The Puddle Pail

by Elisa Kleven

Book Overview

Elisa Kleven's beloved little blue crocodile, Ernst, stars in this story about two brothers. While sensible Sol collects things like feathers and shells, Ernst has a more whimsical approach- He wants... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525458034
• ISBN13: 9780525458036
• Release Date: June 1997
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.3" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 3 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Fabulous Concept!

I never would have thought of this concept for writing a book. Such a unique perspective. I bought 5 or 6 to give as gifts this Christmas. This book truly looks at life through a child's eye.

Great story about art and imagination

This is a sweet story about a young boy with an artistic imagination (Ernst the blue crocodile, the hero of a couple of other Elisa Kleven books...) Ernst goes for a walk with his older, more literal-minded brother, Sol, who is into collecting stuff like feathers and rocks and sea shells. Sol encourages Ernst to start a collection, too, but Ernst wants to collect magical things, like clouds or stars. He finally decides to gather up a bunch of puddles, because he can see so many other things inside their reflections -- a puddle can have flowers or clouds houses in it, as well as being all watery and wet. Ernst gathers different "kinds" of puddles together in one pail, and later uses them to stir his watercolors to life, when he wants to paint the things he saw. A lovely, allegorical celebration of artistic vision, creative thinking as well as the fun of doing things you like, even if other people think they're silly. Nice relationship btween the two brothers, too: Sol doesn't really get what Ernst is up to, but he isn't mean about it, and tries to encourage the younger boy to enjoy himself. Also, more of Kleven's delightfully detailed, kaleidoscopically colorful artwork, with plenty of stuff going on in the margins to capture the eyes of readers of all ages. This is one of my favorite Elisa Kleven books... Highly recommended! (Reissued by Tricycle Press in March '07.)

Beautifully illustrated; tender story for one's imagination!

This tender story about Ernst and his brother Sol touches the hearts of everyone. Our favorite birthday gift! It teaches us to respect the uniqueness in each of us. The incredible illustrations capture the imagination of young and old. We love reading this story over and over again.

An important message delivered via beautiful,appropriate art

Ms. Kleven shows her readers the beauty in the world around us, the many things we can enjoy which don't cost money or require collecting objects. Her message is important and her art is fanciful and gorgeous.

our family loved this book

I think this is a great book for kids about imagination and about "doing your own thing". The illustrations are absolutely wonderful - you discover something new everytime you read it.