Me First

This was one of our very favorites when my children were little. It's utterly hilarious and teaches good lessons without being moralistic.

This is a great book for kids of all ages. I read it to my fourth graders the first day of every school year, and this year I bought copies for all of the other fourth grade teachers. Pinkerton always has to be first, until his greed teaches him a lesson that allows him to happily take the last seat on the bus.

I was first introduced to this book while working in a 4 year old PreKindergarten class. I loved the book from the first time I read it with the class. I purchased a copy for my classroom library and encourage anyone looking for a cute book about taking turns to get this book.

Talk about a twist and turn of events! My first graders loved this book. It teaches children that being first is not always best. I use it now whenever my first graders fight to be first in line. We all yell out, "Don't be a Pinkerton!" and in a gentle humorous way the "pusher of the line" concedes. It is also a great book for a follow up discussion on homophones. When you read this book, you'll know what I'm talking about. You see, Pinkerton wants to be first when he hears someone offering a "sandwich" but it turns out to be a Sand Witch who makes him realize his selfishness. It is an adorable book and voted one of the top five in my classroom!

Like all of Lester's books, Me First imparts an important lesson for primary aged children without being preachy or condescending. Her clever use of the English language and humor make it just as enjoyable for the reader as the read-ee!

Although we have bought, borrowed, and checked out (from the library) many, many books for our children, this is one of our all-time favorites. My wife and I have never read a better book for teaching children (and their parents) that being first is not always best. The message is conveyed through the experience of Pinkerton, the "pink, plump and pushy pig" in terrific fashion. The illustrations are great for kids as is the entertaining (but educational) story line.This book has become a classic for our family. In fact, although we don't buy that many books (usually we check them out from the library), we wouldn't be without our own copy. We even make it a habit to buy it for our friends and family with little "Pinkertons" of their own.Don't miss this one, it's great.