Pretty Pru: A Tilly and Friends Book

Tilly and Friends is generally a pretty good series, and Polly Dunbar's illustrations are endearing and fun. But this book is a few notches below the rest.Pru is a hen. She looks a bit like Mae West. As the story gets underway, she's preening about in front of a mirror. "Oh pretty," said Pru. "I'm so pretty!"What's going on with this narcissistic outburst? As we learn, "She was putting on her favorite red lipstick".Next, Trumpty the elephant enters the scene. He asks, "Can I have some makeup?... Then I can be pretty like you".What's this saying? Makeup is necessary to be pretty? And do little kids of the age that a story like this is directed to relate to makeup? Do we want them to?It turns out that Pru is not only vain, but she's also selfish. But in the end, she makes a generous gesture, giving her favorite red lipstick to Trumpty.But I can't help it. This happy ending doesn't redeem things for me. The whole story just feels a bit too smarmy.

I was almost as delighted with this story as I am the rest in the series. They're fun, witty and each is a great complement to the others. My only problem with this one is that it veers from the toddler-focused audience of the other books and focuses on Pru and all her make-up and preening. I'm putting this one on the shelf until my 2 year old daughter is a little older. The last thing I need is a favorite book series to promote make-up use at this age. Still a cute story with some good teachable moments.

I bought this for my 3 yr old daughter who loves all the Tilly and Friends books. This one is her favorite. The illustrations are adorable and expressive, the text is short yet meaningful, and lessons about friendship and life are subtle w/in the wonderful story in a child-centered world. I hope the author keeps writing books similiar to this, and I hope she gets a wide audience. These books are quiet gems.

Great - see review of Happy Hector.

This book is about sharing and how important it is to ask before you use something that does not belong to you. The illustrations are hilarious! We have this as part of our daughter's library and give it to many friends for gifts. We specifically bought this for a little girl whose Mom is a Mary Kay representative :) I hope they enjoy

Such a simple, sweet book. My 4 year old daughter goggles like crazy and wantes to read this every night. We own all of the Tilly and Friends books. This one has the authors wonderfully whimsical artwork and a sweet message about sharing and forgiveness.

Granddaughters love this book

I read this story two months straight to my daughter. I read the different characters parts with various funny accents. My daughter really like the story and the way it was delivered. It's a must have.

We love the Tilly and Friends book collection. Tiptoe is her fave!

Our daughter absolutely loves the Tilly & Friends books, and she is read them by request night after night, so much so that we wish there were some more written. Pretty Pru is probably not the best of them, I think Where's Tumpty is favourite! Nonetheless a great series of books for kids coming up to pre school \ pre schoolers.

Item as described and arrived very quickly. Thank you!

My daughter and I got this from the library first. I thought the picture of the pig with the mascara on was one of the funniest illustrations I had ever seen so I just had to buy it for ourselves.

My 3 year old loved it. The book is about sharing not having a deep sinister message that you are only pretty if you wear make up like one review said! It's a light hearted fun book.