Things I Like
Anthony Browne
- Genres Picture Books Fiction Childrens
24 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
About the author
Anthony Browne
201 books294 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Community Reviews
A great follow up activity is to make a "Things I Like" book with the child. If photos are scarce, use magazine pictures, coloring pages from the internet, stickers, or stamps.
The words in the book itself are simple ("This is me and this is what i like...") but when read in conjunction with the images on each page become endearing and even heartwarming. Each page features a brightly colored illustration of the monkey protagonist enjoying a different activity ("playing with toys," "dressing up"). The expressions on the monkey's face convey (in an authentic way, I think) the childhood joys associated with each activity.
As simple as "Things I Like" may seem, it's a book that rewards a careful viewer, or reader of visual images. For example, the four corners of each frame in the book are adorned with an object that represents the activity being represented. For example, the "and watching TV" page features a television at each corner of the frame in the image. Elsewhere, when the monkey says he likes "painting," we see him at work on a picture of a fish with four legs. Numerous visual "Easter Eggs" like this are spread throughout the book.
There is really no theme or moral to this story. There's not even a plot. He simply states the things he likes in very simple terms. The language is very easy to read, and there are only 1-4 words per page. There is a very slight rhyme scheme, but mostly the language is devoid of imagery, excitement, or interest.
The pictures are colorful and cute, but do little more than illustrate the exact activity listed on the page.
As an adult, I see very few redeeming qualities for this piece of literature. I can only say that it would be at an appropriate reading level for very early readers, and the adorable primary color pictures are descriptive. From the perspective of a child I don't see this book exciting a love of reading or a spark in any of the activities described.
My thoughts: I got to know the character in this book which is good. I would have prefered the monkey to be talking to another monkey for a deeper lesson to kids. The monkey is comfortable with himself and what he likes, which is very important
This book is good for the audience of early childhood, strictly for entertainment. There isnt much of a lesson to be learned nd is so simple it would almost be good for a kid who hasnt learned to fully comprehend stories with a plot.
Easy Kindergarten.
I would recommend these books because it is happy and gives children ideas of things to like. It is also very positive and the photos are adorable.