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Ready, Freddy! #18
The Perfect Present
Freddy can't wait for all the toys he put on his Christmas list! But when Freddy learns not every kid is as lucky as he is, he starts to wonder. Could giving presents be as much fun as getting them?
96 pages, Library Binding
First published November 1, 2009
34 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Abby Klein
106 books56 followersAbby Klein was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She earned her teaching credentials at Dartmouth College, where she majored in psychology and education. She then went on to earn her master's degree in reading and language development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Currently she teaches in the same public elementary school she attended as a child in the Los Angeles area. She has been a kindergarten and first-grade teacher there for more than fifteen years and is very involved in the school community, as both a teacher and a parent. Her two young children also attend the school where she teaches. In addition, she is a “teacher-leader” in her district, and over the years, she has presented many staff development workshops both at the district level and at her school site that centered on reading, writing, and literacy. She has been a presenter at national conferences as well.
In her first published series, Ready, Freddy!, Klein brings just the right amount of true-to-life humor and drama. She brings young readers a fresh voice, a great sense of humor, and a unique perspective on the trials and tribulations of first grader Freddy Thresher. Utterly authentic and drawn from real experience in the classroom, Abby Klein knows exactly what first graders are thinking.
She lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband, two children, and three dogs. She thinks there's nothing better than a good book, and she loves reading aloud to children.
Currently she teaches in the same public elementary school she attended as a child in the Los Angeles area. She has been a kindergarten and first-grade teacher there for more than fifteen years and is very involved in the school community, as both a teacher and a parent. Her two young children also attend the school where she teaches. In addition, she is a “teacher-leader” in her district, and over the years, she has presented many staff development workshops both at the district level and at her school site that centered on reading, writing, and literacy. She has been a presenter at national conferences as well.
In her first published series, Ready, Freddy!, Klein brings just the right amount of true-to-life humor and drama. She brings young readers a fresh voice, a great sense of humor, and a unique perspective on the trials and tribulations of first grader Freddy Thresher. Utterly authentic and drawn from real experience in the classroom, Abby Klein knows exactly what first graders are thinking.
She lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband, two children, and three dogs. She thinks there's nothing better than a good book, and she loves reading aloud to children.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 31, 2014
BOO
This book is a total waste of money. I don't like the book. The main character is spoiled and ungrateful. I want my money back! I'm warning you. Don't read the book.
This book is a total waste of money. I don't like the book. The main character is spoiled and ungrateful. I want my money back! I'm warning you. Don't read the book.
July 8, 2024
We’ve read two books from the 'Ready, Freddy' series at my book club, and I’m happy to read another! While I cannot say I love the books, I see how well they suit a #BookClub. They are easy to read, full of illustrations, and great conversation starters.
#ThePerfectPresent is a Christmas story. Freddy is making a list of everything he wants for Christmas. His list is endless, but predictably, the story leads us towards an understanding of the spirit of Christmas.
As we read, I look forward to discussing festivals, making different sorts of lists, and doing word puzzles.
Read more - https://www.varshaseshan.com/the-perf...
#ThePerfectPresent is a Christmas story. Freddy is making a list of everything he wants for Christmas. His list is endless, but predictably, the story leads us towards an understanding of the spirit of Christmas.
As we read, I look forward to discussing festivals, making different sorts of lists, and doing word puzzles.
Read more - https://www.varshaseshan.com/the-perf...
December 31, 2020
Such a fun, cute book. It reminds kids Christmas is not all about receiving gifts. It has us all laughing!
December 15, 2015
I rarely post 1-star reviews, it's better to find a good book and praise it than to advise against a bad one. However, in a case of a book for little children, I think we (the adults) have to be more responsible and speak up if needed. As a parent of two children (8 and 6 year old), I don't have time to even review the books that they read (the older one just swallows books). It takes a whole village to raise a child. In the world of books, it takes a whole community to review the children books. I do rely on amazon and goodreads reviews when choosing books, especially children's books.
Unfortunately, I have to give one star for this particular book (and probably the whole series). When I was little I remember being inspired by books, by big ideas and heroes who were trying to achieve something meaningful, something that was bigger than themselves. Or by ordinary people doing everyday things, but in a kind and loving way. This book, unfortunately, is the opposite.
The story goes for 87 pages and up until page 62, all the children in the book behave very strangely:
- they lie to their parents or being ungrateful (e.g. "my mom is a neat prick", etc.)
- argue with siblings or classmates (e.g. "what kind of weirdo asks for underpants?", "that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard", etc.)
- call each other names and make fun of each other (e.g. "Pipsqueak", "Hammerhead", etc.)
all of the above while trying to solve an 'important' problem - making a huge list of presents they want their parents and Santa to buy them for Christmas.
On page 63, one child said that their family also was buying presents for children in need. This is nice and thoughtful, however it does not make up for the 62 pages of constant unpleasantness of the children.
I understand that we (the adults) are trying to help children read books and fall in love with stories and be a life-long readers; hence the books that try to speak 'child' language and be on their level. However, I think we should believe more in our children. They don't have to read about other children being obsessed with the number of toys they get for Christmas. Give them a chance to fall in love with something bigger than themselves - they will surprise you!!
Unfortunately, I have to give one star for this particular book (and probably the whole series). When I was little I remember being inspired by books, by big ideas and heroes who were trying to achieve something meaningful, something that was bigger than themselves. Or by ordinary people doing everyday things, but in a kind and loving way. This book, unfortunately, is the opposite.
The story goes for 87 pages and up until page 62, all the children in the book behave very strangely:
- they lie to their parents or being ungrateful (e.g. "my mom is a neat prick", etc.)
- argue with siblings or classmates (e.g. "what kind of weirdo asks for underpants?", "that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard", etc.)
- call each other names and make fun of each other (e.g. "Pipsqueak", "Hammerhead", etc.)
all of the above while trying to solve an 'important' problem - making a huge list of presents they want their parents and Santa to buy them for Christmas.
On page 63, one child said that their family also was buying presents for children in need. This is nice and thoughtful, however it does not make up for the 62 pages of constant unpleasantness of the children.
I understand that we (the adults) are trying to help children read books and fall in love with stories and be a life-long readers; hence the books that try to speak 'child' language and be on their level. However, I think we should believe more in our children. They don't have to read about other children being obsessed with the number of toys they get for Christmas. Give them a chance to fall in love with something bigger than themselves - they will surprise you!!
March 16, 2015
I know what you're thinking why would a kid like me read a book like this.And the answer to that question is that I randomly chose this book but it's no that bad.It has a simlpe and short plot.I wouldn't recomend this book to kids(11 and up) who like to read but if you're like me need a book to read this is a perfect book.My favorite part is in the begining when Freddy and his sister are arguing because it reminds me of me and my brother.I like this book because it's a very simple book.I don't plan to read any more of these books because they're too easy(remember don't judge a book by it's cover).
November 26, 2012
Freddy is overly excited for Christmas to come, and to make his Christmas list packed full of new toys. However when we start to think he is becoming a little selfish, he proves us all wrong, especially his mother, by discovering the perfect Christmas gift. This book is a great way to teach others to not be selfish. It is important that people know that not everything is always about them; it is nice to give back too.
January 26, 2010
Got this from bookorders for $1,and so glad I did! Sam and Elena both love it- they think Freddy is pretty funny!
March 26, 2010
my teacher read it to me, it was great
November 17, 2010
Everything's just really funny in these books!The Christmas crafts look really fun in the back of this book!
November 28, 2011
Freddy learns that Christmas is about more than getting presents.
Read
May 19, 2013That book was so amazing...and it's about christmas.And the boy wanted many toys for the christmas party...but his mom was angry at him cuz he wanted so many toys!! :)
The story is really cute!
The story is really cute!
August 26, 2014
Freddy snooped around for presents! Freddy found presents! Freddy buyed something for another kid!
Want to read
November 10, 2016I love it
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews