Mine's the Best

This shows how easily people can be influenced by others. Until 5 days ago I don't know if I had ever heard of this book. A friend (A) who has a child in kindergarten emailed another friend(B) that happens to work in an elementary library. Friend A wanted to know if the book was in friend B's library. Friend A stated that she thought the book was bad and did not want her daughter to read it. Friend B located the book, read it and completely agreed that the book was awful and very suggestive. She also stated that she would discuss the book with her librarian. After doing so she stated that the librarian agreed and the book had been tossed out. Friend A stated that her daughter's school refused to remove the book and that the school must promote fighting and hatred. Friend B said she needed to go back and read the book again because she didn't get fighting and hatred from the book, she thought it was sexually suggestive!! I decided to review the book myself. I think both friends are completely off track. It is a simple story about competiveness between two children. It describes children exactly as they behave on the playground or with their siblings. The entire time the two boys are arguing about whose inflated toy is best they are oblivious to all of the other children walking by with the same toy, until theirs is destroyed. When they spot a girl with the same toy they comment "I hate her". It is not meant any differently that stating "I hate spinach". The next thing is the two boys walking away arm in arm stating "Ours was the best". This is a good story that shows how important trival things are to children and how quickly they forget and move on. This book is recommended for ages 3 - 5 and I don't believe children in this age bracket would ever interpret anything about fighting, hatred or sexual innuendo. Check out the author on the internet. She wouldn't have written anything bad for children to read. Let your child read the book and as the adult don't read more in to it than was intended.

I bought this book for my daughter many years ago when she learned to read, and we both laughed at each page. In fact, I may have laughed harder than she, because I could look back at being a child and remember how important being "the best" was--no matter how insignficant the subject was. This purchase is for my granddaughter, who has the same sense of humor. I can't wait to put my head next to hers, to giggle together, to see this story from the point of view of a child, and to realise how silly it is to become so frustrated at something so small! Misanthropes, go read another book and leave us folks with a sense of humor alone to enjoy this one!!!

I cannot believe these reviews. This book is funny and I have let my students read it, and they loved it. I do not in any fashion think I am teaching my children something bad. These children act like this and talk like this on the playground, and it's books like these that actually teach something good and engage children in real life situations and discussions. This is what I want for my students and my own children. I am an elementary teacher and a reading specialist, and I give this book definitely the five stars it deserves. I have the originally book, and I came here to buy another copy and read these very subjective reviews. Please, if you are here, then reconsider this book. Check it out of the library if you must. It is not bad as what is being projected here. How the word "hate" is being taken way out of context. You have to see the pictures with the text to appreciate how the little boy is saying this with no meaning behind his words. I know how little boys are as I am a mother of three boys. Well, I had to stand up and say this book is wonderful! I highly recommend it!

Terrific book! What a wonderful lesson for kids. Easy to read. Funny. All of my student can get through it. Pictures help tell the story for kids with reading issues. An book that teaches a wonderful lesson. It is often the first book that some of my student have ever been able to read. The happiness and pride in their faces tell the real story.

Rose, age 7, says this book is funny and filled with excitement. It is a great book for kids. I love it. Especially when the boy says Let go of my pants!Her mom, age 43, says that she thinks it's great to read all kinds of books with your kids. That's often what keeps alive a child's interest in reading - to have a sense that there's always something new out there to dive into. Also, it can be great to read with your children a book that really gives you a chance to talk to them about how they might deal with a situation. Still not sure this is worth your money? Check it out at the library first!A p.s. from Rose : IT ROCKS!