Product Description

Elizabite is a carnivorous plant who eats insects as appetizers and enjoys hotdogs for snacks. Whether it walks, talks, flies, or barks, Elizabite is ready to make a meal of it. Her cheerful, hungry smile and infinite appetite attract much attention - a scientist examines her, a professor studies her, and everyone agrees that she is one of a kind. In an effort to control her diet and her unpredictable temper, Elizabite's admirers chain and muzzle her. But not even a barbed wire fence can prevent her from following her heart's (and stomach's) desire! Only when her unique appetite prevents a crime does Elizabite win the respect she deserves. The story of Elizabite, written more than fifty years ago, keeps company with those of Curious George, Spotty, and others in the Reys' memorable cast of characters. Perhaps less well known than her compatriots, but equally well loved, Elizabite teaches the value of being oneself.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #911288 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780395977026
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-Since her debut in 1942, Elizabite, the carnivorous plant, has maintained her appeal and popularity with very young readers. Elizabite, created by H.A. Rey, author of Curious George, is a unique carnivorous plant who devours whatever encroaches within her space. A barbed wire fence doesn't even impede her eating. She finally earns a place of honor in the local zoo after becoming a real heroine. With exciting musical accompaniment and expressive reading, the written story takes on an added dimension of spirit, suspense, and stimulation. Listeners will identify with Elizabite, and scream with delight when Scotty loses his tail and cheer when the burglar is caught. The reading is spirited and at a pace specifically geared to fledgling readers. The rhyming format of the story intensifies a melodious tone and helps children to read, comprehend, and enjoy the story. Youngsters who experience some difficulty in reading and those whose native language is not English will benefit greatly from both oral and written presentations. For all elementary school library media centers and public library collections, this read-along program will be a valuable asset.
Patricia Mahoney Brown, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, Kenmore, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Customer Reviews

A little creepy
For some years this picture book by the great H.A. Rey (of Curious George fame)was out of print and now it's back. As ever, Rey's drawings are expressive and fun. However, the story itself is a little problematic; Elizabite is a carnivorous plant who keeps eating things she shouldn't and growing, which sounds funny but is actually kinda weird and frightening, especially when she tries to eat a scientist towards the end. Small kids who aren't put off by this kind of thing may enjoy it anyway, or slightly older kids, maybe. Like "Cecily G and the 9 Monkeys" which features a giraffe removing its own skin, there is something a little unintentionally disturbing about Rey's more obscure, offbeat efforts. Stick to the CG books and to the recently rediscovered "Whiteblack the Penguin."

childhood favorite
I still have my 40 year old copy of this wonderful book, which I have enjoyed re reading to my 3 year old. The rhymes are better than average (for this age group), and the premise, while familiar to us now as "The little shop of Horrors", still seems fresh when told and illustrated by HA Ray. If you like Curious George you'll love Elizabite.

Great book for kids
As a botanist, I particularly like that this book has a plant for a main character! As a parent, I like the message of the story, that is being different isn't bad. Elizabite begins as a "different" plant, treated with caution and potential scorn, but soon shows how her difference is her strength and saves the day. The illustrations are wonderful - I noticed something new each time I read the book, from grateful smiles on the faces of insects as Elizabite is captured to tie-ins to previous pages. The language is rich, and the only change I made was to substitute "hot dogs" for "frankfurters" when reading to my kids so they would understand what it meant. Great book for anyone's shelf.