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Phoebe and Digger
With a new baby taking up Mama’s time and attention, what will happen when Phoebe needs her?
When Mama got a new baby, Phoebe got a new digger. And when Mama is busy with the baby, Phoebe and Digger are busy, too: "Waa!" says the baby. "Rmm!" says Digger. Poop! goes the baby. "Rmm!" says Digger. Finally, Mama says it’s time to go to the park, the one with real dirt — and while Mama and the baby sit on the boring bench, Phoebe and Digger happily build and knock down and dig things up. That is, until a big girl comes by, a kid with mean teeth and grabby hands. Phoebe tries everything she can, but what if she never gets Digger back? Comical illustrations and a spot-on story are sure to make readers of all ages smile in recognition.
When Mama got a new baby, Phoebe got a new digger. And when Mama is busy with the baby, Phoebe and Digger are busy, too: "Waa!" says the baby. "Rmm!" says Digger. Poop! goes the baby. "Rmm!" says Digger. Finally, Mama says it’s time to go to the park, the one with real dirt — and while Mama and the baby sit on the boring bench, Phoebe and Digger happily build and knock down and dig things up. That is, until a big girl comes by, a kid with mean teeth and grabby hands. Phoebe tries everything she can, but what if she never gets Digger back? Comical illustrations and a spot-on story are sure to make readers of all ages smile in recognition.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 26, 2013
About the author
Tricia Springstubb
32 books157 followersSister James Bernard, my first grade teacher, taught me how to read. Our class had 60 children (yes) and we went up and down the long rows, taking turns reading aloud. There was absolutely no reading ahead, which was torture. I was always dying to know What happened next? (though with Dick and Jane, the answer was usually, Not much.) As I grew up, I began to wonder not only what happened, but why, and much much later,inhabiting other people's stories wasn't enough. I began to make my own.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 9, 2013
Reasons why I dig this book:
1. Phoebe is a girl who loves her digger. Yay for girls who like things that go!
2. Phoebe and her family have black hair, dark eyes, and brown skin. Yay for a main character who isn't distinctly white!
3. Phoebe acts like a real preschooler. She pouts, she uses her knuckles ("just a little") and also her foot ("not too hard") when using her words doesn't get results with a bully. Some grownups may object to some of Phoebe's actions and the fact that the boy who is upset about worms is "a crybaby boy", but I like that Springstubb has written a truthful story about preschoolers, and the adult can always tell kids after sharing the story, "we don't call others 'crybaby'" or whatever.
4. The mom kind of solves the problem, but doesn't completely take over. When mom approaches, the bully backs off - so the solution is realistic. It is comforting for little kids to know that grownups can help when other kids take your stuff,and thank you, Springstubb, for not giving the mom a preachy speech.
5. Nifty art.
1. Phoebe is a girl who loves her digger. Yay for girls who like things that go!
2. Phoebe and her family have black hair, dark eyes, and brown skin. Yay for a main character who isn't distinctly white!
3. Phoebe acts like a real preschooler. She pouts, she uses her knuckles ("just a little") and also her foot ("not too hard") when using her words doesn't get results with a bully. Some grownups may object to some of Phoebe's actions and the fact that the boy who is upset about worms is "a crybaby boy", but I like that Springstubb has written a truthful story about preschoolers, and the adult can always tell kids after sharing the story, "we don't call others 'crybaby'" or whatever.
4. The mom kind of solves the problem, but doesn't completely take over. When mom approaches, the bully backs off - so the solution is realistic. It is comforting for little kids to know that grownups can help when other kids take your stuff,and thank you, Springstubb, for not giving the mom a preachy speech.
5. Nifty art.
April 23, 2013
Phoebe's mom has a new baby and, as a gift, Phoebe gets a digger toy. Phoebe and Digger have tons of fun, but nothing compares to a day at the park. When a bigger kid takes Digger, Phoebe is devastated until Mama's presence saves the day.
My feelings are torn regarding this book. I LOVE the watercolor, ink, gouache, and permanent marker artwork. I really like that the machine has a face and changes expressions. I also liked the language of the book (i.e. "...it took mama and the baby forever and a day to get ready..."). The part that left me a little confused was the action involving the bully at the park. It felt like two separate books to me starring the same character.
My feelings are torn regarding this book. I LOVE the watercolor, ink, gouache, and permanent marker artwork. I really like that the machine has a face and changes expressions. I also liked the language of the book (i.e. "...it took mama and the baby forever and a day to get ready..."). The part that left me a little confused was the action involving the bully at the park. It felt like two separate books to me starring the same character.
April 24, 2013
First of all, YAY for a book with a girl character who likes to play with construction equipment (and a mom who gives it to her!). Second, LOVE the illustrations. Third, excellent story about how to handle conflict.
March 13, 2013
perfect tie in for SRC 2013 Dig Into Reading- adorable story!
April 2, 2013
I just got my First Read in the mail and had to read it right away. I was not disappointed. Perfect for anyone with more than one child, or will soon have more than one.
Phoebe's mom has a new baby. On the same day, Phoebe gets a new digger. Phoebe feels replaced by the baby, so she unconsciously decides to replace her mom with the digger.
Later at the park, she's faced with a bully who takes away her beloved digger. She does all she can think of to get it back, but to no avail. Just when she feels completely alone and about to give in to tears, her mom comes to her rescue. In that moment, she realizes that she was never replaced after all. She forms a silent truce with the new baby, and Mom gives a sigh of relief.
The overall message of the story will probably go over the child's head, but it does a good job addressing bullies and letting children know that they are never alone. The illustrations are simple, but fit well with the storyline.
Though it's in third person limited, it describes the world as Phoebe sees it - describing the park bench as "the boring bench", or being put in timeout "after forever and a day". It causes a very light and playful reading. Both my daughter and son loved the book.
Phoebe's mom has a new baby. On the same day, Phoebe gets a new digger. Phoebe feels replaced by the baby, so she unconsciously decides to replace her mom with the digger.
Later at the park, she's faced with a bully who takes away her beloved digger. She does all she can think of to get it back, but to no avail. Just when she feels completely alone and about to give in to tears, her mom comes to her rescue. In that moment, she realizes that she was never replaced after all. She forms a silent truce with the new baby, and Mom gives a sigh of relief.
The overall message of the story will probably go over the child's head, but it does a good job addressing bullies and letting children know that they are never alone. The illustrations are simple, but fit well with the storyline.
Though it's in third person limited, it describes the world as Phoebe sees it - describing the park bench as "the boring bench", or being put in timeout "after forever and a day". It causes a very light and playful reading. Both my daughter and son loved the book.
April 13, 2013
For a short picture book, this story covers a lot of ground. It deals with new siblings, bullying, and even toy stereotypes.
Phoebe has a new baby sibling and a new toy digger. Yes, heavy construction equipment isn't just for boys. As mama has less time for Phoebe, Phoebe has more time with Digger, to the point of driving mama kind of bonkers.
So, mama, baby, Phoebe and Digger go to the park, a place with peace and quiet for mama and baby, and real dirt for Phoebe and Digger. Phoebe meets a squeamish little boy and a bigger girl who is a bully. A fun story ensues, and its only weakness is that the bully really doesn't learn any lesson, but just switches targets.
Phoebe and baby begin to become friends, Phoebe and mama finally share a frozen treat, baby even gets to hold Digger, but the bully wanders off and steals candy from another small child.
Still, it's a really cute story, and one that some children will love.
Phoebe has a new baby sibling and a new toy digger. Yes, heavy construction equipment isn't just for boys. As mama has less time for Phoebe, Phoebe has more time with Digger, to the point of driving mama kind of bonkers.
So, mama, baby, Phoebe and Digger go to the park, a place with peace and quiet for mama and baby, and real dirt for Phoebe and Digger. Phoebe meets a squeamish little boy and a bigger girl who is a bully. A fun story ensues, and its only weakness is that the bully really doesn't learn any lesson, but just switches targets.
Phoebe and baby begin to become friends, Phoebe and mama finally share a frozen treat, baby even gets to hold Digger, but the bully wanders off and steals candy from another small child.
Still, it's a really cute story, and one that some children will love.
March 9, 2013
I unpacked this cutie from a box sent by Candlewick for Book Evaluation and couldn't resist taking a peek. Poor Phoebe has a new brother but receiving a digger toy takes a bit of the sting away. When mom decides the family needs a trip to the park, Phoebe finds herself dealing with a much larger girl who confiscates Digger. Energetic illustrations by Jeff Newman (The Boys) convey the ups and downs of life in an expanding family with humor and affection.
March 10, 2013
Phoebe's new digger toy keeps her mind off her new baby brother getting all of her mother's attention until a big, bully girl takes it away at the park.
April 10, 2020
When Mama got a new baby, big sister Phoebe got a new digger toy. The Digger and the baby have a lot in common - especially in terms of noises and needs - but when a big girl took Digger away from Phoebe, she found comfort and safety with her mother. The timing of reading this book was perfect as my 5- and 2-year olds just became big sisters to a baby who loves to cry.
September 25, 2019
I liked this book for a myriad of reasons. The first is that YAY A GIRL IS PLAYING WITH THE DIGGER TOY. No fuss is made over it. It's just a normal toy that any girl might want to play with, but I've been reading a lot of digger books lately (the two-year-old is obsessed) even when it's an animal on the digger that animal is MALE. Girls can like construction equipment too.
I also liked that this book handled a few different "lessons" all within the simple framework of a little girl just playing with her digger. There's a new baby in the house and Mom is a bit frazzled and Phoebe is feeling a little ignored. This isn't really obvious until the end when they're all wrapped in a group hug and Phoebe hope it lasts for "a year and a day". She also finally interacts with Baby and they make a special connection. Phoebe allows Baby to play with Digger, and Mom and Phoebe eat a sweet treat together. It's not an overt shift, and I appreciate the subtlety.
Phoebe also has a few interpersonal issues while playing with Digger in the park. First she inadvertently makes another kid cry, which makes a whole park full of babies cry, which earns her a timeout. No fun. Later, she is bullied by an older child who takes Digger away from her, and tries to talk nicely to the child (or Giant as she calls her), but it doesn't work. It isn't until Mom shows up that she gets her Digger back. I like that there's no hard-and-fast rules here that Phoebe is supposed to learn about these interactions. Both are unfair, and neither one is much in her control. That's life, and this is life as a small child will understand it.
Lastly, I really loved the illustration of the Digger. It was so expressive and adorable I found my eyes always searching it out on each page.
I also liked that this book handled a few different "lessons" all within the simple framework of a little girl just playing with her digger. There's a new baby in the house and Mom is a bit frazzled and Phoebe is feeling a little ignored. This isn't really obvious until the end when they're all wrapped in a group hug and Phoebe hope it lasts for "a year and a day". She also finally interacts with Baby and they make a special connection. Phoebe allows Baby to play with Digger, and Mom and Phoebe eat a sweet treat together. It's not an overt shift, and I appreciate the subtlety.
Phoebe also has a few interpersonal issues while playing with Digger in the park. First she inadvertently makes another kid cry, which makes a whole park full of babies cry, which earns her a timeout. No fun. Later, she is bullied by an older child who takes Digger away from her, and tries to talk nicely to the child (or Giant as she calls her), but it doesn't work. It isn't until Mom shows up that she gets her Digger back. I like that there's no hard-and-fast rules here that Phoebe is supposed to learn about these interactions. Both are unfair, and neither one is much in her control. That's life, and this is life as a small child will understand it.
Lastly, I really loved the illustration of the Digger. It was so expressive and adorable I found my eyes always searching it out on each page.
Read
January 28, 2019Hey, it's another book about a kid not excited about a new sibling that centers a Black family. (I feel like even though there are lot more picturebooks now than there used to be that center identities other than the default, if you're looking for books to talk to kids about specific issues -- a new baby, death, etc. -- you're mostly still limited to books centering default identities/experiences.)
I don't remember how this book ended up on my list, possibly from the GR list "Children's Books that Break Gender Stereotypes." I like that the consolation prize this girl child gets after the new baby arrives is a digger toy -- that she's so excited to do kinds of play traditionally associated with boys.
The book does a nice job of paralleling structure (e.g., "Mama and the baby were always busy. / So were Phoebe and Digger.") and using the illustrations to good effect, often humorously undercutting what the words alone imply.
The interlude with the bully near the end of the story feels a little out of place -- one GR reviewer said, "It felt like two separate books to me starring the same character. " I think its purpose was for the resolution -- Mama demonstrating being emotionally and physically present for Phoebe (who has clearly been experiencing herself as disconnected from Mama-and-the-baby), as well as the beginnings of a connection between Phoebe and the baby -- but it does feel a little jarring.
I don't remember how this book ended up on my list, possibly from the GR list "Children's Books that Break Gender Stereotypes." I like that the consolation prize this girl child gets after the new baby arrives is a digger toy -- that she's so excited to do kinds of play traditionally associated with boys.
The book does a nice job of paralleling structure (e.g., "Mama and the baby were always busy. / So were Phoebe and Digger.") and using the illustrations to good effect, often humorously undercutting what the words alone imply.
The interlude with the bully near the end of the story feels a little out of place -- one GR reviewer said, "It felt like two separate books to me starring the same character. " I think its purpose was for the resolution -- Mama demonstrating being emotionally and physically present for Phoebe (who has clearly been experiencing herself as disconnected from Mama-and-the-baby), as well as the beginnings of a connection between Phoebe and the baby -- but it does feel a little jarring.
June 18, 2013
Tricia Springstubb's picture book, "Phoebe and Digger," deals with an issue that many who the book is intended for can relate to. What happens when the child who has been an "only" and the apple of her parents' eyes suddenly has a sibling? How do the family dynamics change? In this case, Phoebe comforts herself with "Digger," a toy bulldozer.
"Phoebe and Digger" is being paired with the young adult novel, "Cold Fury" by T.M. Goeglein this month for one of the book clubs that I am in. The books are similar in that both feature a female protagonist who is the oldest child and from whom little is expected. Each finds herself in a situation in which she must take the reigns against a female antagonist. Each is a worthy contender.
In terms if illustrations, "Phoebe and Digger" is just so-so. I love the bright colors. I also enjoy the rendering of the girl bully on the playground. And the facial expressions of the characters are wonderfully illustrated. However, some of the illustrations are misleading. For instance, in one illustration, the mother has Phoebe's brother over her knees, and the baby is crying. I had to look twice each time I read the book because it looks as if the baby is being spanked. When one examines the photo, of course, the mother is trying to comfort the crying baby.
This book was just so-so for me.
"Phoebe and Digger" is being paired with the young adult novel, "Cold Fury" by T.M. Goeglein this month for one of the book clubs that I am in. The books are similar in that both feature a female protagonist who is the oldest child and from whom little is expected. Each finds herself in a situation in which she must take the reigns against a female antagonist. Each is a worthy contender.
In terms if illustrations, "Phoebe and Digger" is just so-so. I love the bright colors. I also enjoy the rendering of the girl bully on the playground. And the facial expressions of the characters are wonderfully illustrated. However, some of the illustrations are misleading. For instance, in one illustration, the mother has Phoebe's brother over her knees, and the baby is crying. I had to look twice each time I read the book because it looks as if the baby is being spanked. When one examines the photo, of course, the mother is trying to comfort the crying baby.
This book was just so-so for me.
May 24, 2013
This book has a lot to offer children who like to read sounds and repetition. As Phoebe plays with her toy, "DIGGER," the reader gets to playfully read out loud the sounds that she gives for the toy..."RMMM..." and the sounds of her new baby brother when he cries. The story includes a little bit of sibling relations. More importantly, Phoebe experiences emotions in the story that might be just the right thing for children to read with their parents when talking about the feelings that they have. Parents will also be entertained by the witty portrayal of the mother as she and other parents try to manage unhappy babies who cry all the time. Facial expressions among all of the characters in the story are a gret topic for conversations with your children, too. I also recommend this book for use in a storytime with preschoolers/toddlers. It runs a little longer than most, but it will keep the attention of an audience of toddlers and preschoolers and be an entertaining resource for reading out loud.
April 23, 2019
I really like this book! Phoebe gets Digger when her mom has a new baby. She misses the attention of her busy mother, but she loves her toy and plays happily (and noisily) with it at home and at the park. She doesn't appreciate crybabies, like literal babies or squeamish little boys - until she finds herself wanting to cry too when a bigger girl takes Digger without asking. There's no dramatic resolution to the problem(s) presented, but Phoebe's mom notices what's happening and steps in quietly, affirming Phoebe's feelings and making her feel safe. I love that the book specifically states this feeling. There's no drama around how Phoebe feels or doesn't feel, which tracks with lots of little girls I know but NOT the standard dramatic kids in popular books. I also love that Phoebe favors a toy vehicle (rather than, say, a doll) and likes making noises with it, digging in the dirt, using her imagination and being active. Again, I think that's true to life, but not often reflected in the princess-obsessed girls that populate many children's books.
December 8, 2018
“When Mama got a new baby ... Phoebe got a digger.”
During an outing at the park, Mama and baby choose the “boring bench”, but Phoebe and Digger head for the dirt. Phoebe has an altercation with a small boy when Digger unearths a boa constrictor (worm) and makes the boy cry, which triggers the “secret baby signal,” and all the babies in the park begin crying. Mama and baby get involved: “Phoebe, can’t you play nicely?” Phoebe ends up on the bench for a timeout. When she does get back to playing, Phoebe encounters a much bigger kid who immediately takes Digger. This time Phoebe is glad that Mama and baby get involved.
The narrator sees things through Phoebe’s perspective, using the hyperbole of a child to tell the story: “after forever and a day” and “the giant said,” the injustice of the timeout, etc. ... while the illustrations show the other side of things ... making this a very fun story. Kids will relate 😁
During an outing at the park, Mama and baby choose the “boring bench”, but Phoebe and Digger head for the dirt. Phoebe has an altercation with a small boy when Digger unearths a boa constrictor (worm) and makes the boy cry, which triggers the “secret baby signal,” and all the babies in the park begin crying. Mama and baby get involved: “Phoebe, can’t you play nicely?” Phoebe ends up on the bench for a timeout. When she does get back to playing, Phoebe encounters a much bigger kid who immediately takes Digger. This time Phoebe is glad that Mama and baby get involved.
The narrator sees things through Phoebe’s perspective, using the hyperbole of a child to tell the story: “after forever and a day” and “the giant said,” the injustice of the timeout, etc. ... while the illustrations show the other side of things ... making this a very fun story. Kids will relate 😁
June 13, 2015
Opening:
This story is about a girl named Phoebe. Phoebe plays with ‘Digger’, who is a truck toy. One day Phoebe and ‘Digger’ go to the park and Phoebe is approached by a big girl with mean teeth. Phoebe tries everything she can to save ‘Digger’. Do you think she will still have ‘Digger’ when they story ends? Have you ever been in a situation where someone approaches you and tries to take away what you’re playing with? What did you do during that situation?
Opening Moves:
-Provide important background information
-Raise questions to spark curiosity
-Invite personal connections
Rationale:
I chose this book because it is also about bullies. This book talks about how sometimes bullies want something that you are playing with but you don’t want to give your toy to the bully. This book also bring great discussion with the class on how to share with bullies.
This story is about a girl named Phoebe. Phoebe plays with ‘Digger’, who is a truck toy. One day Phoebe and ‘Digger’ go to the park and Phoebe is approached by a big girl with mean teeth. Phoebe tries everything she can to save ‘Digger’. Do you think she will still have ‘Digger’ when they story ends? Have you ever been in a situation where someone approaches you and tries to take away what you’re playing with? What did you do during that situation?
Opening Moves:
-Provide important background information
-Raise questions to spark curiosity
-Invite personal connections
Rationale:
I chose this book because it is also about bullies. This book talks about how sometimes bullies want something that you are playing with but you don’t want to give your toy to the bully. This book also bring great discussion with the class on how to share with bullies.
April 25, 2016
I love the fact that this book turns the stereotype of trucks being for boys around. The main character, Phoebe, gets a new toy digger on the same day that her baby brother is born.
This book also addresses the arrival of a new baby sibling, and how busy that can make parents. Phoebe has her new toy to play with and keep her company when Mama is busy with the new baby.
Finally, the book addresses bullying. A big girl takes Phoebe's digger away on the playground and she doesn't know what to do. Finally, her Mama steps in. The only part of this book that was unsatisfactory for me was that the bully never quite gets what she deserves, and moves on to a new target, rather than being stopped.
The illustrations are excellent, and overall this is an equally excellent story.
This book also addresses the arrival of a new baby sibling, and how busy that can make parents. Phoebe has her new toy to play with and keep her company when Mama is busy with the new baby.
Finally, the book addresses bullying. A big girl takes Phoebe's digger away on the playground and she doesn't know what to do. Finally, her Mama steps in. The only part of this book that was unsatisfactory for me was that the bully never quite gets what she deserves, and moves on to a new target, rather than being stopped.
The illustrations are excellent, and overall this is an equally excellent story.
June 4, 2014
The books begins "when Mama got a new baby...Phoebe got a new digger." Phoebe is fairly content playing with her new toy while her mom is preoccupied with the new baby. The digger can make fun noises and keeps Phoebe company while she waits around for Mom and baby. However, one day at the park a bully takes digger from Phoebe. Suddenly, Phoebe is a little girl who still needs her Mama very much. Fortunately Mama steps in at the perfect time ending the book with a wonderful message for all new siblings. Springstubb offers a unique and realistic portrayal of life with a new sibling. Phoebe is a character full of spunk and color with whom you are sure to fall in love. The perfect book for families getting ready for another baby.
April 24, 2013
Age: Preschool-1st grade
Toys: Digger truck
Siblings: Older sister & new baby
I loved the story of this book. It begins by paralleling the arrival of a new baby with the arrival of a new toy, Digger, for Phoebe, the older sister. "Mama and the baby were always busy" seen watering plants. "So were Phoebe and Digger" seen eating said plants. With a look of exhaustion and a case of the cooped-ups, Mama decides to bring everyone to the park. While Phoebe is at the park, a bully arrives to crash her digging party.
The illustrations and facial expressions are spot-on aligned to the text and the narration is perfectly peppered with ironic contrasts between the words and pictures.
Toys: Digger truck
Siblings: Older sister & new baby
I loved the story of this book. It begins by paralleling the arrival of a new baby with the arrival of a new toy, Digger, for Phoebe, the older sister. "Mama and the baby were always busy" seen watering plants. "So were Phoebe and Digger" seen eating said plants. With a look of exhaustion and a case of the cooped-ups, Mama decides to bring everyone to the park. While Phoebe is at the park, a bully arrives to crash her digging party.
The illustrations and facial expressions are spot-on aligned to the text and the narration is perfectly peppered with ironic contrasts between the words and pictures.
Read
April 4, 2013I won this one for my son as a First Reads Giveaway. I have to say, I was totally impressed. The author signed it, very professionally, and added a small post it note for my son, with a message on it. He sat down right away to read it - amazed that an author "knew" him.
He loved it. The story was well written and he loved Phoebe. He has two younger siblings and could definitely relate to how she felt. He has it HIGH on his bookshelf and pulls it out when he feels a little ... "Phoebe-ish."
Love it.
He loved it. The story was well written and he loved Phoebe. He has two younger siblings and could definitely relate to how she felt. He has it HIGH on his bookshelf and pulls it out when he feels a little ... "Phoebe-ish."
Love it.
May 11, 2013
We were lucky enough to have the author, Tricia Springstubb, visit our school. I had lunch with her and I can't say enough about what a lovely, warm, talented person she is. I was able to ask her questions about the idea behind her books, and her writing process. I have read this book to approximately 300 children and they all loved it - I suggested to the author that she write some more Phoebe and Digger books - hopefully she will! I am also going to ask publishers to reprint some of her earlier children's books - I would love to get them for my library!
August 23, 2013
Phoebe and Digger is a cute story about a topic that never gets old. NO matter how the generation, there will always be new picture books, about having a new sibling. I enjoyed this one because it showed how Phoebe coped, whether good or bad, and demonstrated it through her perspective. (It bothers me when books of this topic are from an adult perspective.) I also loved that her favorite toy was a digger - not a doll, or a dress - and that she enjoyed playing outside.
A good choice for Ages 5 and under.
A good choice for Ages 5 and under.
January 13, 2020
What I like about this book: nice story, good pictures, totally speaks to themes small children understand (awesome toys, distracted mothers, bullies, unfairness). The protagonist is (a) a girl and (b) not white, and neither of these facts is pertinent to the story: she's just a kid who loves her toy excavator.
What my kid (aged 3.5) loves about this book: every single thing. This was an immediate hit, and we appear to be in it for the long haul. After less than a week I already have it memorized.
What my kid (aged 3.5) loves about this book: every single thing. This was an immediate hit, and we appear to be in it for the long haul. After less than a week I already have it memorized.
March 31, 2013
When phoebe goes to the park with her Digger, she finds herself in a very uncomfortable situation with a much larger girl who takes Digger away. I really enjoyed reading this book to my daughter. I think we have all had to deal with situations involving a bully. And this story shows that while phoebe couldn't do much to stop the girl from taking her toy, her mother was there to help her and comfort her. Great message and beautiful illustrations! Loved it.
October 25, 2013
Phoebe and her favorite toy, Digger, navigate the adjustment to a new baby in the family. While the mother tries to re-establish some of the normal routines when visiting a park, Phoebe finds herself learning how to play nicely, dealing with a playground bully and learning that no matter what her Mother is still there. Preschoolers loved this read aloud, but it might extend into kindergarten if you are looking for something on these topics to share with younger children.
April 6, 2014
I suspect the boy enjoyed it, because of the fun Phoebe and Digger had at the playground, and the girl was able to relate to the negative feelings that having a new sibling can bring, and I could identify with the overwhelmed mum, who at the end manages to create love and understanding between Phoebe and herself (and therefore between Phoebe and the baby) by her matter-of-fact dealing with the bully.
April 6, 2016
Really cute, incidental POC family with a digger-loving girl, who is learning how to be a big sister and play "nicely" at the park with other kids.
Would be great for storytime, but I'm a little apprehensive about characterizing other children as "crybaby's" and "mean giants." It works GREAT as an individual read-aloud, but in a storytime, where some children ARE the "crybabies" or "mean giants," I'm not sure how the parents would react to that.
Would be great for storytime, but I'm a little apprehensive about characterizing other children as "crybaby's" and "mean giants." It works GREAT as an individual read-aloud, but in a storytime, where some children ARE the "crybabies" or "mean giants," I'm not sure how the parents would react to that.
February 19, 2017
This book is fantastic. I love that Phoebe is a girl who loves tractors. I love that she tries to use her words with a bully and that her mama comes to the rescue even with a new baby. I love that Phoebe and her brother are buds at the end.
This book got my three year old son problem solving. He can relate to Phoebe since he loves tractors and the park and has a baby sister. He got really into the story and wanted to help Phoebe out against the bully. The end was perfect.
This book got my three year old son problem solving. He can relate to Phoebe since he loves tractors and the park and has a baby sister. He got really into the story and wanted to help Phoebe out against the bully. The end was perfect.
May 30, 2013
It was perfect timing for me to win this children's book as my two year old grandson is soon to have a little brother. We read the book together and he happily took it home to reread. Phoebe and Digger by Tricia Springstubb is a well written children's book that provides an interesting means to help youngsters grasp the concept of a new family member.
May 15, 2013
I'm a big fan of Jeff Newman's illustrations, and they win the day in this book. The personalities are brought to life, the irony and quirkiness of various situations take on significance well beyond the text itself. The fact that Mom knew Phoebe well enough to give her a digger rather than a doll when the baby came home was a plus.
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