Let’s begin our look at author Pamela Duncan Edwards with her picture book about manners, called “Rude Mule.” On the first page we are presented with a question – what if a mule knocked on your front door and announced that he had come for lunch? And then what if he wouldn’t wash his hooves before eating, and what if he kept braying at the table? Well, he certainly wouldn’t get any lunch, but if he washed his hooves like a good little mule, and asked for lunch politely, you’d give him some.
If he slurps and gobbles, what would you do? Would you ask him to eat quietly, and tell him you won’t play with him after lunch if he can’t be polite?
This cute book helps children to understand how they can deal with rude guests, and also how they can avoid being one. Plus it’s just fun to read. (This book was published in 2002 by Henry Holt and illustrated by Barbara Nascimbeni.)
Do you like tongue twisters? “Some Smug Slug” is the book for you. The story is told almost entirely with the letter “S,” and I was really quite impressed with how complete the story seemed to be with words beginning with just one letter. Pamela really did a good job with this book, as demonstrated on my favorite page: “For one single second in a sunbeam it slumbered; its sleek skin was soft like shantung.” But tongue twisters aren’t the only fun to be had in this book – there are hidden pictures throughout. I enjoyed this book – it was simply sensational! (This book was published in 1996 by Harper Collins, and illustrated by Henry Cole.)
“Rosie’s Roses” also features a bit of alliteration, but not to the extent of our previous book. Rosie has four roses to take to her Aunt Ruthie as a birthday gift. But on her way to deliver them, she keeps finding other people who need the roses more, until she arrives at her aunt’s empty handed. She tells her aunt the whole story, but Aunt Ruthie doesn’t care about the missing flowers – she says Rosie is her very favorite rose of all. The illustrations are the best part of this story, in my opinion – they’re just adorable. And you can find hidden pictures in this book, too! (This book was published in 2003 by Harper Collins, and was illustrated by Henry Cole.)
These three books just begin to scratch the surface – Pamela Duncan Edwards has published several. I encourage you to keep your eyes out for them while you’re at the library or bookstore.
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