Talk about tall tales--this is one of the best we've seen in years! For those who have ever visited New York City or dream of doing so (that's a pretty all inclusive list, we think) this will tickle the funny bone and bring back memories of the iconic sites. Only, Kevin Hawkes has made his young traveler bigger than life. When Toddie arrives in Grand Central Station he is pretty impressed with the sight--especially the stars on the ceiling that his Mom tells him not to touch! Young Toddie who stands almost as tall as the great hall of Grand Central is ready to follow the trail of most typical sightseeing tourists in the Big Apple. Of course, the New Yorkers in the busy scenes are too busy to pay attention to a boy who happens to be so tall that at the Museum of Natural History he pets a giant T-Rex on the head saying, "Nice Doggie!" When his parents and Toddie get separated the giant boy finds friends in the park, where aerial views have the look of Gulliver and the Lilliputians. Hawkes has made good use of the family's New England accent--though this may go over the heads of kids who have never heard such regional speech. It won't matter. It's all great fun with some pathos thrown in when night begins to fall and Toddie wants his parents. There's even a small lesson about bringing home souvenirs to cap this tall tale off with a laugh. We hope the lovable Toddie will have further adventures!

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.