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Ernst #2
The Puddle Pail
Elisa Kleven's beloved little blue crocodile, Ernst, stars in this story about two brothers. While sensible Sol collects things like feathers and shells, Ernst has a more whimsical approach: He wants to collect puddles and all they reflect--clouds, stripes, colors, and stars. Ernst's imagination soars once he begins his amazing collection.
Two brothers have very different ideas about what to collect--one likes bottlecaps, the other likes...puddles!
Elisa Kleven's second book featuring Ernst, the inquisitive crocodile.
Previous editions sold 28,000 copies
Will appeal to budding naturalists and collectors.
Two brothers have very different ideas about what to collect--one likes bottlecaps, the other likes...puddles!
Elisa Kleven's second book featuring Ernst, the inquisitive crocodile.
Previous editions sold 28,000 copies
Will appeal to budding naturalists and collectors.
32 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1997
About the author
Elisa Kleven
45 books43 followersElisa Kleven is the author and/or illustrator of over 30 childrens picture books. Favorites with children and adults alike, Elisa's books have received awards and honors from the American Library Association, The New York Times , The Junior Library Guild, School Library Journal, and the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Her pictures from Abuela are part of a traveling show organized by the Minnesota Children's Museum, and her story The Paper Princess has been adapted for two theater productions, one in Ireland and the other in California. Elisa lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family and pets. To learn more about Elisa and her books, please visit her web site: www.elisakleven.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 23, 2019
The little blue crocodile whose story began in the eponymous
Ernst
(and continues in the subsequent
A Carousel Tale
), returns in this second delightful picture-book adventure from Elisa Kleven. Dreamy Ernst, always looking at things from a different perspective, accompanies his older brother Sol to the beach in The Puddle Pail, and, prompted by his sibling's insistence that he should collect something, begins scooping all the beautiful puddles he comes across into his pail. You can't collect puddles (or clouds and stars, for that matter) protests Sol, but Ernst has other ideas...
An endearing tale of a little boy (sorry - crocodile!) who has his own way of looking at the world, The Puddle Pail, like A Carousel Tale after it, features an amusing, but essentially goodhearted sibling dynamic, a satisfyingly creative solution to the issue being raised (what does it mean, to 'collect' something?), and gorgeous illustrations. The artwork here, with its lovely palette and multitude of appealing little details - the alternation between full-page paintings, and rows of objects (starfish, feathers, etc.), interspersed with text, is very effective in furthering the story - is up to Kleven's usual high standard, and only confirms my growing appreciation for her as an artist. Recommended to any young reader who has enjoyed other Ernst stories, who likes animals tales, or who is a fan of Elisa Kleven's books.
An endearing tale of a little boy (sorry - crocodile!) who has his own way of looking at the world, The Puddle Pail, like A Carousel Tale after it, features an amusing, but essentially goodhearted sibling dynamic, a satisfyingly creative solution to the issue being raised (what does it mean, to 'collect' something?), and gorgeous illustrations. The artwork here, with its lovely palette and multitude of appealing little details - the alternation between full-page paintings, and rows of objects (starfish, feathers, etc.), interspersed with text, is very effective in furthering the story - is up to Kleven's usual high standard, and only confirms my growing appreciation for her as an artist. Recommended to any young reader who has enjoyed other Ernst stories, who likes animals tales, or who is a fan of Elisa Kleven's books.
January 28, 2010
Ah, from the back of this book I learned there is a first book about Ernst, the dreamy, imaginative crocodile; it’s titled [Ernst:], and I just reserved it at the library. I am hoping Kleven did the same style of collage art in that first book about the little blue crocodile, and I hope that the green big brother Sol makes an appearance too.
I just love collage art and this author/illustrator does outstanding work. I loved the colors and intricate patterns and objects, the expressiveness, the beauty. I really enjoyed these illustrations. I would have poured over them endlessly as a youngster; there’s so much to look at.
The story of these sibling crocodiles is one that will be enjoyed by those who have sibling relationships, those that like to collect things, all kinds of things, and those who love intricate and colorful illustrations.
I found the confident Ernst endearing, I loved the adorable dog, and I appreciated how the story shows that siblings (and friends and people in general) can find ways to get along and enjoy each other’s company even if they have very different viewpoints and enjoy different things.
I was reminded of the childhood joys of collected rocks and shells, and the fun to be had by looking at cloud shapes, and all sorts of childhood pleasures.
I also love books about art for children and this story basically qualifies in that category.
4 or 5, 4 or 5, 4 or 5. I want half stars! I’ll bump it up.
I just love collage art and this author/illustrator does outstanding work. I loved the colors and intricate patterns and objects, the expressiveness, the beauty. I really enjoyed these illustrations. I would have poured over them endlessly as a youngster; there’s so much to look at.
The story of these sibling crocodiles is one that will be enjoyed by those who have sibling relationships, those that like to collect things, all kinds of things, and those who love intricate and colorful illustrations.
I found the confident Ernst endearing, I loved the adorable dog, and I appreciated how the story shows that siblings (and friends and people in general) can find ways to get along and enjoy each other’s company even if they have very different viewpoints and enjoy different things.
I was reminded of the childhood joys of collected rocks and shells, and the fun to be had by looking at cloud shapes, and all sorts of childhood pleasures.
I also love books about art for children and this story basically qualifies in that category.
4 or 5, 4 or 5, 4 or 5. I want half stars! I’ll bump it up.
May 16, 2011
This is the second book featuring Ernst that my daughter and I have read. We enjoyed this one perhaps a tad bit more than the first. Ernst is an imaginative little crocodile and his older brother Sol is a bit more practical. We enjoyed this story of the two brothers and their different ideas of collecting things. Sol collects things like shells while Ernst thinks puddles would be fun to collect.
I like how this book shows that it is okay to be yourself and have a mind of your own. The artwork is wonderful made out of colorful cut-out paper collage. I hope to read more about Ernst and his adventures.
I like how this book shows that it is okay to be yourself and have a mind of your own. The artwork is wonderful made out of colorful cut-out paper collage. I hope to read more about Ernst and his adventures.
December 31, 2020
The late American philosopher Gareth B. Matthews discussed the philosophy in this beautiful book for the "Thinking in Stories" column he wrote for the Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children, available here: https://www.montclair.edu/iapc/review.... As he observes, "'The Puddle Pail' is an invitation to think about the metaphysics of collectibles – and perhaps their axiology, too."
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May 20, 2022BookTree
Sabine liked
Sabine liked
January 31, 2013
Mommy's review from 11/20/11 -
I flipped through this at the library last week and since Julia's so into collections I thought I'd read it to her at home. (She has quite a few unique collections of her own, along with the more usual rock, feather, shiny things, etc. collections.)
I loved the tenacity of Ernst best of all. The book led to a really nice conversation about differences between people and allowing others to be themselves. Ernst's paintings also started a conversation about things lasting well past when we expect them to and in ways never expected also.
It's surprising because the book seems to be a simple story but it in fact can be quite useful as well as fun to read.
I didn't much care for the artwork but Julia said she thought it was "alright".
I flipped through this at the library last week and since Julia's so into collections I thought I'd read it to her at home. (She has quite a few unique collections of her own, along with the more usual rock, feather, shiny things, etc. collections.)
I loved the tenacity of Ernst best of all. The book led to a really nice conversation about differences between people and allowing others to be themselves. Ernst's paintings also started a conversation about things lasting well past when we expect them to and in ways never expected also.
It's surprising because the book seems to be a simple story but it in fact can be quite useful as well as fun to read.
I didn't much care for the artwork but Julia said she thought it was "alright".
September 11, 2013
Hott Synopsis:
“Everyone needs a collection”
Crocodile brothers go out to play in very different ways. One brother collects everything and everything. The other has nothing. Why? The things he’d like to collect are either to far away, to big, or too cold. Is there a way for him to bring his collection home?
Hott Review:
What I liked: Adorable! I really enjoyed this book & will absolutely share it with all of my nephews. It’s a great book I’ll be buying for other’s libraries!
What I didn’t like: Nothing!
More…
Author: Elisa Kleven
Source: JKS Communications
Grade: A
Ages: 2-8
“Everyone needs a collection”
Crocodile brothers go out to play in very different ways. One brother collects everything and everything. The other has nothing. Why? The things he’d like to collect are either to far away, to big, or too cold. Is there a way for him to bring his collection home?
Hott Review:
What I liked: Adorable! I really enjoyed this book & will absolutely share it with all of my nephews. It’s a great book I’ll be buying for other’s libraries!
What I didn’t like: Nothing!
More…
Author: Elisa Kleven
Source: JKS Communications
Grade: A
Ages: 2-8
April 11, 2008
This wonderfully cluttered and sweetly retro story of a sibling’s soft struggle for individuality is a heartening celebration of creativity, character and acceptance.
You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.
You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.
August 31, 2012
This book would be great to use during the first week of school when everyone is getting to know each other. Read aloud and then have students write about what they collect or have collected then share one thing out loud with their classmates. They may realize they have things in common and form friendships.
September 1, 2012
I thought this book was a wonderful way of displaying how its okay for children to go "against the grain" and be extraordinary. I don't like possibilities to be from a select few. I like being creative and think outside the box. Children need to accept their friends' differences and appreciate their originalities.
September 17, 2012
This book would be great to use during the first week of school. Getting to know others is somewhat of a difficult task. This book would be ideal for a read aloud because it prompts the idea of commonality. There are things we could all have in common and this book could bring those out and build your classroom community!
September 6, 2011
Ernest wants to collect everything you can't. He finally decides to collect puddles. With his puddles, he can recreate everything he wanted to collect before.
This book can bring up a discussion about what the kids collect. This lets the students get to know each other better.
This book can bring up a discussion about what the kids collect. This lets the students get to know each other better.
September 20, 2011
This is a good book about differences, people see different things than others. Also good with getting kids to talk about their own collections, maybe something they collect, or want to begin collecting.
November 26, 2011
Two dinosaurs star in this book, but both are VERY different. One is extremely practical and collects concrete objects. The other decides he wants to collect more intangible things such as puddles.
I would use this book to teach about imaginations and compromise.
I would use this book to teach about imaginations and compromise.
November 27, 2012
This book would be great to use at the beginning of the school year when you are trying to build classroom community. It is good to introduce the book to show that no matter what you may collect or find important, it is all special and unique.
April 2, 2013
This is a great book that everyone can relate to. I think it would be a great book to read at the beginning of the year to build community and teach children that it is okay to be different and think outside of the box.
November 19, 2012
This book helps children understand that it is okay to be different and think outside of the box. It would be good to use at the beginning of the year to help the students get to know each other by sharing their own collections. Many children will be able to relate to this book.
December 1, 2012
This is a great book that shows children it's okay to think outside of the box. I think this would be a useful book to use in the beginning of the year to show students that not everyone thinks alike.
December 12, 2012
This book would be great to read the first week up school when the children are getting to know each other. It teaches the children to respect people's differences and still enjoy the person who they are inside. It is great to think outside the box!
July 15, 2014
The Puddle Pail has nice, colorful illustrations. This book could help children understand what a reflection or a shadow is. Children will also be able to learn a new word for a bucket which is pail. This book also illustrates imagination,
July 11, 2015
The Puddle Pail is a great adventure book. It allows children to use their imagination as we discuss clouds. It also teaches children about hobbies and collecting things. After reading this book, We could go on a walk and collect things.
December 18, 2008
A lovely story of seeing the world in different ways...and being friends with people who see things other ways.
November 30, 2011
This would be a great book to read and then have the students bring in things they collect. It is also a good book to use when discussing differences in people.
September 1, 2012
Ernst is very creative and imaginative. This book is a good read for kids to see how we all see things differently and have different interests.
February 14, 2013
This book reminds me of how I try to live my life. I like how it teaches not to be like everyone else. This would be a good book to use in the class to teach students it is okay to be different.
April 9, 2013
A good book to use when introducing kids to creative writing. It shows them it's ok to think outside the box, and how to generate some ideas.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews