Higglety Pigglety Pop!

This is my absolute all-time favorite book from childhood. When I got pregnant the first book I bought for my little guy was this one. Every child must have one. It doesn't follow the usual guidelines for children's literature, which is usually boring and has some obvious moral theme. Higglety Pigglety Pop can be thought of as somewhat nonsensical and stimulating to the imagination. Your little one will love it! The characters are genius.

I loved it as a kid and had my husband read it years ago. Some of Jenny's quirks became permanent jokes between us (like when she passes out yet still wants syrup on her pancakes...)My 7-year-old son, a tough customer, also thinks the book is hysterical. It's funny on so many levels and the illustrations are beautiful.

I have read this book to my daughter since she was about 3 and we return to it at least 3 times a year. The language is simple and witty, with a wonderful depth of feeling for Jennie and her desire to gain "experience". The darkly humorous chapter with Jennie attempting to placate the Baby is one of Sendak's best pieces of writing and both child and parent will find themselves imitating Baby's shouted speech with glee. This is a wonderful book to read aloud, but take time to savor the illustrations. Their off-kilter warmth caps a great reading experience.

This book belongs on every shelf, possibly next to The Little Prince or Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are. This beautifully illustrated fable (Sendak wrote to deal with the death of his beloved Sealyham Terrier, Jennie) stars the always hungry, always selfish and always charming little dog Jennie. Though Jennie has everything, she decides there must be more to life and sets off to find it.Along the way, there are feline milkmen, job applications to theatre companies, babies who won't eat, lions and the bit of Mother Goose rhyme from which the book takes its title. Somehow, the ending manages to be both uplifting and very sad at the same time, and when you're done, the little voice in your head will plead "read it again!".Sendak's art is brilliant, carefully rendered black and white illustrations with charming characters and whimsical details that add to the text of the story. Sendak's storytelling as at it's peak here as well. It's much wordier than Wild Things, and also aimed at an older audience. If your kids are too young for this, buy it anyway. That way, it's there when they're ready.

An "adult" book disguised as a children's book, children will love the illustrations and silly phrases, but only adults will truly appreciate the basic "message". A favorite gift for friends who have everything! I have it shelved along side my tattered copy of "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" - the interpretation changes yearly. Enjoy it with your children!