Have you ever noticed people who think their dogs are cute no matter what they do? Well, Fergus' owner happens to be one of those people. I think this story definitely qualifies as "Laugh Out Loud" funny. I love the part where Fergus gets whipped cream on his dog food and my kids love the part where Fergus leaves his mark all over the neighborhood. I tried to fight it, but when my husband is the one pointing out all the places Fergus has relieved himself, I know that it's a losing battle. Boys will be boys - even grown up ones, so I may as well just go along with it.
We're back with David for another adventure, but this time he has a new trick up his sleeve - Deny Everything! "I didn't mean to!", "I forgot!", and "But Dad says it!" are just a few of the ways that David tries to avoid trouble. My boys like this one just as much as the other David books, although I think they were a little shocked when I explained the concept of having one's mouth washed out with soap. Let's hope it never comes to that.
In the second book of the series, David goes to school and discovers that it isn't just moms who say no - it's teachers too. And if you think time out is bad, just wait until you have to stay after school to clean all the desks. I think I should say that I was never one of those kids who broke the rules in school. Except for that time in first grade when I was showing off for a boy (I promise - I just wanted him to think I was cool), and cut a smallish chunk of my hair. The little twerp told on me and her reaction was much the same as David's teacher. Ugh - boys!
I'll be the first to admit that the illustrations in this series of books are definitely not my style - and a little bit creepy - however, I was able to look past all that long enough to read the books to my kids. Children hear the word "NO" quite a bit in one day - I should know, because I say it to my own kids. Sometimes, when I have the energy, I try to switch things up a bit. You know, make things sound more positive. But let's be honest - when the kids are going crazy, you're trying to get dinner on the table, the phone rings and for the fifth time that day you catch your son going for the cookie jar, positive language is the last thing the children will hear coming out of your mouth. Really, I'd be shocked to find a child who couldn't identify with David. It shouldn't have come as a surprise to me that my boys LOVE this book. Especially the part where David runs (NAKED!) down the street. It's a great opportunity to discuss with the kids why certain behaviors are inappropriate. As for the strange illustrations...it works. This series is all about the kid's point of view so David's weird, triangular nose, beady black eyes and pointy teeth are perfect just as they are.
I LOVE this book. Really, I'm surprised that I don't already have a copy of it. I check it out from the library every so often and I'm amused each time I read it. The moral of the story is one that we should all take to heart: It doesn't matter what other people think of you and trying to please everyone will only cause you grief.Camilla Cream is a sweet girl who loves lima beans. However, she's afraid to admit it because of what people might think. After all, who loves lima beans?
On the first day of school, Camilla is getting dressed and suddenly finds herself covered in muli-colored stripes. Unsure of the what to do, Camilla's mother sends her to school anyway. How embarrassing for a girl who worries so much about what others think! The problem only gets worse when Camilla breaks out in red, white and blue stripes while repeating the pledge of allegiance. Sent home from school, Camilla spends her days inside enduring visits from all kinds of specialists who only make matters worse with each remedy they try. Eventually, word spreads about Camilla's condition and news crews begin to camp out on her lawn. Soon, a nice old lady comes to visit and claims to be able to help, but Camilla has to move past her desire to please everyone else.
Have you ever noticed people who think their dogs are cute no matter what they do? Well, Fergus' owner happens to be one of those people. 
