[ To the Rescue! (My First I Can Read Little Critter's - Level Pre1 (Paper)) ] By Mayer, Mercer ( Author ) [ 2008 ) [ Paperback ]

Little Critter

by Mercer Mayer

Super Critter can be heard saving the day in seven sound effects including the flight of his hurling slingshot, the acceleration of a speeding spaceship, the dialing of a push-button phone, and the flying of the super hero himself.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

Paperback

First published June 1, 1992

About the author

Mercer Mayer is an American children's author and illustrator. He has published over 300 books, using a wide range of illustrative styles. Mayer is best known for his Little Critter and Little Monster series of books.

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

We purchased this book a few months ago and just read it this evening. Little critter is fast becoming a favorite. This was pretty good at introducing the idea of 911 and talking about knowing your address and phone number, but I'm not sure that calling 911 and how this ended wasn't a bit extreme. Cute series, good concept. I can't help but think, where was mom? Why did the police man bring his coffee? You have to enjoy the details in the artwork.

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know why they had to demolish the door with an axe, but otherwise cute

[AnnDee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This easy reader is a great way to introduce to students to the concept of an emergency. In the book, a dad and son are working together when the father accidentally locks himself in the basement. The son offers to help get his dad out. Unfortunately, when he goes to put the key in the door to unlock it, the key breaks off inside the door so his dad really is stuck. The little boy has to call 9-1-1 so that someone can help them. The fire department shows up and breaks down the door so the dad is free once again. I would use this book in my classroom to discuss when it is appropriate to emergency services, what it means to call 9-1-1, and who comes when we make the call. Rather than shy away from scary experiences, I would rather prepare my students for dangerous situations. In addition, this could be a good book to read when learning about fire fighters, to learn about jobs they do besides fight fires.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t think this topic was presented in a good way. Calling 911 is a serious matter. It shouldn’t be done without good reason. When he calls 911 both police and fire show up for a locked door. Then they break the door down with an ax. I know this is a childrens book but this isn’t realistic either.

[Dodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to teach kids about using 911

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how this book shows that children are heroes when they call 911 to help out others. That no one gets in trouble for calling 911 when they are trying to help others.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, show kids a way to get help.

[Tamara Rae · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is disappointingly sexist.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the back cover: "The magic of Mercer Mayer's 'Little Critter' is enhanced with the addition of seven whimsical sound effects. In this tale, Little Critter imagines he is Super Critter, every critter's favorite super hero....Recommended for ages 3 and up."

I'm not sure the little buttons to press at certain points of the story actually enhance the experience, but the storyline is cute. Super Critter's weapon is a slingshot he loads with vegetables from dinner. Relatively non-violent (compared to other superheroes) -- one passage reads, "If a flying saucer landed on earth, I'd chase away the aliens with my slingshot. Of course, if the aliens were friendly, I might let them stay. But they would have to eat cookies for snacks, not critters" and is accompanied by picture of Little Critter serving up chocolate chip cookies to the aliens.

[Angie]

Synopsis: "Uh-oh, Dad needs help!

When Dad is locked in the basement, Little Critter knows just what to do. He picks up the phone to dial three numbers. The firemen arrive in just a few minutes to rescue Dad . . . but they can't stay long to share in the excitement. They have another job to do. Join Little Critter as he shares his 9-1-1 smarts!"

My Review: This is a cute book and has a great lesson to it. It is a fun way to teach kids the importance and ease of dialing 911 when they need help. It is a simple story and with simple lines though maybe a little more advanced that a first level. I think this will be a great story for Munchkin when he is ready to read, with familiar characters and fun illustrations to go along with the story.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Topic: Beginning reader picture books
Theme: safety, 911, helping others

My thoughts: My son and I love the Little Critter series! Mercer Mayer just has a way with telling a great story with adorable illustrations that are colorful and fun. Search for the frog, spider and mouse on each page keeps my son engaged in the book.
Activity: This book would be a great introductory lesson for teaching safety to young kids. This book could also we used as a themed reading station on helping others during independent reading time.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that the police man always had a cup of coffee in his hand. I hope that if I ever need to report an emergency that the police will drink their coffees either before or after the emergency is resolved. Also the poor door. I would not like to come home to a door broken down by an axe.

However, the moral of the story is if you or someone else is in trouble, call 9-1-1. This is an important lesson for all kids to learn that can save lives.

[Lari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good choice for teaching about calling 911. Best for independent reading time for beginning readers. My kids loved the Mercer Mayer books when they were younger because they have such engaging illustrations.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Dad accidentally locks himself in the basement Little Critter comes to the rescue by calling 911 and knowing his address and knowing what to do when he's the only one there that can help Dad in an emergency.

[Christian Padgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to use with young kids about safety. After the boy tries to open the door and cannot do so, he calls 911 for help. This can lead into a conversation about what 911 is how we should use it.

[Katie]

IIIIIII

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Critter saves his dad when he's stuck in the basement.