Thank You, Mr. Panda

Mr. Panda #3

by Steve Antony

Mr Panda is happy to help his friends prepare for a special surprise - IF they remember to say thank you!Mr Panda and friends are back for a third hilarious story about the importance of good manners!Please ask if you need a specific version. The data provided here may not be correct. With buying and not asking you are accepting the book as is.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Storytime, Humor, Fiction, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 12, 2017

About the author

Since his 2014 debut, Steve Antony has so far written and illustrated over 20 picture books, including the Mr Panda series, The Queen Collection, Unplugged, Green Lizards Vs Red Rectangles, Amazing and You Can. Steve has been nominated seven times and long listed once for the Kate Greenaway Medal. The Queen's Hat was adapted into a musical concert by the London Symphony Orchestra and won the Evening Standard's Oscar's Book Prize. His award winning Mr Panda series has so far sold over one million copies worldwide and has been optioned for TV. Steve also illustrated Tim Minchin's When I Grow Up, a cover of the Famous Five and the all-new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (adapted by Peter Bently). He has contributed work to the LGBTQ+ Pride YA anthology and Drawing Europe Together.

Reviews

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a struggle to even give 3 stars. Oh, Mr. Panda! I loved the first book, liked the second and I expect a series to get weaker as it goes along, but Mr. Panda seems to have gone from being a grumpy stickler for manners (which I loved and appreciated) to a dick who gives out useless presents on purpose. The lesson is "It's the thought that counts." but Mr. Panda's presents are so inappropriate that it doesn't actually seem like he's put any thought into it or has actually purposely gotten bad gifts. I was hoping that they'd swap presents at the end and he'd just gotten them mixed-up, but no, apparently he thinks mouse needs a giant sweater or octopus only needs 6 socks. It's important to teach kids to express gratitude for any gift, but Mr. Panda seems to have gotten mean instead of grouchy. (My colleague just said "he's being a class-A D-bag!")

[Yoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It´s a silly book and I absolutely loved it! Such a charming story.

[Caroline · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was dumb.
Mr. Panda gives his friends gifts that aren't right, but it's the thought that counts.

While teaching kiddos to be grateful for gifts is important, this book put the emphasis on the thought behind the gift being most important. But Mr. Panda didn't put any thought into any of his gifts. So... What's the point of giving gifts? Just to give them and be grumpy about it? Not caring at all doesn't seem like it's truly the thought that counts.

[Melissa Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is Genevieve's FAVORITE. She LOVES this silly Panda and she LOVES to tell us "No. You cannot have another" and, in this book, giggle over the silly gifts Mr Panda gives his frenemies.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

That grouchy ailuropodine hero returns in this third picture-book devoted to his adventures, following upon Please, Mr. Panda and I'll Wait, Mr. Panda . Having made his friends gifts, Mr. Panda sets out to distribute them, the helpful Lemur in tow. As each present is unwrapped, and turns out to be not quite the right size, Lemur reminds each recipient that with gifts it is the thought that counts. But will he remember this key fact when he himself is the recipient...?

Like its predecessors, Thank You, Mr. Panda pairs an entertaining tale featuring an important concept about good manners with colorful, engaging artwork. British author/artist Steve Antony's sense of humor comes through here, especially at the end, in which Mr. Panda turns Lemur's well-meaning admonition - that it's the thought that counts - back on him. I don't know if I thought the artwork here was quite as strong as in the previous books, but the combination of bright presents and more muted animals was appealing, and the message about being thankful for the gifts given us was on point. I had qualms about the presentation of Antony's message in Please, Mr. Panda , but had no similar problems here. Recommended to fans of the Mr. Panda books, and to anyone looking for children's stories about gift-giving and receiving, and good manners.

[Shari (Shira) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My opinion of this book is heavily influenced by the child who listened to me read it aloud. Mr. Panda generously gives presents to all of his animal friends. Unfortunately, the presents were all wrong. My friend's granddaughter absolutely dissolved into giggles on every page in which the animal friend discovers how wrong the gift is. Too much fun.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Either you really get Mr. Panda's deadpan humour and love how he spreads a quiet message of etiquette appreciation or this does not float your boat. This makes my boat very happy (to mix metaphors...haha).

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something tells me Mr. Panda deliberately got his friends' presents that wouldn't suit them. Nevertheless, I enjoyed Mr. Panda's slightly grumpy expressions and illustrations. A book to teach thankfulness, regardless of the intent of the gift.

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know it is important to practice kindness? Today's story will teach students a classic proverb about expectations and good deeds.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My youngest daughter is nuts about Pandas. She collects Panada stuffies, she has Pandas on her bed covers. She had done at least 3 school projects on Pandas. She just cannot get enough of them. This year they need to pick their school library books from the computer and reserve them. This was one of the first library books she has had since the 2020 Pandemic began. And she really liked it. Once she found out it was part of a series, she wanted to get them all. The eBooks are a bit pricy, so she will see if the library has more of them.

She really like this book. She thought it was funny that all the other animals except for the elephant got clothing that did not fit. For it is the ‘thought that counts’. She laughed the most when Mr. Panda gave giant underwear to the meerkat. She also thought it was funny that the elephant got doughnuts. She also noticed that one of the covers of a different book in the series had Mr. Panda holding a box of doughnuts.

She really enjoyed the illustrations. She loved the patterns on the cloths and how it looked like the doughnuts. But she wondered why the Panda was frowning the whole time.

It is a fun book. It is also well below her current reading level. But because it was a Panda book, she had to read it. She enjoyed it and wants to read the rest of the series.

I try and have my children read to me every day. In part to instill the habit and in part to help them progress in their reading. This book was too easy for my daughter but she enjoyed it, and read 4 chapters in her middle grade book after reading this. It is a fun read and looks like an interesting series. I checked the list of books read that I have going back to before when I had children and we have not read anything else written or illustrated by Steve Anthony, but there are a few other than this series that I am interested in taking a look at.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is the thought that counts, and the lemur is certainly enthusiastic, but I can't help feeling like Mr Panda is being super passive aggressive here.

[Kinga (oazaksiazek) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ta pozycja nie trafi do każdego czytelnika, ponieważ poczucie humoru jest tu bardzo specyficzne. Autor wyznaje chyba zasadę: albo grubo, albo wcale.

Mnie się podobało, bawiłam się na niej świetnie a pan Panda to niezły zgrywus. Widać to w jego spojrzeniu.

Czy książka przekazuje dzieciom dobre wartości? No właśnie, tu mam mieszane uczucia. Niekoniecznie dawanie komuś czegoś nieprzemyślanego jest bowiem dobrym pomysłem. Pytanie tylko czy pan Panda zdawał sobie sprawę z tego, że jego prezenty niekoniecznie pasują do osób obdarowywanych?

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean, it wasn't BAD, but Mr. Panda just looks so put off through the whole book.🤷🏽‍♀️

[Heather McC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tool for teaching gratitude - 'it's the thought that counts!' - and maybe the concept of planning one's gifts out ahead of time. Mr. Panda and his friends do not disappoint.

[Isaac Solberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just alright. Gives a lesson that the intention behind a gift is worth valuing and not the gift itself.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's the thought that counts, sure, but did Mr. Panda actually put in any thought to what his "friends" would enjoy? Nah, I don't think so. Feels like dude purposely shortchanged everyone and I don't like people--or pandas--who play like that.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author/illustrator seems to be on a mission to remind youngsters about manners and perhaps develop some much-needed social graces. As in the case of the earlier Please, Mr. Panda, and I'll Wait, Mr. Panda, Mr. Panda is at it again. For fans of wry humor and deadpan delivery, this book delivers the goods, but for those who don't like that sort of thing, it misses its mark. The idea here is simple enough: Mr. Panda has found presents for his friends, but none of the presents seems to fit their recipient. In fact, Mountain Goat's bow is far too long, and even Lemur's Lifesaver-bedecked underwear and Mouse's sweater are too big for the animals. But Mr. Panda has in mind that his friends should remember that "It's the thought that counts." Although that message is a good one, it does beg the question of just how much or little thought he actually put into what he gives to his friends. I will have to keep musing on this for some time. He does seem to be a bit of an inconsiderate jerk here. Originally published in the United Kingdom, the book contains an English and Spanish version of the story.

The board book version of this book has the same appeal as the larger version, and readers will giggle at the reaction of all the animals to their presents, especially as seen on the last two pages when they're all wearing or holding their gifts and possibly wondering what thought was behind these particular gifts. Oh, Mr. Panda! You really shouldn't have.

[Kayleigh Farey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very VERY lucky to get to read this a long time before its publication (Thank You Mr Antony for having your copy when I met you!) and can safely say without a doubt that THIS IS THE BEST MR PANDA BOOK EVER. I mean, Please Mr Panda and I'll Wait Mr Panda are both absolutely incredible, but Thank You Mr Panda takes it to a whole new level; Mr Panda is back and even grumpier, with a story that I adored, with a beautiful moral. Steve Antony has excelled himself with the amazing illustrations too!
I LOVE IT!

[Aneesa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think Mr. Panda put much thought into his gifts.

Update: I never liked this book, but today 5yo brought it home from her first book fair "to have an extra just in case."

[Amy Chiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This post was originally posted on http://onacraftyadventure.blogspot.co...

Mr Panda is a stickler for manners. In this book, Mr Panda has presents for his friends. But will they be thankful for their gifts, even if they are not what they are expecting? Lemur features as Mr Panda's sidekick - will he remember his manners too?


The expressions on the animals faces are priceless. Mr Panda is so deadpan, you can do the best voices while reading this book aloud.

This is the third book Steve Antony has written featuring Mr Panda, with a fourth due out in October. I had just gotten out Please Mr Panda from the library when this book arrived to review so Addison was familiar with the characters. I recommend starting with Please Mr Panda, then I'll Wait, Mr Panda, then Thank You, Mr Panda. Donuts also feature in all the books which is always a winner in my eyes!

These are the kind of books that children find hilarious and adults really love the humour too. I rate these books highly for the 2-4 year age group.

[Jenna Vick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Panda gets presents for all of his friends. For the mouse, he gets him a sweater but its too big. For the Octopus, he gets him socks but he is two short. For the elephant, he does not reveal what he gets. For the mountain goat, he gets him a necktie but it is too long. For his little friend who follows him around, he receives undies but they are too big. He tries to remind them throughout the book that it is the thought that counts.

I kind enjoyed this book. I liked how the gifts were a part of it but the main thing was the thought behind the gift giving. It goes to show that the panda has a huge heart. The pictures are very descriptive when showing the characters emotion.

I would use this in my classroom. I would use it for a fun read for younger children. It will be good when explaining the meaning of gift giving. To show them that it is the meaning behind giving the gift rather than the actual gift.

[zapkode · Rating 5 out of 5]

{My thoughts} – This book has simple non distracting illustrations. They help to nicely portray the meaning of the words shared on each page. They help the reader to better understand the lesson within the pages. It is written well and to the point. It helps little children to understand that sometimes you get gifts that you might not want or have any use for, but the fact you got something is what really matters. What really matters is that someone had went out of their way to get that special gift for them and that they should appreciate it and be thankful for it. It is a timeless lesson that many children in todays society need to learn and should learn at a young age. I think this book could be beneficial to many bookshelves as it is a good lesson and one I look forward to sharing with my one year old when she is old enough to understand it.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to the blurber for this book on Goodreads, this story is all about manners and remember to say "Thank you."

Sure, that interpretation makes sense. But what makes more sense to me, given that this is my third book about Mr. Panda, the highly enthusiastic giver?

Last two books, it was hugs. This book, it's gifts. What I like about this book, and the two preceding ones, is the topic of Giving to Others. All of us are learning how to do it, and what to give to whom. Emotionally, materially, whateverly. And, yep. We're also learning how to receive.

Since this topic can spur lifelong learning, why not get started at picture book age?

FIVE STARS in celebration of each person's lifelong opportunity to keep learning. Human life isn't merely theoretical, not if we aim to live juicy.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Panda loves giving gifts to all of the other animals. The only problem is, they're never the right thing. For example, the octopus only gets six socks even though he has eight tentacles. Another one is that the mouse gets a sweater, but it's too big.

The lemur reminds them that it's the thought that counts. When it's his turn to receive a gift, the lemur is so excited. But of course, it's underwear that's too big and the panda has to remind him that it's the thought that counts.

This was a funny story with adorable illustrations. I loved how the lemur is there with each gift and makes me wonder if he's the panda's best friend.


Final Verdict: I would recommend this book to children who love funny, short stories and animals. It was a quick read that makes you smile.

[Keith Mannina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very charming book about gift giving and being thankful. We get so tied up in whether a gift is perfect. We forget that the intention is really what matters. Mr. panda wasn’t the best at giving gifts but his intentions were true. So what if the sweater that he needed for the little mouse was too big? He still gave him a sweater, which is more than most would do. So what if he knitted six socks for the octopus? Those are still six of his eight legs that are warm now. It doesn’t matter that the bowtie but for the mountain goat was too long, he took an air balloon to bring it to him. Even though the gift may not be exactly right, it’s the thought that counts. This is an incredibly valuable lesson to teach to children about thankfulness.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Antony, Steve Thank You, Mr. Panda. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic Press, 2017. $17.

Mr. Panda has gifts for all of his friends. Unfortunately, each of them is a little off. But it’s the thought that counts, right?

If I am to charitable I could say that Mr. Panda tried really hard to do something nice, but none of it turned out quite right. Maybe it’s a good way to talk to kids about choosing gifts. Maybe its just a way to enjoy a good snarky picture book. If that’s what you want.

Pre-K – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...

[Kelsey Schense · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary:
Mr. Panda has bought several gifts for all of his friends. But there’s something off about them. Some are too big, some are not big enough, and some of them are just plain old wacky. But as he distributes the special gifts to his friends, his buddy Lemur helps to remind them that it’s the thought that counts.

Activity:
Think of a time that you gave a gift to someone. What was the gift? How did the person you gave the gift to react to it? Did they like it or not? Now reflect on this memory; how would you change the gift you gave them? Or what else would you give them now?

Antony, S. (2017). Thank you, Mr Panda. London: Hodder & Stoughton.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Age: Toddler-Preschool
Animals: Panda, Lemur, Mouse, Octopus, Elephant, and Goat

Mr. Panda has an armload of presents for his friends. Delivering them one by one, we find that all the presents are a little off in some way--Mouse's shirt is too big, Octopus' only receives 6 socks, etc. But Lemur is there to remind everyone that it's the thought that counts--and it certainly is.

This book in the series is similar to the other stories because Mr. Panda visits each animal one by one but, unfortunately, the book doesn't "reward" the use of the words "Thank you." Instead, it focuses more on accepting the kind offers a person extends towards you.

[Bailey Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about a panda who gives gifts to all his friends, but they all seem so somehow be wrong. He makes six socks for an octopus, and a sweater that is too big for a mouse. Only his lemur friend is happy with the gift Mr. Panda brings him. I think this book is really funny and cute. I loved how simple the artwork is, and I think it could easily be replicated for an art project. This book could be used in a unit learning about animals, because there are a lot of interesting and unique animals pictured in this story. It would also be a good starter for a discussion with students on the meaning of giving and receiving.

[AMY · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is interesting. You have to understand that the Panda really does not care. He always sticks to the rules and not the spirit of things. So when he gives gifts, it really doesn’t matter if the gift is appropriate or works for the recipient. It would spark some great discussion with kids. Illustrations are great and storyline will keep you wondering and engaged. I did not like earlier Panda books, but maybe I will re-think/re-classify them as ok after reading this one. I think maybe they have a place on the shelf. I think you have to talk with kids about it and make sure they get the message, though. Recommended for Grades K-3.