The Pinkish, Purplish, Bluish Egg (Sandpiper Books)

I buy this for every baby shower I attend. It's for kids 3-7 years old, so a baby shower is a bit early, but this is the only book that everyone in my family loves (parents and kids).

Written entirely in rhythmic rhyming couplets, excellently illustrated, The Pinkish, Purplish, Bluish Egg sets a very high standard in children's literature.Myrtle (an appropriately named turtle dove) is working to overcome a depression following the departure of her offspring from the nest when she happens upon what appears to be a gigantic and very strange egg. With the assistance of some frisky young squirrels the egg is relocated to her empty nest and Myrtle commits herself to sitting on it until it hatches.Our little dove, "The symbol of peace and of motherly love" endures the scorn of the other birds which intensifies after the egg does indeed hatch...And once more the birds crowded Myrtle's treetopTo watch as the egg cracked apart with a pop.Then a feathery thing poked his little head out.Bewildered and frightened, he looked all about."Happy Birthday!" the dove whispered softly to himAnd he felt more at home and hopped out on the limb.At first all the birds were just too stunned to speak.But finally a jay blurted out, "It's a freak!Just look! The thing is half lion, half eagle.I'm sure that it must be unsafe or illegal.""No, no," said the owl, with a long, thoughtful look."It's a creature straight out of a fairy-tale book.The thing's called a griffin. It doesn't exist,But as a precaution I firmly insistThat we ought to get rid of the brute right awayOr it might grow up or cause trouble some day."Myrtle chases the accusers away, names the little griffin Zeke, and begins a loving process of mentorship set against the relentless and mocking condemnation of the other birds. Eventually Zeke comes into his own as a heroic and powerful deliverer and earns the admiration and respect of his former antagonists - even the owl (though he can't resist taking one final shot)."But I'm right," the owl said, "on one thing at least;He doesn't exist, he's a mythical beast.""Does he mean," worried Zeke, "that I'm not really here?That most any minute I might disappear?""It's nonsense," scoffed Myrtle, "he's a silly old bird.But if it makes him feel better, let him have the last word."

Love other titles from this author and was delighted to read this one! Great illustrations and his story that parents will enjoy reading to their kids! Even proves to be heartwarming with a good message

Bill Peet is one of my favorite children's book authors. I have a set for myself, and I have bought his books for my grandchildren, and am now buying them for my great grandchildren. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with anything Bill has written. They are wonderful books.

No one can ever go wrong with a Bill Peet book. Illustrations are wonderful and sometimes you can find the same person in another book. But each book has a lesson as in acceptance, liking yourself thoughtfulness etc.buy them ALL!

Bill Peet is one of my favorite kids book authors. I read these as a kid, got them for my kids, nieces and nephews and have put away a set for for my grandchildren someday. The stories and characters are always well designed and draw kids in. The illustrations are bright and colorful while still being somewhat simplistic giving them a lovable cartoon appearance. The stories have great moral and life lessons told in a fun way. These stories have stood the test of time and have been loved by many in my family

My children adored this story. It was their first toe dip into Bill Peet books and they responded like children have with Bill Peet stories for decades; they begged for more. With its wonderfully sweet story, amazing illustrations and fun rhyme, this cute tale about a Griffin who doesn't quite fit in is a joy for kids and adults. If you haven't read Bill Peet then I encourage you to get busy as he has many wonderful tales you won't want to miss!

Bill Peet has been a family favorite author since 1978. I read them to my son in the 70's. Bought every one I could find for my grandchildren, and now am purchasing for that same son's newly arrived twin boys. I recently asked my first three grandchildren if they still had their Bill Peet books and discovered that they plan to NEVER (said emphatically) get rid of them. In addition, they are still read because they take them on babysitting jobs to read to their charges who also LOVE them.

I adore this book..... loved it as a child and purchased a new copy to read to my partners kids (2 & 4).... they loved it too :D

I have been slowly purchasing these books for my new nephew in England. The Bill Peet books are wonderful stories that are engaging and fun for both children and adults. Bill Peet put as much care into the illustrations of his books as he did with the stories themselves and they are nothing more than pure joy for children and adults.

Not our favorite of Bill Peet's stories but check other titles of Bill Peet.Books by Bill Peet should be in every school library. There is adventureand imagination in each and everyone of his books.

Bill peet the only books to read !!