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11th out of 2,592 books
—
904 voters
A Hole is to Dig
What is a hole? A hole is when you step in it and you go down. A hole is for a mouse to live in. And, of course, a hole is to dig. This is the funniest book of definitions you'll ever read!
Paperback, 48 pages
Published
September 7th 1989
by HarperCollins
(first published June 1st 1952)
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I learned that this book existed over at a discussion of a childhood favorite of mine: A Friend is Someone Who Likes You. This book was published in 1952 and I’m surprised that I don’t remember it as a part of my childhood, but I believe this is the first time I’ve read it.
It’s one I think I’d have enjoyed a lot more as a kid, especially as a kid in the 1950s. But, I did find it charming in its own way.
My favorite page was “Dogs are to kiss people” because how could I not fall in love with a pag...more
It’s one I think I’d have enjoyed a lot more as a kid, especially as a kid in the 1950s. But, I did find it charming in its own way.
My favorite page was “Dogs are to kiss people” because how could I not fall in love with a pag...more
the subtitle a first book of first definitions could be misleading and i can certainly understand the few "i dont get it" reviews on here. with a simple glance, there doesn't appear to be any rhyme or reason to the "definitions" krauss has put on these pages - but that is exactly why i love it.
for example: "a watch is to hear it tick" and right below it "dishes are to do" - these dictums or philosophies (as it could very well be) are random, simple, and merely a child's truth. they convey the i...more
for example: "a watch is to hear it tick" and right below it "dishes are to do" - these dictums or philosophies (as it could very well be) are random, simple, and merely a child's truth. they convey the i...more
I know, I know - this is a classic book for young people, and one that was even available WHEN I WAS A KID! Nevertheless, I hadn't read it before. It obviously has no plot, just a series of fanciful definitions accompanied by the first children's illustrations of Maurice Sendak. I was intrigued by some of the side things going on - odd animals and characters at the sides of pages, the diminution of traditional, restrictive manners lessons in favor of more enjoyable ("Hands are to hold" over "A h...more
This is one of the books I read at the Maurice Sendak exhibition in the Comtemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco. There is a story that the words tell, and there are also layered stories in the accompanying illustrations. Even for books that he illustrates and does not author, Sendak enhances the rich texture of the text. Most of his stories and illustrations deal with the horror of the holocaust.
This book is simple at face value and deep at the same time. It tells children what things can be u...more
This book is simple at face value and deep at the same time. It tells children what things can be u...more
Funny, cute definitions to words. The pictures are by Maurice Sendak. Our favorite definition was "A floor is so you don't fall in the hole your house is in."
I liked and agreed with this quote from the back flap of the cover:
Ruth Krauss is the author of many children's favorites. To quote Elementary English: "A Ruth Krauss book is to look at over and over again, to quote from and laugh at and talk about, and even...to hug lovingly and drop off to sleep with."
We've also read "The Backward Day" an...more
I liked and agreed with this quote from the back flap of the cover:
Ruth Krauss is the author of many children's favorites. To quote Elementary English: "A Ruth Krauss book is to look at over and over again, to quote from and laugh at and talk about, and even...to hug lovingly and drop off to sleep with."
We've also read "The Backward Day" an...more
I LOVE this book. It is hand-sized, so may not be the best choice for a story time. It has no story line. About six pages in is the page illustrating "A hole is to dig". Read this page and perhaps a few others and move on to another book. In my opinion, this is a MUST HAVE book.
If using this with the theme "Imagination Express", feature the letter "i" in your display and for a craft make "imagination caps". I often prep young children for the first story in a program by reciting and doing action...more
If using this with the theme "Imagination Express", feature the letter "i" in your display and for a craft make "imagination caps". I often prep young children for the first story in a program by reciting and doing action...more
There is really no basic rhyme or reason to this book. I think it's just for sheer entertainment for children. Great Sendak pictures which can keep children occupied a few minutes on some pages. Some randomly thrown in humor, which I guess corresponds with a child's random brain flow? I don't think this should be considered one of the top 100 Children's books, but it's also not one to pass just because it's old and leaves at least this adult going "huh..."
"A hole is to dig"
"Arms are to hug with"
"The world is so you have something to stand on"
"A lap is so you don't get crumbs on the floor"
etc.
This is the sort of book I wish I had written. I love how she turns definitions on their heads. This would be a great book for kids to write their own definitions following her pattern. Maurice Sendak's pictures are delightful.
"Arms are to hug with"
"The world is so you have something to stand on"
"A lap is so you don't get crumbs on the floor"
etc.
This is the sort of book I wish I had written. I love how she turns definitions on their heads. This would be a great book for kids to write their own definitions following her pattern. Maurice Sendak's pictures are delightful.
I just love Ruth Krauss, and Maurice Sendak's illustrations in this one remind me of his "Really Rosie", one of my favorites as a kid. I love the way Ruth looks at ordinary things here and sees the silly or the kid-logic: "Toes are to dance on/ Eyebrows are to go over your eyes.... a tablespoon is to eat a table with". This will be fun for a quickie writing exercise with kids!
My favorite "A lap is so you don't get crumbs on the floor." In my real life (This one, where I am a part-time legal secretary, sleeping in my sister's closet, can't be it.) I write little books like this, with small black and white drawings, in collaboration with children. Charming, playful, and honest. I am having difficulty returning it to the library.
This was one of my favorite books growing up. I remember getting it from the library over and over again. My mom had no idea why I liked it so much. She did eventually end up buying it for me and I'm sure I still have it somewhere. I recently bought it as a gift my my cousin and read it again. There really is no reason to the story, but it's cute and fun.
"The world is so you have something to stand on."
"The sun is so it can be a great day."
Cosi loves doing the actions associated with the definitions ("noses are to rub" or "ears are to wiggle."). I have never grown tired of reading this.
"The sun is so it can be a great day."
Cosi loves doing the actions associated with the definitions ("noses are to rub" or "ears are to wiggle."). I have never grown tired of reading this.
I have to admit I didn't really get this book, but my three-year-old son was completely engrossed. I had to take a look at it after reading so much about it in Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom.
One of my favorite childrens books-delightful illustrations by Maurice Sendak and the writing of Ruth Krauss. Not really what you would call a story-more just thoughts on what things mean in a very simple, down to earth fashion.
Beginning Reader: I thought this book was really cute. The only thing I didn't like about it was the smaller captions on the pages. I thought that these interrupted the flow of the book and might confuse children.
For many many months now you have enjoyed parceling out pieces of cake to your reader, yourself, and those in adjacent rooms when you get to the party page. You also love the parade and the jumping in the mud page.
1 like · like · see review
Really excited to snag this book at my fotl book sale :) Fun little (it is small, for small hands) book of "definitions" for kids. A classic with fantastic illustrations by Maurice Sendak.
Maybe it's nostalgia, I'm not sure, but reading this book takes me back a very long time. I must have held a copy in my hand when I was very small. It's simple and very dated, but I love it.
The most delightful, inventive definitions with pictures to go with them.
For example:
"Hands are to hold."
"The ground is to make a garden."
"The sun is to tell you when it's every day."
Krauss knows children.
This is a lovely book to look at. (See last page.) :)
For example:
"Hands are to hold."
"The ground is to make a garden."
"The sun is to tell you when it's every day."
Krauss knows children.
This is a lovely book to look at. (See last page.) :)
Adorable little book with definitions like: "Mud is to jump in and slide in and yell doodeleedoodleedoo." It features some of Maurice Sendak's early illustration work. Delightful.
Rugs are so dogs have napkins. A book is to look at. A tablespoon is to eat a table with. A face is something to have on the front of your head.
I love, love, love this! I will have to buy this one, to borrow it is not enough.
I love, love, love this! I will have to buy this one, to borrow it is not enough.
This is a sweet book that I feel captures "living in the moment" with its adorable drawings and sparse words. I picked it up at a small art museum in Washington, D.C.
This book is too cute! A great gift for a baby shower. The illustrations are sweet and the reasons for a hold keep popping back up through-out the book.
I loved reading this with the kids and without...when I read it alone, I can picture my children saying many of the things in it. Loved it.
30 months - O wasn't overly interested in reading this one. We managed to give it two reads and it was alright but not an attention grabber.
As I read this oldie but goodie aloud to Youngest, he (and I) found it hard to believe that it was published when his grandmother was a preschooler.
Really cute illustrations that celebrate all the small little things kids like. Many of the definitions were written by children, too.
A great imaginative way to introduce children to the world, although it might contribute to an anthropocentric worldview.
Great coffee table book. I can read it over and over. Also, the phrases could be use as writing prompts with younger kids...
Aug 30, 2012
A.C.E. Bauer
added it
This is one of my all-time favorite books. I re-read it recently and found yet new wisdom, and reasons to laugh.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| My all-time favorite childhood book | 1 | 6 | May 31, 2007 07:59am |
![A Hole Is to Dig [With Hardcover Book] (Audio CD)](http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347345653s/991166.jpg)
Jun 27, 2010 09:42am
Jun 27, 2010 10:11am