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Little Critter
I Just Forgot
Mercer Mayer's Little Critter is having a very forgetful day in this classic, funny, and heartwarming book.
Whether he's forgetting his lunchbox, forgetting to put on his rain boots, or forgetting to turn off the water, both parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A perfect way to teach children of any age about responsibility!
Mercer Mayer's Little Critter stories, which address all the major issues of growing up, are perennial favorites for generations of readers, both young and old!
Whether he's forgetting his lunchbox, forgetting to put on his rain boots, or forgetting to turn off the water, both parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A perfect way to teach children of any age about responsibility!
Mercer Mayer's Little Critter stories, which address all the major issues of growing up, are perennial favorites for generations of readers, both young and old!
24 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1988
24 people are currently reading
1570 people want to read
About the author
Mercer Mayer
774 books789 followersMercer Mayer is an American children's author and illustrator. He has published over 300 books, using a wide range of illustrative styles. Mayer is best known for his Little Critter and Little Monster series of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
May 18, 2016
* * * Read & Reviewed with my niece Emma * * *
A nice story about a furry little kid admitting and denying things he did and/or didn't forget to do. It was all good stuff, some of it humorous, some of it poignant.
These Little Critter books don't tend to have a plot and that's okay. They're just about things that happen to a youngster about five or six years old. Mayer does a good job balancing light fun with a bit of seriousness. Teachable moments are plentiful, but there's always a light-hearted scene around the corner to keep the balance.
Emma, who is almost seven, enjoyed the furry kid's foibles from the lofty position of being at least a solid year older and wiser than the character. The reading level isn't challenging for her any more, but that's all right. We were looking for something easy-breezy and this hit the spot!
A nice story about a furry little kid admitting and denying things he did and/or didn't forget to do. It was all good stuff, some of it humorous, some of it poignant.
These Little Critter books don't tend to have a plot and that's okay. They're just about things that happen to a youngster about five or six years old. Mayer does a good job balancing light fun with a bit of seriousness. Teachable moments are plentiful, but there's always a light-hearted scene around the corner to keep the balance.
Emma, who is almost seven, enjoyed the furry kid's foibles from the lofty position of being at least a solid year older and wiser than the character. The reading level isn't challenging for her any more, but that's all right. We were looking for something easy-breezy and this hit the spot!
July 4, 2019
This is the last story from the little Critter Collection. Critter starts something and forgets to finish something. He gets out the milk and forgets to shut the refrigerator door etc. Guess who is also like that in this house. Well, yes, I am very forgetful and I have locked myself out of the house with my purse and keys still inside several time, so I am guilty too, but mine is more student brain. The nephew is great about doing half a project. He gets so focused on something everything else just disappears. It’s probably a sign of genius or something. He does say, I just forgot, a lot around here.
The niece hardly ever forgets. Her memory is amazing. So, she didn’t care for this story. She gave this 2 stars. The nephew understood Critter and he gave him 4 stars.
The niece hardly ever forgets. Her memory is amazing. So, she didn’t care for this story. She gave this 2 stars. The nephew understood Critter and he gave him 4 stars.
February 23, 2012
As someone who doesn't *always* remember everything, I could completely relate to our little protagonist, and found this book quite enjoyable and amusing.
"Sometimes I remember, and
sometimes I just forget."
And so starts a day's events of remembering and forgetting, and sometimes *not* forgetting, for example:
"After school, I went outside to play in the rain.
I remembered to put on my rain slicker.
But I forgot my rubber boots.
When I came inside for a snack, I didn't
forget to take my boots off. I left them
on because I was going right back outside."
Not every sequence is as adorable as this, and sometimes I was a little annoyed that the child looked rather angry with its mom for questioning him. But, all in all it's really rather sweet and a cute view into how a child might forget to look at "the big picture."
Plus, the illustrations are so fun and unique!
"Sometimes I remember, and
sometimes I just forget."
And so starts a day's events of remembering and forgetting, and sometimes *not* forgetting, for example:
"After school, I went outside to play in the rain.
I remembered to put on my rain slicker.
But I forgot my rubber boots.
When I came inside for a snack, I didn't
forget to take my boots off. I left them
on because I was going right back outside."
Not every sequence is as adorable as this, and sometimes I was a little annoyed that the child looked rather angry with its mom for questioning him. But, all in all it's really rather sweet and a cute view into how a child might forget to look at "the big picture."
Plus, the illustrations are so fun and unique!
November 2, 2014
Isabella decided she would like to write some reviews on her whiteboard and I would type them for her. Here is the first one in Izzy's exact written words:
The book was so good becos I am like him becos I furget all the time like him. He says he will clen his toys up but he furgets. And he is always saying he will do sumthing and furgets abot everything.
The book was so good becos I am like him becos I furget all the time like him. He says he will clen his toys up but he furgets. And he is always saying he will do sumthing and furgets abot everything.
June 2, 2019
But there is one thing i never forget
I always remember to have mom
Read me a badtime story
And i always remember to
Kiss her goodnight.
I always remember to have mom
Read me a badtime story
And i always remember to
Kiss her goodnight.
July 4, 2019
Little Critter is a good kid, but a real one. He has strife with his parents, sister, and teachers like any boy his age, but usually comes through in the ways that really matter. In I Just Forgot, we see that Little Critter is hit or miss when it comes to chores and other aspects of his daily routine, but he loves his family, and wants to be a good boy. It just isn't always easy to be on one's best behavior.
There's no shortage of responsibilities for Little Critter around the house, even at his age. He remembers about half of what he's supposed to do: putting his breakfast dishes in the sink but neglecting to return the milk to the refrigerator, making it to the school bus on time but forgetting his lunch at home, or remembering to take a bath but not turning off the water after it's filled the tub. Little Critter accepts each of his mistakes differently, sometimes meekly but other times with minor backtalk, and his parents' reactions to his occasional forgetfulness vary in the same way. There's a lot to remember for a kid Little Critter's age, as he grows into taking responsibility for his actions. But he's getting there, and whether he remembers to complete the tasks he's assigned or not, he's happy to be part of a loving family that will always be there for him.
The mouse and spider both appear on almost every page of I Just Forgot, providing a sub-story for readers too young to pay attention to the text. They can look for the mouse and/or spider throughout the book, though the spider doesn't show up in a few pictures. Mercer Mayer is a personal favorite author of mine, and I Just forgot is one of his best offerings. I would give it two and a half stars and my fond recommendation.
There's no shortage of responsibilities for Little Critter around the house, even at his age. He remembers about half of what he's supposed to do: putting his breakfast dishes in the sink but neglecting to return the milk to the refrigerator, making it to the school bus on time but forgetting his lunch at home, or remembering to take a bath but not turning off the water after it's filled the tub. Little Critter accepts each of his mistakes differently, sometimes meekly but other times with minor backtalk, and his parents' reactions to his occasional forgetfulness vary in the same way. There's a lot to remember for a kid Little Critter's age, as he grows into taking responsibility for his actions. But he's getting there, and whether he remembers to complete the tasks he's assigned or not, he's happy to be part of a loving family that will always be there for him.
The mouse and spider both appear on almost every page of I Just Forgot, providing a sub-story for readers too young to pay attention to the text. They can look for the mouse and/or spider throughout the book, though the spider doesn't show up in a few pictures. Mercer Mayer is a personal favorite author of mine, and I Just forgot is one of his best offerings. I would give it two and a half stars and my fond recommendation.
August 17, 2022
Oh look, more kids' books :D
November 4, 2015
Jackson has been reading to me all Little Critter books we can find. I am not going to rate them all, but this one is my favorite. Overall, they all get 5 stars - funny books with great pictures. Not sure why I didn't use these with my other kids, but Jackson LOVES them.
February 23, 2018
Sometimes LC remembers and sometimes he forgets...
But he never forgets a bedtime story or kiss.
But he never forgets a bedtime story or kiss.
April 20, 2019
Honestly? story of my life.
June 28, 2023
also for the library class !
October 7, 2025
Part of our social studies curriculum and unfortunately very applicable to our life recently. I appreciate the ending.
April 12, 2012
When I was little I loved Little Critter books, and this one I remember especially well.
I love that with these books you usually don't get the whole story unless you pay attention to the pictures. I remember my mom pointing out that when he didn't forget to water the plants, but just thought "they didn't look thirsty" the plants in the picture were wilting and definitely did look thirsty now.
I also always loved looking for the little mouse or the spider and cricket on every page.
There are a few children's books that I loved enough as a kid that I am planning on finding copies for my children, and this is one of them. :D
I love that with these books you usually don't get the whole story unless you pay attention to the pictures. I remember my mom pointing out that when he didn't forget to water the plants, but just thought "they didn't look thirsty" the plants in the picture were wilting and definitely did look thirsty now.
I also always loved looking for the little mouse or the spider and cricket on every page.
There are a few children's books that I loved enough as a kid that I am planning on finding copies for my children, and this is one of them. :D
February 18, 2016
This is a delightful story about an anthropomorphized animal (rabbit?) who goes through his day and forgets many things to the ire of his mother and father. He forgets to make his bed; he forgets to put away the milk; he forgets to turn off the bath tub. But he never forgets to have his mother read him a story before bed! I've read this story with first graders and it builds great vocabulary (forgot, remembered) and helps them learn how to break down difficult words into chunks. The pictures also strongly support the text and extend the meaning based on how the parents react.
November 13, 2017
I love the Adventures of Little Critter. Although the main character has no name other than Little Critter. He is sometimes referred to as Big Brother and other characters similarly are referred to as simply Mother, Little Sister, and Dad. Once the character reaches a classroom setting other characters are given names. Yet Little Critter remains Little Critter. This Picturebook is great. The images are very organic. There is even a hidden character in each page that children can try to find. Sometimes it is a pet mouse or a pet cricket. My son loves this aspect of the book.
February 3, 2013
The first picture of the Little Critter in this book made me burst into laughter! His shrug and dumbfounded look seemed very familiar to me. Sometimes we forget, ok, give us a break! Sometimes we intentionally leave the refridgerator door open. It happens. The great thing about Mercer Mayer is he writes about very relatable subjects, combines them with simple language and amusing pictures to create a classic, funny story for people of all ages.
October 15, 2013
Another Mercer Mayer book that all my kids enjoyed. My 5 yr old just adores Mayer and requests her books constantly. I read them at the breakfast or lunch table and even my 3 yr old twins get into them. We love trying to find the mouse and spider that seems to follow the main character around, they’re always doing silly things. Fun engaging themes that any child can relate to, a great addition to any children's library.
December 6, 2013
This little critter book is part of a series of picture books about the little critters and their adventures. I just forgot tells the story of a little critter who keeps forgetting to do his chores and the consequences of not doing them. Its a cute book to talk to children about doing their chores and being responsible. The little critter books are a very creative series that addresses issues faced by children.
December 8, 2015
Little Critter books are cute and great for young readers. "I Just Forgot" is my favorite critter book. I had my mum would read it to me all the time. This book teaches children that it is okay to forget sometimes. It also shows that your mom will always love you. Sometimes with all the fun things children do in life they forget the simple stuff. Sometimes the simple stuff is important and you can get in trouble for forgetting them.
August 5, 2015
I was going to write a review but I just forgot.
July 6, 2024
This begins my era of reading children’s books to my friends kids 😂
This one is solid, cute how the pictures really add another meaning to the words. Not sure the two year old got it, but I did
This one is solid, cute how the pictures really add another meaning to the words. Not sure the two year old got it, but I did
January 14, 2023
This book is cute and enjoyable when reading. It really showcases how a child thinks in many ways. Like one time he said he didn't use soap but not because he didn't forget he just doesn't like soap which makes you feel nostalgic in a way. Another time when he said I didn't forget to shut the refrigerator door I just wasn't finished eating made me laugh because I could remember my sister doing the exact same thing. My favorite part is at the end when he says the one thing he never forgets is to give his mom a kiss goodnight because it's just sweet.
February 16, 2025
I forgot to review this book!
July 1, 2025
The Little Critter books were a big part of my childhood, but which one to start my son off with? I picked this one because it reminded me of his dad & there's a famous flooding the kitchen childhood story about him that reminded me of the cover. I'm not sure what it is about the book, but my son loves these. I'll definitely have to get more.
March 25, 2015
I really enjoyed this children's picture book and thought it was very realistic too!! All throughout the story, the boy keeps forgetting everything like turning the bath water off and putting away his toys. I liked this story because it is very realistic with children these days, especially our own students. But like us teachers, at the end of the story, he does not forget how much his mom loves him. This is a very important concept for children to remember, that they are human, are very capable of making mistakes-but we will always love them unconditionally. I would teach and use this story with my students when teaching them of strategies to help them remember important concepts and information.
June 30, 2008
This is a good book for both toddlers and parents. Even though our little ones are growing up so fast, sometimes we think they are capable of more than they are, and sometimes we forget just how much they live in the moment, often forgetting to shut a door, turn off a water faucet or flush a potty. It's a fun story to read aloud.
October 17, 2017
Genre:Modern Fantasy
Grade:prek-k
Very funny and adorable this little critter just keeps forgetting a lot of things and it makes me die laughing. He is so freaking adorable. The things he forgets are cute and the ending is the best thing about this book besides the puppy getting to the newspaper first. :)
Grade:prek-k
Very funny and adorable this little critter just keeps forgetting a lot of things and it makes me die laughing. He is so freaking adorable. The things he forgets are cute and the ending is the best thing about this book besides the puppy getting to the newspaper first. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2016
I love how the little critter explains that in some cases, he didn't forget at all--he did exactly what he intended to, like leaving the fridge door open because he was still hungry. Pretty good representation of child logic!
October 20, 2018
A Little Critter book that shows Little Critter's forgetfulness. Little Critter either genuinely forgot things or just didn't bother to do what needed to be done. This is a series where parents will have to explain why the characters and their behavior shouldn't be imitated a lot of the time.
August 1, 2012
This is a REALLY cute bed time story. i would hope it wouldn't train to children to make up excuses, but it might help them feel better about themselves when they mess up in small ways.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews