Just So Thankful

Little Critter

by Mercer Mayer

There's a new kid in town who has everything Little Critter wants -- a Super Streak scooter, his own cell phone, and even a limousine! But Little Critter soon realizes that he has something money cannot buy -- a family who loves and adores him.

Genres: Picture Books, Thanksgiving, Childrens, Fiction, Holiday, Family

24 pages, Paperback

First published August 22, 2006

About the author

Mercer 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.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Not about Thanksgiving. Critter wants a cool scooter and his mom doesn’t get it for him and he’s mad when he sees a new boy moving in to the neighborhood with loads and loads of cool toys. The new kid has a sleepover for people at school and Critter thinks it so amazing. There is a giant pool and servants and all the cool stuff you could want. Critter invites him over and the new kid loves critter’s house. He loves all the family around. Critter sees his family as a powerful gift he has in his life.

I loved reading this to the nephew. He got so into the story. We start off the story with the kid being in a toy store and the kids want toys; the mother did not get them any and my nephew related to this so much. It was hook, line and sinker for him from there. It was like he was in the story or living the story. He wasn’t even trying to find the spider in this one. He gave this a solid 5 stars.

I love the artwork here and the warmth from the pages. Mercer Mayer is so talented. I see why he is a world wide phenom.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basic Plot: Little Critter wants STUFF(!) and he's jealous of a new friend who seems to have everything, but learns that he really has everything he needs.

My 4 year-old loves Little Critter, and I'm rather fond of him myself. The art here is again consistently good, with more fun, little details for the observant reader. More important here is the very timely message about realizing that STUFF is less important than a loving, caring family and appreciating what you have. I think I need to actually buy this one for my Nook so my son can keep re-reading this one even after I return the copy we read to the library.

[Shay Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a love/hate relationship with Thanksgiving. I love the food and the family part, and the being thankful to have food for the family part, but I'm not crazy about the history. The glossy the-Pilgrims-and-Indians-were-friends slant from my elementary school days is just insulting, and the Hey!-Let's-take-your-land-and-give-you-syphillis angle is not any better. So, I've always been hesitant to buy books that center around Thanksgiving.

Thankfully, Just So Thankful is not really about Thanksgiving. It's about being thankful the other 364 days of the year as well as the one set aside to give thanks. And that is how it should be.

I probably don't need to point out just how very adorable the illustrations in this book are, but, just in case, the illustrations in this book are very adorable.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Mayer did a fabulous job at helping teach little guys through this storybook the importance of their own families and house. Little Critter is agrevated because he couldn't afford a toy he wanted. But the new kid moving in has it plus lots of other toys. He becomes friends with him and goes to his house and is overwhelmed at all the 'material' things he has and gets to do. When his mother suggests inviting him over to their house Little Critter thinks he'll be bored. BUT he isn't anything but... Little Critter gets to do things with his family that the boy doesn't get to. He enjoys his family where the boy doesn't have that with his. Written very nicely.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Little Critter Books are always a cute read to share with your little ones. This book is a good reminder about being thankful for family and friends which should always be valued higher than big screen t.v.s or fancy cars.

[Maribel Boland-delgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the little critters there is always a lesson to be taught. I have enjoyed reading these books to all 4 of my children for the last 15 years so to begin all over again with my new 10 moth is a blessing. Every time you learn something new from Mayer's books.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The grass is always greener on the other side. I thought that this was a good book that can start a good discussion with the kids. My 3 kids enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend this book to others.

[Caryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helps you to see that "stuff" isn't all that matters. Very well-rounded story.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved Mercer Mayer since I was a kid. This book is adorable and has a good moral to boot. Pick up this little gem and read it to your little sweetheart!

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

a cute story with a cute idea, using the stories of his daily life to teach children. a cute story about being grateful

[Aleisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute!

[Aiden and Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

GRL: J
DRA: 16

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not what you have, it’s who you have. ❤️

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Little Critter book that gives a good lesson/moral to remember. It's nice to see H.H. not be a snob when he goes over to Little Critter's house.

[Kary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Thanksgiving read aloud for the littles.

[Carly MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect kids book about being thankful for your family and not "things".

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOVE Mercer Mayer stories :)

[Emma Venker · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, the main character Little Critter makes a new friend at school. His new friend has a lot of material things, like toys and a pool and limo rides to school. Little Critter is jealous because he wishes he had a lot of stuff. But then he has his friend over to his house, and he realizes that he has many things his friend doesn't have, like family and a dog and siblings and other privileges.

Major themes of this story are family and gratefulness.

I would give this book a five-star rating. It has wonderful illustrations and a positive message for kids. It is also easy to follow and flows well.

I personally liked this book because I remembered my mom reading me a lot of Mercer Mayer when I was a kid. I liked it because the characters were easy to relate to and understand. The problems that the main character faces are always things that children can relate to in their own lives.

I would recommend this book for preschool and kindergarten age kids. I think it is a good way to teach children about being grateful for what they have at a young age. They will learn the concept that the grass is not always greener on the other side and that it is important to be grateful for what you have, especially your family.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Critter learns a lesson about the grass not always being greener on the other side of the fence when a wealthy kid moves into town. At first, Little Critter is dazzled by all of the toys and gadgets H.H. owns, but after inviting H.H. over to his much more modest home to play, H.H. informs him how lucky he is, because Little Critter has a big, active family who is involved in his daily life.

This is a nice read to remind young listeners that "stuff" doesn't always equal happiness. It's also nice reading for Thanksgiving, because the theme is truly being appreciative for our loved ones rather than just eating a bunch of food or other Thanksgiving tropes--and not everyone celebrates the holiday the same way either.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This time Little Critter is unhappy because he can't get the new toy he wants - not enough money. He misses having fun because he's mad.
He sees a new neighbor moving in. H.H. has everything - toys, large home, etc.
As expected, H.H. wants to spend time with Little Critter's family as he lacks relationships and fun.
Little Critter realizes what he has in the end.
Use for gratitude, acceptance, wants/needs.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We really enjoyed this book. I really liked the moral of the story, and they did it in such a great way. It wasn't negative on the toys because of kids love "things". But Little Critter came to his own conclusion after his friend spent a day with him, that having his family and the quality time with them was the most important thing. We will re-read this a few times over the Thanksgiving season I think.

[Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The Illustrations were very detailed. This book is about little critter and he wants to buy a Super Streak. And a new rich kid is in town and he has so many toys. Get the book to find out what happens next. You SHOULD get the book.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book shows that no matter what your economic level you still have incredible blessings when you have a kind and loving family.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Little Critters for nostalgia but they are only "okay" books. Cute illustrations and nice stories.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Critter wants lots of things.
Lesson in being thankful for what you have.

[Deidre A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books. It shows kids that family is more important than “stuff”.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

H. H. helps Little Critter be thankful for his family.

[Kathleen Subbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colorful illustrations and sweet story about Little Critter and his family.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Teaches a great lesson.