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BabyLit® Primers
Pride & Prejudice: A BabyLit® Counting Primer
With the perennial popularity of classic writers like Jane Austen and William Shakespeare, Baby Lit™ is a fashionable way to introduce your toddler to the world of classic literature. With clever, simple counting text by Jennifer Adams, paired with stylish design and illustrations by Sugar’s Alison Oliver, Little Miss Austen and Little Master Shakespeare are a must for every savvy parent’s nursery library.
20 pages, Board book
First published August 1, 2011
6 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Adams
176 books199 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jennifer Adams is the author of more than forty books. Her bestselling BabyLit board books (published by Gibbs Smith) introduce small children to the world of classic literature and have sold 1.5 million copies. She is the author of another series of board books, My Little Cities.
Jennifer’s picture books for children, Edgar Gets Ready for Bed, Edgar and the Tattle-Tale Heart and Edgar and the Tree House of Usher are inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.” She also has two new picture books forthcoming from HarperCollins.
Her titles also include books for adults, including Y is for Yorick, a slightly irreverent look at Shakespeare, and Remarkably Jane, notable quotations on Jane Austen.
Jennifer graduated from the University of Washington. She has 20 years’ experience as a book editor, including at Gibbs Smith and Quirk Books. She currently works as a consulting editor for Sounds True, developing their children’s line. Jennifer works some evenings at her local independent bookstore, The King’s English, to feed her book habit. She lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, Bill Dunford, who is also a writer.
(bio from author's website)
Jennifer Adams is the author of more than forty books. Her bestselling BabyLit board books (published by Gibbs Smith) introduce small children to the world of classic literature and have sold 1.5 million copies. She is the author of another series of board books, My Little Cities.
Jennifer’s picture books for children, Edgar Gets Ready for Bed, Edgar and the Tattle-Tale Heart and Edgar and the Tree House of Usher are inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.” She also has two new picture books forthcoming from HarperCollins.
Her titles also include books for adults, including Y is for Yorick, a slightly irreverent look at Shakespeare, and Remarkably Jane, notable quotations on Jane Austen.
Jennifer graduated from the University of Washington. She has 20 years’ experience as a book editor, including at Gibbs Smith and Quirk Books. She currently works as a consulting editor for Sounds True, developing their children’s line. Jennifer works some evenings at her local independent bookstore, The King’s English, to feed her book habit. She lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, Bill Dunford, who is also a writer.
(bio from author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
June 3, 2024
This is such a fantastic series - and YES I put these books on my 'classics' shelf! If I were the parent of a small child I would get this whole series for them! What better way to start a small child on the path of classic literature! I have suggested this series to several friends who have small children. Always happy to see a new book in this series!
May 4, 2021
Thanks to Jon for getting me to know about this both hilarious and yet practical series of (so far) 23 board books by Jennifer Addams for toddlers based on classical literature! What?! I initially thought: Is this some kind of early inculcation of privileged kids into the literary canon, to keep them away from hipper, grittier kiddie lit?!
But no, I realized, toddlers can't really yet be fully exposed to Pride and Prejudice! This is for the parents, who love their kids and want to help them learn to love books, but are also wishing they could have the time to read (or in this case re-read) Pride and Prejudice (and in the case of the series, other classics).
All of them are about the classic book in some ways, but also have a toddler-need focus, and this one both summarizes some key elements (for a parent) of the plot, but is also about counting:
1 English village
2 rich gentlemen
3 houses
4 marriage proposals
5 sisters
6 horses
7 soldiers in uniform
8 musicians
9 fancy ball gowns
10 thousand pounds a year
which is an hilarious ending pointing to (one funny interpretation of) the end of the book. Very funny, sweet, with adorably fun illustrations by Allison Oliver.
Personal connections: 1) I found this in the book sale shelf at my library, so snatched it right up! 2) I wrote my MA thesis on Jane Austen, so HAD to HAVE it! and 3) this year I have already listened to P & P and will read it again this summer so I can teach it--for the first time ever--this fall
But no, I realized, toddlers can't really yet be fully exposed to Pride and Prejudice! This is for the parents, who love their kids and want to help them learn to love books, but are also wishing they could have the time to read (or in this case re-read) Pride and Prejudice (and in the case of the series, other classics).
All of them are about the classic book in some ways, but also have a toddler-need focus, and this one both summarizes some key elements (for a parent) of the plot, but is also about counting:
1 English village
2 rich gentlemen
3 houses
4 marriage proposals
5 sisters
6 horses
7 soldiers in uniform
8 musicians
9 fancy ball gowns
10 thousand pounds a year
which is an hilarious ending pointing to (one funny interpretation of) the end of the book. Very funny, sweet, with adorably fun illustrations by Allison Oliver.
Personal connections: 1) I found this in the book sale shelf at my library, so snatched it right up! 2) I wrote my MA thesis on Jane Austen, so HAD to HAVE it! and 3) this year I have already listened to P & P and will read it again this summer so I can teach it--for the first time ever--this fall
June 24, 2024
WOW THIS IS REALLY FLIPPIN' ADORABLE.
December 22, 2011
No child is too young to meet Jane Austen and her masterpiece, Pride and Prejudice. In this picture book, the characters and basic plot of Pride and Prejudice are turned into a "counting primer" (one of those picture books where on the first page you're introduced to the number 1, on the second to the number 2, etc.). Thus we have "1 English Village", "2 Rich Gentlemen" (Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, of course), 5 sisters, and many other delights. Number 10 is one of the funniest--and most fitting--things I have ever read, so I won't spoil it for you.
My daughter, I must say, loves the book, in part because I am so excited when I read it for her. It also has beautiful illustrations, a nice, Victorian feeling color palette, and attractively decorated numbers that draw her in. And of course, for the adults, there's some subtle, humorous details thrown in--for example, the questions and responses on the "4 Marriage Proposals" page and the fact that Elizabeth wears a dress that says "I Heart Darcy" on it.
A delight! I highly recommend it to any Jane Austen fans, whether or not you have kids.
My daughter, I must say, loves the book, in part because I am so excited when I read it for her. It also has beautiful illustrations, a nice, Victorian feeling color palette, and attractively decorated numbers that draw her in. And of course, for the adults, there's some subtle, humorous details thrown in--for example, the questions and responses on the "4 Marriage Proposals" page and the fact that Elizabeth wears a dress that says "I Heart Darcy" on it.
A delight! I highly recommend it to any Jane Austen fans, whether or not you have kids.
August 17, 2015
The Pride & Prejudice adaptation is very cute. The art is lovely. The concept is simple and the characters, of course, beloved. Perhaps the best of the series.
June 12, 2018
Is it too early to purchase baby board books? Cuz that’s exactly what I did with this book!
July 15, 2013
So adorable and fun! Little ones can enjoy illustrations of ball gowns and horses and ten thousand pound bank notes, Mommy (or Daddy) will appreciate knowing the story they really mean in Austen's story ;-)
July 11, 2017
Cute. When it counts elements from the actual Pride and Prejudice story (5 sisters, for example), I loved it, but toward the higher numbers the counted items got more generic and less fun (like 8 horses). Still, a cute way to incorporate the classics into early learning.
February 22, 2019
I read this to my nephew and was smiling ear to ear the whole time. So cute and clever!
January 31, 2019
Cute counting book using things from the novel.
August 3, 2011
I have read all of Jane Austen works, many biographies, nonfiction, and oodles of sequels — but an Austen-inspired children’s board book? Whoa! Curious? I was. Don’t ya just love the creativity that our Jane inspires?
When I first heard about Pride & Prejudice: Little Miss Austen (BabyLit) by Jennifer Adams, the same author who wrote the lovely Remarkably Jane: Notable Quotations on Jane Austen, I was quite intrigued. Would this be a retelling of one of my favorite classic novels for very young readers? How would it translate into a children’s counting primer? And, how the heck would I review a children’s book – total virgin territory for me.
Once I had a copy of the book in hand, many of my concerns were immediately dispelled. It was indeed a board book, a small compact cardboard version of a book — easy for a child to hold, unrippable and chewable. (Yes. As a bookseller, I have seen many a toddler stick a board book in their mouth and gnaw on it like a teething ring.) At 22 pages, it was both compact and lightweight, but what will ultimately appeal to parent and child is the total Pride and Prejudice theme that author Jennifer Adams and illustrator Alison Oliver have embraced. From the bright and cheery front cover displaying an image of (one assumes) a wide eyed, and very young Miss Austen, to the 20 clever and striking illustrations inside, I was awed by the choice of characters, Regency clothing and objects used and the ease of the text.
As we progress through the book, each of the pages also moves through the opening chapters of Pride and Prejudice, ending at 10,000 pounds a year. Jennifer Adams has selected key points and characters admirably. Parents, grandparents and anyone who is an Austen fan will recognize their favorite characters and scenes, and children will be enchanted by the illustrations and the counting theme. Of course this board book format could not be a full retelling of the entire narrative, but it gives the very young reader an introduction to characters, images, and a bit of the story that they can remember when they watch the movie adaptation and later move into the full novel.
Charming, whimsical and historical accurate, Pride & Prejudice: Little Miss Austen, offers the very young reader an early introduction to Jane Austen – planting seeds for her total world take-over!
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
When I first heard about Pride & Prejudice: Little Miss Austen (BabyLit) by Jennifer Adams, the same author who wrote the lovely Remarkably Jane: Notable Quotations on Jane Austen, I was quite intrigued. Would this be a retelling of one of my favorite classic novels for very young readers? How would it translate into a children’s counting primer? And, how the heck would I review a children’s book – total virgin territory for me.
Once I had a copy of the book in hand, many of my concerns were immediately dispelled. It was indeed a board book, a small compact cardboard version of a book — easy for a child to hold, unrippable and chewable. (Yes. As a bookseller, I have seen many a toddler stick a board book in their mouth and gnaw on it like a teething ring.) At 22 pages, it was both compact and lightweight, but what will ultimately appeal to parent and child is the total Pride and Prejudice theme that author Jennifer Adams and illustrator Alison Oliver have embraced. From the bright and cheery front cover displaying an image of (one assumes) a wide eyed, and very young Miss Austen, to the 20 clever and striking illustrations inside, I was awed by the choice of characters, Regency clothing and objects used and the ease of the text.
As we progress through the book, each of the pages also moves through the opening chapters of Pride and Prejudice, ending at 10,000 pounds a year. Jennifer Adams has selected key points and characters admirably. Parents, grandparents and anyone who is an Austen fan will recognize their favorite characters and scenes, and children will be enchanted by the illustrations and the counting theme. Of course this board book format could not be a full retelling of the entire narrative, but it gives the very young reader an introduction to characters, images, and a bit of the story that they can remember when they watch the movie adaptation and later move into the full novel.
Charming, whimsical and historical accurate, Pride & Prejudice: Little Miss Austen, offers the very young reader an early introduction to Jane Austen – planting seeds for her total world take-over!
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
August 30, 2011
If I could, I would own every edition of Pride and Prejudice ever printed in the English language. While I do have annotated, hardcover, paperback, tradeback, ebook, and audiobook versions of my favorite novel, I never thought I'd see the day when a board book would be made from Jane Austen's work. I've read a large number of board books and picture books to my sister's children over the years, and I obviously have my favorites. But I think I've now got a new book to add to that list.
Little Miss Austen's Pride & Prejudice board book is a counting primer for pre-school children. While I was skeptical as to how a great novel could be skimmed down to just numbers, Jennifer Adams manages to pick aspects of the original plot and associate them with the numbers 1 through 10. Alison Oliver's wonderful color illustrations complement the words perfectly. My only gripe is the inaccuracies — e.g., the book states there are 4 marriage proposals, but there are actually more than that in the original novel. It's not a very big deal, however, and doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the board book...even for a Janeite like myself!
My favorite pages:
3 houses — Longbourn, Netherfield, Pemberley
5 sisters — Jane, Elizabeth, Lydia, Kitty, Mary
9 fancy ball gowns
My two young nieces have expressed interest in Jane Austen (due to their observation of all the Jane Austen novels on my bookcase), and I think this will be a great way to introduce them to the story of Elizabeth and Darcy.
Little Miss Austen's Pride & Prejudice board book is a counting primer for pre-school children. While I was skeptical as to how a great novel could be skimmed down to just numbers, Jennifer Adams manages to pick aspects of the original plot and associate them with the numbers 1 through 10. Alison Oliver's wonderful color illustrations complement the words perfectly. My only gripe is the inaccuracies — e.g., the book states there are 4 marriage proposals, but there are actually more than that in the original novel. It's not a very big deal, however, and doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the board book...even for a Janeite like myself!
My favorite pages:
3 houses — Longbourn, Netherfield, Pemberley
5 sisters — Jane, Elizabeth, Lydia, Kitty, Mary
9 fancy ball gowns
My two young nieces have expressed interest in Jane Austen (due to their observation of all the Jane Austen novels on my bookcase), and I think this will be a great way to introduce them to the story of Elizabeth and Darcy.
May 17, 2021
Well ... apart from the fact that a bored and bright kid can have an awesome time with every thing that offers colorful illustrations (from food wrappings to street signs) I think that "Little Miss Austen" is one of the worst counting books I've come across. It comes highly recommended as a baby shower present for Darcy-crazy young mums. And since I love my Austen novels a lot, I thought I had to see for myself how the book, that claims to introduce the classic lovestory to the youngest of all readerships, manages to 'tell' the story in 22 pages. I have to admit I overlooked the 'counting primer' inscription on the cover, when I stumbled across the publisher's site. Still, even when I held the book in my hands and noticed the fine print I was intrigued. But ... do you want to know what superduper interesting things the book counts together with darling Baby Fitzwilliam? Horses (great!), Rich Gentlemen (well, okay ...), Sisters (alright ...), but Marriage Proposals? 1000-Pound-Notes (10 altogether)? Probably you hand over the great idea to the austenish Mummy if you buy this book for her newborn. You show her that you are aware of her obsession, that you are a observant girl-friend. I would rather buy something that will appeal to Mini-Bingley a few months later and promise his mother to find time for a video marathon or a joined re-read when he is asleep fondly drooling on 'Bobo Siebenschläfer'.Here are a few sample pages to give you an idea.
June 10, 2017
As I stated in a previous review of a different BabyLit book...
This is a children's board book that contains one word and one illustration, on every other page, throughout the entirety of the book. I attempted to give this book a fair chance; and failed.
ONE: I cannot understand why there is a children's adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. In my opinion, there should not be. TWO: One word and illustration on every other page does not a book make. Even if it is a board book. It is just strange and confusing and NO. Therefore, I did not enjoy this book (or any of the other BabyLit books that I have encountered) and would not recommend it to anyone.
This is a children's board book that contains one word and one illustration, on every other page, throughout the entirety of the book. I attempted to give this book a fair chance; and failed.
ONE: I cannot understand why there is a children's adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. In my opinion, there should not be. TWO: One word and illustration on every other page does not a book make. Even if it is a board book. It is just strange and confusing and NO. Therefore, I did not enjoy this book (or any of the other BabyLit books that I have encountered) and would not recommend it to anyone.
July 26, 2017
So, this is flippin' adorable. I bought it while looking for kindle books to read to my 2 year old, and as soon as my Austen obsession collided with this baby verson, I HAD to have it! It's a counting book, and Baby loooooved counting the pictures with me, as I told her a little about each thing we counted, adding to this book with tiny details from the original. And we had FUN! I intend to buy her the actual board book for her little book collection we've started. I also fully intend to grab more of this cute little series.
Bob says: 5 Platypires and Pugglepire approved!
Bob says: 5 Platypires and Pugglepire approved!
February 24, 2013
I LOVE THIS BOOK! I love Jane Austen but haven't been able to read a long book because I have young kids. This was just too cute and introduced my 5 year old to Austen. I adore the pictures. They are cartoon like, but very girly with pinks and rose and white. My 3 year old loved the dresses. The baby loves turning the pages. I was so excited when I found this at the library now I need my own copy.
January 20, 2012
So, this is a counting book that tells the story of Pride and Prejudice, it's pretty friggin' awesome. Some highlights...2 rich gentlemen (Bingley and Darcy, of course), 5 sisters, and, my favorite 10...10,000 pounds a year! If you love Pride and Prejudice, you will love listen to your tiny tot count out the highlights...good times...good times...
April 22, 2012
Poor subject for a children's book.
Poorly executed. Bored Emerson to the point of shoving it aside for a book about trucks.
MOOK
Mark gave this book a 1 star.
Now, for the mommy review. This book is awesome! It is a really cute counting book: "...4 marriage proposals....". But Emerson couldn't get into it because he wanted to read about trucks. This book is a 5 star book.
Poorly executed. Bored Emerson to the point of shoving it aside for a book about trucks.
MOOK
Mark gave this book a 1 star.
Now, for the mommy review. This book is awesome! It is a really cute counting book: "...4 marriage proposals....". But Emerson couldn't get into it because he wanted to read about trucks. This book is a 5 star book.
April 3, 2014
This is the second book in this series we've received as a gift which means we have excellent friends :-)
The pictures are great and the subjects are wonderful 'in jokes' based on Pride & Prejudice. I think my favourite is '4 marriage proposals'.
We will enjoy this book alongside our Alice in Wonderland book of colours.
The pictures are great and the subjects are wonderful 'in jokes' based on Pride & Prejudice. I think my favourite is '4 marriage proposals'.
We will enjoy this book alongside our Alice in Wonderland book of colours.
April 29, 2012
Absolutely brilliant interpretation of one of my favorite Bollywood inspired films. Pride and Prejudice takes you through your numbers and is just perfect for people who don't have the time to suffer through the original text.
December 21, 2011
Tee hee. This is a counting board book using themes from Pride and Prejudice. I got a good giggle out of it, and my two-year-old girl likes it because it's pink. Win-win.
February 28, 2013
I loved this board book! Such a cute idea!
February 28, 2014
The essence of Pride and Prejudice distilled into a counting book for the preschool set is delightful. This is one of my very favorite board books.
January 20, 2015
Bought this for my two year old. You are never too young to introduce your daughter to Mr Darcy.
April 18, 2015
OMG, this was so cute and adorable. Loved the illustrations and while it was hard to pick a favorite picture, the dashing young redcoats might win the day...
May 18, 2015
Stumbled upon this while I was shelving baby books at the library today. 'Twas delightful.
June 3, 2016
A delightfully comprehensive retelling of P&P by the numbers!
December 15, 2017
So adorable...
March 29, 2018
An amazing introduction to Pride and Prejudice for any baby!! Love the illustrations. Wonderful.
March 16, 2019
Excellent illustrations and a real page turner for my baby!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews