is probably the most frequently read.

Todd Parr is Fabulous!
As a kindergarten-first grade teacher, I love Todd Parr's books! They all have simple easy to read text and always have a laugh on every page!My class loved the page that said "Don't kiss a cootie bug!"We even created out own class book, based on Todd Parr's story.Each child wrote their own page of a do and a don't!Great Fun!I would highly reccommend all of Todd Parr's books! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavior    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Conduct of life    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. People & Places - General    8. Preschool Concepts    9. Social Issues - Values    10. Juvenile Fiction / People & Places / General   

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Family - General    5. Family - Multigenerational    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Grandmothers    9. Grandparent and child    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (3)

I want more copies of this book
I want more copies of this book (because mine is always being borrowed)!I am a Reading teacher in an elementary school and the children love Todd Parr's pictures and easy way of telling stories.They relate well because the phrases are short and realistic, and they beg to read it over and over again.My first Todd Parr book was "Things that make you feel good, things that make you feel bad" and I bought several as gifts for adults as well as children.The kids will want to hear (or read) his stories over and over again!

Wonderful for children of allages
Todd Parr has a way with encouraging children to do things (reading) without being 'preachy' and by being FUN.My 3 children, ages 15 mos, 15 mos, and 5 years love all of his books.We just bought this one today and have already read it 3 times - it is still afternoon.My young toddlers are attracted to the illustrations, my 5 year old is attracted to the easy to read text and "funny looking characters".She often identifies her family or pets in all of the pictures.

So Many Ways to Love a Book!
Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, award-winning author of This is the Place, Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered and The Frugal Book Promoter.
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Subjects:  1. Books and reading    2. Children's 9-12 - language Arts    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Concepts - Words    7. Fiction    8. General    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. School & Education    11. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / Words   

Reviews (4)

I like most of Todd Parr's books
The illustrations are what caught my eye with Todd Parr.I like the simple text in his books as well, but I only gave 4 stars because some of the text is a little too out there ("This is my hair when a flying saucer landed in it") and the repetiton becomes a little monotonous for the reader.I really like the messages sent in his books, or in this case, directly stated.

Vibrant colors
We love all Todd Parr books. My daughter(age 2) Thinks it is really funny seeing what is"new" in the hair on evey page.
This is my Hair
Great way to get my 3 year old to think about her alopecia.She went away and thought about it for a while and then came back and started asking questions.A light hearted way to start talking about being bald.Lovely illustrations.The last page comes very abruptly and I felt it was a bit of a shock after pages of this is me with my hair in the snow, in the wind etc and then this is me with no hair. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Preschool    3. Fiction    4. Hair    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. People & Places - General    8. Preschool Picture Story Books    9. Juvenile Fiction / People & Places / General   

Reviews (3)

I am a huge Todd Parr fan!
His books encourage children to feel comfortable about themselves in every way - and they are funny and they are colorful. I look forward to reading them to my Granddaughter (age 3) who actually knows them by heart and has started to read them to me !!!

Todd Parr is great !
My baby just love this book. Todd parr is great first book for any baby. It's colorful and witty,and the size is perfect to grap even for a baby. My son loved it.(...)

6 months old and loved it
I first read this book to my daughter when she was 6 months old.At one year, she still picks it up and looks and the pages (although she'd rather hear "Goodnight Moon.")It's very simple with bright colors, and quick to get through for short attention spans. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    2. Children: Babies & Toddlers    3. Concepts - General    4. Concepts - Opposites    5. Face    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    9. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Editorial Review

Whether they're working at home or working far away, teaching you how towalk or how to ride a skateboard, wearing suits or wearing two different socks,daddies can be pretty cool. With childlike smiling stick figures, bold,brilliant color, and upbeat text, picture-book creator Todd Parr celebrates thediverse, wonderful world of fathers in Read more

Reviews (8)

My favorite author for my 3 year old Granddaughter
Todd Parr writes the best books for little kids! They are fun for the children and entertaining for grownups to read - I love them all!!!!!!!!!!!

Great for Daddies to Read...
I loved the Mommy book so much, I borrowed the Daddy Book from the library so my husband could read it to our daughter.This one was just a fantastic as the mommy book.The illustrations are simple and very bright to catch the attention of the child.The message behind it is great.It shows different daddies doing different things and really captures diversity among various people.It's such a wonderful book for dads to read to their children.

Ugh!
I bought this based on glowing reviews...I was very disappointed.First of all, the book is SO politically correct that it steps over itself and forgets to be interesting or fun.It makes sure to point out that some daddies cook, and some daddies work...etc, etc--too much.Plus, my son didn't care for the drawings. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Family - Parents    4. Fathers    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (2)

A Fantastic Bed Time Book
My daughters are fans of Todd Parr's series, Todd World, so they begged me to buy this book.This plucky dog with an active imagination who doesn't feel like going to bed isn't Benny, the dog from the TV show, but he's very similar.Though even if you aren't familiar with the Todd World characters, how could you fall in love with Otto?It's a great story of bed time routines and how thinking about all the things one likes to do can lead to pleasant bedtimes and even better dreams.The illustrations are bold, colorful and happy.My preschoolers love everything about this book and so do I, quite frankly.I can't tell you how many times I've read it at bedtime and still, every time this book gets picked out (and it happens a lot) it is always a joy to read.

Great fun!
Todd Parr really gets it right.We love his illustrations and straightforward text.I like this book even better than the "Do's and Don't's" books that we've come to know well.This one is cute enough that the kids get it and the adults can grin as well.Easy, sweet, silly, fun to look at.My four-year-old adores it -- an instant favorite.Our most-loved page is when Otto brushes his teeth with "chicken flavored toothpaste." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Bedtime    3. Bedtime & Dreams    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Preschool    6. Dogs    7. Dreams    8. Fiction    9. Humorous Stories    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Social Issues - General    13. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Editorial Review

There are a few important things to remember when you wear underwear."Do put your clean underwear away," for example. "Don't put it in the freezer."Furthermore, "do dress up your dog in underwear." But "don't use your sister'sfavorite pair." Certainly "do wear underwear when you go trick-or-treating." Butplease, "don't wear it over your costume." Keep all these lessons in mind whenwearing underwear, and you can never go wrong.Read more

Reviews (4)

Buy ALL of Todd Parr's Books!
For the past 3 years I have given nothing but Todd Parr books to all my friend's w/ new babies.They are amazing.Unique, colorful, fun - I simply love them.Plus, Todd looks at families from all points of view.And even if your family is the most traditional on the block, your kids should be aware that all families are not the same.I promise you won't be diappointed.Get them all - you'll simply love them.

Family Fun
This book is funny, entertaining and sweet for kids and adults.Inspires fun and creativity- what other do's and don'ts can you think of?

Read this book, with or without underwear!
I bought this book for my niece, but her mother liked it just as much! This is a cute, funny book that I just love. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Preschool    3. Fiction    4. Humorous Stories    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. People & Places - General    7. Preschool Picture Story Books    8. Underwear    9. Juvenile Fiction / People & Places / General   

Reviews (11)

Great, Vibrant Book...
This book is absolutely wonderful.It's wonderful because the pictures are simple and really catch you eye with the bright colors.The message behind it is fantastic.Sure, some of the things are a little strange like putting fish in your hair, but there's a great message behind it that it's ok to not be like everyone else.What an important message to kids in todays society.I just love this book and would highly recommend it.

Dream Big but Skip the Fish
In the "Okay Book," Todd Parr uses simple drawings with vibrant, primary colors to illustrate his supportive and educational messages for kids.The messages fall into 4 categories.We have the pro-self-esteem messages:"It's okay to be short," "it's okay to have freckles," "it's okay to wear glasses," "it's okay to wear what you like," "it's okay to have no hair," "it's okay to be skinny," "it's okay to be big."Second, we have emotional/behavioral themes:"it's okay to be scared," "it's okay to share," "it's okay to try new things," and, in a paraphrase of the great Rosie Grier, "it's okay to cry."Third, we also have the tolerance/broadmindedness messages:"it's okay to come from a different place" (illustrated with a martian in a UFO hovering outside Saturn), "it's okay to live in a small house," and "it's okay to be a different color."Finally, there is a fourth category of silly, cutesy messages which are sprinkled in to enhance the kid-friendliness and keep it from being too heavy-handed:"it's okay to wear two different socks," "it's okay to eat all the frosting off your birthday cake," "it's okay to hang out in the rain," "it's okay to sing out loud," and "it's okay to put a fish in your hair."
okay with the kids
My kids love to read and laugh with this book.The pictures are fun and the colors are so bright.I am about to buy the 3rd copy, a board book would work better for my 2 year old.My 3 and 1/2 year old loves to prend to read to her brother.Fun for all.We also like Things that make you feel good and things that make you feel bad, it is great for play acting out the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    2. Children: Preschool    3. Fiction    4. Identity    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. People & Places - General    7. Preschool Concepts    8. Self-esteem    9. Social Issues - Values    10. Juvenile Fiction / People & Places / General   

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Family - General    5. Family - Multigenerational    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Grandfathers    9. Grandparent and child    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (1)

My daughter asks for this book repeatedly
My 2 1/2 year old daughter loves this book.She laughs at all of the strange things (two shoes, a cootie bug) that Otto puts in his birthday cake.Lately, I've been buying her mostly books with longer stories than this so I would probably recommend this for a 2 year old or older chiildren who don't like long books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Birthdays    3. Cake    4. Children's Baby - Picturebooks    5. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    6. Children: Preschool    7. Dogs    8. Fiction    9. Holidays & Celebrations - Other, Nonreligious    10. Humorous Stories    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Parties    13. Preschool Picture Story Books    14. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dogs   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Children's Baby - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Dogs    6. Fiction    7. First day of school    8. General    9. Humorous Stories    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Kindergarten    12. School & Education    13. Schools    14. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dogs   

Reviews (4)

My Daughter's First Favorite Book, Too
Even for adults, reaching out and making friends can be daunting. Turns out the same is true for dogs. Who knew? Otto goes to the beach and can't seem to find a friend with the same interests as him. But his persistence ultimately pays off, and he eventually finds a friend who loves the same things that he does.
Really awful
This book is poorly written and is not suitable for children.
Our daughters first favorite book.
This book is so colorful that our baby can't take her eyes off of it. She smiles from ear to ear when we read about Otto. We can't get a similar reaction from any other book. We love Otto! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - Dogs    3. Beaches    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Preschool    6. Dogs    7. Fiction    8. Friendship    9. Humorous Stories    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Social Issues - Friendship    13. Social Issues - General    14. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (1)

More adventures with Otto.
While I don't believe this latest book about Otto the dog is on par with Otto Goes To Bed or Otto Goes To The Beach, my preschoolers still love it. In this story, Otto goes to camp and while having a hard time of it at first, uses the items he packed from home to win over his fellow Camp Woof campers and a bear. I guess, my biggest issue is the ending of the book where in a message from Todd & Otto it is suggested that kids always take their favorite toys with them wherever they go so that they don't miss home.This is fine, I guess, but really I try to get my kids not to take their toys with them everywhere so that they can interact with new and different things away from home.But, that's just me...and we haven't yet had the argument of, "Well, Otto and Todd say I should bring my toys with me."Fans of the Discovery Kids series ToddWorld will be familiar with Todd Parr's illustrations and while Otto isn't Benny from that series, he looks and acts a lot like him. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Camping    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Preschool    5. Dogs    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Social Issues - New Experience    11. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dogs