Below

Published in 2006, we just found this book at the library and its marvelous. It had my son absolutely mesmerized, and my daughter liked it as well (7 and 9 currently). The story is about Jack, a brown haired, brown eyed charmer, and his toy, Guy. Jack and Guy share all sorts of adventures. Then Guy vanishes down a hole. Jack looked hard, but he couldn't see Guy. Would Guy be okay down there? At first, Jack imagines Guy having further adventures, which is sort of fun, and then Jack imagines Guy being all alone in the dark. :( Jack asks his mom for help but she's busy with his little brother. And then Jack asks his dad for help, but he's fixing a door. Which leaves Jack to rescue his buddy by himself. Wrap-Up::: This book is appealing to children for a number of very good reasons. First, there are the photographs which are oversized, bright and engaging. (They are very much like the one on the front cover.) And I don't know about your children but mine love pictures of other kids, especially if those kids are doing things, like playing like they do. Secondly, there is so much imagination in Jack's play, the magic of which isn't lost on either the author or the photographer. For example, in one episode Guy and Jack are in a big city. In the forefront of the picture there are wood blocks on the stairs and all sorts of little cars-- Jack's constructed cityscape. But muted in the background, ever so subtly, you can make out the image of a real city; what Jack sees with his imagination. I believe children can entirely identify with this. But the big attraction though, is Guy's dilemma and Jack's rescue. Most children have prized possessions, and what better role can children dream up for themselves than that of a rescuer of those treasures. A rescue, without mom and dad, really puts children in the driver's seat. It empowers them and that's why I think Nina Crews' Below so captivated my children. Definitely get this one at the library and give it a test run with your children and see if it wouldn't make a good addition to the home shelves. Would make a nice gift. The Accelerated Reading level for Below is 1.9 -- which means the language in this book is at the 9th month of 1st Grade level. Pam T~ mom and reviewer at BooksForKidsReviews

This is a great story that has completely engaged my 3 1/2 year old. He loves the pictures and the suspense - what will happen to Guy? We got it from the library and now I am buying a copy to keep at home.

My 3-year-old is always very interested in anything "truck" but this book also attracts him because of the mysterious dark hole from which the toy must be retrieved. He follows right along with the progress the boy makes in gathering his construction team and preparing the rescue of his favorite toy. It also has a nice message about sticking together as a team -- this will be a favorite book for some time to come.

This is the story of a boy named Jack. He has a favorite action figure named Guy. They do everything together. That is until one sad day Jack drops guy into a hole in the stair! It's up to Jack to rescue Guy! How will he do it? Read this book to find out!

I was a bit skeptical when our librarian suggested this book, but my three year-old son really enjoys the story. It moves quickly and allows your child to use his/her imagination as they also guess what might be Below. The photographs are unique and engaging. I am now seeking additional books from this author.