Just Grandpa and Me

Little Critter

by Mercer Mayer

Join Little Critter and his grandpa in this big-city adventure!

Family fun and love are in abundance when Little Critter and his grandfather head to the big city! Little Critter sure is little, but he's a big help to his grandfather. Little Critter holds his hand so his grandfather doesn't get lost, demonstrates how to go up and down the store's escalator, and even shows grandpa how to use chopsticks for the first time!

Mercer Mayer's Little Critter stories, which address all the major issues of growing up, are perennial favorites for generations of readers, both young and old!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Fiction, Animals, School, Kids

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

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

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beginning story has Grandpa taking Little Critter to a department store in the big city to pick out a suit. Grandpa is amused by everything that happens around Little Critter. The smile on his face never leaves him. At one point Little Critter does get separated in the store, but he finds Grandpa. They pick out a crazy suit and go have lunch. Little Critter has a grand day and comes home to mom looking a mess, but he and Grandpa had the best day.

The nephew would like to do this with his grandpa, but his grandpa has issues walking. Grandpa would love to do it, but health issues are in the way. Nephew gave this 4 stars. The niece didn’t want to read this.

[Amanda Casteel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: Mercer Mayer

Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Publication Info: Random House Books for Young Readers: 2001

Reading Level: Early Early

Topic/Theme: Shopping, Grandparents

Issues Addressed: Relationships with grandfathers

Classroom Uses: Read Aloud, Individual Reading

Summary: Little Critter needs a new suit; therefore, he goes shopping with Grandpa to buy one. This book is the adventure of their day.

Text and image: the illustrations are colorful; however part of the irony of the book is that they do not support the text. For example, the line "I held Grandpa's hand so he wouldn't get lost," appears on a page where Little Critter holds onto the sleeve of a display shirt.

Literary Devices: irony (see above)

[Audric the Illiterate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Free Library for the win!

[Lorelai Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Mercer Mayer book I've ever read and I definitely don't regret it. A very good humorous grandpa story about going on a day out with a Grandpa to buy a new suit. There is a spider and grasshopper on almost every page that you can have your child look for to keep their attention. For an adult reader, the writing was written perfectly. It has a really good flow to it. For a young reader, I wouldn't say its a beginner reader because of a few larger words like department store, revolving, and escalator. If you don't think your child would be intimidated by those words then it would be a great book for them to read to you. Would be an good book to read around Grandparent's Day in September. I definitely recommend this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not have this type of relationship with my grandpa, but I can see this relationship between my nieces, my nephew and my father. I think this book would be perfect to read for Grandparent's Day. I really enjoyed this book. I would ask the students if they have ever had any experiences like what took place in this book.

Interest Level http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/bo...
Grades K - 2
Reading Level
Grade level Equivalent: 1.7
Lexile® Measure: AD410L
DRA: 12
Guided Reading: G
Genre
Comedy and Humor
Series

[Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

PB:40 Just Grandpa And Me. Great reminder of how special not only grandpa's are but grandparents in general. My grandparents have played a huge role in my development as a person and them being close to me all of my life has me blessed. I enjoyed the illustrations simply because they just put a smile on your face by looking at how happy his grandpa and him are. Nothing like hanging out with your grandpa making memories! :)

[Rosa Cline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Usually my granddaughter and I really enjoy Little Critter books; but this one just didn't do it for me. It's almost word for word the "just Me and My Mom" but also the things that Grandpa let's him do in public is just nuts, a very spoiled child. Usually Little Critter books are better self image or learning lesson books. very disappointed in this book.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mercer Mayer stories are awesome! I love the ironies that populate these books. The main character is constantly contradicting what is really happening with his words. Classic writing and illustration! Can't get enough of these books! Love 'em!

[Mike Violano · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book as a birthday gift from my grandson when he was only 6 months old. Mercer Mayer is one of my very favorite children's book authors and I have a number of his books that I read to my daughters over the years.
I'm saving this one to read to my grandson when he's a wee bit older.

[Gala · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter did not have much time with her grandpa because of location but this book kind of makes you imagine what it would be like if you could go shopping with him.Sequencing and vocabulary words for the beginner reader.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

They went through the revolving door and they got him a new suit.

[Lucia Benzor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me just say that I love all of Mercer Mayer's book. They are talented. It was just the sweetness I expected from this book. A very nice read.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

a cute story with a cute idea, using the stories of his daily life to teach children. a cute story about sharing things with your grandparents

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Critter goes into the city with the hopes of buying a suit with his Grandpa. Grandpa and Little Critter share the same sense of style. Mama Critter might not approve.

[Ronda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my very favorites!!

[Heather Ligman · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute. little critter helps Grandpa go shopping. he has a big job helping grandpa by holding his hand so he doesn't get lost. he has a lot of confidence and a patient grandpa

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little critter, grandpa, family

[Rima Aroutiounian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The other Grandpa and Me is a book about grandpa teaching his grandchild where things are in the kitchen. Great toddler's book. Letter Knowledge and vocabulary.

[Sharla · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites as a kid, and my kids kids enjoyed this book too. Very cute illustrations!

[krym · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read aloud for toddlers about grandparents and shopping. It's funny just like all little critter books.

[Liana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book series ever for children!

[Danielle Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

[Mark Smiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this with a grandson. We enjoyed looking for the spider and grasshopper in each picture, although we could not see a grasshopper several of hem. The storyline was cute, the pictures adorable and our grandson loved pointing out how there were discrepancies in what the words said vs the pictures. We shall have to check out more of these.

[Haleemeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Critter is going to the city with his grandpa to find a new suit. They took the train and sang songs. Little Critter even lost his grandpa, but he eventually found him. This story is so cute and funny. I liked the signs that were in the story, especially the sign that said, "Very cheap stuff." These illustrations were so funny and kid friendly.

[Beth Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grandpas are so special. This little critter is spending the day with his grandpa. The go out on the town together and spend quality time together. This is a cute book for a little boy and his grandfather to read together! A great book for younger ages.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for Lily's Grandpa to read with her. A fun story about Grandpa taking Little Critter to the city to buy a new suit. I love the irony in these books, like Little Critter saying Grandpa took a nap on the train when he was actually the sleepy one.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just didn't resonate quite as well. The illustrations came across as very old-fashioned. It's helpful to learn about how to shop in a large department store for a new suit (which is becoming a rare experience indeed these days).

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

I love looking at an outing with Grandpa from a Grandchild's point of view. I love the mother's expression when she sees the suit they bought.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Grandpa and Me (Little Critter) (Look-Look) by Mercer Mayer – This one made me want to take a train with my grandfather (I got to eventually!). Happy Reading!

[Ashley]

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