4.43

5

Jun 16, 2019

The cute factor is high here. I read this for Father’s Day to the kids. My brother is an amazing dad and he is patient and funny (ain’t no bad joke like a dad joke) and really good with his kids. I have seen him do so many of the things the dad does in this book.

This is a good book for the child to read to their own children as a parent to see both sides of life; the child and the adult. This is also just like my nephew. I could see him sinking a canoe trying to put it in the water. His The cute factor is high here. I read this for Father’s Day to the kids. My brother is an amazing dad and he is patient and funny (ain’t no bad joke like a dad joke) and really good with his kids. I have seen him do so many of the things the dad does in this book.

This is a good book for the child to read to their own children as a parent to see both sides of life; the child and the adult. This is also just like my nephew. I could see him sinking a canoe trying to put it in the water. His helpfulness really can create some big messes, some of the time.

This is a short book about a camping trip of father and son Critter. They have adventures. There is about a line of text per page. It is a touching story. It’s great for father’s day. I celebrate all the great dads out there like my own dad and my brother. Thank you for making the world a wonderful place.

The nephew loves Little critter. He gave this 5 stars. He wants to go camping now with his dad. The niece has gone with her dad, but the nephew was to young. He’s ready. The niece thought this was a cute book. She spoke of their wonderful times camping. She gave this 4 stars. ...more

5

Sep 26, 2019

Just Me and My Dad is another fun Mercer Mayer book that's about exactly what the title indicates. Our favorite Little Critter goes on a camping trip with his Dad.

What I love about this one is that the pictures show us a more accurate side to the story being told. While the words tell us that he stayed up so his dad wouldn't be scared, we can clearly see it's the other way around.

I think the reason I love these books so much is they remind us what it's like to be a kid. They remind us that how Just Me and My Dad is another fun Mercer Mayer book that's about exactly what the title indicates. Our favorite Little Critter goes on a camping trip with his Dad.

What I love about this one is that the pictures show us a more accurate side to the story being told. While the words tell us that he stayed up so his dad wouldn't be scared, we can clearly see it's the other way around.

I think the reason I love these books so much is they remind us what it's like to be a kid. They remind us that how our child interprets the day is much different from both how we interpret it and how it actually went down. The innocence of youth and all that. ;)

Ryder and I read this one over the summer. Hearing his giggles makes my heart feel like it will explode. I particularly love hearing him roar like a bear and pointing out the mouse in every scene. These moments are the best part of my day, every day.

...more

4

Jun 04, 2012

I'm pretty sure I read this as a kid; it seemed familiar and sweetly nostalgic as I read it. The creature rushing out from the hollow tree made a big impression on me as a kid ;-> I really like the humor and how the text and illustrations work together in telling the story, such as when Little Critter finds a campsite but "someone was already living there" (and said creature angrily shoos them away from his tree). I loved some of the knowing looks the dad gives, but also that he was willing I'm pretty sure I read this as a kid; it seemed familiar and sweetly nostalgic as I read it. The creature rushing out from the hollow tree made a big impression on me as a kid ;-> I really like the humor and how the text and illustrations work together in telling the story, such as when Little Critter finds a campsite but "someone was already living there" (and said creature angrily shoos them away from his tree). I loved some of the knowing looks the dad gives, but also that he was willing to endure a few bumps along the way in order for his son to learn. I also adored the little spider and grasshopper on every page. So cute! All in all, I think this is a nice read for Father's Day or father-child story time, especially if you enjoy camping. ...more

5

Jul 28, 2017

The special bond that a child has with dad is wonderfully portrayed in this heart warming book.

4

Jun 06, 2012

I might be a little bias in my liking for this book because little critter books take me back to good memories from my childhood. My son has also picked up a liking for little critter and has a few of the interactive book apps on his Kindle Fire. He especially loves the little mouse that is hidden on most pages.

“Just Me and My Dad” is special because little critter thinks he is taking care of his dad on a camping trip when in reality it is the other way around. I also appreciate the fact the I might be a little bias in my liking for this book because little critter books take me back to good memories from my childhood. My son has also picked up a liking for little critter and has a few of the interactive book apps on his Kindle Fire. He especially loves the little mouse that is hidden on most pages.

“Just Me and My Dad” is special because little critter thinks he is taking care of his dad on a camping trip when in reality it is the other way around. I also appreciate the fact the dad is shown being happy, busy, angry, loving, etc. Real dads display a variety of emotions and children tend to enjoy books with realistic characters. The illustrations are humorous and if you look closely, you can see the animals interacting with each other.
...more

5

Jun 12, 2014

4.5
I love Litter Critter books. I remember reading a bunch of these when I was younger, so I enjoyed sharing this one with my daughter.
This is a wonderful story about a child spending time camping with his dad. I love that they do several different things together. And I like how Little Critter tries to do things to help his Dad out, even if it doesn't go the way that he thought it would. And I like that even though things get messed up there is always something else they can do together 4.5
I love Litter Critter books. I remember reading a bunch of these when I was younger, so I enjoyed sharing this one with my daughter.
This is a wonderful story about a child spending time camping with his dad. I love that they do several different things together. And I like how Little Critter tries to do things to help his Dad out, even if it doesn't go the way that he thought it would. And I like that even though things get messed up there is always something else they can do together instead. I think my favorite part is how Little Critter believes that he scared his Dad so he hugs him to make it better, when in actuality it is him that is scared and is being comforted.
And like all Little Critter books, I LOVE the pictures and how well they capture the story.
It is a funny and loving story focusing on a father/child relationship. And I think it is a wonderful book for children to share with fathers. I know my daughters will enjoy sharing this book with their dad.

This review as well as Cutie Pie���s rating and thoughts can be found on my blog: Her Reviews of Books, Movies, and Everything ...more

5

Feb 07, 2011

" Just Me and My Dad" is one of my favorite Mercer Mayer books! I love this cute story, and I think it's important to have books like this in your classroom library because this could be a typical family situation. This book is simple, so it would be a great one to use for sequencing or even retell with a small group. I would recommend this book for children in kindergarten through second grade.

3

Jan 21, 2018

I love Little Critter but this one isn't as strong as Just Me and My Mom.

5

Mar 09, 2017

Just Me and My Dad was about a little boy and his dad’s escapades while on a camping trip and all the fun they had. The illustrations were well drawn and colorful.

4

May 22, 2012

My son in first grade has been reading this book for weeks. I'm hoping to take my sons camping this summer, so I like this theme. But we're not going to fish, and a bear isn't going to take our fish. Bears are dangerous, and this book is a little bit too relaxed on the subject of bears for my taste. No bears on the east coast where I hike, to my knowledge, but up in the Adirondacks there are. I hope to take my boys there sometimes. The illustrations are good. I like the subject of just being My son in first grade has been reading this book for weeks. I'm hoping to take my sons camping this summer, so I like this theme. But we're not going to fish, and a bear isn't going to take our fish. Bears are dangerous, and this book is a little bit too relaxed on the subject of bears for my taste. No bears on the east coast where I hike, to my knowledge, but up in the Adirondacks there are. I hope to take my boys there sometimes. The illustrations are good. I like the subject of just being with one son, one on one time. ...more

4

Mar 12, 2017

My son read this to me! Loves to find the spider and grasshopper! Cute book!

5

Nov 15, 2012

PB:44 Just Me and My Dad. One of my favorite Mercer Mayer books. The illustrations are so detailed and when you re-read the book agagin, you notice the little things like the spider and cricket on practically every page. It makes you go back to your childhood remembering the memories of just hanging out with your Dad which is more difficult to do when getting older. The book will simply make an older adult appreciate their Dad so much more! I recommend this to anybody!

5

Nov 19, 2012

A classic story that I remember from my childhood. Like many of my other favorite children's books growing up the pictures have so much detail you can find something new each time you look. I used to read this with my dad and we'd do stuff like fish together like in the book. I hope my future husband will read this with my children and my family can have a great experience with this book as I did.

I would not necessarily put this in my future classroom. It just seems like a book you would want a A classic story that I remember from my childhood. Like many of my other favorite children's books growing up the pictures have so much detail you can find something new each time you look. I used to read this with my dad and we'd do stuff like fish together like in the book. I hope my future husband will read this with my children and my family can have a great experience with this book as I did.

I would not necessarily put this in my future classroom. It just seems like a book you would want a family to share together. ...more

5

Jun 16, 2012

This book is a wonderful book to curl up with reading with your DAD on Father's Day. We love Mercer Mayer he is so creative. In every page you see the little spider and his cricket friend. This book is about time you spend with your dad camping which we love. Every year our church does a Father/Son camp out, we share time with our dad and love it!! Fathers are so wonderful, they help mom, make us feel safe and love your always. We give this book 5 Lollipops and suggest it as a gift for your dad This book is a wonderful book to curl up with reading with your DAD on Father's Day. We love Mercer Mayer he is so creative. In every page you see the little spider and his cricket friend. This book is about time you spend with your dad camping which we love. Every year our church does a Father/Son camp out, we share time with our dad and love it!! Fathers are so wonderful, they help mom, make us feel safe and love your always. We give this book 5 Lollipops and suggest it as a gift for your dad because he will love reading it with you!! HAPPY FATHERS DAY!! ...more

4

Jun 15, 2009

In this story, Little Critter goes on a camping trip with his father, leaving his mother and baby sister at home. The story is narrated from Little Critter's perspective, and his statements contradict the illustrations with a gentle irony that young children will appreciate. For example, he says, "My dad was tired, so I pitched the tent," and the facing picture shows Dad rescuing him from a disordered pile of fabric and tent poles. The story could be a perfect preparation for a real camping In this story, Little Critter goes on a camping trip with his father, leaving his mother and baby sister at home. The story is narrated from Little Critter's perspective, and his statements contradict the illustrations with a gentle irony that young children will appreciate. For example, he says, "My dad was tired, so I pitched the tent," and the facing picture shows Dad rescuing him from a disordered pile of fabric and tent poles. The story could be a perfect preparation for a real camping trip, but is worthwhile to read for its own sake; the father is kind and loving, and the scene is very secure. This is a gread story about a dad having fun with his son, giving him an exciting experience and teaching him new skills. ...more

5

Sep 07, 2010

I often don't review or add children's books to my goodreads list, but this book is something special. My parents read this book to me when I was a child, and I have a father that has always taken me camping, so this book holds something personal for me. Now that I am parent, I've been reading this book to my little son almost every night. Its one of his favorite books, and I too love going camping with my son. In many ways this is one of my most treasured books; not only because its written I often don't review or add children's books to my goodreads list, but this book is something special. My parents read this book to me when I was a child, and I have a father that has always taken me camping, so this book holds something personal for me. Now that I am parent, I've been reading this book to my little son almost every night. Its one of his favorite books, and I too love going camping with my son. In many ways this is one of my most treasured books; not only because its written well and captures some of the beauties of a father son relationship, but because its become part of me on some level or another. That said, I can surely recommend this book to any father who enjoys camping and likes to read to his son. ...more

5

Nov 11, 2017

Reading Level: 1.4

Book Level: F

Book Summary: In this addition to the Little Critter series, Little Critter goes on a Father-Son camping trip. He tries to be helpful by preforming all of the camping-related tasks by himself, but he ends up needing his Dad’s help anyway! Little Critter claims to be brave after telling his Dad a ghost story around the campfire at night, saying it is his Dad who is scared, but in reality, he is the one who needs the hugs and comforting!

Characteristics that support Reading Level: 1.4

Book Level: F

Book Summary: In this addition to the Little Critter series, Little Critter goes on a Father-Son camping trip. He tries to be helpful by preforming all of the camping-related tasks by himself, but he ends up needing his Dad’s help anyway! Little Critter claims to be brave after telling his Dad a ghost story around the campfire at night, saying it is his Dad who is scared, but in reality, he is the one who needs the hugs and comforting!

Characteristics that support the genre: Just Me and My Dad fits the genre of a “picture book” because it is a unique story that fully aligns with the imagination of the children it is targeted towards. The plot is simple, and brief with illustrations that support comprehension of the characters, story and the setting occupying a majority of the page. The characters in picture books often have specific traits and Little Critter is a good example of that: he is usually in a big rush to grow up and as a result is often trying to do things on his own that he is not ready to handle yet! Additionally, Little Critter books often repeat a word or phrase that is central to the story, as is characteristic of many picture books; In this case, that phrase is “me and my dad”. Moreover, children can easily identify with the story’s main character, which helps them to overcome the some of the underlying themes presented in the story, such as, being afraid of the dark woods. Furthermore, the illustrations in the story

Bookshelf Mentor Writing Ideas:
-Ideas: The relatable overarching theme of this picture book is the strong relationship between a father and son. Every page consistently has an example of the main character, Little Critter, and his Dad strengthening their bond by doing camping related activities together.
-Presentation: The font in this book is clean, large, well-spaced and easy for young readers to read. Also, the pictures on each page directly correspond with the text on the page (or previous page). In this case, the pictures give away this might be more appropriate for slightly older primary grade students to discuss.
-Conventions: The text in this story demonstrates proper use of conventions in both simple and complex sentences in the areas of punctuation, grammar, spelling and capitalization of the first word.
-Voice: The narrative style of the text lends itself to the kind of writing a student in younger primary elementary grades would do when journaling about their own experiences. The words are chosen carefully by the author to make it sounds as though a young child is telling the audience his own account of the camping trip.

Classroom Integration: As I mentioned above, teachers can use this book to teach a lesson in older primary elementary grades on how to use picture clues to figure out something extra that the text is not directly saying. The class can explore how the words differ slightly from the story the picture tells and try to determine the answer to the question, “Who is really afraid”? For even younger elementary students who might not understand the inferences concealed within the illustrations, this book could serve as a prompt for a writer’s workshop about what activities they like to do with their fathers or father-like figures in their lives.

Other Suggestions: Due to the relatable nature of the story and characters, this would be an ideal leveled reading book for kindergartners, first graders, or struggling second graders. Beyond second grade, however, the childlike nature of the text might feel too juvenile for a struggling reader in third grade or above. ...more

3

May 31, 2012

Just Me and My Dad (Look-Look) by Mercer Mayer follows a father son camping trip where Little Critter has a good time with Dad, despite some mishaps.

Mayer's illustrations extend the humor of the story, with lots of expressive facial features. Children should enjoy the many animals pictured, including spider, cricket, snake frog, butterfly, raccoon, bear, fish, owl, chimunk, rabbits, and birds. My favorite images are driving off, wrong campsite, sunk canoe, fishing, eyes, and story.

The text Just Me and My Dad (Look-Look) by Mercer Mayer follows a father son camping trip where Little Critter has a good time with Dad, despite some mishaps.

Mayer's illustrations extend the humor of the story, with lots of expressive facial features. Children should enjoy the many animals pictured, including spider, cricket, snake frog, butterfly, raccoon, bear, fish, owl, chimunk, rabbits, and birds. My favorite images are driving off, wrong campsite, sunk canoe, fishing, eyes, and story.

The text tells one version of the story while the pictures convey the mishaps and fears of Little Critter. I thought the bear stealing the fish from the frying pan was not a good addition. Bears are to be feared, and smart campers would have left the area immediately and notified rangers or authorities. (I know it's just a story, but safety in the wild is very important!). I would definitely discuss this aspect with children. I dock a star for this.

Otherwise this camping tale is fun, as is the relationship of Dad and son. The child point of view is very amusing and child centered. More fathers should be this involved with their children. 3 star rating.

For ages 3 to 7, Little Critter, fathers, sons, family, camping, and fans of Mercer Mayer. ...more

4

Nov 11, 2017

My husband and i grew up with these books, and most of the copies I read to my toddler happen to be the very ones my younger siblings scribbled in from my parents library. I love the nostalgia they represent, but as a parent now I sometimes take issue with Little Critter's less than ideal behavior.

Mercer captured a child's petulant personality perfectly in each of these stories. Little critter child always insists on being right and is annoyingly quick to justify his conclusions with snide My husband and i grew up with these books, and most of the copies I read to my toddler happen to be the very ones my younger siblings scribbled in from my parents library. I love the nostalgia they represent, but as a parent now I sometimes take issue with Little Critter's less than ideal behavior.

Mercer captured a child's petulant personality perfectly in each of these stories. Little critter child always insists on being right and is annoyingly quick to justify his conclusions with snide equivocations. The later editions take on a more moralizing tone, while the earlier editions are nonapologetic in their portrayal of the adventures he faces growing up. I think this book is my personal favorite of the 10 Little Critter books in our current library, and my reasoning is because in this book he is actually working alongside his dad to have a successful camping/father-son bonding trip, rather than engaging in his usual internal monologues on how his parents are messing up his plans.

My baby loves the repetitive spider and cricket (sometimes mouse) friends that are hidden on each page, it gives him something else to focus on other than the story.
Oh, and he LOVES the bear in this story. ...more

3

Sep 20, 2017

"Just Me and My Dad" is a cute father-son story about Little Critter who goes camping and fishing with his dad. There are few words and mostly pictures in the book, which is good for little ones who like to look and point. As it was first published in 1977, I think you have to give some leeway for sexism which is very present in the Little Critter series (for instance, Mom is waving them goodbye in her dress and apron). They also cook the fish that Little Critter catches, so be prepared to talk "Just Me and My Dad" is a cute father-son story about Little Critter who goes camping and fishing with his dad. There are few words and mostly pictures in the book, which is good for little ones who like to look and point. As it was first published in 1977, I think you have to give some leeway for sexism which is very present in the Little Critter series (for instance, Mom is waving them goodbye in her dress and apron). They also cook the fish that Little Critter catches, so be prepared to talk about where food comes from, if you haven't already. There's a lot going on in the pictures that isn't reflected by the text (e.g. the text says dad got scared but it's clear Little Critter was the one who was afraid). It's really almost better just to look and describe/discuss the pictures when going through the story, as they have a lot going on in them. I think this book is better for the nostalgia (as I and others probably read these when we were little) and colorfulness of the pictures than the content. ...more

5

Apr 10, 2013

I also grew up with this book and loved it! This is the story about little critter and his camping trip with his dad. Many things go wrong like they lose their canoe,a have to move camping spots and even lose their dinner because a bear steals it but no matter what happens little critter loves the time that he spends because it is only him and his dad.

LE: After the story have a discussion with the children about any trips that they have had with their parents like camping, beach trip, etc. After I also grew up with this book and loved it! This is the story about little critter and his camping trip with his dad. Many things go wrong like they lose their canoe,a have to move camping spots and even lose their dinner because a bear steals it but no matter what happens little critter loves the time that he spends because it is only him and his dad.

LE: After the story have a discussion with the children about any trips that they have had with their parents like camping, beach trip, etc. After you can have a bag with camping equipment and show the children what the equipment is, what its called, and what it is used for. ...more

4

May 21, 2015

This book was used as a guided reading lesson. I had about 8 scholars in my group. They each read the book independently. We broke down sounds together when we chorally read. They answered an array of questions. Most of the questions were inference questions. Much of this storyline leaves out parts intentionally for "inference."

I asked questions like "why couldn't the boy fix the tent?" "who was really scared at the end of the story though the text suggests that the dad was?" Have fun with it! This book was used as a guided reading lesson. I had about 8 scholars in my group. They each read the book independently. We broke down sounds together when we chorally read. They answered an array of questions. Most of the questions were inference questions. Much of this storyline leaves out parts intentionally for "inference."

I asked questions like "why couldn't the boy fix the tent?" "who was really scared at the end of the story though the text suggests that the dad was?" Have fun with it! Pass out stickers for correct answers. Ask scholars to stretch it out and tell you using details from the text and image. ...more

5

Mar 05, 2014

Mercer Mayer makes so pretty amazing books, I read dozens of them as a kid and loved every single one. This book is a great book for kids to read with their fathers because it has super fun activities that the father and son do together throughout the book and gives us a picture of what a healthy father-son relationship looks like. The illustrations are really cute and every child I've read these books to has fell in love with it the same way I did. I recommend this book to any child, it doesn't Mercer Mayer makes so pretty amazing books, I read dozens of them as a kid and loved every single one. This book is a great book for kids to read with their fathers because it has super fun activities that the father and son do together throughout the book and gives us a picture of what a healthy father-son relationship looks like. The illustrations are really cute and every child I've read these books to has fell in love with it the same way I did. I recommend this book to any child, it doesn't have to be a boy. ...more

5

Oct 11, 2009

Little Critter gets to go on a father/sun camping trip. He learns to fish for dinner and how to put up a tent. He makes little mistakes, but dad guides the way when putting the tent up. They also get to sleep under the stars. They spend lots of time together.

I like this book because it shows the relationship between a father and his son. I could use this book to teach the children about having a relationship with their parent or caregiver. This book would fit great into a thematic unit about Little Critter gets to go on a father/sun camping trip. He learns to fish for dinner and how to put up a tent. He makes little mistakes, but dad guides the way when putting the tent up. They also get to sleep under the stars. They spend lots of time together.

I like this book because it shows the relationship between a father and his son. I could use this book to teach the children about having a relationship with their parent or caregiver. This book would fit great into a thematic unit about family. ...more

5

Feb 06, 2019

I love adorable picture books. So this little beaver goes camping with his father, and the illustrations show the humorous nature of the narrator's inability to share all of the details accurately. The illustrations offer the students an opportunity to narrate the "real" story in comparison to the narrator's story. I especially love the page when little beaver tells his dad a ghost story, and "Boy, did the dad beaver get scared!"
Hint: the illustration shows the father clearly indulges his son.