i bought this for my neice over the summer. i was a big reading rainbow fan as a kid. now as an adult i can appreciate this book and its illustrations even more.this is a must read for all little girls!!

This, along with Something Special for Me have been top picks for our 3 1/2 year old for the last few months. She asks for them over and over. I love how this book tells a simple story yet illustrates wonderful family values without being preachy. I imagine this will be in the regular rotation at our house for years to come.

THis is a book that I and my students thoroughly enjoyed. I love teh emphasis on hardwork and perseverance.Most children can relate to the notion of saving money to purchase something they really want to have. Written from the perspective of the child makes the story easy for children to identify with. The notion of harwork and perseverance is weaved through out the story. From the mother's long hours at the diner to the family's year of saving change in a jar. The Coldecott-winning illustrations allow the reader to feel the emotions the little girl is feeling and correspond beautifully with the text. The cover of the book is an outsiders view of the diner where the little girl's mother works. Ths vantage point lends to the perspective from which the story is told. I feel this is a story that can transcend time. There will always be the need for hard work and perseverance. There will always be hard times one has to overcome. The notion of earning and valuing material pocessions can cross all cultures.

A beautiful book, visually and story-wise. My children loved it, I loved it and now the grandchildren love it. It has drama and kindness and an appreciation for small things that make life rich.

Where's the father in this story? With all the unfortunate divorcing going on in this world, I plan to inundate my child with stories about happy families with both a mom and a dad. If it doesn't work out for him when he grows up and gets married, at least I can say I tried my best. I'm tired of forcing the feminist agenda on our kids. They need to know that not having a GOOD husband/father at home is not a good thing. Also, I thought the book was boring and the chair was ugly.