Owen's Marshmallow Chick (Owen)

Amazon.com
Owen adores Easter. Life doesn't get much better than a basket full of jelly beans ("My favorite"), gumdrops ("My favorite"), buttercream eggs ("My favorite"), and a chocolate bunny ("My favorite"). Unless... there's also a little yellow marshmallow chick the same color as our hero's fuzzy blanket. Decked out in his purple plaid Easter finery, this boy mouse spends a giddy day playing with his sugary new pal. And does he succumb to tasty temptation? How dare you even think such a thing! Kevin Henkes, in picture books such as Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick, and our introduction to the blanky-toting mouse, Owen, creates recognizable characters in familiar settings and preschool predicaments. His bright, spring-hued illustrations and gently humorous plots are tremendously appealing for readers young and old. In no time, this cute little board book will have every youngster announcing, "My favorite." (Baby to preschool) --Emilie Coulter

From School Library Journal
Preschool-Kindergarten--The little mouse is back in this charming board book. Owen cannot resist any of the goodies in his Easter basket except for the yellow marshmallow chick, which happens to be the same color and texture as his cherished blanket. Instead of eating it, he plays with it, smiles at it, and finally puts it on his shelf and kisses it good night. Henkes has kept the text short, simple, and rich. His illustrations are also simple, uncluttered yet full of winsome expression. A sweet friendship story for toddlers and preschoolers.Ann Cook, formerly at Winter Park Public Library, FLCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Ages 2-3. Owen the young mouse, making a return appearance, contemplates his Easter basket and finds it good. The jellybeans are his favorite, but the gumdrops are, too, so he gobbles them both. Buttercream eggs? Also his favorite. Even the chocolate bunny gets eaten. But the marshmallow chick is the exact color of his blanket. Instead of eating it, he plays with it during the day and kisses it goodnight, calling it, "My favorite." There's no particular reason this simple story should be in board book format; easy as it is, it's still too sophisticated for the very youngest. Format notwithstanding, however, this is vintage Henkes. Owen contemplates his booty with looks every bit as delicious as the candy. He seems to be giving the chocolate bunny a kiss as he croons, "My favorite"--right before he devours it. And Owen's delightful way with his chick will touch every child who has ever personalized a pencil or refused to eat a gingerbread boy. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description

"My favorite," said Owen when he saw the marshmallow chick.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
Owen is delighted! His Easter basket is full of sweet treats. Jelly beans, gumdrops, buttercream eggs, a big chocolate bunny, and a little marshmallow chick. He happily gobbles each treat one by one and chews with a mouth full of yumminess. Standing tall in his purple plaid pants and baby-blue shirt, Owen proudly proclaims each sweet "my favorite." When Owen reaches for the last Easter treat, he takes a moment to really look at it. The marshmallow chick is the same color as his favorite yellow blanket. Instead of gobbling the sweet confection, Owen happily plays with the chick all day. At bedtime, he places it on his toy shelf and kisses it goodnight, saying, "My favorite."

The renowned Kevin Henkes fills this charming board book with springtime pastels, simple text, and much love. Watching Owen celebrate the splendor of his delicious treats is pure joy. Henkes excels at creating adorable illustrations with no fuss. Owen's sheer delight in his treats will inspire genuine smiles. His sincere affection for the sugary chick is a delightful surprise -- and another sweet stroke of genius from the talented Henkes. (Amy Barkat)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Owen, everyone's favorite blanket-loving mouse from Kevin Henkes's Caldecott Honor-winning Owen, now appears in an original and irresistible board book. But this time he's carrying an Easter basket full of delicious treats. "My favorite," Owen says as he savors the jelly beans and the gumdrops and the buttercream eggs and the chocolate bunny. But then he discovers the yellow marshmallow chick. "My favorite," says Owen to an Easter surprise that really is too good to eat.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature

Oh what joy it is Easter morning and Owen's basket is full. He can't wait to start enjoying all of the goodies. Among his favorites are the jellybeans, which he promptly devours, then the gumdrops, next the butter cream eggs and another favorite, the chocolate bunny. There is only one item left, a yellow marshmallow chick that looks just like his fuzzy yellow blanket. Owen plays with his chick all day and when evening comes, he puts it on his shelf with a sweet kiss goodnight. After all, it really is his favorite Easter treat. A tasty little board book that little ones will savor. 2001, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, $6.95. Ages 6 mo. to 3. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot

School Library Journal

PreS-K-The little mouse is back in this charming board book. Owen cannot resist any of the goodies in his Easter basket except for the yellow marshmallow chick, which happens to be the same color and texture as his cherished blanket. Instead of eating it, he plays with it, smiles at it, and finally puts it on his shelf and kisses it good night. Henkes has kept the text short, simple, and rich. His illustrations are also simple, uncluttered yet full of winsome expression. A sweet friendship story for toddlers and preschoolers.-Ann Cook, formerly at Winter Park Public Library, FL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews