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Why Do You Cry?: Not a Sob Story
Crying is just for babies―right?
In a starred review, Publishers Weekly said of Kate and M. Sarah Klise's first picture book, Shall I Knit You A Hat? : "The Klises consistently sound notes of tenderness and humor." They continue to do so as Little Rabbit and his mother return in a sweet new story.
Little Rabbit is about to turn five, and he decides he's all through with crying. He doesn't want crybabies at his birthday party, so he tells his friends they can come only if they're big, like him, and don't cry anymore. When all of his friends admit to crying sometimes, Little Rabbit is shocked. Does everybody cry? Why?
Why Do You Cry? is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
"Author Klise presents young readers with a gentle lesson about growing up. Illustrator Klise fills her bright acrylic illustrations with delightful detail." - Kirkus Reviews
In a starred review, Publishers Weekly said of Kate and M. Sarah Klise's first picture book, Shall I Knit You A Hat? : "The Klises consistently sound notes of tenderness and humor." They continue to do so as Little Rabbit and his mother return in a sweet new story.
Little Rabbit is about to turn five, and he decides he's all through with crying. He doesn't want crybabies at his birthday party, so he tells his friends they can come only if they're big, like him, and don't cry anymore. When all of his friends admit to crying sometimes, Little Rabbit is shocked. Does everybody cry? Why?
Why Do You Cry? is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
"Author Klise presents young readers with a gentle lesson about growing up. Illustrator Klise fills her bright acrylic illustrations with delightful detail." - Kirkus Reviews
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 30, 2006
3 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Kate Klise
67 books343 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
Catherine "Kate" Klise is an American author of children's literature. Many of her books are illustrated by her sister, M. Sarah Klise. Their popular Regarding series is presented in a scrapbook style format, with letters, journal entries, and related ephemera telling the story. She is also known for her picture books as well as the bestselling 43 Old Cemetery Road series. Kate Klise's first adult novel, In the Bag, was released in 2012.
Catherine "Kate" Klise is an American author of children's literature. Many of her books are illustrated by her sister, M. Sarah Klise. Their popular Regarding series is presented in a scrapbook style format, with letters, journal entries, and related ephemera telling the story. She is also known for her picture books as well as the bestselling 43 Old Cemetery Road series. Kate Klise's first adult novel, In the Bag, was released in 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 16, 2013
Rabbit is turning five years old and decides he is too old to cry. He doesn't want any crybabies at his birthday party either -- but he soon learns that everyone he knows still cries sometimes (even his mommy!) and not just for sad or scary reasons but for joyous and loving ones, too. And that it's perfectly okay to do so! A sweet story with an important message.
February 1, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. The illustrations on the story were *chefs kiss* they were bright and beautiful. Before picking up this book from the library one thing that attracted me to this book was the title. Crying is my coping mechanism! I am the biggest cry baby. Often the term cry baby has been used to tease other children however I believe this story did a great job in highlighting that crying is sometimes the best way to show emotions no matter your age.
I also loved that Kate Klise and M. Sarah Klise are sisters and worked together in creating a beautiful story line.
I also loved that Kate Klise and M. Sarah Klise are sisters and worked together in creating a beautiful story line.
December 4, 2020
A book about the complexity and importance of feeling our feelings. It *almost* made me cry.
February 5, 2020
I love this book. So much. I mean, I know I say that about any of the Klises' books, but I really mean it with this one. With the usual beautifully painted illustrations and lovely text rife with Mama Rabbit's advice, Why Do You Cry? makes for a perfect book to explain just why we do cry, and why it's okay. When Little Rabbit discovers that everyone he's invited to his adults-only-no-crying-allowed birthday party actually does cry from time to time, he realizes that maybe being an adult means more than keeping your emotions in check, and that maybe he doesn't want to be an adult quite yet, anyways. In a sweet and heart-warming conclusion, nobody cries at Little Rabbit's party...except for his mom. Great for PreK-1, and perfect for a birthday surprise!
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
November 1, 2010
Teton County Library Call #: J PICTURE KLISE
Suzy's rating 4 stars
This is a sweet book, that will help children and parents deal with their emotions in a healthy way. So many times children, especially boys, are told to stop crying, or that, "big boys don't cry." This book focuses in on the importance of crying. I love how the rabbit/child in the story can't understand how an adult could cry because they are happy, or for no reason at all! Children only associate crying with negative emotions, they don't cry when they're happy. If they do, I've never seen it!
Anyway, the rabbit wants to invite only his friends who have matured enough that they don't cry any more to his birthday party. One by one, his friends tell him some of the reasons they cry, and can't come to his party. Of course it all ends well, but you'll have to read this delightful book to find out the end! The illustrations are super cute, and detailed.
Suzy's rating 4 stars
This is a sweet book, that will help children and parents deal with their emotions in a healthy way. So many times children, especially boys, are told to stop crying, or that, "big boys don't cry." This book focuses in on the importance of crying. I love how the rabbit/child in the story can't understand how an adult could cry because they are happy, or for no reason at all! Children only associate crying with negative emotions, they don't cry when they're happy. If they do, I've never seen it!
Anyway, the rabbit wants to invite only his friends who have matured enough that they don't cry any more to his birthday party. One by one, his friends tell him some of the reasons they cry, and can't come to his party. Of course it all ends well, but you'll have to read this delightful book to find out the end! The illustrations are super cute, and detailed.
March 18, 2011
At 5, Little Rabbit thinks he's so grown up that he can't have anyone who cries at his birthday party. Little Rabbit has a huge problem with invitations. When he tells his friends the no crying rule, they all say they cannot come because they all admit to crying. Little Rabbit asks all of them why they cry and gets a mix of answers - from being left out, to fears, to the dark.
This could be a great book for elementary guidance lessons as kids target those who cry or get defensive about their crying. The book also shows that there are multiple emotions that result in crying.
This could be a great book for elementary guidance lessons as kids target those who cry or get defensive about their crying. The book also shows that there are multiple emotions that result in crying.
May 30, 2013
This is a sweet story about growing up and how we are never too big to cry. The narrative is short and the illustrations are colorful, with very nice details. We really enjoyed reading this book together...it almost brought a tear to my eye.
interesting quote:
"I look at you and feel so proud and happy. And that can make me cry." (p. 25)
interesting quote:
"I look at you and feel so proud and happy. And that can make me cry." (p. 25)
February 7, 2024
Intrepid sisters Kate Klise (the author) and M. Sarah Klise (the artist) are taking on another tender topic.
Plus, there's especially good news for fans of "Shall I Knit You a Hat?" Good news because the same protagonists light up this magnificent picture book.
Yes, Little Rabbit and Mother Rabbit are the stars of this story. Little Rabbit is about to turn five. He's about to have a birthday party, and is inviting his friends. He instructs them not to cry at his party, like crybabies.
What happens after the birthday boy to be... tells this interesting party invitation to his oldest, dearest friend, the horse?
""I know you're too old to cry," Litrtle Rabbit began. "So please come to my birthday party."
"You're right that I'm old," said the horse. But you're wrong if you think I never cry."
My favorite part of this splendid book is the honesty of Little Rabbit's other friends.
As for the message of this book, and the ending? That's pretty great too, FIVE STAR great. Also, I'm shelving this title under HIGHEST PRAISE, due to all the wisdom... and (surprising or not, given that this is a story about rabbits) the sheer humanity.
Plus, there's especially good news for fans of "Shall I Knit You a Hat?" Good news because the same protagonists light up this magnificent picture book.
Yes, Little Rabbit and Mother Rabbit are the stars of this story. Little Rabbit is about to turn five. He's about to have a birthday party, and is inviting his friends. He instructs them not to cry at his party, like crybabies.
What happens after the birthday boy to be... tells this interesting party invitation to his oldest, dearest friend, the horse?
""I know you're too old to cry," Litrtle Rabbit began. "So please come to my birthday party."
"You're right that I'm old," said the horse. But you're wrong if you think I never cry."
My favorite part of this splendid book is the honesty of Little Rabbit's other friends.
As for the message of this book, and the ending? That's pretty great too, FIVE STAR great. Also, I'm shelving this title under HIGHEST PRAISE, due to all the wisdom... and (surprising or not, given that this is a story about rabbits) the sheer humanity.
July 28, 2019
Rabbit wants to celebrate his first "big kid" birthday party but there is one thing that is not allowed...no crying. Anyone who is crying is not invited to rabbit's birthday party. As rabbit begins asking his friends to join him but only if they no longer cry, rabbit realizes that all of his friends still cry. Rabbit seems to be the only one who thinks getting big means that you no longer cry. Maybe Rabbit just has to see that crying doesn't always mean that you are a baby.
March 27, 2023
Now that he's almost five, Little Rabbit decides that crying is for babies . . . and he's not a baby anymore. Therefore, only his friends who don't cry will be invited to his birthday party. Will Little Rabbit learn that crying is okay, and that everybody does it, or will he spend a lonely afternoon blowing out candles?
Another sweet, beautifully illustrated tale by the Klise sisters.
Another sweet, beautifully illustrated tale by the Klise sisters.
September 30, 2025
This is a gentle story that helps children understand that tears are a normal and healthy way to express feelings. It would be a great addition to a classroom, especially for teaching social-emotional learning.
January 26, 2019
Would make a nice gift for a 5yr old bday. (The main character is getting ready for his 5th bday party.)
August 7, 2020
Why would Little Rabbit not already know that his own mama would ever cry?
March 26, 2015
Why do you cry is about a young rabbit about to turn five. And since being five means he is big he wont cry anymore and so he sets out to invite his friends to his party, but only the ones who do not cry. He visits all his friends in a range of ages and finds that they all do still cry from time to time. He then asks his mother to attend and is astonished to find that even she cries, fro sad and happy things. As little Rabbit learns that everyone cries from time to time, he re-invites everyone and has an amazing party and understands that sometimes he might cry even though he is five.
I believe this book is very well written for talking with kids about their feelings, the situations in which his friends cry are very relate-able to the child it can be read to. the theme is very well connected with the instances in which they cry allow for some leeway in showing kids that it is appropriate to cry at times and the connections will resonate with the children. It also does a very good job at explaining why adults might cry. This is because when adults cry it can be a shock to the children, especially on the first time.
The illustrator seems to have had an easy time relating the color to the mood of the book. we see darker colors during the sad or scary parts, but there is always a lighter brown in the images to allow for comfort although the book may be talking about something sad or scary. There is still plenty of color to keep the kids interested though as they read on their own.
I believe this book is very well written for talking with kids about their feelings, the situations in which his friends cry are very relate-able to the child it can be read to. the theme is very well connected with the instances in which they cry allow for some leeway in showing kids that it is appropriate to cry at times and the connections will resonate with the children. It also does a very good job at explaining why adults might cry. This is because when adults cry it can be a shock to the children, especially on the first time.
The illustrator seems to have had an easy time relating the color to the mood of the book. we see darker colors during the sad or scary parts, but there is always a lighter brown in the images to allow for comfort although the book may be talking about something sad or scary. There is still plenty of color to keep the kids interested though as they read on their own.
December 4, 2010
Little Rabbit is growing up and is ready to not cry anymore. Little Rabbit thinks in order to be grown up you can't ever cry but he learns that all his friends still cry sometimes, even the old ones. Planning his birthday party teaches Little Rabbit it's ok to cry when your sad because that just means you have feelings. Good story to use when talking about feelings or if there are children in the classroom that cry.
February 12, 2013
Little Rabbit is turning 5 and decides he will no longer cry. One of the requirements he has for the friends he invites to his birthday party is that they no longer cry either. Little Rabbit's guest list becomes small very quickly as each of his friends admits that there are still things that make them cry.
Poetic, realistic, and relatable. Acrylic illustrations bring each scenario to life in detail. A great read about growing up and the emotions that unite us throughout our lives.
Poetic, realistic, and relatable. Acrylic illustrations bring each scenario to life in detail. A great read about growing up and the emotions that unite us throughout our lives.
September 19, 2014
Little Bunny wants to invite his animal friends to his fifth birthday party under the proviso that they not cry since Little Bunny is ashamed to admit his own feelings. Most kids can be that way and I think Ms. Klise captures it beautifully with a gentle reminder that everyone, even the manliest of boys, can shed tears wherever and whenever they choose.
March 7, 2016
A very nice tale of why it's okay to cry, even if you're "big". A little rabbit is having a birthday party and decides he is now too big for crying and doesn't want anyone who cries at his birthday party. He soon discovers this disqualifies his friends and even his mother!
Really cute illustrations.
Really cute illustrations.
April 8, 2016
This book takes a look at how crying isn't just for babies and it's a natural part of life. I liked getting to see the examples of how even the most "grown up" of characters cry for various reasons. I also liked that it stresses that all crying is not sad crying.
A good book for talking about sadness, growing up, friendship, and love.
A good book for talking about sadness, growing up, friendship, and love.
July 13, 2011
As his fifth birthday party approaches, Little Rabbit decides to invite only those friends who are also too old to cry--until he learns that others of all ages weep for all sorts of reasons. A book filled with emotions
August 31, 2011
This was just ok. I think the lessons here that "everybody cries" and "crying is ok" aren't things that most kids need to hear. Or maybe that's just my kids. And yes, I don't think they need any encouragement to cry MORE...we're working on less crying right now ;).
December 1, 2012
Sweet story about little rabbit (who is turning 5) and wants to invite only friends like him - who don't cry anymore.
Storyteller and illustrator are sisters who make a wonderful pair that creates a beautiful picture book.
Storyteller and illustrator are sisters who make a wonderful pair that creates a beautiful picture book.
December 3, 2012
This is a book written for little kids (literally). It's really cute and I liked it. I want to read all the books by Kate Klise so that's why I read this book. Not bad at all just not for teenagers, obviously xD
December 8, 2013
In this heartwarming combination of humor and tears, Kate Klise speaks to the tough at heart. Through her charming characters, she expresses the fact that crying is okay, and will always be a part of our lives. Students will learn not to fear their emotions, but to embrace them.
January 4, 2010
Cute and a good lesson for kids. The last interaction between Mother Rabbit and Little Rabbit reminds me of a conversation that just happened between a friend and his daughter.
January 19, 2010
good illustrations and good story.
December 19, 2016
No review.
August 11, 2011
You are never too old to cry. I loved the illustrations. I never thought I squirrel would cry. I thought they only laughed and high-fived.
September 17, 2011
This story teaches the reader that everybody cries not just babies. This is a common phrase that kids use. The story shows that everybody has their own reasons of crying.
August 26, 2014
I thought this book was really sweet. It's important for children to know everyone cries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews