Book Description

The quintessential American family story, Little Women captured readers' hearts right from the start. A bestseller from the time it was originally published in 1868, it is the story of the four March sisters: Meg, Beth, Jo, and Amy. Louisa May Alcott recreates her own family's dramatic and sometimes comic experiences in this American novel, inspiration for numerous dramatic and film versions. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This Book Was OK
This book was good for a short read. It was not as good as the original little women. The book was about 4 sisters Joe, Meg, Beth, and Amy and what their life was like. If you are looking for a good short read this is one I would sugest.

Growing Up
Read the tale of four sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, & Amy as they grow up together. Learn about their hardships as they face each problem thrown at them side by side. This is a wonderfull book and is beautifully writen. I teches someone a lot about the value of family, friends, and true love. This book is more than what others amount to and would reccomend this author to anyone. ... Read more

Book Description

Tony can hardly believe it. He's sailing with the wind, maneuvering through the narrow channels between the offshore islands with amazing skill. And he'sjust learned to sail! But suddenly Tony is confused. Which way had he come? Which way is he headed? And who are the mysterious couple with the high powered motor boat who are to busy searching beneath the water to answer his call for help?

Tony does some searching on his own. What he discovers leads him on a daring hunt for a 200-year-old shipwreck... and a dangerous confrontation with treasure hunters who will stop at nothing to keep Tony from learning their secret.

Reviews (19)

Fourth grade male teacher likes Windcatcher
I've read Windcatcher with four or five classes of fourth graders. They all like say they like it, and they aren't afraid to tell me what they think. Tony Souza is a boy we all can identify with. After we learn the sailing jargon, we get involved with Tony's adventures. We also flash back in time to the Revolutionary War era to Captain Ezra Littlejohn and the payroll ship that sank in the area where Tony's grandmother lives. Will Tony find the treasure, and what kind of trouble will he encounter trying?? Good book.

5th Grade Book Club
Excellent book, except when it uses sailing terms, such as Starboard and Port. These words make it confusing, but it is a great book. Windcatcher is about a boy named Tony, who bought a boat called the "Shark" for his summer trip to Grandma Souza's house. Chris, Grandma's friend, gave Tony lessons how to sail, but he runs into treasure hunters so he looks for the treasure too. But will he make it? Read it and see for yourself!... What I thought about the book is it had a lot of action. Also, it is a very good mystery book... It was about a boy named Tony, who wanted to learn how to sail. As soon as he learned how to sail he got into a mess of trouble. I did like the book. I do recommend this to anybody who likes mysteries and is curious. I gave it 4 stars...

In my eyes Windcatcher was a very good book
Neither sail nor treasure hunt alone, which is something Tony, the protagonist, did not know when this story began. Windcatcher, an excellent novel, takes place in a fictional place called Swallows Bay, located on Long Island Sound, in the present day. Tony buys a sail boat called the Snark and goes to visit his grandma ware he takes sailing lessons from a girl named Christina. Then, accidentally he discovers a one hundred year old ship wreck that other people want for mysterious reasons and they chase him away. The reasons the strange people chased him away even Tony an intelligent, self relinent and brave boy could not figure out.

In my eyes Windcatcher was a very good book. Everything was very well explained like the descriptions of places and things, like Tony's little boat the Snark. Another thing that was done well was the setting placement. If I could change this book I would change the ending and make the book longer

Windcatcher (Erin Duffy)
I thought that Windcatcher was a pretty good book. It was interesting and fast-moving. This story of courage and bravery is a great read for kids of all ages. If you are looking for a good read, Windcatcher would be a great choice. In the book, a boy gets trapped on an island, where he loses his boat. Find out what happens next by picking up a copy of Windcatcher.

Windcatcher
Windcatcher was an okay book. I think that it was a bit predictable. Avi always uses great descriptions in all of his books, as he did in this one. The ending could have been more exciting and adventurous. I really liked the setting, modern day, and in a small little place. Again, I thought that the book could have been a little better, so I give it 3 stars. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Huggly is cute and fun.
This is a great book! Huggly, Booter and Grubble are playing hide-and-go seek. Booter is it. Grubble and Huggly come up from under a bed in the nurse's office in a school. Huggly and Grubber are mistaken for children after they put on people clothes from the lost and found! They have to get back into the monster world but how?
This is a great book! You should read it!

Huggly is awesome!
The first Tedd Arnold book we ever acquired for our daughter was "Parts" - after that, we were hooked! We love that book (hilarious!) and started looking for other stuff by Mr. Arnold. It was then that we discovered Huggly. My four-year-old loves all the Huggly books, and what makes it even better is that we love reading them with her! And wow! You can't beat the price! ... Read more

Book Description

The imaginative Anno takes us through Spain in his newest journey book, featuring twenty-one colorful, wordless spreads, depicting the enchanting cities and eras of this intriguing country. Discover once again—puzzle-like—the historic moments, hidden literary and artistic details, and, of course, discover Anno himself, as he wanders the unfolding countrysides.Mitsumasa Anno is well-known as one of the international greats in children’s literature. Enthusiasts, new friends and old, will be eager to take this armchair trip through Spain, a country rich in architectural and environmental beauty, and historical events. An author’s note is included. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

More great YA fantasy from Lloyd Alexander
Theo is a nondescript printers apprentice in the Kingdom of Westmark, and although he is unaware of it, all is not well within his homeland. The country has fallen under the sway of the villainous Minister Cabbarus, and he is slowly yet surely depriving the people of their freedoms. When soldiers come to enforce censorship laws at his press, Theo fights back, and by so doing becomes a fugitive and an outlaw.

From there, he takes up with several colorful characters that could only spring from the imagination of Lloyd Alexander. Las Bombas the con-man, the surly dwarf Musket, the urchin girl Mickel, and Theo compose an eclectic company of rogues trying to make their way through troubled times. Add to that the charismatic revolutionary Florian and his band of rebels, and Theo's entire world is a whirlwind of activity and uncertainty.

"Westmark" sets up a great tale of romance, warfare, political intrigue, and personal discovery that makes it a true delight to read, as well as a page turning adventure. Theo especially must come to terms with his life, the youth that he's been, and the man that he wants to become. Although technically a young adult novel, Alexander takes on several serious issues in this novel, such as censorship, violence, and morality, all of which make it a thought provoking and entertaining read. Lloyd Alexander delivers a masterpiece, and the best part is that after "Westmark", there are still two more books to read.

Vastly Underrated
It is so difficult trying to write a review on Westmark because I love the book so much. It is also hard because the book encompasses so much, both in its plot and in its commentary on life.

The plot follows Theo who is a printer's assistant. He is happy with his life except for the government he lives under. It is run from behind the throne by a tyrant, Cabbarus. One day the printing shop is attacked by soldiers trying to enforce censorship laws. In self-defence, Theo almost kills a man, and he is forced to flee as a fugitive. On his travels, he falls in with a group of scoundrels: Las Bombas (a real con man), Musket (Los Bombas's dwarf assistant), and Mickle (a brilliant girl from the streets). Mickle and Theo fall in love, but Theo moves on to fall in with a group of revolutionaries lead by Florian. In one of the climaxes (Alexander never settles for just one), Theo must fight to save his love and his country.

Alexander pumps his fascinating and complex plot with commentary on humanity. For Theo, every situation is filled with moral complexities. He is forced to examine his capacity for violence after the episode at the printing shop. Is he really a good person if he can harm another person? His feelings during battles are even examined. He also must try to decide what is worth commiting acts of violence for. Is love? Is freedom? Alexander's use of humor is also very effective as elements of farce are compared with the acts of violence. Every character (even Cabbarus) is multi-dimensional.

Westmark is a great beginning to the series. The plot is magnificent, plus it has so much depth. The series draws on Alexander's own war experiences, and it almost plays like a Billy Wilder-written examination of war and life. The Westmark Trilogy is a truly brilliant young adult series. It really can stand up along other war novels like All Along the Western Front and The Red Badge of Courage.

Enjoyable!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had a gripping plot, and I did not find it hard to follow the storyline at all. The characters were memorable, making it easy to transition between what was happening in different parts of the country. This is one of those books that makes you terribly disappointed when it is over. I'm looking forward to the rest of the trilogy. The only criticism that I have is that the ending was fairly predictable, although I was curious to see how they would get to it.

Westmark
Westmark Dell Publishing, 1981, 190pp., $4.50
Lloyd Alexander ISBN: 0-440-9973-3

When was the last time you thought about whether or not it is right to kill someone? Is it ever right to kill someone? Yes? No? Are you sure? To help you with this difficult question, Westmark is an adventurous read that makes you think about the difference between right and wrong. Lloyd Alexander has realistically crafted a tale focusing on the struggles of one virtuous character, Theo.
The story begins with Theo working as a newspaper apprentice to his master named Anton. Theo is an orphan and had several other jobs before Anton took him in. These jobs consisted of ones such as a cooper, a person who repairs barrels. Eventually, he ended up being Anton's apprentice, Theo thinks of him as a father. It seems as if life is going well.
However, one day Theo accepts a request to write an article from a mysterious and wealthy character. With the offer of money, Theo could not refuse and agreed to have the article done by 9:00 AM the next day. Although he considered this task to be pretty impossible, he got himself pretty far along by the time Anton came home and began to help. The two worked diligently until interrupted by a visit from Militia Men. They had come to do a routine inspection, which had not gone as smoothly as planned. This, my fellow readers, is the start of it all. Don't know what "all" refers to? Then I suggest you get a move on and read the book. When you finally do find out, don't worry, because it doesn't end there.
During the story, Theo has two encounters with Las Bombas and Musket. The first was inside a coach after traveling from his hometown Dorning. Musket wanted Theo to leave and after pleading, Theo eventually managed to persuade Musket partially. Musket told him to wait and not go anywhere while he went to get Las Bombas. Las Bombas briefly spoke with Theo about his problems and suggested that he not go back to town. Las Bombas also hinted as to where Theo should go, which ended up being through the fields. Theo took his advice which lead to where they met up again.
During the second encounter, Las Bombas persuaded Theo to go with him. Afterwards, they traveled together and met up with Mickle. At the time she was an unhealthily skinny person. Mickle messed up one of Las Bombas' schemes by throwing her voice an object that was supposed to act as a fortune teller. They ended up making a lot of money which was enough to convince Las Bombas that she would be useful. Despite Las Bombas' scheming nature, Theo was fond of him. Musket would always mind his own business and went along with everything and Mickle is a sensitive girl who up front, pretends to be tough. Her and Theo became really close over time.
Westmark is told in third person and even though it may seem realistic, it is actually a science fiction/fantasy novel as well. The realness of the story connects mostly through Theo. Throughout the story as Theo worked with his friends and watched them trick people out of money, he realized for one of the first times that his own dignity is wavering. Later on, he observed one of his friends named Florian shoot people without hesitation and struggled even more. He found much conflict in his need to be virtuous and dignified. Unfortunately, since the world revolves around such dishonest acts, Theo had a lot coming to him.
I highly recommend Westmark by Lloyd Alexander. He has done an excellent job of weaving a quilt filled with adventure, personal conflict and moral. This book concentrates on realistic issues which helps bring the story to life before your very own eyes. I was captivated by the unfailing suspense, barely allowing me to put the book down. If you need guidance deciding between what's wrong and right in the world, Westmark is the book for you. Regret, you will not feel.

A trilogy by Lloyd Alexander, the grand master of fantasy!
Theo, a printer's apprentice, is about to have his whole life changed! When he agrees to print a traveling showman's pamphlet, he doesn't think about the consequences which might ensue. The printer shop is immediately closed down, his boss and friend is murdered, and a warrant is issued out for his arrest! He joins up with the traveling showman himself, Count Las Bombas who is actually a con artist, and his dwarf servant Musket. The trio is joined up by a street urchin, Mickle, who has a mysterious past. But it's not long before they are all caught up into political intrigue as the evil Chief Minister Cabbarus is planning to overthrow the king and take over the kingdom. And on the other hand, the mysterious Florian and his 'children' are determined to kick out the monarchy and put in a new government for Westmark. What will Theo do? Will he hold up the monarchy, support the revolutionists, or try to hide away from everything?

I have always loved reading the "Prydain Chronicles" which could be easily said to be one of the best fantasy novels for Young Adults. Lloyd Alexander is easily the grand master of fantasy and it is further proved when reading the "Westmark Trilogy". Besides providing plenty of lovable and interesting characters, the stories are always full of action, adventure, some romance, and humor. But differing from the "Prydain Chronicles", the "Westmark Trilogy" includes plenty of realistic political intrigue. It's almost like reading a historical fiction instead of a fantasy story.

Some people complained that this book was a bit too short which I can agree with. I think the end could of have been expanded a little more but it's nothing too bad. Thankfully, "Westmark" is only the first of a wonderful trilogy so I strongly you don't start reading this book before having all three volumes at hand.

But I must warn that in the next two books there are many deaths, including character deaths. I guess it makes the trilogy more realistic and grittier, so be warned for the faint-hearted. I myself almost cried at some points! But I do definitely recommend this trilogy for all Young Adults! Full of thrilling excitement, "Westmark" will please all fantasy fans! ... Read more

Book Description

Billy and Blaze are looking for adventure as they set out to explore the countryside. But when they find an abandoned quarry, they're in for more than they could have imagined. Not only does Billy perform a brave deed, but he and Blaze make a new friend, too! This could be the greatest adventure ever!

Blaze and the Lost Quarry is part of the classic Billy and Blaze series. Thoughtful drawings and easy-to-read text capture the warmth and understanding shared by a boy and his horse. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wonderful books about a boy and his horse
My son loves the Billy and Blaze series. The "adventures" they have are told in such a way that the children can imagine themselves taking part in them.

In this particular story Billy sets off to find a "lost" quarry. This one reminded me of many of the "adventures" my brother and I had as children in the forests near our grandparents farm in Montana.

It is nice to share a quiet, interesting story with my son. Most authors today seem to think they need to compete with television and movies, therefore their books seem to be nothing more than written out tv shows and action flicks.

The other thing my son and I enjoy in these books are the drawings. They are very good and realistic. We have the oppotunity to study some nice art while reading a pleasant book.

Billy and Blaze
As a child (first and second grade) I read this series. Billy was without a doubt my favorite character from any of the childrens books available to me then. They are well writen, easily followed, in or out of torder. I am very please to be able to buy them for my nieces and my own child!

Great Story for Boys
My son (4 next week) wanted some "Wild, Wild West" stories. I found the wonderful books by C.W. Anderson in the library. I bought several of the reprints in paperback because he loves the stories so. The gentle adventures of Billy and his pony Blaze are a wonderful way for young boys to learn the virtues of loyalty and friendship and the love of animals. In this book Billy and Blaze spend a day looking for a forgotten quarry. They have a few adventures trying to get over the overgrown trail. The quarry is as wonderful as Billy pictured. He gets a bonus - he finds a puppy running from a fox. Billy and Blaze take their new friend home. The realistic pen and ink drawings illustrating the story are very much enjoyed by my son. I'm happy to have found these books reprinted. ... Read more

Book Description

The Cam Jansen series is perfect for young readers who are making the transition tochapter books. The first ten books in the series have received updated covers, bringingnew life to these perennial bestsellers. Now the series redesign continues with five morebooks, giving Cam a cool, modern look! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Another Winner for Cam Jansen!
Cam Jansen fans you will not be disppointed. This is another good Cam Jansen mystery. Cam and her family are picking up her Aunt Mary from the airport after her trip to France. At the same time they are having a suprise party. Of course everything does not go as planned. Aunt Mary can't find her bag, the suprise party is about to be ruined, and a little girl from the flight is missing. Aunt Mary knows that she was on the plane, but the little girl can not be found anywhere. Cam uses her detective skills to figure out where the missing girl has gone. A hint - your first guess may not be right. Mine wasn't! Cam Jansen books are excellent for beginning readers and also for parents who read alot of stories (like I do) to children. The fact that the main character is a girl is lost on children because her name is "Cam" so even my boys like her books. I can't wait until the next one comes out! ... Read more

Book Description

"Martin, a kitten, is branded a `wimp' by his siblings for his friendly

interest in mice.He loves caring for them and can't understand their desire

for freedom.Only when he becomes the pet of a big city apartment dweller does

he realize why his pets deserted him.An engaging animal fantasy with plenty

of humorous insight into the human condition, King-Smith's story has humor and

a fast pace which will appeal to younger readers."--School Library

Journal (starred review)




... Read more

Reviews (13)

Another gentle farm animal story from the author of Babe.
Dick King Smith, the author of MartinÕs Mice, is best known for Babe the Gallant Pig, which of course was turned into a movie that is a lot better known than any of his books. The movie is one of the best childrenÕs films ever, and the book is even better. But it does have one disadvantage. The British dialect in Babe, while charming, is so thick it is difficult for many American parents and teachers to read aloud, and for American children to follow. DonÕt get me wrong. I love Babe and have read it aloud several times. But it is not easy.

What I like about MartinÕs Mice is that it has many of the same qualities that made Babe such a joy, including the gentleness, the emphasis on kindness, and the quirky, understated humor, but without the heavy dialect. There are Britishisms sprinkled throughout the book, but they are manageable with an American tongue.

In terms of plot and character, MartinÕs Mice is not quite up to the standards of Babe. But then how many books are? Like Babe, Martin is a farm animal who marches to a different drummer. HeÕs a cat who loves mice. But he loves them as pets, not as meals. The novel focuses on how he learns to love them more as friends and equals than as pets. Martin is a sweet, gentle character, but there is no denying he does not have the charm of Babe. And the novelÕs plot seems a little disjointed. The ending felt like it sprang on us out of nowhere.

Still, my six-year-old daughter and I both enjoyed the book. If you are looking for a childrenÕs book full of nice, gentle humor and kind characters, this is a good choice.

Martin's Mice
Book Review
By Brooklyn

The book I am reading is caled Martins mice. I relly like this book. I would recammend this book to eneone who likes cats. Is your faviorite animal a cat. In this book Martins mom catches mice but Martin dose not eat mice he keeps them as pets.

Martin's Mice
Book review
NS
The book I'm reading is Martin's mice. Martin is a cat. He has two brothers named Robin and Lark. Martin hates eating mice. He lives in a bath. The mother has twenty babies.They're named one, two, three, four, five, six, seven and eight. The mother's name is Drusilla. She has twelve more babies in the book.

Wow!!!!!!!
This was an excliant book!!! I decided to read this book so I could get points in reading. It looked like a small and easy read. Boy, I would read this book any day. The detail and the way the story flows is amazing!I ahve never read about a cat who dosen't eat mice! After the middle of the story I wouldn't put the book down. I learned all about the mice and that mice are dows and bucks!!! Martain gets this great idea of keeping mice as pets! The first mouse he finds is pregnant, her name is Drusila. After the first groupe off cubs, Martin decides to find her another husband, his name is Cuthbert. The first groupe are all named numbers, the second are months of the year!!! After her gets taken away as a pet imself, he never sees Dursila or Cuthbert on till....

Martin's Mice is a great book!
This is a really good book about a cat named Martin who befriends mice, even though that's not what cat's do. All his siblings call him a wimp, because they say he's afraid to catch a mouse; he knows he's not a wimp! He just doesn't want to eat a mouse! They're nice, why would he want to eat one? Martin keeps mice as pets upstairs in a bathtub. He does everything he can to keep them happy. But when they escape, he doesn't understand why they wanted freedom so bad. Only after he becomes a locked up housepet does he understand and escape himself to go back to his home. THE END ... Read more

Book Description

William Shakespeare was perhaps the greatest English playwright ever. Take a tour of Shakespeare's life and times, through the crowded streets of sixteenth-century London to the boisterous Globe theater and other playhouses where his work flourished.

Then follow Shakespeare's legacy to the present day and to the Globe's glorious reopening and its 400th anniversary. Learn, step-by-step, how the theater was reconstructed using the same methods builders used to construct the original Globe.

With Aliki's characteristically thorough and animated words and pictures, this beautifully crafted book provides a rich introduction to Shakespeare and his world. Sprinkled with quotations from Shakespeare's plays, it is richly enhanced by a map of Elizabethan London, a glossary of historical dates, a chronology of Shakespeare's works, a section of colloquial expressions, and a list of relevant sites to visit.

2000 ALA Notable Children's Book

2000 Notable Children's Books (ALA), Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2000, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council , NCTE List of Notable Children's Books in Lang. Arts 00, Horn Book Fanfare 2000 and Teacher's Choices for 2000 (IRA)

01-02 Young Hoosier Book Award Masterlist (Gr 4-6), 00-01 Utah Book Award (Informational Books), and 00-01 Texas Bluebonnet Award Masterlist

Reviews (3)

An incredible book!
Book Review: William Shakespeare & the Globe By: Aliki

This book has been honored with many awards for good reason. With pictures, a sprinkle of quotes from several of Shakespeare's own plays, and many historical references make this book is a very interesting layout of William Shakespeare's life and times. The book chronicles the theatre world in Shakespeare's time and his involvement in it all,and the building and rebuilding of the famous Globe theatre (even up to its rebirth in 1987!). The book shows the various phases of William's life in "Acts" just like his famous plays. The book even discusses the many words and phrases that he invented that we still use today. It ends with a look at Sam Wanamaker and Theo Crosby's vision of recreating The Globe and how they went about creating this wonderful restoration.

A book that captures the reader's attention visually and with its easily read text. I am, as a teacher of 7th grade English, very impressed by this book, and can't wait to share it with my classes.

The Best Shakespeare Book Around
This book was the best Shakespeare book i've read. It had great facts and pictures for my Shakespeare roport. Now i read it for great enjoyment. It not only tells the story of Shakespeare but the story of Sam Wanamaker who had a dream to rebuild Shakespeare's Globe Theather. This was the best shakespeare book around, i bet you will enjoy it

Another winner by Aliki!
Aliki's gift for clarity, humor and cleverness shine through this wonderful book. It is, like all Aliki's books, loaded with information, but manages not to overwhelm. You will find yourself coming back to this book again and again, examining the pictures and finding details you hadn't noticed before. A marvelous introduction to Shakespeare for mid- to older elementary children (and a visual delight for even younger readers!). ... Read more

Book Description

In this richly layered compendium, Aliki shares her keen insight about music and all its themes and variations. Ah, Music! is about composers and instruments. It's about artists and performers. It's about history -- from the earliest music through classical, modern, jazz, and popular times. It's about diversity and pleasure.

If you have a love of music in your bones, or if you are just learning, or if you are about to play in your first recital, it's about you. Ah, music!

Reviews (1)

Refreshing Music Mini-encyclopedia
Aliki provides a broad synopsis of music-its place in history, cultures and the human heart-in this inspirational, informative volume. Each page consists of a collage of images united by a concise narrative.
What is especially refreshing about this mini-encyclopedia of music is that Aliki "bookends" the mechanics and "hardware"- types of instruments, who's who of Western composers, time lines of jazz and pop music - with "software," placing music's emotional and social value into perspective for the child. She shows how music is the background of everyday life, for example, with this definition, "Rhythm is a marching-band beat, a puffing-train beat, a beating-the eggs beat, a heart beat."
The book closes with a panoply of pictures demonstrating how music comforts and inspires, by helping people to relax, calm anger, cheer low spirits, and create or perform work. ... Read more

Book Description

Cam's best friend, Eric, is starring as Honest Abe Lincoln in the school play. But when all of the money raised from ticket sales mysteriously disappears, it seems that someone is lurking around who is far from honest. Cam's teacher, Ms. Benson, calls the police, and Cam rushes to help. Can Cam, with a click of her photographic memory, find the missing money before the thief makes a getaway?

Illustrated by Susanna Natti. ... Read more

Book Description

Billy and Blaze are more than just friends -- they're heroes! When they spot smoke in the brush, they race through the woods to sound the alarm.

At the end of the day, Billy and Blaze are rewarded for their bravery -- with carrots for Blaze, chocolate cake for Billy, and a very special present that they can share.

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

Reviews (3)

Another great Blaze book
My 7 yo son loves the Billy and Blaze series. This series is an excellent one for boys. Even if you don't think they have an interest in horses.

There is great adventure, like only a boy could imagine. And the stories are not so inane that the parents reading them cry for mercy. ;-)

I recommend it and my son highly recommends it.

Blaze and the Forrest Fire
I like Billy and Blaze books and I like what happened in that book Blaze and the Forrest fire and it said in the book that Billy's dog Rex goes with them on rides and one day he's sick. Billy and Blaze is about a boy and his pony who race to the forest fire to set and speeed the alarm. But one day he was sick? It reminds me of Paul Brandt's CD Calm Before The Storm.

Wonderful, extraordinary book!
C.W. Anderson has outdone himself with this Billy and Blaze story. I love most of his Blaze series with its timeless feel and innocence; what life used to be about. Blaze and Billy are put in a situation of defending the entire forest. They must make their way over hill and dale to alert the neighbouring farm. Will they make it... well I wont spoil it for you. Blaze and the Forest Fire is a unique and wonderful book. You will love it. ... Read more

Book Description

When Cam and Eric go on a boat ride around the city, the last thing they expect to see is a robbery. But now a beloved poodle named Little Treasure is gone, and it looks like she was stolen. Can Cam Jansen use her amazing photographic memory to help return the missing dog to her heartbroken owner?

Illustrated by Susanna Natti ... Read more

Reviews (1)

What could a Barking Treasure be? You'll HAVE to read!!
You have to love Cam Jansen.When you're a kid, you read all of these stories about magic powers, mystery, and adventure.But everyone tells you magic can't exist.Cam Jansen manages to solve every case without the use of magic... she's a real girl.That's what makes her special and what makes you want to red more and more.Cam Jansen is a real kid superhero, and the thought that a person like her could actually exist... makes her the best kid detective ever!Our family loves Cam Jansen! ... Read more

Book Description

Fweeeet! Skate session's over--everyone off the ice!Eric and Cam have lost the key to their locker--it's up to Cam to find it before their parents discover it's gone. With a click and a blink, Cam Jansen's amazing memory will have Eric and Cam out of their skates and back in their sneakers in no time. With short sentences, plenty of repetition, and lots of clues, beginning readers will solve this easy-to-read mystery right along with young Cam. David A. Adler, the author of more than 100 books for children, lives in Woodmere, New York. Susanna Natti lives in Bedford, Massachusetts. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

my daughter loves Cam Jansen
While my daughter, age 3 1/2, is younger than the targeted readers of this series, she has loved Cam Jansen since she was 2. These stories are wonderfully written and illustrated and they encourage children to think. My daughter has red hair and brown eyes just like Cam, and now she wants to have long hair like Cam. I highly recommend all of the Cam Jansen books.

Not just for Early Readers
...We have most of the Young Cam Jansen paperbacks and recommend them unreservedly for other real-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. The one public-school setting (see the "Lost Tooth" mystery) is in the Art class, where creativity and fun are the dominant theme.

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

great book for first graders
This is a great book for your first grader to step up to the next level with. This book is perfect for catching your young scolars intrest in reading. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great introduction to evolution for kids as young as 4
We have found that the typical interest in dinosaurs has a way of branching into territories less well-charted for the preschool and elementary set: extinction and death (and onto religious beliefs), geology and evolution (and onto astronomy and earth science), to name a few. This book, along with Life Story by Virginia Lee Burton, Time Tunnel by Arthur John L'Hommedieu, and From Dinosaurs to Dodos by Don Lessem has helped us learn and teach about evolution in a way our son understands and we enjoy. Better yet, these are all titles that remain useful across the early years, suitable for learners at many levels of knowledge. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Billy and Blaze
First a comment about the review on above: That review from Publisher's Weekly has nothing to do with this book. I don't know what book it has to do with.

Billy and Blaze books are a wonderful series about a boy and his horse and the adventures they find while out riding. I think any child could appreciate these gentle stories. They are a nice break from the commercialized books usually marketed to boys that are based on cartoons and toys and movies.

Blaze Finds the Trail, Excitement at every page
This is a great book for young readers, especially those who love horses. This is a refreshing story about a boy named Billy and his pony named Blaze.The two have a very special bond and care very much for each other.One day they go for an outing and events happen which put them in danger. Readers are kept in suspense as Blaze and Billy struggle to get home. I would recommend this book to all young readers. ... Read more

Book Description

Erethizon Dorsatum - better known as Ereth, the self-centered, foul-tempered old porcupine - is having a birthday. And he fully expects his best friend Poppy, a deer mouse, to help him celebrate in a grand manner. But Poppy has gone off somewhere with her husband, Rye, and it appears she has forgotten all about it. "Belching Beavers," says Ereth, "I am not angry!" (Though, perhaps he is - and more than just a little.)

Ereth knows his special occasion deserves a special treat - even if he has to get it for himself. And what treat could be more special than tasty salt? But the nearest salt is located deep in the forest, in a cabin occupied by fur hunters, who have set out traps to capture the Dimwood Forest animals. In one of the traps, Ereth finds Leaper the Fox - who, with her dying breath, begs the prickly porcupine to take care of her three boisterous young kits, Tumble, Nimble, and Flip. "Jellied walrus warts!" Ereth exclaims, but reluctantly agrees.

Certainly this day is not going as he planned - and it's only just the beginning! Not only does Ereth suddenly have a rambunctious new family to take care of, but he's being stalked by Marty the Fisher, the one creature in Dimwood Forest who can do him harm. And Bounder, the father of the three little foxes, remembers all too well the nose full of quills he got a while back from the grumpy old animal who now fancies himself the leader of the den. He too sets out to show Ereth who's boss. Throw in an unexpected snowstorm, and all in all, it adds up to one brithday Ereth the porcupine is never going to forget, not even if he lives to be a hundred and twenty-two!

01-02 Golden Sower Award Masterlist (4-6 Cat.)

Reviews (5)

A Great Book To Read
Ereth's Birthday is a book that is exiting, full of adventure, and hilrious. It was Ereth the porcupine birthday so some mice and Ereth's best frind Poppy, a mouse came. Ereth gotgrumpy and dicided he did not want them right then, so he left. Ereth went by a house and heard people talking then, the people left. Ereth saw that there was salt and he loved salt but he heard creing so he went there. I am not going to spoil it for you but, some how he got stuck with 3 little foxes. When he got there he did not know how to do it.
The book was hilarious because Ereth would talk to the foxes in this really weird way. He'd make them do chores yelling at the top ofhis lungs. Ereth made them hunt for there food, and they did not know a thing abote hunting. They finally got their ways though. Read Ereths Birthday because it is a great book and you will not want to go some other plase you will not want to go some other plese you want to ceep reading.

Ereth's Birthday
About a very grumpy porcupine. On his birthday, he thinks his friends have forgotten about him, so he goes off to get some salt (which he loved above anything). When about to get it (from a table in a hunters cottage), he hears a plea for help. He grumpily abandons the salt, and goes to see. It's a dying fox mother, who begs Ereth to watch out for her pups until their father gets back. Ereth agrees, and then, she dies (from loss of blood; her paw got trapped in a trap). Ereth then finds the pups, and takes care of them. Their are troubles, but he manages... ok.

Bad humor, but great book.
Ereth's Birthday by Avi is an adventurous and cruel book. One fine snowy day a porcupine named Ereth found it was his Birthday and went to see what his best friends(Poppy,and Rye)were doing. Unfortunatly, when he asked their small children they answered they left home and were to come back soon. Ereth now knew for sure that they had forgotten his birthday. Now Ereth was extremely upset because the naughty kids were jumping around and making extremely loud squeaks and his best and only friends forgot his birthday. With a couple negative words Ereth went off to fetch his own birthday present, salt. He would have to travel to a person's home and suck on the axes to suck up the sweat(because it contains salt). When he was traveling he heard movements up in the trees but could see no people or animals. Finally, he reached the house where he went under the house and found the axes. Then he immediately started to lick the salty axes and then the handle bars of the people's ski mobile. Ereth disliked humans so he wanted to treat them a lesson by putting porcupine quills on the ski mobile and chewed the handle of the axe in two. Suddenly, footsteps could be heard coming towards Ereth and out of nowhere there came a person who grabbed the axe and cursed at the site of it broken in half. Then another hand came down and grabbed the ski mobile and this second person cursed at the site of the chewed handle bar. But it was nothing until the two people sat on the seat they yelped,"yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyooooooooooouggggh!"For they found porcupine hairs where sat on by their rear ends. After those incidents they went back on setting traps. After they left, loud cries of, "Heeeeeeeelp!"
"Hellllp,"could be heard. Right when Ereth heard the noise he saw a container of pure salt. But his heart took over and he went to see the pure animal. To his surprise it was a wounded fox that was going to die and it asked Ereth if he could take care of her cubs. Ereth was angry because he didn't want to take care of cubs his whole life. All Ereth wanted was to have a lick of salt. Will Ereth take care of his cubs or celebrate his birthday by having the best treat he ever? YOU could find out if you read this fabulous book. This book was desined for people who like salty adventures. If you want to hear my recommendation, I'd say it's the best book of it's kind.

A Much Awaited Return!
Ereth returns in this, the fourth book in the Dimwood Forest series. I am a fourth and fifth grade teacher. I have read the entire series to my students and they absolutely love it! The classic battle between good and evil and through it all, Ereth's wonderful, hilariously scathing view of all around him---except Poppy, of course! In this book, Ereth experiences all of the joys of parenthood, even if it was by accident! This book simply flows along. My students did not want it to end, and neither did I!

The best of the series!
Now you can read Tales from Dimwood Forest in the proper order, Ragweed, Poppy, Poppy & Rye, and the last, Ereth's own book, Ereth's Birthday. It is so funny! The best of the series! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Carrie C.
I really like this book because you see life from a cat's
point of veiw. When the cat has been turned into a man.

Sweet
Lloyd Alexander is best known for his Prydain Chronicles and Vesper Holly adventures, but his smaller, lighter reads are worth the pick-up as well.

Lionel wants to be a man. The little cat, who has the ability to speak, lives with crotchety wizard Stephanus, who stormed out of the village of Brightford when the people misused his gifts to them out of greed and malice. Stephanus keeps refusing to turn Lionel into a man, but finally does with the promise that Lionel will return when he's done. The cat-turned-man travels to Brightford, where his innocent nature rapidly gets him into hot water. Brightford is run by the rotten, greedy little Mayor Pursewig, who is trying to bully out everyone into his debt.

He ends up meeting the lovely (and very irritable) Gillian, a local innkeeper who is being threatened by Pursewig; also Owlbert, her little scrub-boy sidekick, and Doctor Tudbelly, a local medical charlatan with a good heart and a fondness for gratuitous Latin phrases. When the malicious Pursewig (whom Lionel repeatedly and innocently insults) and the equally rotten Swaggart decide to get rid of the newcomers, Lionel learns what it is to be a real human being.

This book isn't as emotionally deep as some of Alexander's works; nevertheless, it has an excellent message. Stephanus thinks that all humans are greedy and malicious, yet a guy called Tolliver informs Lionel at one point, "what may be true for a cat isn't always true for a man." Lionel gets to see both sides of the coin: Swaggart, Pursewig and their greed and and injustice; Dr. Tudbelly, Gillian and Owlbert, his selfless friends who are willing to go the extra mile as he is for them.

Lionel's innocence is a good counterpoint to the more seasoned people; his innocent insults and occasional lapses into "cattiness" are very entertaining. Especially enjoyed his repeated claims that he's not a man, he's a cat. Gillian is vintage Lloyd Alexander, a tough and independent gal who isn't afraid to let the guy she loves know when he's being an idiot. Dr. Tudbelly will be recognizable to fans of Fflewddur Fflam, with his heart of gold and inability to get his potions straight.

We see too little of Stephanus to really form much of an opinion; I thought he was a bit hard on Lionel. Pursewig is the secondary kind of fantasy villain, the mewling, cowardly, rather pathetic type. Swaggart seemed like more of a real menace, as he is amoral and has the muscle to back it up.

Alexander's trademarked humor is sprinkled throughout this tale, with such things as the newly-human Lionel bounding into Stephanus's lap, and Stephanus announcing, "you've got your arms in the legs of your breeches, and your legs in your shirtsleeves. And your boots on the wrong feet" only to have Lionel reply pitifully, "But they're the only feet I have now." Lionel's catty behavior among the humans also adds a bit of comic relief.

A very sweet little tale for fantasy buffs.

A Light and Fun Read
The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man by Lloyd Alexander is a short and entertaining read which also has some commentary on the human condition.

The novel is about Lionel. He is a cat. One day, he asks his master/sorcerer if he would change him into a man anyway. The sorcerer doesn't have a very high opinion of man, but he ends up changing Lionel into a man. Lionel then travels into the city. There, he finds corruption of all kinds. He finds a mayor who is greedy and power-hungry. The captain of the guard is corrupt. Huge numbers of offenses happen to Lionel. But Lionel also finds some friends. He meets Dr. Tudbelly and falls for Mistriss Gillian. Lionel eventually has to fight against his enemies for his friends and try to stay a human.

The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man is a commentary on life. Through the eyes of a naive creature, Alexander exposes some of the failures of mankind. Alexander also shows the greatness because love and justice can prevail. Alexander makes all of these observations in a thrilling and at times funny story. The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man is not Alexander's greatest book. It just is not quite as entertaining or insightful as his Westmark Trilogy, Prydain Chronicals, or The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian, but Alexander never has written a book worth less than five stars. The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man is a great piece of literature for people of all ages.

A charming story by a talented author
This was a quick-witted, funny, short, and easy to comprehend story. I don't really remmember many details, since I first read this a year or two ago, but I know I liked it quite a bit. In this book, a wizard's cat beggs his master to make him a human for a short time, so he can see what it's like. The wizard does, and almost immediatly the cat/man is caught up in all sorts of town problems, as he struggles to fit in, and win the heart of a pretty girl, he begins to see that humans don't always have it easy either... I found it very interesting how the author managed to get inside the mind of a cat, and explore what they might really think of our world! While I didn't think this book was quite as good as some other works from this author, it was a good, lighthearted story that charmed me greatly.

A pleasant, novella-length fairytale
When Lionel the cat becomes Lionel the hapless young man, adventures come upon him hot and heavy. Badly treated by the powers that be, he soon forms some unlikely alliances, with funny and happy results. Interesting for the cat's literal acceptance of proverbial expressions (helpful to young readers who themselves may not understand them) and his maintenance of some of his feline characteristics. Tudbelly is by far the most interesting character in my opinion, and any parent who can explain his fractured Latin to children will be adding to the experience of reading the book. ... Read more