A Hole Is to Dig: A First Book of First Definitions

by Ruth Krauss, Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)

Overview

First published in 1952, this iconic book of first definitions by beloved children's book creators Krauss and Sendak is back in print. Illustrations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062645012
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	06/09/2026
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	5.12(w) x 6.50(h) x 0.25(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Ruth Krauss was one of the most widely celebrated children’s book authors of all time. Her long list of award-winning books includes The Carrot Seed, The Happy Day, A Hole Is to Dig, Open House for Butterflies, A Very Special House, and many others. Her books continue to be read and cherished by children throughout the world.

Maurice Sendak’s books have sold over 50 million copies and have been translated into more than 40 languages. He received the 1964 Caldecott Medal for Where the Wild Things Are and is the creator of such classics as In the Night Kitchen, Outside Over There, Higglety Pigglety Pop!, and Nutshell Library. In 1970 he received the international Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Illustration, in 1983 he received the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award from the American Library Association, and in 1996 he received a National Medal of Arts in recognition of his contribution to the arts in America. In 2003 Sendak received the first Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, an annual international prize for children’s literature established by the Swedish government.

Editorial Reviews

This ‘first book of first definitions’ is a child’s book, but it is also that rare and wonderful one that is genuinely original and imaginative.” — San Francisco Chronicle

“Krauss’s definitions—from ‘toes are to wiggle’ to ‘a hat is to wear on a train’—tell what’s what—and Sendak’s inimitable early illustrations show how.” — Publishers Weekly

 ”A unique book . . . with drawings bouncing with action and good humor.” — New York Times

“Entirely original in approach and content is this ‘first book of first definitions’ in which Miss Krauss, with the help of children themselves, gives us such gems as ‘a seashell is to hear the sea’; ‘cats are so you can have kittens.’ The illustrations are perfect whether they are making it clear that, of course, ‘buttons are to keep people warm’; or picturing the small boy who feels he has thought of an excruciatingly funny definition: ‘A tablespoon is to eat a table with.’” — Horn Book Magazine

“The tiny book, with its hundreds of funny, tiny children, has immediate appeal to the eye.” — New York Herald Tribune

From the Publisher

Krauss has brought together many whimisical definitions made by small children; such as "dogs are to kiss people" and "face is something to have on the front of your head." Humorous and cheerful, this 1952 classic inspires giggles from all readers. Sendak's illustrations capture the essence of a child's world.

Barnes & Noble Staff

A unique book . . . with drawings bouncing with action and good humor.

New York Times