Alligators all around / Chicken Soup With Rice / One was Johnny / Pierre

These are absolutely adorable, but completely over priced. They are tiny which would be great for small children, but they cost so much I dont want to let my toddler play with them! It's it totally up to you if you want to spend the money. The stories are amazing and they look great!

These tiny books are wonderful stories and great for new readers. For people who happen to be children they're magical because they're tiny. I am nearly 60 now and I remember my set from my childhood, and my granddaughter has been just as delighted with hers. They're irreverent, playful, beautiful and fun. And Maurice Sendak is simply a master story teller and illustrator.

I should've read the description more carefully, as this item is TINY! Like, seriously tiny...smaller than an Iphone tiny. So it's going back. Now on to purchasing these same books in their "normal" size...

Maurice Sendak is a classic, loved by my family and should be a must have in your library too! From the hundreds of books read when they were little, this is one of the few that my pre-teenage kids still quote from. Sendak is rhythmically and visually engaging. He is timeless in the way that the moral of Pierre and others transcend generations. Simply put, Maurice Sendak books are filled with humorous generosity and lyrical fun!

Bought on a whim because have always given a set to youngsters. Grandson a little young for it but will enjoy later. If not, his parents will.

Love these little books. Great addition to children's library.

My first copy actually had a double of one of the stories and was missing another one. It also had stains on it and some damage on the covers. The books themselves are wonderful but too bad they are not actually made of the same quality components!

Have purchased this collection as gifts for newborns for years. They were my children's and grandchildren favorite books. They are precious little books that are as fun to read as they are to be heard.

Nice library quality books but the small size of the books is not clear in the description. I thought I was getting a good deal at $17 for a hardcover box set of one of my favorite authors when I was a kid. The text is also quite small...I'm guessing 11 or 12 point.

On the plus side, the books are compact enough to throw in my daughter's Dora backpack for traveling.

Next time I'll definitely read the full description and all reviews before I buy anything online.

This was SUPER TINY! I was really upset when I received this, as I had wanted to give this book set as a gift for a baby shower. I had seen this set in the store previously (however it was a full size box set), and thought I could just order on-line. I was shocked when my order arrived as it was nothing like the set I saw in the store. Its only 3.75 in. tall x 2.5 in wide. Nowhere near big enough for a baby/toddler to enjoy looking at pictures as you read. And the text obviously is super tiny as well.

Great stories that my son loves. The rhyming and sing songy writing made these absolutely favorites in my house. The physical size of these books is shockingly small. Maybe it was in the description and i over looked it but these are TINY books.

I had read all the reviews of this item so I new it was small. I wasn't prepared for how very tiny. I have three grandkids and get each books for Christmas...this will be a stocking stuffer for my grandson. The price is rather high for the size of the books!

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Returned these books without opening them due to the very tiny size!! I thought the title Nutshell Library was in reference to the book, not the size. Wish I would have paid attention to the dimensions before purchasing or seen other reviews that said they were tiny. But I assumed for the price they were normal size.. guess not..
Will repurchase and pay attention to size this time.

I love these books, and I love the idea of a very small collection of books, but this is crazy. Again, they are nice little hardback books, each with their own cover sleeve, but they are TOO SMALL TO HOLD, and TOO SMALL TO READ. I would buy these again if they were about twice the size, including non-microscopic type.

Not to be rude, but Maurice Sendak ' family and publisher would better honor his memory by doubling the size of these books.

The stories are some of my favorite but didn't know the size is about 2 inches by 3 inches (at best) and not appropriate for sitting with your child to read in an easy manner. Sorry I had to return the item for that reason. Please make the set larger!
"Disappointed"

Although Mr. Sendak's books are wonderful, This collection, the Nutshell Library is totally impractical. The books are so small that they are disappointing. I bought the books for my 2 year old grandson and they are of no use because of the size. It would be helpful, if in describing the collection, the size of the books were mentioned.

Pros:
1. Miniatures! Kids love the novelty of nutshell-sized books, especially if they come in their own special slipcase. Obviously, larger versions of these picture books have their perks--bigger print, bigger pictures, easier to grasp without covering part of the book. But most kids old enough to read to themselves have the manual dexterity and visual acuity to handle tiny books just fine, and they love it. Choose the size most suitable for your needs.

2. Content. This is a well-rounded little beginner's library--lots of fun and reasonably educational. It's Sendak at his best (except for 'Wild Things'). Maybe I've always wondered why the pasta doesn't look like the 'macaroni' mentioned in the text. But kids will either not notice or learn to read critically, right?

Cons:
1. The slipcase is way too tight a fit. I anticipate frustration and damage--especially to dust jackets--as kids try to get the books out each time. It's doubly frustrating because I like to Brodart all our dust jackets. These books are prime candidates for such protection; their plain covers really need dust jackets to inform and entice, and the books are likely to be handled roughly by lots of young children. But if the slipcase is too tight already, there is no way the mylar covers would fit inside too.

I don't my choices: discard the charming slipcase in order to ensure the books last, or enjoy the set as intended but consider it 'disposable'. Why didn't they just size the case more generously? Barring that, why didn't they design the covers to be jacket-free?

2. The binding is a bit slipshod, and the printing/paper quality is not quite premium. The books are functional; I'd just have preferred a little more care in the production.

When we start learning about the world as toddlers, we are taught to learn how to talk, learn to walk up and down a case of stairs and even how to use the bathroom. But we all had to learn our ABCs and 123s, as well as the months of a calendar and how not to say "no" all the time. For that, Maurice Sendak has created an incredible and educational group of books that will teach and help toddlers learn to read and enjoy it as well. The four stories are as informing as a preschool class and will impress parents as well with its sweet and entertaining mood.

The first story is "Alligators All Around" which is about a little alligator dressed in blue and brings out the alphabet with a help of a paper bag. Second, there is "One Was Johnny" with a boy named Johnny who is dressed as a cowboy and suddenly nine unwelcome guests disrupt his peace while counting from one to ten but plans to rid of them. Next is "Chicken Soup With Rice" which is about a dish that sounds pretty delish and will help teach the twelve months of a whole year to kids, thanks to the help of a few friends. Finally, last but not least, there is "Pierre". The story that is told in chapters centers around a misunderstood little boy with the book name who keeps saying "no" to everything his parents say to him which really worries them. Then all alone, a lion appears in the house and warns Pierre to stop his behavior or he'll meet his terrible fate.

"The Nutshell Library" is one series that parents should definitely have for their toddlers. It helps toddlers learn some of the essential knowledge of their world and will get them prepared for school. Especially since the size of the books are perfect for them to hold in their hands. For readers, it is a great series that is filled with Sendak's always-wonderful illustrations that it may be his most exuberant yet. Truly a choice for the 5-and-under crowd and parents will love to teach their kids the stuff they need for school with the help of these books. So prepare for toddlers to go nuts fir the Nutshell Library.

Do your research before making an internet purchase. The Nutshell Library is a wonderful LITTLE set of books. I LOVE my Nutshell Library. The books are miniature, but the illustrations are beautiful and the stories are clever.

This is the format in which they were originally published. The dimensions are clearly listed: 2.8 x 1.8 x 4 inches.

If you're looking for a larger size of these books, they are available out there in the world somewhere. But if you're a Sendak fan and looking to add these to your collection, this is the correct choice as they were originally intended to be this size.

I have not purchased from this seller, but I feel I must defend these little nutshells from the people that said the books are too small. Yes, I can see that if you are expecting a larger book and get these small ones you may be disappointed but my daughter (23 months old) loves them and the size is PERFECT! She can hold them on her own and put them in her little purse, carry them to the changing table and hold them up while being changed. She LOVES Alligators All Around and especially One Was Johnny and asks for them from the time she gets up to the time she goes to bed. I think the other two books are a little wordy for her and may suit her in some time. I have had such fun reminiscing over these stories of my childhood. I never tire of them and have even found the animated versions of the stories put to music (By Carole King!) of the Really Rosie TV special on youtube. Give them a chance!!

My children grew up loving Maurice Sendak.
Recently we were downsizing and my 4 adult children were quarrelling over who would get the tattered, and patched up box set. As children, loved these mini books and were able to memorize all the words to read to themselves.As well as being able to hold them in their little hands. Only one of my children was able to be the recipient of their childhood set. I am so pleased that I was able to order the exact set for my youngest 2 grandchildren who love the stories written in rhyme and beautifully illustrated by the author.

I remember reading these as a child, in the 1970's and early 1980's, before the words `politically correct' was the way of the world. Now that I have a 2 and ½ year old, some of the lines aren't quite as cute. For instance, Alligators All Around..."I Imitating Indians, "P Pushing People." I really don't want my son walking around pushing people. Furthermore, in the book of "Pierre," there is a line where the lion comes to visit and `He looked Pierre right in the eye and asked him if he'd like to die.' I haven't figured out a way to explain this to a 2 and ½ year old. Therefore, I skip the line entirely.
As far as the small print, the print is no smaller than an adult book. I'm not sure why everyone is complaining about the small print in all the other reviews. Yes, the print is not a normal `toddler size' print, but I can read it without any difficulties.
Overall, I like the books and my son can't read them enough, mostly because of their little size. By far my favorite book in this collection is "One Was Johnny." It counts up to 10 and back down using rhymes. I do not have to ad lib or skip lines in this book.

Four little books in a box! The NUTSHELL LIBRARY by Maurice Sendak was first published on October 10, 1962. The original books in the set only measure 3 3/4" x 2 3/4," but they are packed with wonderful elements of literature. The NUTSHELL LIBRARY, part of the Caldecott Collection, features Chicken Soup with Rice (A Book of Months); Pierre (A Cautionary Tale); Alligators All Around (An Alphabet); and One Was Johnny (A Counting Book). Each book is a delight unto itself. The reader will find poetry, rhythm, rhyme, alliteration and attention-getting stories that will captivate even the youngest listener. And the illustrations are such fun! Sketched by Sendak himself, the drawings evoke smiles, frowns, and everything in between. What an absolutely delightful way to teach/learn the "building blocks of healthy development that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible." (Search Institute, 1997)

How I LOVED this Nutshell Library as a child. I've bought it many times over as an adult, only to pass it along to another child in my sphere, and then promptly order myself a replacement set. My favorite of all of the was Pierre, I Don't Care.... I must have read that a million times. The truth was, my parents, particularly my mother, didn't care, and my father (I later realized) was Nordic and remote but usually away at work, and did care. But Pierre got me through that childhood a little less wounded, a little more comforted, and I am forever grateful for it. If you are a wee one, have a wee one, or want to give a gift to your own inner wee one, by the Nutshell Library. Buy five. You won't regret it!

This is a very small book set. I had thought it was normal size, but I was incorrect. It's like a little mini library with miniature books of 4. It is very fun but fragile. It is really great for small hands - but could be torn and ripped apart. I love the illustrations and stories. Just adorable to read to little ones.

This set comprises four individual (and miniature - about 75x50 mm each) bound volumes, one an alphabet story, one a counting story, one a calendar story and the fourth the story of Pierre, who didn't - but now does - care. The story and illustrations of each are classic Maurice Sendak, appealing to both adults and children, and, as others have said, provide great opportunities for memorising as well as improvising new lines. The small format may not suit everyone, but the fact that they are sewn hardbound books but in a small/child size does appeal to at least some children, as does the box set format: our copy has rapidly become a treasured possession.

I love "The Nutshell Libraray" books. Sendak shows that very simple stories can be funny, charming, and clever. (Okay, so "Pierre" is pretty strange but I can have a sense of humor about it.) Pairing this set of stories with the DVD "Where the Wild Things Are...and other Maurice Sendak Stories" would be a terrific present for an early reader who could listen to the songs and then read the books. I am sure most kids would had "Where The Wild Things Are" read to them by kindergarten but "The Nutshell Library" is a worthy addition to any family's collection as well.

I got these books when I was 5 or 6 and loved them. I saved them and read them to my kids. My kids are all teenagers now, and don't want me to even talk to them never mind read to them. I'm saving them for my grandkids. What is so great about these books is that the illustrations are as good as the text. They both can be understood on many levels. For all those who complain about the size, they're not so small if you're a child and have small hands.

I've loved these books since I was a small fry myself (I'm over 50 now!). The whimsical and imaginative stories and wonderful illustrations charm the eyes and delight the young of all ages. And, one of my very favorite things about this library was that it was indeed tiny -- small, just for me. I'm sorry to see others who see the size of these books as a barrier, inappropriate even. The size is what opened the door to this rich world for me. I wouldn't trade its very special physical stature for anything.

Now I'm completely smitten anew due to Carole King's musical presentation of these treasures in "Really Rosie," a TV special I sadly missed when it was originally broadcast in the '70's.

I still have my original, well loved and worn copies of the Nutshell Library but am so glad to know it's still in print and available for new generations of visitors to this wild and wonderful Sendak world.

Both my almost three year old and my five year old daughters love these books. They had already learned all of the Chicken Soup With Rice poems in preschool so that added to their enjoyment level. They are tiny books, but that's one of the things my youngest loves about them. Be forewarned that the lion eats Pierre in the Pierre book. My daughters think it's hilarious, but maybe others would be upset by this? He does survive and learns a lesson from the experience!

These are one of the few things I have held into from my childhood. Bought a set as a gift for a friend who has a toddler and he loves it! They are tiny and sweet and any child is sure to love carrying them around.

I had these books for my children and now I have bought a set for each of my grandchildren. I realize some people are disappointed in the small size but in my experience the children adore the fact that they are tiny. And even though they are small they illustrations are still amazing and the stories themselves classic send an. My children, my grandkids and I myself love them!

This is an amazing bundle of literacy and of life. As a kindergarten teacher I used this collection for 18 years. I have gaiven away about 20 sets. The art alone is worth the money. The stories and the keys to literacy for tiny little hands are an excellent tool. The "Book of Months" is all a child needs to learn about the passage of a year.

I have taught native Spanish speakers to read and write. With this box and "Where the Wild Things Are" in both English and Spanish I have returned over and over again during a school year to work from these texts and the students leave at the end of the year with much more English than that which they brought. They aquire loads of English from this "Library", while learning to read and write in both languages.

More important, however, the go away loving, loving these books. I believe they also take away the beginnings of a true love of books and reading. Thanks, Maurice

I had these books as a child and they were my favorite books. I read them again and again, even as an older child. My favorite of the four books is Chicken Soup with Rice, which I can recite from memory to my almost 3 year old daughter. She also loves these books and asks me to read them again and again. The small size was part of the appeal to me, as well as the simple, yet adorable pictures.

These itty bitty books rode around in my purse for YEARS to read while in the car, waiting in line, etc. The quality of the binding is remarkably good. And the stories entertained me as much as they did my little boy.

Poetry? Well, maybe not laureate stuff, but great none-the-less. Rhyming? Cadence? Fun? Silly word games? Characters too good to forget, even if you don't know Sendak's other work - these tiny books are the way to nighttime pleasantries with your children. You will love reading them and they will love memorizing them just for the fun of it. Then they can read them back to you. Learning the months is a delight, with appropriate drawings and word descriptions for each time of the year. The Nutshell Library is in the `save forever, or until I have a child' box of both my children. And I can't wait for a grandchild to whom I may read these tiny gems!

My [...]loves this- we actually have mine from when I was a little girl. And we bought the Really Rosie CD which has the books sung by Carol King and he loves to listen to the CD and follow in the books. CD is available on the store as well here Really Rosie

I ordered this because I wanted all of the stories in this collection. The stories are all educational in some way and very cute. "Pierre" teaches the moral of caring. "Chicken Soup With Rice" teaches about months. "One Was Johnny" teaches about counting. "Alligators All Around" teach about the alphabet. If you have a problem with small books I would review the product specifications. The set is very small, but my daughter loves it and it is perfect for her little hands. I do not have any trouble holding or reading the small books. I think it saves space. I know we will treasure this book set for years to come. The quality is great!

These little books have lovely illustrations and witty messages. They are little and will need to be read with a small child who can graduate to reading the books by themselves. Children love little things and can be taught to care for these books. Early readers will cherish the packaging as if they have their own library. Play acting around the text is another positive. Give these books a try. They will reward the buyer and reader beyond their size. They are tiny so plan how you will use them.

My 4 kids grew up with this delightful mini-sized compilation of mini-books.

(To this day, they still can recite passages by heart!) Now that they all

have children of their own, I've gotten them their own copies--which can give

Dr. Seuss a run for the money. An added plus: adults will have fun too--

as they read it to their offspring. "Chicken Soup With Rice" and "Pierre"

especially, and are unforgettable. So enjoy!

My children absolutely love these books. They play with them like toys, pretend to read them to themselves, and request that I read them quite frequently, although they are both out of the "same story over and over" phase. Carol King recorded these stories as songs on her album, Really Rosie, which was my absolute favorite as a child. I highly recommend both the album and the books.

When other people wrote very small in their reviews, I didn't understand how ABSOLUTELY MINIATURE these books were. They seem more like 2" X 2"!!

Very hard to read with the children. Partly, because they want to look at the pictures while I read and that's impossible! The stories are adorable and I totally recommend these books and anything this author has written!!! But, come on!!!! This tiny version should have been made so that the reader can see the words. I have 20/20 vision and I know my vision isn't the problem!!

My first son is now 21 years old. He received this bookset at birth from a very good neighbor. Since then, I could never get these books out of my head - esp. Pierre - I love that little book. I believe I could still repeat it word for word even 21 years later. I don't have any grand children yet, but I'm buying this book for me to add to my book collection - and another set to preserve for my future grand babies :-)

These are the most fabulous books ever. I had them when I was a child and always purchase them for new parents/babies. They are well written, beautifully illustrated, and quite wonderful. The rhymes are fun and the cautionary tale is a delight. In just four little books you can teach your child the alphabet, the months, counting and attitude adjustment! You can't go wrong with these little books.

We picked this up on a trip to New York years ago because my partner grew up with it. We now have a two year old daughter whose love of this set borders on obsession. I must have read them 100 times by now and have yet to tire of it. My daughter knows it off by heart despite the fact she can't read. No wonder as Sendak is a genius whose wit and imagination know no bounds. I can't recommend it highly enough.

This beautifully imagined little collection of four books is a delight for both children and the adults who read for them. Their diminutive scale really appeals to kids as does the simple rhyming prose. Counting, the alphabet, the months of the year and personal responsibility are all investigated with humour and an infectious sense of fun. Maurice Sendak's illustrations are utterly charming.

My two year old loves these wonderful little books. They are the first to come out in the morning and the first to come out before bed, and she looks at them on her own over and over again throughout the day, saying "bok bok wid rice." They are so much fun for me to read to her. They are a must for any child's library.

These perfect little books that fit neatly into their little sleeve are wonderful classics that are worth owning. Hopefully you read these as a child and I guarantee you will enjoy reading them again and again.

Heres a great little set of books for small children, I have a set from when I was small and my 5 year old son has been captivated by the whole series as well..... especially Pierre and he has chosen this for his class reading competition!! They are great books, easy to hold for little fingers and span the range from 0 - 7 years, the set I purchased was for a friends baby.

Classics, I love these books! My mom read these books to her students as a kindergarten teacher some years ago. I myself am particularly fond of Pierre: The Cautionary Tale. I read these books to my own children when they were young. I give it 2 thumbs up!!

I bought the Nutshell Library at a book sale when I was 5 years old with my own money...I read them over and over and over and can still recite them by heart. I'm so thrilled to see that you can still purchase this set. The individual books are still available also, and I've read them to my boys, but when I was little I loved the smallness of this set.

I have had these books since i was a little girl, and my mom had them when she was a little girl. My brother and i used to fight over hers and so she bought us each a set. Now my kids fight over them. they are wonderful little books!!!

I heard these books put to music when I was in first and second grade, and they have stuck with me and allowed me to teach them to my children. Finding them in book form is just amazing. These books are classic and belong in any child's library.

I remember reading these books some 40 years ago & I still can remember some of the rhymes. I loved them then but couldn't find them anywhere. So now I'm getting them for my grandchildren and great-nieces & -nephews to enjoy.

I bought this for my daughter 8 years ago. She loved it. I just bought another set for my 3 year old son because that is all he wants to read. He loves the tiny size of the books. I agree--Maurice Sendak is awesome!

I know that this is the "Nutshell Library" but, goodness gracious, these are some TINY books! They are about the size of playing cards. Good books to throw into your purse but would be hard to read every day.

I was shocked to see that these books were only about 2" x 3". I have no idea why anyone would want a book this small! The publisher should make this collection "normal" sized because it is a great collection of books!

Nutshell Library (Caldecott Collection)
I was very disappointed, upon receipt, to find that the book size is less that 3" x 4". Not appropriate for a young child. I have returned the set. The book size (since so small) should be included in the main product listiing along with "Caldecott Collection", "BOX SET" & "Hardcover"