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Rose was sitting in her pretty room, where she would gladly have spent all her time if it had been allowed; but she looked up with a smile, for she had ceased to fear her uncle's remedies, and was always ready to try a new one. The last had been a set of light gardening tools, with which she had helped him put the flower-beds in order, learning all sorts of new and pleasant things about the plants as she worked. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

You'll fall in love with the characters as if you knew them.
Rose Campbell is orphaned at age 13. She is left to her Uncle Alec, a kind man who is ahead of his time in thinking. She meets her seven cousins, all of whom are boys, and immediately becomes their queen. She has I beleive six aunts, each with its own individual character. When she arrives at "Aunt Hill" as the place is called due to all the aunts, she is a very pale, thin, and unhappy thing. Her uncle, Dr. Alec, tries an experiment for one year to get her healthy and happy. Some of the things he does would be shocking to that day and age, such as encouraging a girl, almost fourteen, to run, shout, and be strong! The very idea scandalous! The little chamber maid, Phebe, who herself is only a few years older than Rose, helps her to learn to be good, strong, and be merry in the face of unhappiness. The book is full of old morals which I enjoyed immensely. The old grammar and beleifs will surprise and amuse you. I recommend this book to people who like history, love a good novel rather than that sensation trash, or would just like to fall in love with the characters.

One of my favorite books!
When my teacher told us that we had to choose a book from her book list for our book reports, I had no idea what book to choose. After a while I finally chose this book, Eight Cousins. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down!!

The book is about the time when Rose Campbell's father died, and Rose went to live with her Aunt Peace and her Aunt Plenty , who lived in a big house on Aunt Hill, until her uncle, her legal guardian, came for her. When Rose arrived she was a very sickly & scared girl. Her aunts didn't know what to do with her, and she was surrounded by 7 loud and wild boy cousins. When her savior/guardian, Uncle Alec arrives, she puts her full trust into him, and he helps overcome her fears, & turns her into a very pretty and healthy child. It wasn't long before Rose was as happy, healthy and lively as any of her cousins.

Don't worry, I didn't give away the ending, (the back of the book tells even more than this)! As I said before, this is one of the best books I have ever read, (I even cried a little at the end!!!).

ENJOY!!!!!!

A Classic Growing up by none other than Louisa May Alcott!
I had to read an audio book for a school project, and i chose "Eight Cousins". It is about Rose Campbell, her rowdy seven boy cousins, and her many aunts and uncles! Her guardian, doctor, and uncle, Alec, is trying to restore the rosiness in Rose's yellow cheeks. He prescribes many odd diganoses that amazingly work. Rose changes from a frail child to a warm, caring, and hearty young woman. I'm sure many other readers will laugh and cry as the touching chapters of any Alcott book are turned--I know i did! But I'd recommened this book for girls, of any age, instead of boys!

A Classic Growing up, by none other than Louisa May Alcott!
I had to read an audio book for a school report, and "Eight Cousins" was the one I picked out. "Eight Cousins is about Rose Campbell: now orphaned and raised improperly by her two great aunts. Then along comes her guardian, Uncle Alec, and her seven boy cousins to cheer up the frail Rose!! Dr. Alec prescribes many queer diagonses that amazingly make Rose happy again. The once shy and weak girl is now a beautiful and rosey cheeked young woman, truely resembling the blossoming rose she should be!! Louisa May Alcott truely has written another wonderful book, bursting with truth, wisdom, and humor. I would love to read the sequel!!

a great book
Rose has lost her mother & father & has been left in the care of her uncle.Rose is afraid of having to be around all 7 of her cousins which are all boys. Rose gets used to all of her cousins and has many good times with them.Rose enjoyes living with her uncle & aunts.I have read this book 3 times & love it alot.I dont know who would dot like it. ... Read more

Book Description

Aliki describes and illustrates the techniques and the reasons for the use of mummification in ancient Egypt. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good Book - Bad Memories
I think the Aliki book explains the true reality of the ancient Egyptains beliefs. I am actually writing this because I was scared of the book. I wouldn't recommend showing this to a child without telling them what to expect. The book explains about the belief involving the many gods (Osiris, Anubis, and Isis are a few) I don't want any child to be scared of the culture, but who would know?

The Wish to Live Forever
Kids love mummies, and mine are no exception. As the Aliki (the book's author/illustrator) says, "A mummy is a mystery-hidden in layers of ancient bandage, bedecked with priceless jewels." We read Mummies Made in Egypt as part of our Egyptian study when our children were 7, 10 and 11. The back cover (accurately) says the book is written for ages 8 to 12. I have to admit I loved this book as much as my children and learned a lot from it. What's great, as another reviewer has pointed out, is that it's not morbid in any way. It presents the facts, clearly and simply, accompanied by equally simple and clear illustrations. Is there a better children's illustrator than Aliki?

THE Book for any Amatuer Egyptologist
I discovered this book while watching Reading Rainbow as a youngster, and absolutely fell in love with it. This wonderful book started me on my way to being the lover of ancient Egyptian culture and mythology that I am today. Though written for a very young audience, its very straightforward approach doesn't pull any punches. The mummification process is described in fascinating detail, and there are beautiful illustrations accompanying every page. There are even drawings of those Egytpian gods important to the mummification process. One of my favorite books of all time, it is a treasure-trove of knowedge about Egytpian culture. Pick it up; you won't be disappointed. Enjoy!

Mummies made in Egypt
I know it sounds strange, but this is a wonderful book for more advanced 2nd and 3rd graders. It's simple to follow, easy to read, and has interesting Egyptology and historical information. It's not spooky or morbid, but matter of fact. The illustrations are interesting and keep kids' attention. Both my daughter and son went through a month where they wanted to read it every night. And now my daughter goes to museums and says, Look Dad, an Udjat. (which you'll learn is a hieroglyphic symbol). ... Read more

Book Description

Edward and Meg are like night and day, oil and water. Meg zigs while Edward zags. How could two such different people be twins? Well, they are, but they don't have to like it -- or each other.

Seventh grade means different schools for the pair: Brainy Meg's at ultracompetitive Fischer, while Charlton Street Alternative School is the place for freewheeling Edward. Oddly enough, it's just when Edward and Meg are finally out of each other's shadows that the trouble begins.

Within just a week, Meg's aspirations for popularity, imaginary boyfriend, and angst over a terrible yellow ensemble her mother has chosen combine with Edward's devious planning, lack of singing ability, and top-secret soft spot to set off a showdown the likes of which twindom has never before seen.

How is it, then, that this final showdown is so much fun? Could it be that Meg and Edward are more alike than they thought?

Never mind. Read the book!

Reviews (1)

Fantastic Novel for Middle Readers
Twelve-year-old, seventh-grade twins, Meg and Edward, may share the same birthday, but that's where their similarities end. While Meg is tall, Edward is short; where Meg's brainy, Edward is a slacker; Meg is day, Edward is night. Which is why, for seventh grade, Meg and Edward have been split up. Meg is attending the ultracompetitive Fischer, where everything revolves around grades, popularity, and money. Edward, on the other hand, is attending the Charlton Street Alternative School, where no homework is ever given, and students can pretty much do anything that they want. However, within just a week of being shipped off to their designated school's, Meg's aspirations for popularity, anger over a tacky yellow outfit her Mother bought for her, and craziness over an imaginary boyfriend, combine with Edward's top-secret soft spot, and lack of singing ability, to create the biggest showdown in the history of twins.

Being a fan of Avi's work, I was excited to see that he was the voice of Edward in this joint effort for greatness, which created NEVER MIND! However, I was thoroughly impressed with Rachel Vail (an author whose work I've never had the pleasure of reading) as the voice of Meg. Meg was an enjoyable character, who possessed all of the character traits of a perfectionist. Edward, on the other hand, while also an enjoyable character, possessed all of the traits of a fairly typical slacker. Together they created one of the most enjoyable duos in a novel that I've ever read before in my life. All in all, NEVER MIND! is a fantastic novel for either male or female middle readers looking to read an amusing novel.

Erika Sorocco ... Read more

Book Description

Cam Jansen's photographic memory is put to the test when Annie's tooth falls out— and disappears! Cam has a picture in her head of everything she sees. But does she have the picture she needs to solve the mystery of the lost tooth? ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Young Cam Jansen Rocks!
My 3-year old loves the pictures and the story line, and knows just when to say "Click!" along with Cam.

We have most of the Young Cam Jansen paperbacks and recommend them unreservedly for other read-along parents, especially parents of young girls. Less-than-ideal personalities, personal conflicts and misunderstandings are all presented, WITH good resolutions, character modeling, and handling of sticky situations.

The main character is a self-confident, intelligent girl thinker and investigator, with a boy as her best friend. Not exactly typical, and not for ultraconservative parents who think that only boys should use their minds and have adventures.

One particularly nice aspect is that most of the stories take place outside of a public-school setting, recognizing that most discovery and meaningful social interactions take place outside of that institution -- a point not lost on homeschooling-minded parents.

This particular story is set in the Art class, where creativity and fun are the dominant theme, not the lesser aspects of the typical public school experience.

Get and read the Young Cam Jansen series! ...

It Runs in the Family
I remember Cam Jansen from when *I* was a little girl (and I am 27 years old). I always loved reading the mysteries and couldn't put them down. Now I get to share Cam with my own daughter. The Young Cam Jansen books are perfect for younger children. My daughter is 4 and 1/2 years old and loved the book! She has been reading since she was 3 years old so this was right on her level. It was enjoyable for us to read together and also for her to read on her own. She listened intently and helped Cam solve the mystery. By really thinking and solving the mystery, it gave her such a boost... I think that is one of the great things about the Cam Jansen books... they are "easy" enough for the childern to solve and they can be very proud of themselves for using their minds to solve mysteries. I highly recommend Cam Jansen and Young Cam Jansen books! Parents, don't be surprised if you find yourself reading them, too!

Young Cam Jansen and the Lost Tooth
My 7-year-old daughter and I read this book together. She loved it! Cam - short for Camera, because of her photographic memory - helps her friends solve mysteries. In this case it was a lost tooth. This book has 5 easy-to-read chapters. The story moves along nicely from chapter to chapter, and my daughter did not want to stop until we had read the whole book. She was able to follow the story line as we read and could anticipate what was going to happen. Words were sometimes challenging but overall, an easy read. We will definitely look for more Cam Jansen books to read! ... Read more

Book Description

A children's favorite,now available in a board book edition

In this book
With your little eye
Take a look
And play "I spy"

This interactive book invites young children to play the classic "I spy"game. The rhymed verses give youngsters clues about who to look for in the detailed illustrations. Little ones will be delighted when they spy Tom Thumb, Jack and Jill, The Three Little Bears and many other nursery rhyme characters hiding in the pictures. This sturdy new board book edition is perfect for a book that will be picked up again and again. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Who can you spy.......? - 'Each Peach Pear Plum.'
This is a book that I was first introduced to during an English lesson during my PGCE course. After just one reading I have had to go out and buy my very own copy.

I was in awe of the magical combination of rhyme and illustration.

The rhyming text is based aroung a game of 'I spy'. There is a lot of rhyme and repition which is very appealing to young children.

The book is cleverly crafted to incorporate many well known fairytale and nursery rhyme characters and your job as the reader is to spot them!

The Rhymed verses give youngsters clues about who they can look for in each beautiful picture.

The book is a wonderful way to introduce children to the world of rhyme and with a second reading the children will be joining in with you.

As a basis for classroom work it could be used in many different ways. The children could be encouraged to create their own 'I spy' stories with hidden characters to fool the reader.

'Each Peach Pear Plum' is an excellent example of the joys of picture books, it is simple and fun yet intricate and detailed.

I challenge you to be unswayed by its charms.

A book to treasure
I bought this book for my kids because the title was so familiar to me. After reading the first page, I realized that I read this one as a child. This book has wonderful illustrations. You'll want to give your child some time to soak up the content of each picture. Children love books that offer them a chance to participate, and this one definitely does that. The rhyming words are fun to read for the beginner, and even adults can't help but shout out, "I spy Tom Thumb!"

enchanting!
This is sort of like the child's story book version of the Broadway musical "Into the Woods." ...there's Jack and Jill, Cinderella, Mother Hubbard, Baby Bunting, the Three Bears...and more. Each illustration combines the person "you spy" with a hint at the next scene on the next page. It's absolutely charming on all levels. My two year old loves it, and yet it's one that I--at 29 years old--don't mind reading to her three times in a row. The rhymes and scenes make perfect segues into the rhymes and scenes on the next page. Worth every dollar spent. Even if your kids are very young, you'll probably end up saving this one for your grandkids to enjoy.

Enchanting
I held off buying this book until my twins were over 1 1/2 yrs old, and it paid off, because now they can appreciate the wonderful illustrations and "I spy" game. The illustrations are pleasing and detailed, and the little story is fun. My children always pull it out of the pile and sit together through the whole story, something they won't do with all books. A great book, highly recommend.

Delightful illustrations! Great for toddlers & preschoolers.
I disagree with the person who said this book is confusing to 3-year olds. I suspect he was confused as a child because he was not familiar with the characters. The author does assume that the reader is familiar with classic story book and nursery rhyme characters (Tom Thumb, Mother Hubbard, Cinderella, the Three Bears, Baby Bunting, Bo Peep, Jack & Jill, the Wicked Witch, Robin Hood). We've given this book as a gift to several people--everyone has loved it. A classic! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

We love the teddy!
This book is a fantastic read for both child and adult. We bought it when my daughter was about 1 1/2 years old and she's just fascinated by the text and pictures. We use silly voices to tell the story and have fun looking at the pictures...if you look really hard you'll see lots of tiny animals peeking down from the trees! I missed those...the one year old is more observant! A gem!

Will want to read again and again
My son likes this book and it's one I don't at all mind reading again and again. Beautiful artwork, cute rhymes, cute story. Not too wordy, great for one-year-olds and up. We saw this book at a friend's house and it's also featured in the Children's book of the month club. I highly recommend it.

Simple & cute with original illustrations
My daughter likes this book a lot. I like the rhymes and the illustrations have a neat 3 dimensional quality.

Great book!
Where's my teddy is a great book I liked when I was younger and I still do now. It has great pictures and is a great story. It is a book I like to read over and over again! I am 9 now and I still love it!

What a Concept!
Wow, this is one of our favorite books. The author covers the concept of big and small, but even more importantly makes children understand that just because something (or someone), seems very different than you doesn't necessarily mean you won't have something in common. And, just because something (or someone) is bigger than you doesn't mean they aren't feeling scared, too. I love reading this book to my children. ... Read more

Book Description

After braving a treacherous journey, Sylvia joins her cousin Bonnie at Willoughby Chase where they narrowly avoid a gory lupine death. But with Bonnie’s parents overseas, and the evil governess, Miss Slighcarp, left in charge, the cousins find their human predators even more threatening. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

The Human Wolves are the Worst!
This book will appeal to pre teen girls, since the heroines are two young cousins who survive mainly by their wits and because of their devotion to each other. Three new arrivals at Willoughby Chase--4 hours from London--impact the quiet country estate. On the eve of the parents' departure for sunny climes due to the mother's delicate health, the kindly squire fails to scrutinize the face (and heart) of his distant cousin, one Miss Slighcarp. This villainess plans to curb Bonnie's impulsive nature and to cower timid Sylvia once the adults leave. We soon
discover that this "governess" is not alone in her scheme to take over the estate and disinherit the girls.

This delightful book begs to be read aloud; defying the usual genre definition, it charms readers with its style. Wolves are very much a part of the story, as they were a serious threat to human life decades ago. Roaming in voracious packs, they are a nocturnal menace to children and adults alike. Fortunately we meet two loyal servants and an enterprising goose boy, who bravely step forth to defy Slighcarp and her cronies.

This book is reminiscent of Dickens, with the strange names of many characters (which might just be personality hints), and the author's shocking expose of harsh conditions in an "orphanage," which proves more a workhouse or prison. The children are resouceful and pro-active--not at all the passive victims which Miss Slighcarp had anticipated. Thus the Deus ex machina ending still satisfies. I just loved the London cops riding the train to the county, intent to teach the local constabulary their job! WOLVES is a cute, clever and highly enjoyable read--for kids of all ages.

Terrific and engaging children's adventure
As a young girl, I probably read "The Wolves of Willoughby Chase" about fifty times. This tells the story of Bonnie Greene and her cousin Sylvia who are left in charge of the evil governess Miss Slighcarp when Bonnie's parents go abroad. Miss Slighcarp's evil machinations, the girls' resourcefulness and actions (particularly feisty Bonnie), and the suspenseful story kept me on the edge of my seat.

For those who enjoyed this book, Ms. Aiken wrote several other stories set in the "alternate England" of the nineteenth century, including "Black Hearts in Battersea."

This book rocks!!!!
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken is a very exciting and adventurous book about two cousins, Sylvia and Bonnie, who are being taken care of by an eval Governess, Miss Slighcarp. When Bonnie learns that her parents are dead, Miss Slighcarp sends her and Sylvia to a horrible orphanage, and takes her parent's house and money. With the help of a friend, Simon, the girls try to escape! You should read this book to find out what happens next. It's exciting! Isabelle, (...).

Baby it's cold outside
Have a child that loves Lemony Snicket? Read them this book. Have a child interested in dark gothic tales involving secret passages and cruel hungry wolves? Read them this book. Have a child? Read them this book.

An admission: When I was a child I avoided this book like the plague. Why? Because I grew up in a time when books about girls and lovable wolves/dolphins/ponies (etc.) were what all the young ladies were reading. In a kind of rebellion against my sex I steadfastly decided not to read anything girly. Looking at "The Wolves of Willoughby Chase" I simply saw the word "wolves" and moved on. I probably thought it was something akin to the pandering "Julie of the Wolves". Had I been a little more vigilant in my cover perusal, I might have notices that the aforementioned wolves are pictured slathering and drooling in anticipation of eating two young girls dressed all in furs. This is not one of those I-Love-Wolves books you hear so much about. It is rather, an old fashioned anti-wolf tale that delves into the seamy underbelly of class and corruption. And it is remarkably good.

Young Sylvia is being sent to live with her cousin Bonnie. Sylvia is an orphan, raised only by her elderly Aunt Jane and she is a frail lonely child. Bonnie, by contrast, is a rich boisterous young girl with a house full of pretty things and kind servants. When Bonnie's parents leave for several months, the girls are placed in the care of the vile Miss Slighcarp and her partner in crime, Mr. Grimshaw. Soon enough the children are packed off to a horrendous boarding school and must find a way back to their house and home using their wits and a couple faithful friends. The tale is rife with all the aspects of a Dickensian style novel made palatable to younger children. There are caricatured men and women with over-stylized names. There are moments of dire peril (without ever becoming too too dire) and lovely descriptions of pretty clothes and delicious food.

The book does rely on a couple old-fashioned stereotypes, but this is not particularly surprising. Like many a Victorian novel, the true villains of this piece are members of the lower classes that wish to use any means to be above their stations. Hence, a governess that goes about wearing the clothes of her employer is considered the height of evil itself. But if the book is a flashback to the past, it's a flashback we've all needed for some time. Pat Marriott's original illustrations in pen and ink deftly create the atmosphere so needed for this kind of a story. Elements of this tale will remind children of other famous books they may have read in the past. The thin Miss Slighcarp and her overweight boarding school friend Mrs. Brisket (could it BE any more Oliver Twist?) are not too dissimilar to the evil aunts in "James and the Giant Peach". And the plucky young lad Simon who lives alone and on his own is not much different from Dickens in "The Secret Garden". But just because these elements seem similar, this is not to say that the book feels repetitive or overdone. Instead, it's an interesting story that contains just enough danger to make the plot interesting without scaring younger kid readers too much. A success as a book and a wonderful tale.

Can't say enough
This book is a masterpiece, truly.
When I was ten, I wrote Ms. Aiken. And she wrote me back! I told her I wanted to write too and she wished me luck. Now I have several short stories published and I'm nearly completed with my first novel.
Thank you, Joan Aiken. ... Read more

Book Description

One of the guests at the hotel Aunt Molly is staying at gives her beloved Little Tiger to a bellhop to bring up to her room. But the cat never arrives and now the bellhop has vanished. Can Cam's photographic memory help find the catnapped kitty?

"Fans of this mystery series will appreciate Cam's latest success."-The Horn Book ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Cam's Catnapping Mystery
Cam Jansen has another mystery to solve. This time it involves catnapping. Cam and her family are on vacation in the city. Esther Wright, an elderly lady, informes the bellhop that her luggage and her cat, Tiger, are missing. A bellhop had taken them and said he would deliver them to room 613. However, her luggage and her cat never arrived. Mrs. Wright just has to find her beloved Tiger. Cam has another mystery to solve. Will her photographic memory help her?
This is an excellent book for the young reader making transitions into chapter books. The ink sketches are wonderful and help the reader keep up with the story's plot. Also, an added feature to this book that young readers will enjoy is a questionaire at the end of the book which tests their photographic memory based on one of the sketches in the book. This is number 18 in the Cam Jansen adventures. I would recommend this book for use in the classroom and at home reading.

I just read this book to my Mom and it was great!
I thought Cam Jansen and the Catnapping Mystery was very exciting. My favorite character is Cam. I like the way you can test your own memory at the end of the book. It was suspenseful. Some parts of it were funny. ... Read more

Book Description

Put on your socks and shoes -- and don't forget your ears!

We're going on a listening walk. Shhhhh. Do not talk. Do not hurry. Get ready to fill your ears with a world of wonderful and surprising sounds. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

This is a great children's book of identifying sounds..
I have enjoyed reading this book to young children as they join along in reading by making the sounds of the items outside that the little girl hears when she goes on a walk with her dad and dog. The way some of the words are printed on the pages add to the overall enjoyment of reading.

PRESCHOOLERS WILL LOVE IT!
When my children were preschool age, they loved this book, and it still brings fond memories and smiles five years later. There is so much entertainment value in the various sounds, like the "zoooooooooom" of the lawnmower or "trring trring" of the bicycle bell. Your children will love hearing your version of these sounds, as well as their own. My girls and I took many "listening walks," inspired by this wonderful book.

Enjoy the sounds of silence with your children.
A simple idea, to listen. But we forget the magic that there is in "first times". Do you remember the first time you heard a cricket sing? Probably not, but after you read this book, it won't matter - you will feel like every time you hear a cricket, and many other sounds in your world, its your first time again.

An invaluable lesson for children growing up with MTV, the Internet, billboards, and multimedia lessons in school. This book helps you and your child to "unplug" and relax long enough to really hear the world around you. ... Read more

Book Description

As part of the wonderful Collector's Library Series, Little Women is one of the best-loved children's classics of all time. This attractive volume contains the complete and unabridged story with 8 full color illustrations, plus numerous black & white illustrations throughout. The deluxe edition features a full piece cloth case, a four color illustrated onlay on the front cover, foil stamping on front and spine, stained edges on three sides, printed endpapers with book plate, and a satin ribbon marker. This book should have an honored place in any child's library. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Wonderful Writing
This book is fantastic. I first read it in fifth grade and it still brings tears to my eyes and a smile to my face every time I read it. It stars the March sisters; Jo a tom boy writer who scribbles away and is a strong willed free spirit, while Beth is a sweet girl who never says a mean word to anyone, Meg is the motherly oldest and Amy is the childish youngest who must be surrounded by pretty things. It is a very touching story where four young girls become young ladies and their interactions with eachother and society. It is an utterly splendid story :)

A must read for adolescents and adults (again!)
I have just re-read "Little Women" and found it even more intriguing then the first time I read it as a preteen. As I enter my 40s, I am thoroughly enjoying reading the books that kept me enthralled endless nights. I hope that the person who left the bad review does not give up on the "classics", and that they will find one that sticks with them forever. There really are some that follow a more predictable path and have that happy ending s/he is looking for. I plan on introducing this edition to my soon to be eight year old as she explores the new world of reading.

A glorious piece of classic literature!!!
A must read for today's illiterate young people! Throw out the Harry Potter and other mindless twaddle on your bookshelves and pick up an unabridged classic, such as Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, Heidi or Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates. Don't cheat yourself or your children out of the priceless experience of reading great literature.

Stacy D. McDonald
Editor-in-Chief
Homeschooling Today magazine...

Boring
Very boring. I had to read it for something I did at school. The beggining is OK but after awile it gets really boring. For example they propose he gets turned down ect. I didn't really get
the feel for this book. I had heard it was supposed to be good. But I heard it from one of my substitutes she said it was really good but I don't really like romance, stress, and poverty in stories but if you like that you can try this book. I DO NOT. YES I DO NOT RECCOMEND THIS BOOK!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Happy, sad, shy, excited--how do you feel? Sometimes it's hard to explain you feelings. Share this book with a friend and you'll both feel terrific!

Reviews (8)

Feelings Review
Clearly, books that provide the opportunity to discuss and explore feelings with children are important and appreciated. This book adds considerable value to that cohort but is limiting in two, unrelated areas: first, it propogates unhealthy stereotypes--for example, a girl at a birthday party who persists for more cake and ice cream (depicting her as selfish and gluttonous) is overweight. Children's book authors most especially need to be sensitive to this type of issue. Equating heaviness (one of the only "heavy" children in the book) with gluttony or selfishness is unfair and hurtful and there should be no place for these types of statements in children's literature.

Second, the book is a bit scattered. The vignettes are nice in some respects, but bits like the "Scary Story" are unnecessarily anti-climatic and simplistic, especially given the fairly complex (and generally underrepresented in children's literature) exploration of multiple perspectives on feelings illustrated elsewhere in the book.

My 2nd Grade Classroom
I used this book to teach feelings and empathy in my second grade class and it was a smash hit!! The short episodes, some only one frame or page, were perfect for the children to analyze and describe. The illustrations are very clear and the children were able to relate to them perfectly and recognize/empathize with the emotions portrayed. When we were done, all the students were able to not only recognize and explain with words how they were feeling, but relate to others and react appropriately to others in a wider variety of situations. It was a wonderful tool to reinforce cooperation and respect for others, and prevented many an argument and misunderstanding.

Not what I expected
My daughter loved Hello! Goodbye! by the same author, and from the description I thought this would be similar. Unfortunately, this book did not have the wonderful illustrations that Hello! Goodbye! did and my daughter was not at all interested in this new book. The illustrations are small and penciled with only a bit of color. The variety of circumstances described in the book are also more limited. We definitely prefer Hello! Goodbye!

Cool book for everyone
Everyone needs to buy this book! I didn't understand what feeling were and if I had them or not, but now I know I DO have feelings and everyone else does too. If we all keep that in mund the world will be a better place for you and for me. Don't be afraid to FEEL!!!!

P.S. Buy the Book ( I also highy recommend MANNERS by Aliki)

Feelings was my favorite book as a child.
My mother brought Feelings home for me when I was really young. I brought the book with me to college. I still read it sometimes when I feel like laughing, crying, screaming...and all the other things this wonderful book makes you do. ... Read more

Download Description

I've drove elephants and camels, ostriches and grizzly bears, and mules, and six yellow ponies all to oncet. May be I could manage cows if I tried hard, answered Ben, endeavoring to be meek and respectful when scorn filled his soul at the idea of not being able to drive a cow. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Juvenile yet complex
I enjoyed Under the Lilacs immensely. It is a wonderful story of children and how they mature. The characters at times seemed rather flat and uninteresting yet the story is a very fun one. It is full of laughter and tears and eventually a happy ending. I would recommend this book to people who have enjoyed Louisa May Alcott in the past or those who enjoy a relatively juvenile book yet will be able to understand references to relatively older literature.

A reader..........................
I was asked to read this book over the summer of 2000 and it was great. This is the first book I have read by Louisa May Alcott. I really enjoyed this book and it was sometimes boring but great. I would recommend this book to some that has lost touch with life.................

A Beautiful book
Under the Lilacs is one of LMA most wonderful novels. I thought it was brilliant and outstanding. I loved all the charecters, and how they delt with their own problems and ways. Be sure to read Under the Lilacs. ... Read more

Book Description

Billy was a little boy who "loved horses more than anything else in the world." Imagine how happy he was when he got his very own pony for his birthday! From that day on, Billy was seldom seen without his new friend, Blaze.

Riding through fields and woods, Billy and Blaze learned to trust and understand one another -- and to jump over fences and fallen trees with ease. They were a great team, but were they good enough to win the gleaming silver cup at the Mason Horse Show?

This is the first book in the classic Billy and Blaze series. Sensitive drawings and easy-to-read words capture the warmth and gentle understanding between a boy and his horse. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Hoofs and Wheels
While women generally ride for pleasure to feel the wind and the movement of the horse beneath, a boys ride is different in that it is the power and speed of the ride that are most dear to him in these chariots of fire, the roar of the engine, the hoofs and the noise of the wheels that inspire their thrill. Boys tend to drive either their horses or their cars to see the height of their power, and whether the beauty of black or the silver shine of white, the joy of the command lies in the skill of the rider and the knowledge of his horse, or his engine, a sight that most can appreciate, understand, and admire.

Start here
for fun and adventure.

The Billy and Blaze series is great fun. Young boys, even those not interested in horses, will love these books. My 7yo has never had an interest in horses (he thinks they smell bad) but he hangs on to every word of these adventurous stories.

A wonderful, wonderful set of stories...
I read these books as a little kid... The illustrations are incredibly beautiful and lifelike, and the stories are equally enjoyable. Billy and Blaze's adventures would capture the heart and mind of any child -- or even adult! - with their emotional strength and superb literary quality. I can't recommend these books highly enough... every one of them.

A beautifully written and illustrated children's classic
All of the Billy & Blaze stories were among my favorites as a child; I'm so glad they are available again. The illustrations alone make these stories classic children's literature!

Great story of a child relating to an animal
I grew up reading the entire series of the Blaze books by C.W. Anderson and they have become favorites of my children. Billy loves his pony, and his pony loves him. There is a mutual respect that only love can inspire. Apart from the story, Anderson is a consumate illustrator. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

andy is back
Andy's neighbors are off on a business trip.Andy and his friend Tamica are watching over the house for them while they are gone. They start to see signs that there is someone living in the house.They call the police but they find no sign of forced entry.Andy and Tamica keep invetigating and find out that an artist couple has been given permission to stay at the house while the owners are gone.
This is the fifth book in the Andy Russell series. Kids will enjoy this if they have read others in the series.

I would recommend this book. I feel that kids can relate to the characters in the book well.
... Read more

Book Description

Walter has been told not to jump on the bed, but he just can'tresist. Higher and higher he bounces until the floor cracks and down he tumbles, bed and all, into the apartment below. And so begins the most excitingnighttime adventure of Walter's life.

This wild and giddy book has been enthralling children for many years. Now ithas been edited for an even younger audience, but it hasn't lost any of itshumor and glee. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

No Jumping On The Bed
Author: Tedd Arnold

When Walter starts jumping on the bed his Dad tells him, "Don't jump on the bed or you might fall through the floor." I don't think the little boy wants to stop jumping on the bed. The author seems to understand what kids can go through and I hope there are other people who want to read this book to their kids. This is a very creative book and I think that someone who can write a book and somehow know almost everything a kid will do, must really understand kids. Tedd Arnold is a very creative person. I would read this book to my little brothers, sisters and cousins because it's a very good book and it's appropriate for children eight and younger.

Could have been more
I had heard that this book was a real gem, but when I got it and read it to my 5 year old, we felt there could have been a bit more humor. I guess we expected these to be more like Arnold's Parts and More Parts which are hysterical and highly entertaining.

Two classics
Tedd Arnold's 'No Jumping on the Bed' and its sequel 'No More Water in the Tub' are the best one-two combination since 'The Cat in the Hat' and 'The Cat and the Hat Returns'. Highest possible recommendation, after reading kids books aloud to a daughter for 4 years. A hoot for parents as well. (And I'm not a relative of the author.) Taken together: a masterpiece of kids' lit and illustration. Buy them both, now.

A Dream- maybe
I cringed the first time I heard "Five Little Monkey's Jumping on the Bed"- what mom doesn't? Tedd Arnold explores a different scary aspect of bedjumping, probably one that many children who live in old houses or buildings have thought about- What If The Floor Breaks?! In addition, he caters to the voyeur in children. Don't most children wonder what their neighbors do and what their homes are like? Mine do. The illustrations are charmingly blocky- like Lego people. The animals are cuddly. Everyone rhymes. The theme is very funny to little people- Imagine visiting all your neighbors through the floor! Walter is viewed in our household much as an actor is- my children have noticed that he is also Ollie in "Ollie Forgot". We like that continuity of players in our books. I know that children have to learn that dreams aren't reality; that "what happens during the night" is not really something that happens. Interestingly, Tedd Arnold messes with young minds just a little by making them wonder what is reality and what is a dream.

stop that jumping and read this book!
Bed jumping. Is there a better pastime for youngsters? Is there a more frustrating pastime for parents? Have you ever heard (or SAID!) something like, "if you don't stop that, you and your bed are going to go through the floor!!" Well, here's what would happen if you ever DID...

Walter is in his bright yellow P.J.'s getting ready for bed. This means JUMPING on the bed, of course, much to his father's chagrin. Suddenly, after a particularly high hump, his whole BED goes through the floor into Miss Hattie's kitchen below (she's eating spaghetti and meatballs, Walter's favorite). The force of this crash causes HER floor to cave in, and they both tumble down, spaghetti, bed and all, into Mr. Matty's TV room. Guess what happens to HIS floor?? Yup!!

Walter plummets through an aquarium, a huge box of collectable stamps, a house built of toy blocks and a painter's studio before finding his way to the surprise ending in the basement of the apartment.

All the neighbors have wonderful rhyming names like Miss Hattie, Aunt Batty, Mr. Hanratty and Fatty Cat, making this book a wonderful choice to teach phonics and language (rhyming, vowel/consonant, long vowel sounds, etc). The illustrations are bright, detailed and engaging making it a "read it again!" selection for everyone. The topic is sure to be one that every child has thought about ("what if my bed DID go through the floor...?") and will provide hours of fun reading. Definitely add this one to your collection!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great Resource
This is a great resource for teachers and students. The book does a great job of explaining the milk process. After reading this book, it is easy to make butter by putting 1 tablespoon of heavy cream in a 35mm film case and shake it rapidly for 3-4 minutes until butter is formed! Kids and adults love to do it.

great book
This is a great book for learning about the whole process. Our 2.5 year old loves it although some parts are a little more complex than I had hoped they would be. We read it often, and he now knows milk comes from cows (and goats) and not just from the store. He will probably make us buy goat milk soon. :)

we love cows
my husband and i are dairy farmers in upstate new york, and this we found to be such a great book. we bought it for our grandkids last year and they never put it down. they ask to hear it every night before bed, and we are so thrilled that they enjoy it so. ... Read more

Book Description

Duck's truck is stuck in the muck.

Who will help him out?

First, frog lends a hand. Then sheep helps push, too. But duck's truck won't come unstuck! Can anyone help him get out of the muck? Or is duck out of luck?

Find out in this rollicking read-aloud by the inimitable Jez Alborough.

Reviews (11)

Great book for teaching GOOD manners...
I agree wholeheartedly with the reviews that say "Bad Manners" review is shortsighted to say the least. If you want to engage in passive parenting and not use this book in any interactive and instructive way, then I suppose it's not the best choice. Why? Duck is like many people we meet in the world, not a bad Duck, just a little lacking in the social graces and a tad self-absorbed. Fortunately, he has good friends that model the good stuff and help him with his quandry. His story is told in a fun and engaging way with wonderful rhymes and gorgeous illustrations. It's a great book for engaging youngsters in discussions about things like friendship, patience, problem-solving and gratitude...in a completely age-appropriate way. And it's a fun ride, to boot.

Bad book? Not at all. Perhaps for someone who wants a book to do her parenting for her. But most will find it a treasure. Personally, I find it refreshing that this book teaches little lessons without explicitly telling you what those lessons are. It means I get to talk with my child--and that's what "quality time" is all about! BUY IT!

Please ignore "Bad Manners" below
I am a volunteer reader for the Denver Public Library and I recently read this book to a group of preschool children. It's a fun book! This rhyming and repetition patterns of the text are characteristic of some of the finest books for young people. As far as the content of the story, yes, Duck is a character of suspect temperament, but I thought the author made that clear (Duck is an antihero). You are not expected to cheer for him. Besides as the reader, you should point out Duck's flaws to your listeners (it's your "moral" obligation). Ask your son/daughter how he/she would feel if someone treated him/her the way Duck treats his "friends". I spent time with my listeners and asked them about whether Duck was being nice to the other characters in the story and emphasized the importance of treating people well....check out the book for yourself at a library. ...

Fun For All
Every day I read to my daughter--often the same story many times in a row, which can get tedious. However, this book is fun for both of us. She loves to listen to it and I enjoy the rhythm and fun rhymes even after the fourth time. And we both love the pictures. Some readers feel it lacks moral values; I don't agree--but then I don't limit my storyreading to simply the words on the page. (Even the bible sometimes needs a little explaining.)

We love the duck books!
My son absolutely loves this book and so do I!! Poor duck is always getting into trouble and dragging his friends along with him (literally)! This time his truck is stuck in the muck. All the duck books are great to read over and over again, and they have great pictures as well. ( Fix it Duck is a must have along with this ).

Great Illustrations
I have to admit, I purchased this book for my nephew because of the great illustrations. The story is short, sweet and simple, and the pages are fun to look at. My only complaint is that it doesn't make much sense for a book geared towards very young children to come with a dust jacket. These kind of books need to be pretty much indestructable! ... Read more

Book Description

This sequel to Louisa May Alcott's Little Women and Little Men chronicles the return of the classmates of Plumfield, Jo's school for boys. Ten years after the events of Little Men, readers reencounter Nat, the orphaned street musician, now a conservatory student; restless Dan, back from the gold mines of California; business-minded Tom, a reluctant medical student; sailor Emil, home from the sea; and other old friends. Alcott's sensitive and sympathetic portrayals of young adults make her novels a delight for readers of all ages.
... Read more

Reviews (11)

This sequel is a must-read, but not as good as Little Women
OF COURSE you will want to read Little Men, which is the sequel to Little Women. Little Men is in no way as good as Little Women, though it is a good sturdy children's classic.

In Jo's Boys, the story is finished out. The boys mature and we learn what happens to them. Some fare well, others don't prosper. This is what makes Jo's Boy's somewhat somber in nature. Alcott notes the passing of Marmee, and others depart as well. A sadder tale, and a bittersweet end to the saga of the March family. A funny tidbit is the appearance of fans to bother Mother Bhaer (Jo). Alcott afflicts her alter-ego with the same annoyances that the fans created for her after Little Women. One uninvited admirer even cadges a postage stamp from her desk. A bit of real-life levity in an otherwise subdued book.

Even if not up to Little Women's literary heights, Jo's Boys is a must-read if you want to know how it all turned out. (And who can resist that!)

The Best!!!
This is the best book in the whole world(opinion). This should be rated 50000000...stars. I found this interesting than the other two books. Jo's boys is cont. of Little Women and Little Men. Join, Nat the musician, Dan the Wanderer, Emil the Sailor, Tommy a doctor(kind of), Franz, a merchant, Mischievous Ted, and Little prof.(rob)...etc. It's not only the boys, but the girls, lovely Daisy, Giddy Gaddy Nan, princess Bess, & Actress Josie. Mr.Bhaer, Jo, Laurie, Amy, Meg, & Mr.March, help these Children(now gentleman and ladies), discover their strenghts and weeknesses. They all are different, yet so together, happy, sad, and scared.

Do not buy this edition
This edition appears to be from an OCRed text that was not proof-read. Odd spacings, strange characters, missing words. The binding and paper is cheap.

Stay away! (It's not even worth one star.)

It's A Sequel!
I read through the book, yet found it confusing and hard to understand. Then I realized it was the third book in a series! I am writing this review for a school assignment, so I will tell you what I got out of this book. It is about Jo March, the mother of three boys whom this book portrays. It has good moral values and bits of funny tales. You will find it is full of romance. I don't really understand a whole lot about the characters, but that is because they were probably described in the previous tales. If I were to give you one piece of advise it would be to READ THE OTHER BOOKS FIRST!

Plumfield Revisited
For "Jo's Boys", which she intended to be the last in her series about the March family, Louisa May Alcott pulled out all the stops. It is with great fanfare that the beloved characters of former books make their last appearance.

All sorts of incredible developments are described in the course of the novel--and some of them fairly stretch the imagination. My favorite is the "emigration" of the whole extended family to Plumfield: Meg has a house close by, Laurie and Amy have a mansion on an adjacent hill, and even Mr. March and Mr. Laurence have become neighbors to the school. Of course, this and all the rest make the story more fun . . . but I miss the old subtlety.

The school itself has become a college--a convenient twist that allows the characters from "Little Men" to still be in the same area years after they ought to have moved away. Though not all the Plumfield students make a second appearance, Alcott's famous favorites remain.

A decade later, Demi is having trouble deciding on a career and declaring himself to a certain young lady. Tommy is in pursuit of his childhood sweetheart, Nan, who has vowed to be a spinster for life. Nat is sent to Germany, far away from his beloved Daisy, for musical training. Emil is shipwrecked, Dan tangles with the law, and young Ted gets into scrapes worthy of his namesake's youth. There is enough "lovering" and "spooning" here to make up for the lack in "Little Men", but some characters brought in for the romance are ex machina.

"Jo's Boys" is also agonizingly preachy. I don't just mean the campaigning for women's suffrage and against alcohol, but also all the sermonizing about mastering one's faults, appreciating others' virtues, testing the strength of love by waiting, etc. Mrs. March's three surviving daughters try their best, but they cannot equal her talent for lecturing without putting people to sleep. The story positively drags when the moralizing begins.

At least no one has to forsake his or her castle in the air, this time around. Even though Meg, Jo, Amy and Laurie had to give up their artistic aspirations, being deficient in "genius," the next generation of dreamers does not suffer the same fate. Few of them are made to "grow out of" whatever made them so wonderful during childhood. This almost makes up for the novel's appalling lack of polish.

Read "Jo's Boys" for closure, but if you feel homesick for Plumfield, stick to "Little Men". ... Read more

Book Description

Since The Book of Three was first published in 1964, young readers have been enthralled by the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-keeper and his quest to become a hero. Taran is joined by an engaging cast of characters that includes Eilonwy, the strong-willed and sharp-tongued princess; Fflewddur Fflam, the hyperbole-prone bard; the ever-faithful Gurgi; and the curmudgeonly Doli--all of whom become involved in an epic struggle between good and evil that shapes the fate of the legendary land of Prydain.

Released over a period of five years, Lloyd Alexander's beautifully written tales not only captured children's imaginations but also garnered the highest critical praise. The Black Cauldron was a Newbery Honor Book, and the final volume in the chronicles, The High King, crowned the series by winning the Newbery Medal for "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."

Henry Holt is proud to present this classic series to a new generation of young readers. Jackets have been handsomely redesigned while retaining the original art of Caldecott Medal-winning artist Evaline Ness. Each retypeset volume now includes a pronunciation guide prepared by Lloyd Alexander. A companion book of short stories, The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, is also available in hardcover for the first time in twenty years.

In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.
... Read more

Reviews (19)

A wonderful follow-up to the Prydain Chronicles
To say the least this book was great. It succeded in taking me back to the unforgetable land of Prydain, all the while deepening the story of the Prydain chronicles by telling where some of the characters came from and making the intire series make a lot more sense. Kind of like how The Phantom Menace made the original story of Star Wars make more sense. Each story in this wonderful book is crafted with such care and presision that it makes even the shortest ones seem like complete novels for all I got out of them. The stories are: The Foundling, An interesting story that tells of Dallben as a child, and the witches of the Marshes of Morva.

The Stone, A funny, lighthearted story of a greedy yet harmless farmer's unfortunate encounter with Doli of the Fair Folk.

The True Enchanter, My personal favorite. The story of Eilonwy's mother Angharad, and how she met Eilonwy's father.

The Rascal Crow, A funny tale of Medwyn and Kadwyr the Crow.

The Sword, A dark story of how Dyrnwyn came to be.

The Smith, The Weaver, and the Harper, A compelling tale of greed and good overcoming evil

The Truthful Harp, a Hillarious story of Fflewddur Fflam as a king and how he aquired his infamous harp.

Coll and his White Pig, An interesting story of Coll on his own adventure to rescue his pig Henwen.

So, I would recommend this book not only to fans of the original series, but also to people who havn't had the pleasure of reading them yet; anyone could enjoy them.

Little bits of background for every Prydain fan
This highly readable collection of short stories provides a wonderful look at some of the characters and events that take place before the Prydain Chronicles.

The titular story, "The Foundling," tells of the enchanter Dallben and how he came by The Book of Three from three well-known enchantresses.

"The Stone" tells of a farmer named Maibon and his encounter with Doli of the Fair Folk, and learn to be careful what we wish for.

"The True Enchanter" is the romantic story of Eilonwy's mother Angharad, and the man who won her heart.

"The Rascal Crow" introduces us to Kadwyr, the father of another rascal crow named Kaw. It runs in the family.

"The Sword" tells of none other than Dyrnwyn, the most powerful weapon in Prydain, and the tragic events that kindled its powers against those not of noble worth.

"The Smith, the Weaver, and the Harper" fleshes out one of the most dominant themes of the Prydain Chronicles: how the Death-Lord Arawn went about deceiving the people of Prydain and stealing their greatest treasures.

"The Truthful Harp" puts Fflewddur Fflam on center stage, told at the time when he left his crown to become a bard, and gained a harp that wouldn't tolerate his "colorful" facts.

"Coll and His White Pig" is the story of when the oracular pig Hen Wen was stolen from the retired farmer Coll, and how he rescued her with a little unexpected help.

As I said, these stories take place before the events of the Prydain Chronicles, but have far more weight if read afterwards. Then read the Prydain Chronicles again for the value that these stories add.

Don't miss out this book!
"Stories of the mythical land so beautifully conceived by Alexander are written with grace and humor....Each tale stands alone, a small gem." -Bulletin of the Center for Children Books

This book is really all adventure, magic and very imaginative! The short stories makes the other Prydain Chronicles clearer, more interesting, and makes it have more depth.

There are eight tales in this book:

"The Foundling" is a story of the old enchanter Dallben and how he is found as a baby floating in a wicker basket by the three old hags of the Marshes of Morva. This tale is interesting and also surprising in a way.

"The Stone" tells about a farmer named Maibon and how he helps one of the Fair Folk, Doli(!), and recieves or more like requests one of the precious Stones which can make the person and everything else stay young forever.

"The True Enchanter" is a romantic story of Princess Angharad, the mother of Eilonwyn, and how she has to choose her husband, an enchanter, at the Castle of Llyr.

"The Rasc