Pierre: A Cautionary Tale in Five Chapters and a Prologue

This book is pure gold. The humor of Pierre: A Cautionary Tale in Five Chapters and a Prologue appeals to everyone in my family from the preschooler to the 5th grader. Maurice Sendak gives a witty nod even to parents with his serious and fanciful title. Note that more sensitive kids might show some concern that the main character briefly spends some time inside a lion, but this was definitely not a concern for my own kids. This short, predictable book is a delight for humans of all ages.

Pierre A Cautionary Tale by Maurice Sendak

Pierre: A Cautionary Tale in Five Chapters and a Prologue Details

Title: Pierre: A Cautionary Tale in Five Chapters and a Prologue
Author:/Illustrator Maurice Sendak
Publication Year: 1962
Website: https://www.sendakfoundation.org/biography
Age Group: Preschool, Kindergarten, Early Elementary
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Comments

Don’t be intimidated by the chapters in this picture book. Each chapter takes under 2 minutes to read, so this book is appropriate even for those with short attention spans. It is a quick and hilarious read.

All of my kids enjoyed this book. I think what made the younger kids enjoy it is that it is both predictable and silly. I think what caused my older kids to like it is Pierre’s naughtiness and indifference. Everyone appreciated the ridiculousness of the plot. I imagine there might be a kind, sensitive child somewhere that is concerned when the little boy gets eaten by a lion, but not my crew. They thought that part was hysterical. This classic children’s book is fun for the whole family.

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