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Little Critter
Just for You
Little Critter is trying his best to be a help to his mother in this classic, funny, and heartwarming book.
Whether he's trying to make breakfast, mow the lawn, or carry the groceries, both parents and children alike will cheerfully relate to this beloved story.
Mercer Mayer's Little Critter stories, which address all the major issues of growing up, are perennial favorites to generations of readers of all ages.
Whether he's trying to make breakfast, mow the lawn, or carry the groceries, both parents and children alike will cheerfully relate to this beloved story.
Mercer Mayer's Little Critter stories, which address all the major issues of growing up, are perennial favorites to generations of readers of all ages.
24 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
About the author
Mercer Mayer
724 books763 followersMercer Mayer is an American children's author and illustrator. He has published over 300 books, using a wide range of illustrative styles. Mayer is best known for his Little Critter and Little Monster series of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
April 8, 2019
I didn’t quite realize the joy of Little Critter. For some reason I ignored this furry little guy. This is the first book of the series. He is quite cute. If Fancy Nancy is my niece, then Little Critter is my nephew. It’s like he’s in the pages. I mistakenly said that the 2 were alike, the nephew did not like that.
I love the artwork of this first book. It’s sweet and a little messy and very cozy. You can feel the tiredness of the mother coming off the pages. It’s wonderful. This beginning story is so wonderful.
Critter wants to do things for his mom and he does his best, but he makes such a mess of things usually that he doubles his moms work. This is my nephew. Even his sister kept saying, that is totally like her brother.
The niece gave this 4 stars while the nephew was a little upset with everyone comparing him to the character so he gave this 3 stars. I’ll not do that in the future.
I love the artwork of this first book. It’s sweet and a little messy and very cozy. You can feel the tiredness of the mother coming off the pages. It’s wonderful. This beginning story is so wonderful.
Critter wants to do things for his mom and he does his best, but he makes such a mess of things usually that he doubles his moms work. This is my nephew. Even his sister kept saying, that is totally like her brother.
The niece gave this 4 stars while the nephew was a little upset with everyone comparing him to the character so he gave this 3 stars. I’ll not do that in the future.
December 8, 2020
I bought this book for my boys when they were little. Both are now in their 40s. Now my three and a half year old grandson is loving it!
November 6, 2018
On a day when a heavy curtain seems to be hanging over our Country, a book like this takes the mind off of all the stress, what-ifs, and worry. Mr. Mayer brings a delightfully accurate tale to the pages of how young children so often have good intentions that are beyond their years. Little Critter is trying so hard to help mom out but one blunder after another leave him feeling kinda down and out. This book reminds us as parents to appreciate our children’s efforts, to notice them and praise them, and to be a little bit less uptight and serious. I certainly need that lesson … almost daily. If you are looking for a lighthearted read with your kiddos, that covers patience and effort, I highly recommend Just For You.
January 8, 2014
“Just for You” by Mercer Mayer, is about a character known as “Little Critter who tries to help his mother with many different tasks throughout the day but, is unable to complete them. He becomes frustrated because he cannot help his mother. After failing at several tasks he says that he just wanted to do something special for his mother and she tells him that he has. The theme of the story is, “It’s the thought that counts.”
The main character is Little Critter. He shows that he can be persistent and very sweet. He wants to do something nice for his mom and he does his best to make it happen. He is a fun, lovable character.
The setting of the story consists of different rooms around the house. The setting does not play a big role in the story and because of this the author does not describe it at all. I would guess that this story took place around ten years ago.
I would recommend this book for younger children or anyone who wants to read a short, cute story. It has a special meaning behind it and is very enjoyable.
The main character is Little Critter. He shows that he can be persistent and very sweet. He wants to do something nice for his mom and he does his best to make it happen. He is a fun, lovable character.
The setting of the story consists of different rooms around the house. The setting does not play a big role in the story and because of this the author does not describe it at all. I would guess that this story took place around ten years ago.
I would recommend this book for younger children or anyone who wants to read a short, cute story. It has a special meaning behind it and is very enjoyable.
September 26, 2012
Adorable book. Nice to give to someone you love. I got this for my step-daughters to give to my husband when they were little & they loved reading it with him. He still has it.
July 28, 2017
Another classic from Mercer Mayer!
October 14, 2014
As children we are always trying to please our parents and this inhibition isn’t one that leaves us as we grow older. We work all our lives to make our parents proud, for them to appreciate our dedication and in turn understand our own appreciation for the lessons they have taught us. In our youth we complete mundane tasks to satisfy our parents request and as adults we search for meaning in our work so that we may reciprocate such financial or metaphorical wealth to our parents. Just for you a story by Mercer Mayer covers such an ongoing concept through her young critter.
Just for you by Mercer Mayer begins with a young critter attempting to do tasks for his mother. Each time the critter attempts a task it never turns out exactly as planned, making the critter discouraged until he is eventually able to complete a task especially for his mother without falter. Mayer brings relatability to the characters in the expression illustrated upon the characters faces and their living in a world similar to our own. Also by picturing the environment in such vivid cheerful colors, a lightheartedness can be expressed while still allowing for the darker/sadder emotions to be of influence.
Mayer invites readers of all ages to experience the simplicity of pleasing our parents, expressing to all of us that a parent’s ability to express pride in their children isn’t defined by the difficulty of a task. No matter our age or our success, our parents will love us for who we are and take pride in what we do so long as we simply do our best. By asking young readers to simply try with all hope to complete tasks and the older audience to remember that success isn’t defined by a pay raise or a 401k. Success is defined by our ability to attempt all tasks with our best intentions, to try and try again and even if we don’t succeed, our parents will still swell with pride.
Just for you by Mercer Mayer begins with a young critter attempting to do tasks for his mother. Each time the critter attempts a task it never turns out exactly as planned, making the critter discouraged until he is eventually able to complete a task especially for his mother without falter. Mayer brings relatability to the characters in the expression illustrated upon the characters faces and their living in a world similar to our own. Also by picturing the environment in such vivid cheerful colors, a lightheartedness can be expressed while still allowing for the darker/sadder emotions to be of influence.
Mayer invites readers of all ages to experience the simplicity of pleasing our parents, expressing to all of us that a parent’s ability to express pride in their children isn’t defined by the difficulty of a task. No matter our age or our success, our parents will love us for who we are and take pride in what we do so long as we simply do our best. By asking young readers to simply try with all hope to complete tasks and the older audience to remember that success isn’t defined by a pay raise or a 401k. Success is defined by our ability to attempt all tasks with our best intentions, to try and try again and even if we don’t succeed, our parents will still swell with pride.
July 13, 2009
My mom read this to me in the mid to late 1970s. It was a favorite then, and now I read it to my son. Love it!
February 5, 2018
A sweet story of a little critter who has the best of intentions, but manages to mess up everything he does.
July 24, 2012
This is a very sweet story about a very loving and very patient mom. She knows that her
little critter is doing his best, so she tries to just feel the love. She has to try really hard
sometimes, because she knows that he was just trying to take a bubble bath, not bury the house!
This is a hear warming story about unconditional love, no matter what.
The illistrations are so fun to look at as you go on this wild goose chase of a journey!
Extension: The children can see how may times they see a
certain color in the story. (how many times they
see "blue", etc.). They can practice writing
the names of the colors that they recognize.
There are also some items in the story that
the teacher can ask the children to find.
There is a little spider in each of the pictures
in the book, for example.
little critter is doing his best, so she tries to just feel the love. She has to try really hard
sometimes, because she knows that he was just trying to take a bubble bath, not bury the house!
This is a hear warming story about unconditional love, no matter what.
The illistrations are so fun to look at as you go on this wild goose chase of a journey!
Extension: The children can see how may times they see a
certain color in the story. (how many times they
see "blue", etc.). They can practice writing
the names of the colors that they recognize.
There are also some items in the story that
the teacher can ask the children to find.
There is a little spider in each of the pictures
in the book, for example.
December 7, 2014
Just for You was one of my favorite books as a child. It is part of the little critter series, and I loved them as a whole when I was younger. This little critter was always trying to help out, but every time he tried doing something, it would go wrong. This book is good for elementary and lower ages and teaches kids that it’s the thought that counts. Even if you are not perfect at something, trying your best is okay. This book was written and illustrated very beautifully and it is a book I would recommend any parent read their child.
Mayer, M. (1975). Just for you. New York: Golden Press.
Mayer, M. (1975). Just for you. New York: Golden Press.
December 12, 2014
I remember loving the Little Critter series when I was a kid. I haven't read this one when I was younger but this is a cute little story in the series. Little Critter is trying to be helpful in the story but ends up making things worse instead of better. The moral of the story is that sometimes things have to go wrong before they can be right; or have to get worse before they can get better. This can be used as a read aloud for younger children and used as lesson to teach the students. This can be helpful in showing the children that sometimes things are go to happen when they are are trying to help and that it always works itself out. It's nothing to get upset about and it's alright.
December 5, 2014
This Little Critter book is about a baby critter who wants to do something special for his mom. After many attempts such as mopping the floor, putting the dishes away, carrying the groceries and mowing the lawn he feels like he doesn’t succeed. At the end he gives his mom a hug and kiss which is the only thing she really wanted! I really liked this book because all kids want to please their mom which is exactly what this little critter wanted to do. The illustrations contain tons of detail along with cute critter characters. It is a great story for young children in the classroom and at home!
August 13, 2009
Mercer Mayer's books are great for kids of all messages; they are great "first readers" - I learned to read from his books. Each story is easy to follow along, and presents a "be-attitude" type of message that isn't preachy and isn't sappy.
I read these stories to my child every chance I get, as well as to my neices and nephews when they are in town. I highly recommend these stories to parents that want to get their kids into reading, are looking for a easy step as their child transitions into school, or just need an easy read.
I read these stories to my child every chance I get, as well as to my neices and nephews when they are in town. I highly recommend these stories to parents that want to get their kids into reading, are looking for a easy step as their child transitions into school, or just need an easy read.
September 1, 2008
My nieces and I really enjoy Little Critter books.
They're short, they're funny, they're topical, and they're cheap.
This must be one of the first ones - you can see that Little Critter isn't wearing his trademark overalls yet.
He wants to do something special for his mom, but he keeps failing - until the end, when we find out that he succeeded after all. That might go over a young child's head - I guess he succeeded simply by trying? but it's a sweet sentiment anyway.
They're short, they're funny, they're topical, and they're cheap.
This must be one of the first ones - you can see that Little Critter isn't wearing his trademark overalls yet.
He wants to do something special for his mom, but he keeps failing - until the end, when we find out that he succeeded after all. That might go over a young child's head - I guess he succeeded simply by trying? but it's a sweet sentiment anyway.
September 12, 2016
i love the Mayer books. i've read them all to my son when he was growing up. I've actually bought a couple now that he is off to college and used them a birthday cards .... just little ways to let your kids know you still love them and think about them. He said when he got it in the mail it made him smile and he actually read it. I ca't wait to start reading them again when i have grandchildren! excellent excellent books!!!
June 27, 2013
This was a great read, wonderful and simple vocabulary, easy to read. Great illustrations on each page, it showed how much a child loves their mother and wants to show her how much he cares and takes on different tasks throughout the book to show his love. Some of the tasks did not turn out so well so he ended up keeping it simple and giving her just a kiss and hug. Great book to read to children and let them make a special gift just for Mom.
January 23, 2009
I could put all Mercer Mayer books on my list. I used to read them to my little brother and went on to read them to my kids. There isn't a bad one in the bunch. Lots to choose from including new babies, potty training, grandparents, mom, dad, etc. Great insights in few words with amazing illustrations. Aren't they all "little monsters"?
April 21, 2013
Mercer Mayer has a variety of great books, like this one. These books always have a lesson that can be learned. This is a good book to read before Mother's Day. It has repeating words like "Just for You." I think it would give students ideas on how to surprise their Mother/guardian with love. Instead of feeling the only way to show them love is to do many chores that end badly.
February 13, 2013
Hands down one of the greatest books ever written for children and for parents as well. A treasure. There is rarely a children's author who tugggggs at the heartstrings of mom and dad and child while all enjoying the work. Like A.A. Milne did so long ago, Mayer holds to this rare phenom.
April 7, 2014
I used to read this book when I was little! This is a very sweet story about a very loving and very patient mom. She knows that her little critter is doing his best, so she tries to just feel the love.
February 23, 2016
The Little Critter books are some of my absolute favorites. The illustrations are so funny and cute. Also the story line is very funny and interesting for younger readers. Really like reading this entire series of books!
February 23, 2017
If memory serves me, this was the first Little Critter book I ever read. I still recall my favourite bit in the book; "I wanted to set the table just for you. But the TV was too loud." That still makes me smile.
March 7, 2019
Goodness, the nostalgia of remembering this book almost makes me weep. As an adult I can look back and recall the times when as a child I tried to help and just ended up messing things up. This might be a OLD book but it's still a fantastic one.
May 1, 2020
This is my favorite book. I love my mom too!
August 27, 2022
4,25 stars - English Ebook
February 19, 2024
This is just an adorable book that kind-hearted children relate to. The little creature wants to do something nice for his mother. He soon discovers that even with good intentions, it is hard to do big people stuff. He finds out in the end that all his mother wants is for him to love her. The best way of doing that is to show her love and affection by hugging her.
February 8, 2015
In the story of a child and his efforts to do something for him mom we see the true innocence of a child. I think this book is entertaining for all ages as most adults can understand how a child’s efforts to do something nice for you can turn into an even bigger mess. I also believe a child would see the truth in the story and find it somewhat funny. The story is both funny and sweet as we see the child trying over and over to do something right and then follows it with a childish reason for not being able to complete the task.
I can tell the relationship between the mom and child is a good one as the mom does not get upset when he does not help around the house or refrain from making messes. Although we do not get actual dialogue from the mother, the way the child speaks shows she is not upset with him. In the end of the story the mom is happy with a hug from the child, which also shows, she cares for him. The sentence styles throughout the book are the same and it is a short and simple story which gets the point across quickly.
The illustrations are a big part of the story since the text is not lengthy or overly descriptive. For each page that has text on it, there is a full-page illustration with no words, showing the task the child speaks of trying to complete. The mother in the illustration always has a happy facial expression, which shows how she cares for the child and appreciates his innocence. The facial expressions of the child are not drawn sad when he is unable to do what he says he wants which I think shows that he knows he could do a better job however it is hard for children to choose hard work over fun. Although this book is short, it is great for all ages and is well written and illustrated.
I can tell the relationship between the mom and child is a good one as the mom does not get upset when he does not help around the house or refrain from making messes. Although we do not get actual dialogue from the mother, the way the child speaks shows she is not upset with him. In the end of the story the mom is happy with a hug from the child, which also shows, she cares for him. The sentence styles throughout the book are the same and it is a short and simple story which gets the point across quickly.
The illustrations are a big part of the story since the text is not lengthy or overly descriptive. For each page that has text on it, there is a full-page illustration with no words, showing the task the child speaks of trying to complete. The mother in the illustration always has a happy facial expression, which shows how she cares for the child and appreciates his innocence. The facial expressions of the child are not drawn sad when he is unable to do what he says he wants which I think shows that he knows he could do a better job however it is hard for children to choose hard work over fun. Although this book is short, it is great for all ages and is well written and illustrated.
December 24, 2016
This Little Critter book's illustrations are better than any of the others I've seen. They're all intricate and detailed and old-fashioned seeming, far more than the others. I like it so much, and it makes me feel sad that the rest of the books don't measure up. I wonder what happened? Why did Mercer Mayer change the style after this glorious book?
Truly, the content of the story isn't great. Little Critter is being a little snot, as always, making bad choices and then making excuses (some of the time). But the illustrations are so lovely, I forgive him.
Truly, the content of the story isn't great. Little Critter is being a little snot, as always, making bad choices and then making excuses (some of the time). But the illustrations are so lovely, I forgive him.
October 15, 2013
Children try so hard sometimes, but they often just can't... be good that is. Mayer explores all the things that little hedgehog (?) does to try to please his mother, but he can't quite get anything right. You can't help but laugh at his attempts, because for the most part he means well; but is just a child, and they are meant to misbehave!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews