Lentil (Picture Puffin Books) Paperback – Picture Book, April 27, 1978

I read this with my preschool aged daughter (4 1/2 yrs), and even though many of the concepts were a bit over her head, she loved the book and Lentil. She still talks about lemons and Lentil. For me, I love reading the classics to her, and seeing her develop a love for them as well. We read Lentil the week prior to Independence Day, purposefully, and had a lot of fun learning about patriotism and some of our patriotic traditions. Lentil is a wonderful and endearing classic for young minds.

Bought this as a part of our Five in a Row curriculum. A fun musical story about a boy who buys a harmonica and practices day and night. His hard work pays off when the town is unable to make music themselves at a very important celebration. The story helps kids realize that it is okay not to be great (or even good) at everything and encourages kids to focus on their strengths. The book also touches on jealousy and that with hard work and practice, practice, practice you can do amazing things. Was written in the 1940s and the illustrations reflect that time period.For secular homeschoolers / families: A great choice! Only mentions a church as apart of the town scenery.

As a family, we love the story and the beautiful artwork. You follow the tale of a boy named Lentil who lives in a small town. He learns how to play a harmonica because he can not whistle. When a big shot comes back to his hometown Lentil and his harmonica save the day. We highly recommend this as a great read aloud for bedtime or daytime.

Came in great condition, brand new. Just how I remember the story. Great read for my music class, or any class for that matter.

I bought this book for our two youngest children to enjoy as our local library doesn't have it on their shelves. The pictures are beautiful and the story is just as charming. It is a good book to purchase for younger children who may be experiencing some insecurity when it comes to keeping up with their peers accomplishments. This story focuses on the importance of music (as a means of self expression and celebration of life),the ability to remain focused when all doesn't go as planned (Lentil saves the day when he plays his harmonica at the Homecoming Celebration for Col. Carter), and acceptance of accomplishments of others (Even old Sneep is happy about the hospital that Colonel Carter is having built for the townspeople).

Loved the book as a child happy to pass the story on to the next generation.

My 3-year-old loves this book. It’s very enjoyable and funny for all ages. Robert McCloskey understood that children are capable of recognizing and appreciating a great story, so he didn’t condescend or dumb things down.

I thought this story might be too dated for our 8 year old but she loves it and so do we. Illustration and items from former times in no way hinder the charm or appeal of this wonderful children's book.

I bought this book about six years ago when we were homeschooling. My kids enjoyed it then and my younger son, who's 11 now, will still read it occasionally.