Book Description

This eagerly awaited addition to Joan Aiken's award-winning Wolves series takes us on Dido's most imaginative adventure yet!

Dido Twite has been sailing the high seas, chasing after Lord Herodsfoot, who is scouring the globe for new and interesting games. Now he's needed back in London, in the hope that his games will help King James, who is lying ill and wretched with a mysterious disease no doctor can cure. Dido's search has taken her to Aratu, a mysterious spice island where foreigners seldom venture--maybe because of the deadly pearl snakes and sting monkeys there.

When Dido lands at Aratu, she realizes that there is something even more dangerous than poisonous snakes on the island. She soon makes friends among the Forest People and learns of a plot to overthrow the island's king, who lives--deaf and sick--at his palace on the Cliffs of Death. Will Dido and her friends be able to reach him in time? ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Lord Herodsfoot, I presume.
I make a point of not reading the plot synopsis of a book before I read the book itself.When you pick up a novel and read the back or inside cover of it you might discover things that the author would really rather you find out within the context of the story and not via a fifty-word synopsis.So I didn't read the synopsis of "Dangerous Games" until after I read the book.Under normal circumstances, this rarely causes any problems.In this case, however, I discovered that I had unknowingly read this book out of order.You see, "Dangerous Games" is one of the books in the "Wolves Chronicles", which began with "The Wolves of Willoughby Chase".And Dido Twite, the heroine of this tale, began in those books.Not knowing this, I read this story without any idea that it was a sequel or continuing saga of some sort.And you know what?It didn't matter."Dangerous Games" is so fast-paced, amusing, and intelligent that you needn't read any of its predecessors to appreciate it fully.Part "Treasure Island" part "Below the Root", the story is a comment on colonialism and how conquering a land does no good to either the conquerors or the conquered.

It may seem like a wild goose chase, but Dido Twite has been hunting down a ridiculously difficult prey for quite some time and thus far has had no luck.When the British King Jamie comes down with a cold (he's just a kid, you know), he insists that the only thing that will save him are some new and interesting games brought via Lord Herodsfoot.Herodsfoot studies games and his latest finds have taken him to the mysterious island of Aratu.Now Dido must find the man and bring him back to England, but not before she comes to know the lay of the land a little better.In Aratu you have native forest dwellers, called the Dilendi, and the colonizing Angrians.Once arrived, Dido finds herself caught in a war between a king and his brother, befriending a lost princess, speaking with ghosts, avoiding sting monkeys, creating rain itself, and all in all having a really grand adventure.

The book says some absolutely lovely things about the innate ridiculousness that comes when Europeans found colonies on already existing native populations.In this case, the Angrians settled on Aratu and began destroying the forest for further plantations.When the Dilendi cursed the Angrians with a deep abiding homesickness for their native lands, the population either emigrated or became peculiar.As a result, the remaining Europeans are a sorry crew.True, they control much of the island by force, but internally they've responded by oppressing their women, establishing rigid class systems, and generally disapproving of any and all fun.They're like puritans without the whimsy.

Aiken does a find job of never relegating a person to a distinct personality simply due to their skin color.I find it interesting that other reviewers of this book have accused it of racism when no one is a certain way solely because of their genetics.You've good Angrians and bad Angrians and good Dilendi and bad Dilendi.The villain of this tale is an Angrian who best represents all the failings that come with willful ignorance.The hero of this tale, Dido, is a wonderful London scamp with a Cockney accent and a penchant for pants.Her companion, Dr. Talisman starts as male and then turns out to be a wonderfully strong female character for whom you never worry one moment.As for the upper class twit Lord Herodsfoot, I found myself more than once wishing that someone would give the guy a swift kick in the butt once in a while.He's the perpetual schlemiel of the story.If there's a cliff to be accidentally fallen over or a poison to eat, you can bet who'll be the one doing the falling and eating.

Mostly, however, the book's real lure is its adventure.And I daresay that this is one of those rare adventure tales boys will read EVEN THOUGH the hero of the tale is, essentially, feminine.If your young male reader doesn't take to Dido then you may count them out as lost causes.She's such a wonderful character that it would take pounds of prejudice to keep from devouring her every word and action.I stumbled across "Dangerous Games" entirely by accident, but I'm truly glad that I did.It's a fine piece of work and a tale that, in spite of its series status, stands alone beautifully.A great great story.

Don't bother with this one
In all seriousness, I doubt that Joan Aiken wrote "Dangerous Games."It reads as if a committee were hired to create a passable story against the backdrop of her alternative history.The publishers would have been better off finding some decent internet fanfic writers to do the job, because nothing about "Dangerous Games" is anything but an embarrassing failure to measure up to the period detail, extravagant plotting, wrenching moral dilemmas (a necessary ingredient for good childrens's literature), and dark humor that made the previous books in the series so satisfying.

Come to think of it, "Cold Shoulder Road" read as if it were written half by Aiken and half by committee.Perhaps she is simply tired of the series.If so, she should let the thing die.

Aiken is a wonderful author, but this is not worth it!
Please, I beg you, purchase one of her other books!I have read nearly all of Aiken's works and they are FANTASTIC.However, this book was very cut-and-dried, dull, and prejudiced.The characters of the island people were so caricatured that it was borderline offensive.No child deserves to have to read this book!

Disappointing
Joan Aiken is one of my all time favorite authors but I did not think this was one of her best. The characters are exaggerated caricatures and the plot is pretty farfetched.

Joan Aiken at her magical best
Fans of Aiken's Wolves chronicles will not be disappointed. Dangerous Games is a dizzy, delightful adventure that yet again posits Dido Twite as the most tested and triumphant heroine in all of children's literature. While the sinister edge that colored Miss Twite's previous outings is alittle muted here (and the cover art, alas, is not byEdward Gorey--a sadabsense) there are more than enough thrills to make up for it. And theending, in typical Aiken fashion, sends tingles up your spine.She's thatgood--one of the best writers on this planet.(I only hope Dido gets backto Battersea soon!) ... Read more

Reviews (6)

girl in the dark
I like the picture book. It's Helen Keller. Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia Alabama. A girl would like this book if they bought it. 6 years old, 6 1/2. I thought I was back in Helen Keller's year. -- Written by Meg, age 5 1/2

Perfect for small children
No, it isn't the full biography of her life that one might expect to find in an adult level book. But, I think it is pretty obvious that it is a picture book. As such, it is perfect for small children.

Basic Information?
I must take issue with the last reviewer. This book provides no basic information about Helen Keller. In fact, in this version, Keller doesn't even graduate from college. How would you like your own productive life of 88 years reduced to your pre-college days?

And we have wonderful photos of Keller's final 66 years, that would have made for fantastic illustrations. Marching for peace; learning to speak so she could denounce the murder of coal miners; helping to found the American Civil Liberties Union; casting her first vote, having been an ardent suffragist.

The story of Helen Keller is one of a person who used her fame to promote social justice, peace, and human rights. You'd never know it from this piece of claptrap.

A Picture Book of Helen Keller
I think this book is TERRIFIC! It told the story very, very well. I loved reading it to my 7-year-old daughter. When we were through, she exclaimed, "Read it again!" I highly recommend it!

smedley
I purchased this book for my 9 year old to help with a biography book report. It is a bit too easy for a third grader as she read it in just a few minutes but it provides the basics for a report. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Fantastic Book
This suberb book helps know what happened during segregation. It really teaches you alot and has amazing pictures. If you need to read a great book to read this exciting book is the book to read! I would recommend this book to all ages because it really is that good!

Freedom to be Black
I hope every child gets to read a lest one Black history Book. Even grown men and women.Every person in this world should be able to fell What it was like to be in Black history and this book is prefect to help you.You will feel like you were there right next to Rosa Parks. If you your child or anybody else is interested in Black history I promise this is a book for you.

Great book in a series of Picture book biographies
David Adler has done a tremendous job with this biography as with the others in the series. The book is a great introductory biography for young students in grades K-3. Although his biographies have been criticized for being simplistic, I feel this is exactly what makes these books perfect for younger audiences. They were meant to be an INTRODUCTORY biography, not an exhaustive research study. Young listeners will not be bored and will not drown in excessive information. The book is abundantly illustrated with colorful pictures and concludes with a timeline of important dates. My kids, ages 5,8 and 11, love this series.

Review of "A Picture Book of Rosa Parks"
I really enjoyed this book. It is filled with great illustrations and fun & interesting facts that make it a wonderful book to teach children about Rosa's life. I would highly recommend it for all teachers & parents to share with children. ... Read more

Book Description

The Cam Jansen books are perfect for young readers who are making the transition to chapter books, and Cam is a spunky young heroine whom readers have loved for over two decades.Now the first ten books in the series have updated covers that bring new life to these perennial best-sellers.Old fans and new readers will love Cam's cool, modern look! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Clever and well written
I read this a long time ago. All the Cam Jansen books are greatfor kids. This one was interesting and clever. There were parts thatcracked me up, like when the Cam discovers the people posing as aliens from outer space and the "space people" are trying to get away. That was so funny! ... Read more

Book Description

Virginia Lee Burton has added her own irrepressible humor in pictures and design to the tale children have loved for centuries. The Emperor, his court, and clothes -- or lack of them -- are ridiculous as only Hans Christian Andersen can make them. The whole is a delightful concoction. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Helped my son to read
I had been given 2 of these books from a friend and I decided to see if there were anymore. My son loves this book. He's now working on reading the adult side. It's a great idea to have a page each, 1 for the adult and 1 for the child. We have several of these books now and I see my son sitting down and reading them on his own.

A delightful gem
Generally, I do not care for audio books; many of the readers speak in a dull voice that rapidly drives me either away from the story or to sleep. However, there are a few exceptions; this is one.

Understand, that this is not the normal audio book; this edtion has a large cast of actors who collaborated to produce this item as a fund raiser for Starbright.

The result is an ensemble piece that is witty and charming. Part of the fun for me, was guessing who was reading before looking at the cast list included in the box.

Other folks feel that this isn't for children; I don't know as I don't have children, but I found that my "inner child" was highly entertained for 40 minutes with this tape.

If you are a fan of one or more of the actors in this edition or like puns (there are many here!), then you will probably like the Starbright edtion of the Emporer's New Clothes.

A Wonderful Way To Read With Your Child
The format of this book and the others like them give a young reader a very enjoyable experience. The adult side helps to embellish the story but the children's side lets a new reader be part of the story not just a listener. Our first grader takes great pride in his part of the book and seems to have better comprehension. These are a great find.

Over rated. Too wordy and advanced for children under 15.
The book is nicely illustrated and the book quality is good. However, it is too advanced for children. It is over-rated I suspect due to the voices of the celebrities that are on the CD. Many pages are actually quite depressing and negative. I like more upbeat books even if there is a moral to be taught.

I really was pleased with it, and so was my little sister.
I read this book to my little sister, she is 9 and thought it was the funnist book she had ever heared of. She really liked the part were the emporer.... well I won't give the ending away. But, I hope you enjoy it. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

It Tells About...
This book tells all about Abraham Lincoln and his adventures in the Civil War. This was a great book and I hope you enjoy it.

Good Intro for Preschoolers
My four year olds really liked this book and Adler's book on George Washington. We have looked at some of the other books in the series, and the subject matter in some others seems too old for preschoolers. My preschoolers were interested in the Lincoln and Washington books because they liked hearing about presidents and (because they are boys!) wars. But one caution about the Lincoln book: be prepared to talk about Lincoln getting shot (there's an illustration of this happening). Also, the book discusses slavery and depicts a slave auction. The pictures are as innocuous as possible, and my children were not upset, but you should plan in advance for how you are going to introduce this piece of history in an age appropriate way.

Don't waste your money on this book!
Don't bother to buy this book. David Adler merely collectsfacts about the life of Abraham Lincoln and connects them together. Alist of facts do not a story make! Lincoln was a fascinating man, with a sense of humor and a strong will and an honest character who seems to have truly cared for others. None of this comes out in Adler's books. Not even listed as facts in his boring way. I gave the book one star because the artist shouldn't be punished for illustrating the wrong book. But the people in the pictures are barely identifiable. Buy another biography, like Abraham Lincoln, which won a Caldicot award and has been around for decades. I doubt Adler's book will last that long.

Great beginner biography
Perfect biography for first through fourth graders. Adorablecartoon pictures and packed with information. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A simple presentationof complex concepts.
Anno does an excellent job of introducing statistical combinations and permutation in a story that is suited to both young and senior students. Anno's color coding clearly shows the difference between permutations andcombinations. The visuals are very helpful as supplementary material forintoducing these math concepts or as an aid to struggling students. In thestory, Socrates' fat wife wants to be fed, but Socrates is lazy. He sitswith his friend Plato and tries to calculate his best move. The pages arefilled with pictures of the 3 pigs and the pigs' houses as these twothinkers consider all the possibilities. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (4)

The tragic irony of the death of baseball's Iron Horse
Like in "The Pride of the Yankees," telling the life of Lou Gehrig always seems to end with his famous speech at Yankee Stadium where he assured the world he was "the luckiest man on the face of the earth." But in "Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man," author David A. Adler continues to follow Gehrig through his finals months facing the debilitating disease of the central nervous system that would claim his life. This book sketches out Gehrig's entire life, from how he played baseball against the wishes of his mother . Most juvenile biographies of Gehrig do not spend time with dealing with the sports legend on his actual death bed, but this book wants to the man's baseball career with the way he faced death. Baseball fans have always been moved by the tragic irony that the "Iron Horse" was robbed on the use of his strong body and have been impressed by the eloquence of his speech that day at Yankee Stadium, but have largely ignored the qualities of strength and dignity which defined Gehrig on the playing field did not desert him in his final days.

The illustrations by Terry Widener are a stylized version of American primitive art, which is quite appropriate for telling the story of Gehrig. However, I must comment that in the painting of Gehrig greeting Ruth crossing home plate after hitting a home run, the Bambino's bottom is a lot bigger than his top, which is the exact opposite of his iconic image. The first time I looked at the picture I could only figure out which figure was which because we all know Ruth batted third and Gehrig fourth. Widener is clearly captivated by the baggy uniforms but he also pays attention to details: one of the few times we see a number on a Yankee it is 8, which was Bill Dickey's number during the 30's (before it became Yogi Berra's), and he has includes the Baseball Centennial patch on the 1939 uniforms. I especially like the painting where Gehrig replaces Wally Pipp: the view is from the dugout and obscures Gehrig's head and shoulders, instead focusing on the powerful legs and the emergence into the sunlight field, and, of course, baseball immortality. Also, Gehrig's death is eloquently represented by a two-page spread of Yankee Stadium on a rainy day.

This book left my son a sad feeling.
After readind this book to my son, only once, I felt very sad about what happened. Maybe because my son is only 4, his reaction to this book was a lot of sadness, rather than liking the story, or learning about Baseball. I had to spend quite a bit of time explaining to him we (mom and dad) will not die and go to heaven just yet. He was so concerned we would not be around, and started asking so many questions about DEATH. My whole purpose of buying this book was to teach him about the sport, since he is getting so interested in it, and the experience was not even close to it. It is a good book to have and read about Lou Gehrig's history, but not for a 4 year old who just wants to understand and learn more about Baseball.

This book is sweet! Lovely text, and awesome drawings!
This book is the sad story of Lou Gehrig, a true hero of New York. The up-beat drawings of the 1920's and 30's, really bring out the vibrant text.

It's a woooooooonderful book
Lou Gehric was one of the best baseball player of all time despite his disease.Lou was a cool guy.He never mised a day at school for eight years.Samething in baseball he played about 2,120 games a record.He was a fighter in many ways but he's greatest battle was against his disease.Lou's record has been broken by Cal Ripken J.R. ... Read more

Book Description

Bear brags that he can do anything-even stop the sun from rising. Brown Squirrel doesn't believe him, so the two wait all night to see if the sun will rise. Sure enough, the sky reddens and the sun appears.Brown Squirrel is so happy to be right that he teases Bear. What happens when a little brown squirrel teases a big black bear?Brown Squirrel gets stripes and is called chipmunk from that day forward . . . Joseph and James Bruchac join forces to create this buoyant picture book, based on a Native American folktale.

Illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The real Revere
This picture book is an excellent resource for children of any grade level. The book gives an excellent portrayal of Paul Revere through the years. It really focuses on him as a person and the contributions he made to his family and to his country. The pictures are an excellent resource for ELD students as well as all students. I found this book to be very accurate, yet simplistic. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Informative
Informative and accurate even with changing technology. If you want to teach your children the step by step process of how a book is made, Aliki clearly demonstrates this with her illustrations and text. Great author!! I recommend all her books.

Great for people entering the publishing industry!
THis book is intended for "imature audiences only",but is a great orientation to the publishing/printing industry. Many of us in the industry are inclined to give newcomers the micro details without the bigger picture. This book, in a very effective and simplistic way, takes a new employee through the overview of how a book is made. Often, reading this book prior to training allows for greater retention of more detailed facts learned during training. While the overview is excellent, the technology represented is very outdated. Many of the processes happen on computer now. I would love the publisher to do an updated version! ... Read more

Book Description

Billy and Blaze head west again in another classic adventure from C. W. Anderson. This time, the loyal friends come face-to-face with a ferocious mountain lion. But fortunately, they're able to chase the wild cat into it's den and save a frightened calf from near death. Billy and Blaze help capture the cat before it can emerge, and, heroes once again, ride the range in search of new adventures!

Blaze and the Mountain Lion is part of the classic Billy and Blaze series. Sensitive drawings and easy-to-read words capture the warmth and understanding between a boy and his horse. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great adventure with Billy and Blaze
This time Billy and Blaze set out west (for a family holiday) and encounter great boy adventures and make a new cowboy friend.

Billy and Blaze books teach courage and responsibility and consideration for others. These things do seem to be lacking in a lot of children's literature these days.

If you want a classic story with good values and a great storyline, this is for you and your boys.

Billy & Blaze to the Rescue!
I love this book on Blaze and the Mountain Lion part of the Billy & Blaze series.

This is when Billy and Blaze are on the ranch and his parents had come west and taken a ranch house for the summer and the had Blaze along too.

Billy & Blaze to the Rescue! So they are able to chase the wild cat into its den and save a frightened calf from near death. So Billy has an old rope he used as a lasso and he roped the calfs belly and he pulled him up.

Jim their new cowboy friend kills the mountain lion and Billy got a new lasso.

I love the Billy & Blaze books by author C. W. Anderson. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Four novels from one of children's literature's greats--Avi—-arecollected in a handsome boxed set that his many fans will treasure. Theswashbuckling tales of life for the brave rodents and other woodland critters inthe Dimwood Forest have an edge-of-seat appeal for readers of all ages. From thehigh drama of Ragweed, inwhich adventure-mouse Ragweed hops freight trains, joins a clan of hipster mice,and wages war against evil cats; to the heartbreaking and breathtaking saga ofRagweed's plucky sweetheart in Poppy; to the poignant tale ofprogress gone bad in Poppy andRye; to the entertaining expletives of a porcupine foster pop to foxpups in Ereth's Birthday,Avi's stories are persistently engaging. Illustrator Brian Floca's mouse-eyeperspectives and dastardly depictions of the villainous cats, owls, and beaversadd loads of drama to this terrific series. (Ages 8 to 12) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Ereth's birthday
Ereth's Birthday is a very cute and good book. I recomend it to people inbetween the ages of 8 & 11. I'm 11 but I still loved it. It's about this porcupine named Ereth and he thinks that his best friend and the mouse he has had a crush on forever forgot his Birthday. Then he decides to go off insearch of his favorite treat. SALT. Although he's a very determined prcupine he gets slowed down by a thick layer of snow. Through out his long journey he learns that he shouldn't think about just himself when his life is threatened. It is funny and sad in a few places but thats what makes it a good book. He makes up odd words like bubbled bat wings and slimy slithering snakes. But I think you should defanately read it.

Children's delight!
My children absolutely adore this series. They just can't get enough. I have borrowed them so much from the library (and paid so many fines) that I finally bought the set. A great addition to your child's library! ... Read more

Book Description

A reissue from Hans Christian AndersenMedal recipient Mitsumasa Anno. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Classic picture book for all ages
Anno's illustrations are simple and beautiful. I grew up with this book, checking it out of the library again and again. My mother and I still enjoy looking at everything that Anno manages to get into so few pages. You will always find something new if you have sharp eyes. Can you find the cat in the branches? Or the shovel in the wall? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great even for little ones
I got this book from the library for my 2 year old and he loves it! The illustrations are wonderfully colorful and eyecatching, instantly holding his attention. He wants me to read it over and over. I know this book is meant for kids a little older but the message is great for even the littlest children! Exellent!

Great message for kids and beautiful illustrations
A child makes friends with the earth and its creatures. When the earth gets sad because of trash and pollution, the child cleans up the garbage and makes the earth happy. The beautiful color illustrations captivated my daughter before she was one. Now it is still a favorite of hers, and she knows the words by heart and makes observations about the story. ... Read more

Book Description

[Meg] made her wedding gown herself, sewing into it the tender hopes and innocent romances of a girlish heart. Her sisters braided up her pretty hair, and the only ornaments she wore were the lilies of the valley, which "her John" liked best of all ...

Reconnect with Louisa May Alcott's beloved March sisters of Little Women, as they continue their story in Good Wives. Through weddings and travels, heartaches and happier days, follow Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy from girlhood into adulthood. This classic novel's enduring values of loyalty and love have kept readers delighted for generations.