Tight Times (Picture Puffins) Read Free Books and Download eBooks

                
              
Tight Times (Picture Puffins) Read Free Books and Download eBooks
A small boy, not allowed to have a dog because times are tight, finds a starving kitten in a trash can on the same day his father loses his job.
Lexile Measure: AD420L (What's this?)
Series: Picture Puffins
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Puffin Books; Reprint edition (July 11, 1983)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0140504427
ISBN-13: 978-0140504422
Product Dimensions:  8.9 x 0.2 x 7.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review:  4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #31,969 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)   #127 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Pets   #181 in Books > Children's Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Parents
Age Range: 4 and up
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 3
I cried when I read this story. That doesn't happen very often to me while reading a children's book, but Tight Times is so sweet that I was very moved. The story is about a small family doing their best to cope despite their financial troubles. The parents are worried and feel bad for their son. Seeing their child do without is so much harder on them than their own deprivation. It was gratifying that the little boy found a way to get a pet after all. The little family is filled with such a stong love that the reader knows that somehow things will turn out well for them, despite their problems. The artwork is excellent. In particular, the drawing of the mother and father hugging their son says more than words ever could. I just love this book and recommend it for any family, whether having "tight times" or not.
This work was actually first published in 1979, in those days of plenty, or so they say, but the message here is timeless. I have to admit right from the start that I got sort of misty eyed over this one, but then I am sort of a misty eyed old man when all is said and done so I suppose that is not an absolute indicator of how the book will affect you on a personal level, but affect you it will.This is a simple story of a husband, wife and little boy who are just trying to get along in life. The parents and child live in a small, but adequate apartment in a city. They are pretty typical. The little boy wants a dog; has always wanted a dog, but when he asks his father for one, he is told that he cannot have one, as these are "tight times." You can tell that the family is under a lot of financial stress; mom has had to go to work and things are getting a bit rundown and instead of meat and potatoes for supper they get sort of a soupy lima bean soup. This is a typical middle class family with their back to the wall. Well the next day the father comes home and is obviously worried and depressed. While the little boy does not quite understand, it is very apparent that the father has lost his job. What is the family to do? Is this the end? Will it sink into complete despair? One thing for sure, there certainly will be no dog anytime soon in the little boys life.As the young child is outside his building the next day, he hears a pitiful noise coming from an overflowing garbage can. A kindly lady stops and she and the child investigate. Low and behold they find a half starved, pathetic looking kitten which has obviously been dumped there. The little boy is told by the lady to take the kitten home and take care of it.No spoilers here...you have to read it yourself to find out the fate of the kitten and little boy who wants a dog.This is a well crafted story which is even more pertinent today than the day it was written. Thousands of families across our country are facing the dilemma this family is facing...this is real life folks!As I said this story is touching on so many levels. All the people in the story are nice but simply have gotten caught up in a situation beyond their control. They find that love; love for each other and love for their family is a wonderful thing, a thing that can take them through the worse of "tight times." There is a great message here.The art work in done in pencil drawings and realistic right down to the nitty-gritty as to domestic scenes and facial expressions. The artist, Trina Schart Hyman knows her craft and she has complimented the wonderful text by Barbara Shook Hazen perfectly. Now I will admit that the art work has a 1970s flavor about it; furniture, clothing and hair style, but that is to be expected when you consider when the book was first created. To have it differently would not be true to the story. This in not in the least distracting though and in facts adds to the value of the book. This is very detailed work here, very good on all levels.This is a wonderful read for both young and old during these "tight times" that we are all facing today and it is a work that needs to be hauled off the bottom of the library shelf and resurrected to its rightful place. I do highly recommend this one.Don BlankenshipThe Ozarks
This is a sweet story about a family that experiences financial troubles. I actually purchased and used it to help my high school students with inferencing - it worked well.
After reading review, decided to order to add to my collection of children's books. Timing was perfect, as I was able to use it for part of a children's moment during worship at church, tying the story into how our church helps others during "tight times." I did have to explain what that phrase meant, as it is not often used in today's conversation. That and the illustrations and a few references being somewhat dated, are the reason for the 4 instead of 5 stars. However, I liked the black/white pen/ink illustrations, and the message is good for motivating conversation on helping others as well as helping children to recognize that we may all have "tight times." I would recommend.
I read this book. It was a sweet book with innocents. It will bring a tear if you are a tender like myself. This book relates to real todays times.
Was super glad to find this book as it was one of my favorites as a kid. I love the message of the story and I think, although the book is decades old, it still stands for families today. Will be saving it for my little one to read one day...
Sweet, "real" story, excellent detailed pencil-drawn illustrations... love anything illustrated by Trina S Hyman! best for ages 3-8, but adults will appreciate it too. I like that it shows the parents being emotional and crying at one point. It's not all roses, but the message is real and shows a family getting through the rough times together.
A must have in all classrooms. It addresses the hardships many families currently face. It is heartbreaking/heartwarming to hear my student's connections to this book.
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