EducatingParents.org rating: Approved

'In this easy-to-read story about responding to emergencies, Little Critter comes to the rescue when his dad gets stuck in the basement. But helping his father isn't so easy at first. When Little Critter tries to turn the doorknob, it falls off in his hands, and the key he inserts into the lock breaks off.
That's okay: Little Critter knows just what to do. He picks up the phone and dials 9-1-1, and soon police and firefighters arrive to break down the door. Dad is safe, and Little Critter is a hero!'

When Little Critter’s dad gets locked in the basement, Little Critter saves the day by calling 9-1-1 and waiting until policemen and firemen come to rescue his dad. This is a short, simple story, but also one with an important lesson for children about what to do if a similar situation arises in their own home. This book has large font and short, simple sentences with sight words and words that beginning readers will be able to sound out. The fast-paced action in the story keeps readers interested and engaged, wondering how Little Critter is going to get his father out of the basement. The text is accompanied by vibrantly-colored, exquisitely detailed illustrations that not only help to convey what is in the text, but also provide young readers with much to look at when they take a break from reading. White space around the illustrations and text also make this book appropriate for beginning readers by providing space for them to rest their eyes. Libraries that have other Mercer Mayer Little Critter books in their collections should be sure to add this book. Not only is it appropriate for beginning readers, but it could also make a read-aloud book for story time. ( )

Great book teaching how one lil critter used 911 to help his dad ( )