Cute little stories of a little boy who was adopted. Makes a great read aloud for five- or six-year-old boys (or girls) who will find it both funny and exciting. Published in 1944, it is more sexist than modern books. The simpler times mean 6-year-olds are free to go to school and other places on their own.

This was cute. My 6-year-old love it and was excited that the main character was his age. Written in, I think, the 40’s there are some dated concepts. The adopted child representation was nice, especially, I’m sure, for back then. However, it didn’t really accurately depict adoption, at least how it is now. The couple decided they wanted a baby, so they went somewhere and picked the baby they wanted. Basically like shopping for a baby. There was mention of prayer in a “rub the genie” kind of way that I have seen some parents disapprove of. We are a secular family, so it raised my eyebrows for a different reason,
But it was nothing that made me even feel the need to discuss it. I would definitely recommend this as a read aloud.

Very fun, old-fashioned story of a boy, his pets and friends, and the hilarious adventures they have (the illustrations are a bit creepy at times

Carolyn Haywood introduces us to Penny, an adopted boy and his family and friends. His parents lovingly guide him through various travails. His biggest wish is for a real brother! Perfect read aloud for 5-6 year olds.

My son and I loved this book. It triggered deep thought questions about adoption. This book was funny and a tear jerker. Read it! You will love it too!

My kids enjoyed this but I was glad we read it aloud because I felt like there were a few things that needed explaining. The way the adoption came about and the way the six year olds went wherever they wanted.

I love reading these classic stories that told of simpler times. This is a great book for children; full of wonderment, hopes, dreams, kindness, and respect.
It has become my youngest's favorite book.

My children (boys ages 3.5 and 5.5) really liked this book. It was interesting and easy to follow. However, some of the ideas about adoption bothered me (an adoptive parent). The book presents a very naive picture of adoption. For instance, the parents in the book pick out a red haired baby from among a bunch of babies in a hospital (they go to the hospital looking for a boy with red hair). When the red haired boy gets older, he then decides to pick out a black kitten with white paws (just like his mom and dad chose him). The way the author likens adoption with choosing a kitten did not sit well with me. The mother in the book does explain that "a mother's and father's love" makes a boy really truly their little boy, which seems like a good idea for kids who have not thought about adoption and its implications before. I hope that parents who read this book to their kids (or whose children read it on their own) will take the time to address adoption in a more realistic and sensitive way than the author does.

When I was little I would read this whenever I was Board (often), now it's a bit boring.

Such a cute story from the 40s. About a little boy and his neighborhood adventures. My kids loved it and I cried at the end. Such a sweet, heartwarming book.

Great book for little ones! My 5 and 9 year old really enjoyed this book, very cute!

Read this book aloud to my daughter. I'd never read anything by this author before. This is a very simple but enjoyable book.