1 / 6Nutshell Library: Four Maurice Sendak Picture Books
Picture Books: Nutshell Library by Maurice Sendak gathers four pocket-size stories: Alligators All Around, Chicken Soup with Rice, One Was Johnny, and Pierre. The compact collection offers alphabet, month-by-month rhyme, counting, and a cautionary story in a small format intended for little hands.
At a glance
- Four individual stories cover an alphabet, the months of the year, counting, and Pierre's cautionary tale.
- Pocket-size editions are described as suited to small hands and reading together.
- The listing says the individual titles are also available separately in board-book editions.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines four distinct Sendak stories in one small collection, giving readers several rhyming themes and formats to revisit.
- The varied material supports shared reading, from alphabet and counting themes to a month-by-month rhyme.
Technical specifications
11 specifications| Publisher | Harper & Row |
|---|---|
| Publication date | October 10, 1962 |
| Edition | F First Edition Thus |
| Language | English |
| Print length listed | 4 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0060255005 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0060255008 |
| Reading age listed | 2 - 5 years, from customers |
| Grade level listed | Preschool - 3 |
| Dimensions | 2.75 x 1.75 x 4 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 2.31 pounds |
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
The listing's 4-page print length appears inconsistent with its description of four complete books. Confirm the print-length and format details for the specific edition before purchase. The listed dimensions and weight are retained as provided.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Families looking for four short, rhythmic Maurice Sendak stories to read aloud.
- Gift buyers seeking a compact collection for young children.
- Readers interested in alphabet, counting, and month-of-year rhymes.
Less suited to
- Buyers who want standard-size books. This edition is described as pocket-size.
- Buyers specifically seeking board books, since the listing says those editions are separate.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
88% 88% - 4 stars
4% 4% - 3 stars
4% 4% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
3% 3%
Customer feedback describes the collection as a popular gift, praising the rhyming stories, illustrations, and repeat-read appeal. Readers also report differing experiences with readability, with some saying children can manage the books independently and others finding them hard to read. The small format may suit shared reading and gifting, but the conflicting readability impressions matter if a child is expected to read alone.
Positive themes
- Customers highlight the stories as enjoyable gifts for little ones and mention the rhymes and illustrations positively.
Mixed feedback
- Feedback on readability is mixed. Some customers say children can read the books with little help, while others find them difficult to read.
Frequently asked questions
Which books are included in Nutshell Library?
The collection is described as containing Alligators All Around, Chicken Soup with Rice, One Was Johnny, and Pierre.
What themes do the four stories cover?
The listing describes an alphabet story, a rhyme about chicken soup with rice through the months, a counting story, and Pierre's cautionary tale.
Are these board books?
The listing calls this collection pocket-size and says each title is also available in a separate board-book edition.
What age is it listed for?
The product details give a reading age of 2 - 5 years, attributed to customers, and a grade level of Preschool - 3.
Alternative options
Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months
$8.75
Pierre: A Cautionary Tale in Five Chapters and a Prologue
$6.36
Alligators All Around: An Alphabet
$7.74
One Was Johnny: A Counting Book
$6.36
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Open House for Butterflies
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Everybody in the Red Brick Building: A Rhythmic Bedtime Story About Noisy Neighbors for Children (Ages 4–8)
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The Sign on Rosie's Door
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Little Fur Family: A Beloved Classic Bedtime Story about Family by Margaret Wise Brown for Toddlers (Ages 0-4)
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13 Words: A Whimsical Celebration of Language from New York Times Bestselling Author Lemony Snicket
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