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Friday, May 10, 2013

PPBF: Nibbles: A Green Tale


Title: Nibbles: A Green Tale
Author/Illustrator: Charlotte Middleton
Publisher/Date: Marshall Cavendish Children/2009
Genre/Audience: Fiction/Ages 6+
Themes: guinea pigs, gardening, conservation/sustainability 

Opening: 
"If there was one thing Nibbles loved more than soccer, it was... eating dandelion leaves. He ate dandelion leaves... at breakfast time, at lunch time, and at dinner time."

Synopsis: (From Amazon.com)
"The guinea pigs of Dandeville love munching dandelion leaves so much that slowly but surely dandelions are disappearing all over town. Soon there is only one dandelion left! A little guinea pig named Nibbles finds this last dandelion right outside his window. What should he do? Nibbles finds a way to save the day—and the dandelions—in this green tale, which is captured in unique mixed-media artwork."

Why I Love This Book
First, the irony of a story based on the disappearance of dandelions tickles the funny bone. And what a fun way to learn about gardening and sustainability! Nibbles is so resourceful and so huggable that you can't help but love his character. This is a simple read with an important message. And there is even a sequel: Nibbles' Garden: Another Green Tale.

Resources:
Eating Dandelions is not just for animals!

Gardening for Kids

Seed Dispersal Methods

For more links to Perfect Picture Books, a collection of bloggers who contribute at Susanna Leonard Hill’s site, click here.

11 comments:

  1. One of my favorite photos of me growing up is of me and my guinea pig, Ginger! They are cute critters. Using one as MC is a brilliant way to get kids on board with the author's message.

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  2. I love it. . . "Dandeville"! What a clever way to get across an ecological message. Sure wish nibbles would come our way and eat those weeds in our front yard. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. This sounds very clever indeed! I don't know what it is about guinea pigs, but they make some of the best books! Thanks for the review.

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  4. I am a sucker for guinea pigs and I love how this has been woven into an ecological tale.

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  5. I need those guinea pigs on my front lawn right now!! Sounds absolutely cute with a great message. Thanks, Laura

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  6. There was a time we made salad from dandelions greens and other Yule Gibbons things. Now it's time for ecology. Thanks so much for sharing this cute book. :)

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  7. This sounds very fun - I love the irony :) And Nibbles is so cute :) I always love to find good new stories about being green, so thanks for adding this to our list!

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  8. Very cute tale and I just love guinea pigs. Excellent for the think green

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  9. This sounds precious. I have added it to my list!

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  10. Such a charming story for kids. Like the idea of the emphasis on green for children.

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  11. And here we are, thinking we have to get rid of dandelions.:)
    Great review of a story that adults will enjoy for the irony and kids will enjoy because it's fun! Thanks, Laura, for adding it to the PPBF list.

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