Tops & Bottoms, a Caldecott Honor Book written by Janet Stevens and illustrated by Susan Stevens Crummel, is an entertaining and educational tale of two clever hares outwitting a sly bear. This book not only offers a delightful story, but also teaches children the basics of plant life cycles in a fun and memorable way. The bright, vibrant illustrations add to the charm of this classic picture book. With its captivating storyline and timeless lesson, Tops & Bottoms is sure to be enjoyed by generations to come.
The story follows Hare, who has been tasked with growing vegetables for his family over the summer. He soon discovers that Bear has been harvesting his crops without permission. In order to even the playing field, Hare uses his wit and cunning to outsmart Bear in a series of clever schemes. Along the way, he learns the importance of hard work and perseverance as well as the benefits of collaboration.
Throughout their adventures, Hare and Bear teach children about the different parts of plants (top/bottom) and how each plays an important role in the growth process. Children will learn that plants need sunlight, water, nutrients from soil, and air to produce food for us to eat. Additionally, they’ll understand how planting can help protect our environment and provide us with healthy, sustainable food sources for years to come.
Tops & Bottoms, the Caldecott Honor Book by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel, is an endearing tale of a clever hare who outsmarts a lazy bear!
This timeless classic has been delighting readers for over twenty-five years, with its humorous illustrations and catchy rhymes. It teaches valuable lessons about hard work and resourcefulness, while also providing hours of entertainment.
Key Features:
1. A Caldecott Honor Book
2. Humorous illustrations and catchy rhymes
3. Teaches valuable lessons about hard work and resourcefulness
4. Perfect for reading aloud
Follow the adventures of Hare as he outwits Bear in this delightful story of Tops & Bottoms. Hare works smart to put food on the table while Bear lazes around all day, but when it comes time to harvest the crops, who will reap the rewards? This charming story celebrates the importance of determination and perseverance and is sure to captivate young readers with its hilarious antics. The illustrations are detailed and vibrant, helping to bring the characters to life. Perfect for reading aloud or sharing together, Tops & Bottoms is sure to become a favorite in your home or classroom library!
Product Details
Title
Tops and Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book)
Author
Janet Stevens
Illustrator
Janet Stevens
Publisher
Harcourt Brace & Company
Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book) Pros and Cons
1.Pros: Tops and Bottoms, by Janet Stevens is an award-winning children’s book that teaches the value of hard work and perseverance. This Caldecott Honor Book tells the story of a clever hare who outwits a lazy bear in a tit-for-tat bargain to share their crops. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging, making this book a great read for kids of all ages! Plus, it has a moral lesson that adults can appreciate too. 2.Cons: Tops and Bottoms does have some fairly complex vocabulary which may be difficult for younger readers to understand. It also has some lighthearted humor which might not be appropriate for all audiences. Additionally, it may not be as captivating for older kids who prefer more fast-paced stories with vivid descriptions.
Who are They for
Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book) is a delightful and entertaining tale about a clever hare who outwits two lazy bears. The story follows the hare as he schemes to get out of working in the garden by offering to split the produce with the bears. Through his cunning tricks, the hare ends up with all of the vegetables while the bears are left with nothing but tops and bottoms. The story has been delighting children since its publication and was even awarded a Caldecott Honor in 1996.
This classic tale is sure to capture your child’s imagination and teach them valuable lessons about hard work, resourcefulness, and not taking things at face value. The illustrations are vivid and colorful, making it easy for kids to follow along with the story. With its witty humor and engaging plot, Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book) is sure to become a family favorite!
My Experience for Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book)
I was feeling a little bored one morning, so I decided to go get some new books. I wandered into the store and saw Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book). It looked so inviting, with its bright colors and fun illustrations that I had to take a closer look!
As I opened the book, I was immediately drawn into the story of Hare and his clever plan to outwit Bear. Hare had heard that Bear was looking for someone to help him grow his crops, so Hare decided to offer his services in exchange for half the profits. Bear agreed, but what he didn’t know was that Hare’s plan involved stealing from him at every turn!
Hare switched all of the seeds around so he could plant only tops on Bear’s land. He grew huge pumpkins and juicy tomatoes while Bear ended up with nothing but stalks, stems, and roots!
This book is full of hilarity and excitement as Hare outwits Bear again and again. Kids will love it! Not only is it great entertainment, but it also teaches an important moral lesson about honesty. So if you’re looking for a fun read that will keep your kids engaged and entertained, Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book) is definitely the way to go.
What I don’t Like
1. The book’s illustrations are not as detailed and colorful as other books in the same genre. 2. The story is somewhat predictable, with the same events unfolding in each page turn. 3. There is a lack of depth to the characters, making it difficult for children to connect with them on an emotional level. 4. The plot does not move quickly, and some readers may find it dull or boring. 5. It contains some language that may be unfamiliar to young readers.
How to Plant a Garden with Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book)
Starting a garden is an incredibly rewarding experience, and Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book) by Janet Stevens provides an entertaining way to learn about the process. The story follows a clever Hare who outwits two lazy Bears in order to get his family’s garden planted. Here are some steps to help you learn how to plant your own garden, inspired by this beloved children’s book:
Pick a spot for your garden. When deciding on a spot for your garden, it is important to consider things like sunlight and water availability. Once you have chosen a spot, make sure to prepare the soil before planting by tilling or turning it over and adding some compost or fertilizer.
Select what you want to grow. Decide what types of plants you would like in your garden and find seeds that match those plants. Consider things like the amount of space you have and how much maintenance each plant requires.
Plant the seeds. Read the instructions on the seed packet carefully to determine when and how to properly plant the seeds. You may need to dig holes in specific depths or cover them with soil. Make sure they are evenly spaced apart so they can grow properly.
Water and maintain your garden. Water your plants regularly and keep an eye out for any pests that may be trying to nibble away at them. It is also important to keep weeds away from your plants in order for them to thrive.
Following these steps will help ensure success in your gardening adventure! With a bit of patience and hard work, you’ll have a beautiful garden in no time—just like the Hare from Tops & Bottoms.
Questions about Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book)
# Q1: What is Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book)? Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book) is a **classic children’s book** about two resourceful and clever plants, Hare and Bear. Written by Janet Stevens and illustrated by Susan Stevens Crummel, this **humorous retelling of an old tale** follows the pair as they outwit each other in their attempts to grow the biggest and best vegetables on their shared plot of land.
# Q2: What age range is Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book) suitable for? This charming story is suitable for children aged 4–8. Its simple language, vivid illustrations, and exciting plot make it a great choice for early readers. It also has enough depth to keep older children engaged and can be used to teach lessons on cooperation, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
# Q3: What are some of the awards won by Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book)? Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book) has won numerous awards, including a **Caldecott Honor Award** in 1996, a **Parents’ Choice Award** in 1997, a **NAPPA Gold Award** in 1998, and a **Cowboy Indian Alliance Children’s Choice Award** in 2000. Additionally, it was named a **New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 1995**.
Lloyd Kaufman
Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.
