The Best Nest

The only gifts we exchange in my family during the holidays are gifts of the heart. So, I decided to surprise my 33 year old daughter -- who now has her own young son -- by reading from the book "that I had read more times from cover-to-cover than any other book in my life." When I reached into my bag and pulled out "The Best Nest," tears of joy came to her eyes. Then, much to my surprise she jumped up and pulled her own old tattered copy from her bookshelf, which I had read to her so many times nearly 30 years ago. Yes, the book may have a few stereotypical notions about the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Bird; however, my daughter -- who is now a professor of Women's Studies -- still loves this old friend as much as I do.

My daughter enjoys this book, but the gender stereotypes make me cringe. In this book, Mrs. Bird complains and bosses her good-natured husband around so we have the typical nag and hen-pecked husband. For some reason, gender stereotypes sometimes both me more when they are in animal books than when actual people are depicted.

One of my favorites as a child & still today. Bought it for a friend who has 3 young children. Great book for learning to read. Large text with bright colorful, fun illustrations. I had this book when I was about five years old. Thirty years later I can still visualize every illustration in great detail. Very memorable & made a big impression on me. Teaches the lessons 'There's no place like home' and 'A woman has the right to change her mind.' It's about life & relationships. Get this for your kids!