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Bonaparte Falls Apart: A Funny Skeleton Book for Kids and Toddlers
Readers who love stories about friendship, school, and little monsters will love this clever and humorous picture book about a skeleton who is falling to pieces and needs help pulling himself together. Bonaparte is having a tough time. It’s hard for this young skeleton to just hang loose when he can’t keep hold of himself. When he plays catch, his throwing arm literally takes a flyer. Eating lunch can be a real jaw-dropping occasion. How can he start school when he has so many screws loose? Luckily, Bonaparte hit the bone-anza when it came to his friends. Franky Stein, Black Widow, and Mummicula all have some boneheaded ideas to help pull him together. But will it be enough to boost his confidence and get him ready for the first day of school?
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2017
5 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Margery Cuyler
65 books70 followersMargery Cuyler is the author of many books for children, including From Here to There, The Little Dump Truck, and That’s Good! That’s Bad! The idea for That’s Good! That’s Bad! was inspired by a conversation with her son, Thomas, who asked, "Can't bad things change into good things?" Ms. Cuyler grew up in the oldest house in Princeton, NJ, and started writing stories as soon as she learned how to write. She now lives in the same house with her husband, sons and two cats.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/marger...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/marger...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
October 22, 2018
This looks really cute. The nephew loved all the monster pictures. And, this book has some great use of puns that made me chuckle so I gave it an extra star for the good use of puns. This is a book for beginning readers. My nephew loved this and he gave it 4 stars. While I felt this was a little (or a lot) bland.
The story is simple, Bonaparte the skeleton keeps falling apart and he is afraid of losing pieces during school so his friends Franky Stein, the Mummy and the Black Widow try and help him come up with a solution and nothing seems to work. They figure something out.
The story is simple, Bonaparte the skeleton keeps falling apart and he is afraid of losing pieces during school so his friends Franky Stein, the Mummy and the Black Widow try and help him come up with a solution and nothing seems to work. They figure something out.
November 2, 2020
Very cute crew of monsters need to help poor little skeleton Bonaparte keep his bones from coming apart! It's the charmingly quirky illustrations by Will Terry that really make this book stand out.
June 26, 2019
Great metaphor for a kid with any extra challenge for which they need assistance, even if that assistance isn't in the form of a guide dog. Oh, and it's fun and funny when read straight, too!
October 30, 2021
Bonaparte the skeleton has a problem: He keeps falling apart! His friends try to help him out with various methods of trying to keep all his bones stuck together, but nothing seems to work... and the first day of school is fast approaching. Bonaparte's worried that he's going to fall apart in front of all the other kids. How embarrassing that would be!
This is a simple story with a rather cute premise. And the illustrations are absolutely adorable. But there's one point in the story where Bonaparte's friend Blacky Widow helps him out with a web. Unfortunately, the author decided to say the spider "spinned" a web. I'm pretty sure "spinned" isn't a word (in fact, my spellchecker keeps highlighting it when I type it), and I was kind of irked and distracted throughout the rest of the story.
Aside from that, though, this is a cute tale of a skeleton being helped by his monster friends as they try to figure out a solution for his unusual problem. Those looking for picture books about paranormal creatures might find something to like here.
This is a simple story with a rather cute premise. And the illustrations are absolutely adorable. But there's one point in the story where Bonaparte's friend Blacky Widow helps him out with a web. Unfortunately, the author decided to say the spider "spinned" a web. I'm pretty sure "spinned" isn't a word (in fact, my spellchecker keeps highlighting it when I type it), and I was kind of irked and distracted throughout the rest of the story.
Aside from that, though, this is a cute tale of a skeleton being helped by his monster friends as they try to figure out a solution for his unusual problem. Those looking for picture books about paranormal creatures might find something to like here.
October 23, 2017
As many know, I simply do not participate in Halloween. When I saw the book Bonaparte Falls Apart, I almost skipped past it. I read the promo for the story and decided to give it a try. After reading the story and looking at the pictures, I'm convinced that this is NOT a Halloween story at all. This is simply a story about a fear of going to school when one has physical issues that embarrass.
Told in an unforgettably funny way it recounts the many ways poor bony Bonaparte simply loses one piece (or rather bone) after another. His friends try to help him past this by various means and they all fail. A "service" dog is introduced and becomes the key to Bonaparte's managing to hold it all together.
The puns and play on words are simply hilarious. Of course, young children will most likely miss these but parents will have a truly fun time reading. And it is a good opportunity to help the little ones learn a bit of fun with words, too.
I think the illustrations are fun and well done. Not that I like scary creatures and Frankenstein type characters, even though they are nice and charming. This is simply a fun book and a subtle lesson in helping others and incorporating a helper or "service" dog.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
Told in an unforgettably funny way it recounts the many ways poor bony Bonaparte simply loses one piece (or rather bone) after another. His friends try to help him past this by various means and they all fail. A "service" dog is introduced and becomes the key to Bonaparte's managing to hold it all together.
The puns and play on words are simply hilarious. Of course, young children will most likely miss these but parents will have a truly fun time reading. And it is a good opportunity to help the little ones learn a bit of fun with words, too.
I think the illustrations are fun and well done. Not that I like scary creatures and Frankenstein type characters, even though they are nice and charming. This is simply a fun book and a subtle lesson in helping others and incorporating a helper or "service" dog.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
October 26, 2017
"Bonaparte Falls Apart" is the adorable story of a little skeleton who is a little different: he falls apart whenever he walks or tries to play with his friends. His friends try the best to put Bonaparte back together again but nothing works. Eventually Bonaparte realizes that it's okay to be himself, flaws and all, and finds a cute dog buddy to help him when the going gets tough at school.
Looking for a not scary book perfect for Halloween? This is it. The illustrations are adorable. The story is upbeat and uplifting. It also has a really good message. My girls were in love with the little dog in the book. This is a great story to share with the whole family!
Looking for a not scary book perfect for Halloween? This is it. The illustrations are adorable. The story is upbeat and uplifting. It also has a really good message. My girls were in love with the little dog in the book. This is a great story to share with the whole family!
January 18, 2019
This was cute. The illustrations are cute. Bonaparte keeps dropping bones from his own skeleton here and there and is worried that children at school will make fun of him, so his friends try different areas of their skills to help him out. Unfortunately, nothing works until Bonaparte finds a friendly dog who will fetch his bones for him. This would be perfect for a young child with a support animal or any child who fears school or is worried about making new friends. Teaches the value of friendship and accepting help when you need it. Could be read during Halloween but not specific to the holiday.
December 6, 2017
A darling tale of friendship and confidence featuring some of your favorite monsters. Skeleton, Bonaparte, is falling apart- quite literally. He’s apprehensive about attending school and how the others might react to his dilemma. Friends Franky Stein, Blacky Widow, and Mummicula try their best to remedy his situation in the ways they know best. Alas, none of their methods work. This book abounds with bone-afide wordplay and is accompanied by sparse pencil drawings by Will Terry. Recommended.
March 7, 2017
Excellent back-to-school/new school themed picture book featuring your favourite classic little monsters. Bonaparte keeps falling apart and his friends problem solve to keep him together. Examines early childhood anxieties about self and being new to school in a way that is both warm, humorous, and uplifting. Plus the illustrations are mega-cute. Perfect for the year-round Halloween kid.
October 2, 2017
Ever seen a skeleton with a "service dog"? No? You really should. They're a perfect match. And I *love* what Bonaparte names his pup. This book is cute and clever - super funny and punny. Kids will love all the silly details. Also, I love that it has Halloween-ish characters but never mentions Halloween so it can be used for a wider range of programs.
October 30, 2017
Adorable. Great for Halloween or first day of school anxieties.
August 9, 2018
Haha!
September 18, 2020
Super cute illustrations but a kinda meh story especially because there are sooo many puns. I'm sure my little ones will love!
November 9, 2018
Soooo cute. And a great book for little ones going to school for the first time. All about being unafraid to be you!
November 13, 2021
Bonaparte's friends use some STEMMY science to try to solve his bone-loss problem . . . though the answer lies more with old-style friendship than modern technology. Loved the adorable illustrations by Will Terry.
November 16, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/bo...
Bonaparte Falls Apart
By Margery Cuyler
Illustrations by Will Terry
ISBN: 9781101937686
Author Website: www(.)margerycuyler(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Caro
Synopsis:
Bonaparte is having a tough time. It’s hard for this young skeleton to just hang loose when he can’t keep hold of himself.
When he plays catch, his throwing arm literally takes a flyer. Eating lunch can be a real jaw-dropping occasion. How can he start school when he has so many screws loose?
Luckily, Bonaparte hit the bone-anza when it came to his friends. Franky Stein, Black Widow, and Mummicula all have some boneheaded ideas to help pull him together. But will it be enough to boost his confidence and get him ready for the first day of school?
Review:
Bonaparte is a little skeleton boy who seems to be having trouble keeping his bones in place. School is starting soon and Bonaparte doesn’t know what to do to solve his problem. Bonaparte ‘s friend, Franky Stein, tries helping him by glueing and screwing his bones together with no success. Bonaparte’s friend Blacky Widow helps him out by spinning and pinning a web around him, but it fails to work, as well. Lastly, Bonaparte get help from Mummicula who wraps him up, but forgets something really important, and fails that attempt.
Bonaparte is feeling sad because school will start in no time and he can’t keep himself together, but when he and his friends see something that might just work, they take the opportunity to try it out.
Bonaparte Falls Apart is a wonderful and entertaining children’s book to read and admire the detailed artwork. It demonstrates that with teamwork, one can solve any obstacle that might challenge one’s goals. In the story, Bonaparte is worried about how he will manage when school starts, but with the help of his friends he overcomes his difficulties and is ready to go back to school.
Bonaparte Falls Apart is a good and non-difficult book to read for children. It has a great story, message, and illustrations. A book I definitely recommend.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Bonaparte Falls Apart
By Margery Cuyler
Illustrations by Will Terry
ISBN: 9781101937686
Author Website: www(.)margerycuyler(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Caro
Synopsis:
Bonaparte is having a tough time. It’s hard for this young skeleton to just hang loose when he can’t keep hold of himself.
When he plays catch, his throwing arm literally takes a flyer. Eating lunch can be a real jaw-dropping occasion. How can he start school when he has so many screws loose?
Luckily, Bonaparte hit the bone-anza when it came to his friends. Franky Stein, Black Widow, and Mummicula all have some boneheaded ideas to help pull him together. But will it be enough to boost his confidence and get him ready for the first day of school?
Review:
Bonaparte is a little skeleton boy who seems to be having trouble keeping his bones in place. School is starting soon and Bonaparte doesn’t know what to do to solve his problem. Bonaparte ‘s friend, Franky Stein, tries helping him by glueing and screwing his bones together with no success. Bonaparte’s friend Blacky Widow helps him out by spinning and pinning a web around him, but it fails to work, as well. Lastly, Bonaparte get help from Mummicula who wraps him up, but forgets something really important, and fails that attempt.
Bonaparte is feeling sad because school will start in no time and he can’t keep himself together, but when he and his friends see something that might just work, they take the opportunity to try it out.
Bonaparte Falls Apart is a wonderful and entertaining children’s book to read and admire the detailed artwork. It demonstrates that with teamwork, one can solve any obstacle that might challenge one’s goals. In the story, Bonaparte is worried about how he will manage when school starts, but with the help of his friends he overcomes his difficulties and is ready to go back to school.
Bonaparte Falls Apart is a good and non-difficult book to read for children. It has a great story, message, and illustrations. A book I definitely recommend.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
September 18, 2018
Super cute. Could also be used to discuss disabilities; especially if a student has a service animal.
December 11, 2017
Cuyler, Margery Bonaparte Falls Apart Illustrated by Will Terry PICTURE BOOK Crown Books, 2017 (Random House). $17.99 Content: G.
Bonaparte is a skeleton who is having trouble keeping his bones attached. They break off and it causes him all sorts of problems. His friends try to help him in different ways-Frankenstein tries to glue his bones together, but then Bonaparte can’t move; Blacky Widow tries to put a web around him to hold him together, but then he sticks, etc. In the end, his friends find him a dog who is really good at fetching bones, and so the dog keeps track of Bonaparte’s missing bones for him.
The illustrations in this book are adorable. The friends who try to help Bonaparte are cute and innovative, and the solution is creative. My only hang-up was the mummy idea would have worked if they would have just uncovered his eyes. Overall, a cute Halloween read. If you need more books for that holiday, this is a fun one.
EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Bonaparte is a skeleton who is having trouble keeping his bones attached. They break off and it causes him all sorts of problems. His friends try to help him in different ways-Frankenstein tries to glue his bones together, but then Bonaparte can’t move; Blacky Widow tries to put a web around him to hold him together, but then he sticks, etc. In the end, his friends find him a dog who is really good at fetching bones, and so the dog keeps track of Bonaparte’s missing bones for him.
The illustrations in this book are adorable. The friends who try to help Bonaparte are cute and innovative, and the solution is creative. My only hang-up was the mummy idea would have worked if they would have just uncovered his eyes. Overall, a cute Halloween read. If you need more books for that holiday, this is a fun one.
EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
August 12, 2017
First days of school are often filled with anxiety, which might make this picture book a humorous choice for a first day read aloud. The author relies on several puns to describe the plight of a skeleton named Bonaparte who is growing increasingly worried about what he's going to do when school starts and his bones fall off as they tend to do. Because they care about their friend, Franky Stein, Blacky Widow, and Mummicula all try out some possible solutions but with bad results. Nothing seems to work until they enlist the services of a "fetching dog" (unpaged) who loves going after things and can fetch Bonaparte's various wayward bones. After all, that's his favorite chore, and as a result, no one at school bothers Bonaparte again. There's something oddly appealing about this story and its accompanying illustrations. While I felt sorry for Bonaparte at first, I quickly realized that his friends had his back, and everything would turn out just fine. Who knew that skeletons would have such worries on their hands, though?
February 3, 2019
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
I picked this book up from the library to read with a little girl I work with who loves spooky things. It's so nice to find books featuring monsters and such that aren't necessarily Halloween-themed. This could be read during Halloween, but doesn't actually have anything to do with the holiday outside of the adorable monster-ish characters. Nice book on friendship.
I can definitely see kids loving the hilarious illustrations of Bonaparte losing his bones during various activities. Such a fun and creative take on life as a skeleton.
Based on the title, I assumed the book would rhyme. I was a little disappointed that it didn't, but it was still well-written with an interesting story.
There are some good lessons in this one such as accepting help when you need it, thinking outside the box, and not giving up.
Cute book overall.
I picked this book up from the library to read with a little girl I work with who loves spooky things. It's so nice to find books featuring monsters and such that aren't necessarily Halloween-themed. This could be read during Halloween, but doesn't actually have anything to do with the holiday outside of the adorable monster-ish characters. Nice book on friendship.
I can definitely see kids loving the hilarious illustrations of Bonaparte losing his bones during various activities. Such a fun and creative take on life as a skeleton.
Based on the title, I assumed the book would rhyme. I was a little disappointed that it didn't, but it was still well-written with an interesting story.
There are some good lessons in this one such as accepting help when you need it, thinking outside the box, and not giving up.
Cute book overall.
November 28, 2017
I love that this book has Halloween characters, but I worry that it might lock it into being just an October read. This is a great story year-round. The science connections are about the skeletal system, but not in a way that would be truly supportive of the grade levels that typically teach it in detail--unless you use it as a creative writing example for after your skeletal system unit, with some discussion of what could be enhanced. However, if you are teaching the skeletal system to the PreK-2 grades, this would be a good way to intro the unit and follow-it up with some discussion questions to gain background knowledge and interests. But, wait...there's more! While reading, my mind kept going back to the growth mindset, and trial-and-error, examples displayed in the story. This along with teamwork and friendship, make it a win for me! :)
August 8, 2017
I've been following Margery Cuyler for years. This is a very clever book about pint size monsters who are friends trying to solve a problem their mutual friend Bonaparte (a skeleton) problem which is her keeps losing some of his bones which has him quite worried as he prepares to go back to school. After many attempts to solve the problem each with a bit of a flaw, a unique solution crosses their path. With a little assist from his canine helper, Bonaparte is able to relax and live comfortably with his difference. The universal themes of friendship and differences are handled well. Attractive storyline and engaging illustrations will capture kids' attention. Add this one to a classroom collection.
October 8, 2017
A ridiculously fun read PERFECT for the season. It's filled with creepy, spooky goodness but told in a relatable story that will make these Halloween characters your new every day best friends. The helpful tips and tricks Bonaparte's cohorts come up with range from practical to absurd, but their hearts are in the right place and by book's end, those well-intentioned tries turn into something that works for everyone, giving Bonaparte less to worry about on the first day of school AND another to call "friend". If the story doesn't warm your heart and tickle your funny bone, the illustrations will as they are not only seasonally fit, but adorably rendered...and how often can you say that about members of the monster family?
**copy received for review
**copy received for review
September 7, 2017
This book is so fun! Bonaparte is worried about his first day of school because he can't keep his bones from falling apart. His friends come up with some great suggestions, but the techniques work better for them than for Bonaparte. In the end, he makes a new friend who also helps him with his trouble in a completely unique way. I love that the main character was able to find a solution without changing anything about himself, and this would be a great story to discuss with kids about either school anxieties or disabilities and care dogs in a more roundabout way. And the illustrations are so cartoon-ish that I don't they'd even scare kids who are usually afraid of monsters.
November 25, 2017
Loved the illustrations and the majority of the book did a good job of conveying a realistic image of a child's social anxiety, especially in a school setting.
I may have read too much into it, but I thought it did particularly well at conveying the idea of acceptance of a child who needed a service animal or paraprofessional attendant at school.
However, the ending felt like a bit of a missed opportunity, although I cannot put my finger on why, except it just didn't feel like the story was complete where the text ended. Also, I anticipate many of the puns and phrases going right over a child's head, so while I found them humorous, I cannot guarantee the target audience would.
I may have read too much into it, but I thought it did particularly well at conveying the idea of acceptance of a child who needed a service animal or paraprofessional attendant at school.
However, the ending felt like a bit of a missed opportunity, although I cannot put my finger on why, except it just didn't feel like the story was complete where the text ended. Also, I anticipate many of the puns and phrases going right over a child's head, so while I found them humorous, I cannot guarantee the target audience would.
October 30, 2017
Bonaparte fears going to school when he is constantly losing body parts. A valid fear when you are a skeleton. Bonaparte's friends try to help him come up with a solution, but their efforts fall short. Glue proves to make it hard to move, spider webbing causes great tangling, and mummy wrappings make it hard to see. But when the friends see a dog carrying a bone down the street, a new idea comes to life. This is a cute story about friendship and problem-solving, rather unconventional problem-solving it's true, but for an unconventional problem. The illustrations are fun and appealing. This story works well for a beginning of school story as well as a Halloween story.
November 3, 2017
Nice big board book with some quirky ghoulish characters that are just too cute, kid cute, of course.
Our main character Bonaparte is a skeleton who likes to wear a red baseball hat. He is worried that because his bones and bits keep coming off, how will the kids at school react to him when school begins again?
Terrifically clever artwork and text, lots of 'bone' puns and dialogue and the street setting, you know, houses where mini Draculas or Franky-steins (a friend of Bonaparte) live very authentic to the whole cast of Halloween type pals.
The solution Bonaparte and his pals finally hit on is perfect!
Delightfully fun book, I loved it so the smalls will, too!
Our main character Bonaparte is a skeleton who likes to wear a red baseball hat. He is worried that because his bones and bits keep coming off, how will the kids at school react to him when school begins again?
Terrifically clever artwork and text, lots of 'bone' puns and dialogue and the street setting, you know, houses where mini Draculas or Franky-steins (a friend of Bonaparte) live very authentic to the whole cast of Halloween type pals.
The solution Bonaparte and his pals finally hit on is perfect!
Delightfully fun book, I loved it so the smalls will, too!
November 22, 2017
Bonaparte the skeleton is having a hard time keeping his bones together. His friends try gluing and screwing, spinning a web around him and mummifying him but nothing works. As the first day of school gets closer the friends aren't sure what to do to keep Bonapartes bones together.
Out on a walk the friends encounter a dog who is carrying a bone. They chase after the dog and bring him back to Bonaparte. They all think of a great idea: maybe the dog could follow Bonaparte around and bring back his bones as they fall off. Then Maybe Bonaparte won't be so afraid to begin school.
And it works.
A story of a child and his service animal. Fantastic!
Out on a walk the friends encounter a dog who is carrying a bone. They chase after the dog and bring him back to Bonaparte. They all think of a great idea: maybe the dog could follow Bonaparte around and bring back his bones as they fall off. Then Maybe Bonaparte won't be so afraid to begin school.
And it works.
A story of a child and his service animal. Fantastic!
September 21, 2017
Bonaparte the skeleton is falling apart. His bones just fall right off and he’s worried that they’ll embarrass him and the other kids will make fun of him when he goes back to school. He and his friends try to come up with solutions to keep Bonaparte together, but nothing seems to work. Then, they find a bone-loving dog who, with a little training, is able to help out. Win-win. A cute and hilarious monster story with adorable illustrations.
Excerpt:
Time passed, and Bonaparte was so worried about school that his head fell off.
Excerpt:
Time passed, and Bonaparte was so worried about school that his head fell off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2020
This was a cute book full of puns about bones. Although it is not specifically about Halloween all the characters are monsters so it is a great book to read in October. I really like the themes of all the monster friends working together to help Bonaparte figure out a way to stop losing bones. They are good friends to him and help him find a solution. I appreciate the little bit of anxiety mentioned about Bonaparte and his concern for what kids would think of his service dog went at school. The illustrations are adorable with cute soft featured monsters and nothing too scary.
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