Amazon.com

Perhaps the perfect children's bedtime book, Goodnight Moon is a short poem of goodnight wishes from a young rabbit preparing for--or attempting to postpone--his own slumber. He says goodnight to every object in sight and within earshot, including the "quiet old lady whispering hush." Clement Hurd's illustrations are simple and effective, alternating between small ink drawings and wide, brightly colored views of the little rabbit's room.

Finding all of the items mentioned throughout the book within the pictures is a good bedtime activity--a reappearing little mouse is particularly pesky. By the end of the little rabbit's goodnight poem, the story has quieted to a whisper, and the drawings have darkened with nightfall. As you turn the last page, you can expect a sleepy smile and at least a yawn or two. (Picture book) ... Read more

Reviews (287)

A little rabbit goes to bed but is not at all tired...
Generation after generation of children who have not wanted to go to sleep at night when told it was their bedtime have found an endearing manifesto of not being sleepy in "Goodnight Moon." Margaret Wise Brown poetry keeps things as simple as Clement Hurd's illustrations, which show a little rabbit who insists on saying "Goodnight" to pretty much every single object in the bedroom (including the old lady whispering "hush"). Eventually the little rabbit runs out of things to say "Goodnight" to and falls asleep. But we know that this scene will be repeated the next night and the night after that, when your child demands that you read this timeless children's classic from 1947 to them over and over again. There are certain books that every child should have in their library and if "Goodnight Moon" is not at the top of that list it has to be very close to the top for over half a century. Before this decade is up I am sure I will pass it on to a third generation of my family. How many generations is your family up to?

Great Bedtime Book
My daughter received this book as a gift for her 1 yr birthday(She is now 22 mos old and still loves this book. We read it every night before bed). At first, when I read it, I wasn't impressed with it at all. But then, the more we read it, I became wrapped up in the story through my daughter's enthusiasm of finding the little mouse in the pages and realized the sheer joy of her learning experience through reading and imagination. The lines are very short so little ones won't be easily bored waiting for the page to turn and it is so much fun for her to find the little mouse in each colored page, to watch her put her little finger to her mouth and whisper 'hush' with the little old lady in the corner, and to point out other objects in the room.

The story is based on a little bunny going to bed and saying goodnight to various items in his room and with each turn of the page, the light in his room grows dimmer. '...Goodnight mush/And goodnight to the old lady whispering "hush"/Goodnight stars/Goodnight air/Goodnight noises everywhere' and with that the room is dark and the bunny is fast asleep. The book alternates between color pages and black & white pages during the story. The pages show full color the little bunny's room where a little mouse hides in different areas and is waiting to be found by little searching eyes. Then the pages alternate to black and white that show other items that are found in the room that the bunny says goodnight to.

I have also found that if my daughter is hyper before bedtime, this book helps calm her down through the repetition of saying goodnight, by lowering my voice with each page that we turn and it actually helps prepare her for bed just like the bunny.

This is a very short, very colorful and very fun book for little ones. I highly recommend it.

A Must-Have Bedtime Book...
This book was one of our bedtime rituals. When I was weaning my son from frequent night-time breastfeedings, we would read this book at bedtime every evening. Sometimes I could hear him "reading" this book to himself in the dark if he was still have trouble settling down. Often, we read it in unison, and chuckled together. It's sweet and slow and comforting, and simply taking the time to cuddle and read it has a peaceful effect on both parent and child.

Still a Favorite
I first read this book when my son was a year old. The simple words and colorful illustrations made it one of his favorite bedtime rituals. The book focuses on a little rabbit going to bed and saying "good night" to everything in his room as well as the moon outside. In addition to reading the book, I would ask my son to point to the things the rabbit was saying "Good Night" to. Especially finding the little mouse on every color page. (I believe he's on everyone). We used it like an identification game as well as a story. Simple words that rhyme like "Hush" and "Mush" are easy for little ones to learn and repeat.
An interesting aspect of the illustrations is that the room is drawn darker as the book nears its end. The magic was still there the other night when I read it to my son who is now 3 and a half. Like other books by this author, there is an essentially childlike quality coupled with that "hard to pin down" quality of a classic.

If your child loves the original, they'll love this as well
My 21 mo old daughter loves the original "Goodnight Moon" and loves to play with the little acessories and popout features in this book. The story is the same and there is "lots to do" while turning the pages. ... Read more

Amazon.com

For a little one who is reluctant to go to bed, sometimes a silly bookis just the ticket. And when it comes to silly books, Sandra Boynton is theundisputed queen. In The Going to Bed Book, an ark full of animalswatches the sun go down and then prepares for bed. They take a bath ("in one bigtub"), find pajamas, brush their teeth, do exercises up on deck (imagine anelephant jumping rope, a moose lifting weights, and a pig doing handstands), andfinally say good night.

The moon is high. The sea is deep.
They rock
and rock
and rock
to sleep.

Reviews (56)

A Fun Story for Bedtime
This colorful board book from Sandra Boynton's is a bedtime treat! An assortment of expressive animals gets ready for bed aboard a giant boat. Boynton amusingly shows then bathing, dressing, brushing teeth ("With some on top and some beneath, they brush and brush and brush their teeth."), and exercising together.

It closes with the animals settling down for the night: "They rock and rock and rock to sleep." Graced by Boynton's well-known illustrations and rhythmic poetry, this is a great book for infants and toddlers alike.

The Sun has Set not Long Ago
Great bed time book. The rhymes are fun, and it is a fantastically silly story. My husband and daughter and I have all had this book memorized since she was 6 months old ( she is two and 1/2 now). We love to recite it to one another, and have had to have two copies of the book (ah that teething stage was hard, she chewed right through everything.) We all love Sandra Boynton, she is a reliable read and a lot of fun.

A rescue item for a tired PARENT
Our son has loved this book from when he was 6 months to now, at 14 months. The story is very loosely based on a Biblical tale (didn't anyone get the Ark reference?) and simply describes what every child can do before bed, brushing teeth, getting changed, a little play, and bedtime. In addition, we tell the story in two languages and ask him to point out certain animals or to make a teeth brushing motion, which he does with increased accuracy. I recommend it to all the families in my mother's group!

Our FAVORITE "Night-Night" book...
We LOVE Sandra Boynton, and this book is our favorite. My 2 yr. old son knows all the words and the hand motions we've made up to go along w/ it. We laugh and read just about every night before prayers. It's a must have for your toddler.

Another Classic Boynton!
Next to Goodnight Moon, this is our top choice for a bedtime read. The text is lulling & the drawings are adorable.
The animals are on a boat (some say this is confusing to children - it is supposed to be silly!) and they are getting ready for bed. They go through the usuals - bathtime, jammies, teeth brushing...with a little goofiness thrown in - a little late night exercise! Just enough for a little grin before settling down.
Classic Boyton!! ... Read more

Book Description

What happens when the five luckiest children in the entire world walk through the doors of Willy Wonka’s famous, mysterious chocolate factory? What happens when, one by one, the children disobey Mr. Wonka’s orders? In Dahl’s most popular story, the nasty are punished and the good are deliciously, sumptuously rewarded.
... Read more

Reviews (254)

Obedience Counts
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a great book by Roald Dahl. In this story Charlie Bucket is the main character. He is a poor boy that lives in a shabby house. Charlie and four other children (Mike, Veruca, Violet, and Augustus) all win a tour of Mr. Wonka's secret chocolate factory. Each of the children had found a golden ticket in a Wonka bar. Once they were inside the factory each kid, one by one, got into trouble, except Charlie. Some were so bad they were changed for life! But Charlie obeyed Mr. Wonka and got a big surprise.

I like this book because it has lots of excitement, action, and humor on every page. My favorite part is the end when Charlie's grandparents, who have not been out of bed in years, are put into Mr. Wonka's great glass elevator screaming and howling. The funny thing about it was they did not know they were going to live with Mr. Wonka in his chocolate factory!

People can learn to obey from this book. Four children disobeyed Mr. Wonka and got hurt, but Charlie obeyed and got a reward. I recommend this book for kids age six to eleven. It is also fun and exciting so you will definitely want to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

A delectably delicious book....
This book is so delicious I just want to eat it! "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" might be in many people's eyes a story about morality but to me, it's a story about children and their love of all things sweet, sticky and delicious. Charlie Bucket is the delightful boy (who is so poor all he gets to eat is cabbage soup) who finds a golden ticket in a chocolate bar he buys with money he finds in the street. This ticket entitles him and a companion to enter the wonderful world of Mr. Willy Wonka, the most famous and mysterious chocolate maker that the universe has ever known. Other competition winners include such heinous but wonderfully over the top characters like Augustus Gloop, the greediest boy in the world, and Veruca Salt, a spoilt brat whose father buys 10,000 chocolate bars so she can win a golden ticket. These greedy children and their frightful companions get their come-uppance in various hilarious ways that will have you spluttering with laughter with every page that you turn. Dahl's most famous creation in this book though are the Oompa-Loompas, a race of small people that Mr. Wonka has saved from extinction in the days when he traveled the world. This is a glorious, glorious book, filled with amazing characters, incredible sweets such as the everlasting gobstopper for the child with limited pocket money, and the chewing gum that that is a whole three course meal in itself. Your mouth will be watering throughout the story, and the river of chocolate will make you drool a waterfall. A scrumptious book for everyone no matter what their age.

Everyone will love it
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is brilliant. Roald Dahl's language is eccentric and refreshing. This book is about a boy named Charlie Bucket who lives with his poor family right near a the greatest chocolate factory in the world. When the owner of the chocolate factory, Willy Wonka, sends out five golden tickets, the whole world erupts in chaos. No one has been allowed in the great factory for years, and everyone knows that Wonka is a magician with magic. The story will make anyone hungry for a good candy bar and is easily amusing. I would recomment that everyone read this book at least once, though it was directed towards kids in grades 2-6.

Author Study
Charlie is in a family that is very poor. He lives in a small cottage with his grandparents and parets. He also lives by a great chocolate factory. Charlie is so poor that he only gets one Willy Wonka bar a year. No one has seen anbody or anthing go in or out of the chocolate factory.
One day in the newspaper it said that the chocolate factory was opening up. There were five golden tickets on Willy Wonka bars to get into the factory in the whole world. The prize is you get to go into the factory and bring any person of their choice. You have to read the book to see if he gets a golden ticket.
It was a good book to us because even if you saw the movie the book changed so you didn't know what was coming.

Snozzberries galore...
There's plenty that adults can learn from children's books. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is such a book. Not only is it a great read, it says something about greed, gluttony, and the dangers of the fantastic.

The story is probably familiar to many (thanks to the 1971 film adaptation), but the basic plot is this: Willy Wonka, a reclusive, famous (almost Howard Huges-like) owner of the largest candy factory in the world wraps five golden tickets in candy bars and distributes them to the world. No one has been in or out of Wonka's factory in years, but these tickets allow the ticket finders access to it for one day, as well as a lifetime supply of world-famous Wonka candy. Four tickets are quickly found by families who have the money and the means to do so (one of the finder's father even stops production in his factory so that his voluminous workers can unwrap the thousands of candy bars he's purchased in hope of finding one of the tickets). This is discouraging to Charlie Bucket, who comes from a destitute family who eat mostly watery cabbage and boiled potatoes. Charlie only gets one chocolate bar a year for his birthday - his father's job screwing on the tops of toothpaste tubes doesn't bring much income. Charlie's luck changes when he finds a dollar bill in the snow (after his father loses his job in the toothpaste factory the family begins to starve, and Charlie conserves energy by walking slowly, which helps him find the dollar). Luck leads to luck, as Charlie buys two candy bars and the second one contains a golden ticket. Charlie's 95 year-old (wow!) grandfather agrees to accompany Charlie. So, Along with four other spoiled brats and their families, Charlie and Grandpa Joe tour the Wonka factory. Inside, the factory is filled with amazing things, and the spoiled brats show their worst side and also expose the dangerous side of the fantastic. A river of chocolate is great until you fall into it. Trained squirrels are great unless they mistake you for a bad nut and through you in the chute. Chewing gum that tastes and nourishes as though it were an entire three course meal is great as long as the forumla is right and doesn't turn you into a giant blueberry. Being allowed into the Wonka factory is an amazing experience unless you're a spoiled brat who needs to grab, chew, eat, or touch everything you see. In this case being a brat brings dire consequences. The reward for not being a brat is something unbelievable, but the "losers" still get a lifetime supply of candy and chocolate.

Fans of the film (which is mistitled "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" because Charlie is really supposed to be the hero here) will notice some great differences in the story. The famous "Oompa Loompa" song is not in the book, but they do sing, but they sing longer and more detailed songs than in the movie. One of the songs goes on about the evils of television:

The most important thing we've learned
So far as children are concerned,
Is never, never, NEVER let
Them near your television set -
Or better still, just don't install
The idiotic thing at all.

They do not sing "Oompa Oompa Ommpity Doo, I've got another problem for you" such as in the movie. They also give credit where credit is due: the brattiness of the kids is also blamed on the parents. So in a way the story also becomes a lesson in parenting. The Oompa Loompas sing:

For though she's spoiled, and dreadfully so,
A girl can't spoil herself, you know.

Alas! you needn't look so far
To find out who these sinners are.
They are (and this is very sad)
Her loving parents, MUM and DAD.

In this way the Oompa Loompas almost serve the purpose of a Greek chorus. Whenever of the brats "gets it" they sing about the tragedy and probable causes of the event. This book is a very enjoyable read for any age. If you're an adult, don't deprive yourself of great children's books such as this one. If you're a kid, don't deprive your parents of your great books such as this one. Make them read it. Force them to read it. You know you want to. ... Read more

Book Description

Inside my boots I've got toes,
and beneath my scarf is a...

Baby is bundled in a mountain of clothes! Peek under the flaps of clothing to find out what's underneath, and play this fun peekaboo book again and again! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great book, but...
My ten month old loves his Karen Katz books (we have four of them). He loves to lift the flaps as we go, but sometimes he gets excited and tears them right off -- the flaps are paper thin in this book. It seems like we're always repairing them. But that's the only downside...the illustrations are colorful and we always touch his nose when we get to the nose page and his ears, etc and he giggles. They're very cute books. I just wish they were sturdier.

My Daughters favorite!
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. Karen Katz has such wonderful illusration thate appeal to young children. We have almost all of her books, but this on is my daughter's favorite. She takes it almost everywhere with her, and somethime even sleeps with it too! It has been read so many time that I had to buy another copy, but it was money well spent.

Adorable!
Similar to Karen Katz' 'Where is Baby's Belly Button', 'Toes, Ears & Nose' is a delightful book that allows little ones to 'find' noses, toes and tummies, this time by lifting flaps in a 'peek-a-boo' kind of way. My 14 month old enjoys this book, especially now since we are mastering where noses and toes are on ourselves. Very sweet indeed. ... Read more

Book Description

What an event! What a show! It's catchy and quirky. Tuneful and toe-tapping. Exuberant, unexpected, and utterly endearing. It's what happens when you take America's beloved illustrator and children's author and combine her buoyant genius with some of the most talented people on the stage--presenting Philadelphia Chickens!

Created by Sandra Boynton, Philadelphia Chickens is a family musical in a book, bringing together a full-color songbook of 17 1/2 illustrated story-poems with a full-length, fully orchestrated CD of original songs performed by the likes of Patti LuPone, Kevin Kline, Meryl Streep, The Bacon Brothers, and Laura Linney, who pleads "Please, Can I Keep It?"--it followed me home. / What exactly it is,/ I don't know. Also joining in are Eric Stoltz, Natasha Richardson, Scott Bakula, and two Boyntons, including daughter Caitlin McEwan, who performs a piece that every little listener will relate to--a love song to the chocolate chip cookies that are just out of reach. With the collaboration of composer Michael Ford (known to Boynton fans from Rhinoceros Tap), Philadelphia Chickens is that rarest of kids' musical discs--one whose inimitable lyrics and music make it as sing-along, dance-along, cluck-along for parents as it is for their children. ... Read more

Reviews (69)

ENTERTAINING FOR ALL AGES
My 2 year old loves this CD and accompanying book, and truthfully so do I. The songs sound like a broadway production, but are made to be clever and entertaining for young children. I had to buy two, one for home and one for the car. When my 2 year old says "Cow Song" I know just what she's looking for. And she has to hear it over and over again. The songs are adorable and the lyrics are easy to follow. You can't help but sing along. I like the fun diversity of the song topics. My husband and I find ourselves singing the songs even when the CD is not playing. I think any child would enjoy this CD as it is a wonderful departure from the old standard music. It is enjoyable for all ages. We all love it!

Oh what fun!
We absolutely love this book and CD! My nine-month old son thinks that it is the best thing since sliced bananas! We bought it for a road trip when he was five-months old and we have been dancing and singing ever since. If this becomes a traveling musical, we are there. My husband and myself find ourselves singing and dancing along while our son enjoys the show from his high chair. He has his favorites, "Cows", "Philadelphia Chickens" and "Pajama Time" but truly loves the entire CD. Sandra Boynton has always been a favorite of ours, with her whimsical cards and books, but this takes the cake. She and Michael Ford, as well as the performers, have created a masterpiece to be enjoyed by all.

This one deserves 10 stars!
This is by far the best music CD for children that we have! We use CD's in the car frequently as we take long trips to vist relatives (7 hrs. plus). There are no boring lullabys here, or music that will zone you out while driving! It is such a fun CD - parents will find themselves singing along, and (I admit it) may even play it with no kids in the car!

Toe tapping, car dancing fun!

This is no glorble snop!
What a wonderful gift we received for our one-year old ... "Philadelphia Chickens" is fantastic!

Presented as an "Imaginary Musical Revue," this book and accompanying CD are wonderfully written, illustrated and "directed" by Sandra Boynton. I assure you, I am going to look for everything else she has done.

Our son loves the high-energy songs, while my wife and I are halfway to learning all of the lyrics ... our favorites so far (yes, all of them, but standouts include) "Busybusybusy" by Kevin Kline; "Nobody Understands me" by the marvelous (and queckery bifflicious) Meryl Streep; and "Faraway Cookies" is adorably sweet ...

You can see kids really being able to relate to these songs. They are very well written, and the music, in most cases, is just as fun as the lyrics. In the short time that we have had this, it has won over the main spot on our playlists.

As the cover says, it's fun "for all ages (except 43)".

Every Song a Favorite!
We were given this as a gift for my daughters (4, 2, 8 months). We listen to it at home and in the car, and at literally every song one or both of the older girls will say "this one is my favorite". So many kids albums seem almost like parent torture, especially in the car. This isn't one of them. The songs are fun for every family member and very singable. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (817)

Good Book!!!
In the book Tuck Everlasting a girl named Winnie wonders into the woods and sees a boy drinking from a spring.But she can't have any of the water.There is something mysterious about the water.The family the boy lives with is very secretive.He takes her to his house to explain why she can't have any.She has to keep their secret or else....
In this book the author is trying to make you think about the book.She is trying to tell you that some people really do live differently and sometimes you have to accept them for who they are.Winnie had to keepthe Tucks secret for their safety.Babbit makes this book adventurous and suspenseful.
This book has very good partsto it.Babbit has everything set up the way it should be.People come in at the right time and things will happen that will change the story.It is exciting to read something so clear and concise.She created a plot full of twists and turns for young readers.The first three chapters took a while to get good, but after that it was awesome.If you are looking for a book to read you want Tuck Everlasting.You will enjoy it!

Lovely and Timeless
Tuck Everlasting is a beautifully written fantasy that will appeal to both children and adults. The prose is spare yet descriptive, moving quickly through a young girls life as she stumbles upon a secret known only to a few, but one that will change her outlook on life, and living, forever.

This gentle yet ultimately poignant story begins before the turn of the century as 10 year old Winnie Foster dreams of running away from her well-ordered life, as most children do. She would never act upon this impulse, of course, but a brief excursion into the enchanting woods owned by her family, which sit invitingly just outside her fence, will alter the coarse of her life in ways she could not have imagined.

Winnie will discover the Tuck family in these woods. They have lived there ages, guarding the water which stops time, and gives all those who drink of it immortality. As Winnie is sort of kidnapped, in a friendly way, she gets to know each of the Tucks, and forms a bond so close she will be tempted to join them one day.

Natalie Babbitt does a wonderful job making this fantasy real to the reader. Winnie's reactions to this family and especially young Jesse, who will be 17 forever and wants her to join him when she can, has the ring of truth. But there is a price to pay for this stoppage of time, and Jesse's father eloquently conveys to Winnie the joy of actually living and changing, like the water as it flows, and the unexpected anguish of living as the Tucks do.

Her second family will be in harm's way when a mysterious stranger who wants to prosper from this secret tracks down Winnie and the Tucks, and the adventure that follows will bring forth decisions for Winnie Foster about how she wants to live.

There is humor and sweetness to this tale. It is an injustice to call this a children's classic. It is a classic, period, and should be taken to the heart of every reader. There is a message here for us all.....

Still Great!
Read it as a child and loved it, so I had to read it again as an adult and still fully injoyed it

Freaky, but boring
Winnie is a girl who finds a family who lives in the woods, and they drank from a well that makes you immortal and they can't get older or die and they are bored! Was I the only kid who was forced to read this in 5th grade?

Good Book.
I love thiss book.
It's about a small town girl, in the early 1900's, who is bored with life. One day she is walking through the woods when she spys Jeese Tuck, who is drinking from the "Fountain of Youth." Winnie, the girl, wants a drink of it and getting scared that she would end up like his whole family, Jesse takes her home with him. The Tuck family keeps her until they are accused of kiddnapping her. The older Tucks go to jail, and then, with some help from winnie, escape. When the Tucks are leaving, Jesse gives a bottle of the special water to winnie, asking her to drink it when she is 17.... or somewhere around that age. One day Winnie sees a frog out in the middle of the road, and figures that he needs the bottle of water more than she does..... scince she can always get more from the spring. So she pours it on the frog, so the frog will never get hurt and won't die..... then the forest where the spring is burns down.... and then Jesse returns almost a hundred years later.... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Since its publication in 1942, The Runaway Bunny has never been out of print. Generations of sleepy children and grateful parents have loved the classics of Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd, including Goodnight Moon. The Runaway Bunny begins with a young bunny who decides to run away: "'If you run away,' said his mother, 'I will run after you. For you are my little bunny.'" And so begins a delightful, imaginary game of chase. No matter how many forms the little bunny takes--a fish in a stream, a crocus in a hidden garden, a rock on a mountain--his steadfast, adoring, protective mother finds a way of retrieving him. The soothing rhythm of the bunny banter--along with the surreal, dream-like pictures--never fail to infuse young readers with a complete sense of security and peace. For any small child who has toyed with the idea of running away or testing the strength of Mom's love, this old favorite will comfort and reassure. (Baby to preschool) ... Read more

Reviews (66)

A heartwarming, beautifully written book, a MUST-HAVE !!!
I first heard a few lines from this book on a T.V. show, and I was in tears! I ran straight to my computer and ordered it. This book is a must have for every child (and parent!). I have never read a book expressing the love of a mother for her child so beautifully. The mother bunny becomes whatever it takes for her to "find" her little bunny as he dreams of different things to be to run away from her. The mother bunny doesn't condemn him, but conforms to his thoughts and dreams and "chases" after him as he tells her what he will become and how he'll run away. I loved the way the mother spoke so lovingly to her little bunny, letting him know that no matter where he went, she'd find him. My son loves the brilliantly colorful images on every other page. It is a nice contrast to the black and white writing in between. This has become a favorite in my home and I intend to give this book as a gift to any and every mother (or mother-to-be) that I know!

Runaway Bunny
This book is wonderful. My son is in an accelerated reading program at school, he brought this book home last night to read and we had such a great time with it. When the story starts off with the little bunny telling his mom that he'll run away and she says she'll follow him I just thought . . . that is love. I told my son that he was the little bunny and I was the mommy bunny, so throughout the story we pretended that those characters were us. The look on my son's face was priceless, I could tell that he knew that his mommy loves him dearly (children need reassurance). He was so proud to hear that I would follow him like that. The color illustrations kept us laughing. They were just so sweet and cute. This book is a classic. I would recommend it to any parent. I didn't see it as a way a mother holds a child back from adventuring out, but as a way a mother/father can deal with a little child wanting to runaway. My son has told me a time or two that he was going to runaway (I believe all kids do - I can remember telling my mom) next time he tells me that I'll just remind him of this story and that I am a mommy bunny! Call me crazy, but I'm assuming that God has read this book as well. After all He keeps running after each and every one of us. Children of all ages need to know that.

A heartwarming tale with an equally heartwarming message
Ever thought of running away? Or, have you ever been really angry at your mother? Well, I have just the cure for that, this book. This is timeless tale of a little bunny who can't help but test the extent of his mother's love, but for every idea the little bunny has for running away, his mother counters with a way of making sure they are always together. For instance, when the little bunny says he will escape his mother by turning into a sailboat, his mother says in reply "If you turn into a sailboat, I will become the wind and blow you home." A wonderful story that displays the unconditional love a mother has for her children.

great book
I think this book is a wonderful demonstration in love.The message is no matter what happens i will be there for you. reading some of the other reviews I feel that some people are reading into a sweet story.

Scary? Disturbing?! Squashed spirits?!? Not at all!
The one- and two-star people have the totally wrong impression. What do you think the (equivalent) age of the little runaway bunny is -- 16 to 25? To what age group are we reading a book like this? You have somehow missed the point, and context.

The idea here is that the little bunny is a very young child, far too young to be on his own -- you know this when he actually tells his mother he is running away! Imagine your child of 4 to 7, momentarily angry about something, who tells you he wants to run away from home, pouting and saying things he doesn't mean, wanting attention, testing your love. (Heck, imagine your adolescent of 16 literally running away, though he wouldn't warn you beforehand!) He is far too young to be on his own, and his mother loves him so much that she will always be there for him when he needs her, and will not let harm come to him. He needs her now, though in his current emotional state he doesn't realize it. Would you let your child run away?

This book's audience is toddler through early-reader, the kind of age where their early needs for independence are joined with an intense need to feel the constant love and presence of the parent -- they need to know their parent(s) will always be there for them. Margaret Wise Brown was not talking about an older child figuratively spreading his or her wings, only to be smothered and squashed by Mother's "love." (The only overall metaphor here is that bunnies = humans.) She's literally talking about an immature child impulsively saying he will run away, and what any good, loving parent would say and do to help and comfort him. The book is from 1942, so perhaps that makes it unclear to some, but from the moment I read it I understood the context; it is a beautiful story if you understand the intent. That little bunny has a great imagination -- the color pages are his mental images of the previous text -- and Mama is fostering it with her responses in kind.

There is one place where I would have worded the mother's part differently: where she she becomes the wind, she says "...blow you where I want you to go." I would have said, "...blow you back to me," and I think that's what the author meant. Also, somebody commented in 2000 about the "I will fish for you" part and said the mother catches him on a hook. Look at the picture -- there is no hook on the line, just a carrot tied on for the little bunny to bite, and a net to scoop him up.

I've replaced our worn, torn paperback with the big lap edition boardbook. We also have the "Goodnight Moon" lap edition, and although they are big and heavy, the size is a plus for the illustrations, and they're virtually indestructible. Our first daughter (4.5) caused many small rips in the pages of her books as she turned them with gusto, and our second daughter (20 mos.) likes to finish those rips when she can! ... Read more

Book Description

Everybody sing alongóbecause it-s time to do-si-do in the barnyard with a high-spirited animal crew! From Boynton on Board, the bestselling series of board books with over 2.6 million copies in print, here is BARNYARD DANCE, with Sandra Boynton-s twirling pigs, fiddle-playing cows, and other unforgettable animals. Extra-big, extra-fat, and extra-fun, BARNYARD DANCE features lively rhyming text and a die-cut cover that reveals the wacky characters inside. Guaranteed to get kids and adults stomping their feet. Main selection of the Children-s Book-of-the-Month Club. Winner of the 1994 Gold Medal from the National Parenting Publications Award. Suitable for ages 1-4. 828,000 copies in print.

... Read more

Reviews (83)

My Personal Favorite Board Book
This book has such great rhythm and rhyme! Nothing but silly fun! This book can easily be read in a kind of song manor, which is a lot of fun for toddlers. Your child will not only have fun, but learn about different animals and some verbs too, like stomp, clap, twirl, bow and more!

"Stomp your feet and clap your hands,
everybody ready for a barnyard dance."

A favorite Boynton book - read it and act it out as you go.
Sandra Boynton books are, in my opinion, the best set of children's board books around. In Barnyard Dance, our imaginations soar as my 2 year old daughter and I act out each page. Not only is Barnyard Dance a cute story, but it is a fun book to do your own barnyard dance to! I highly recommend any title by Sandra Boynton.

GREAT BOOK!!!!
I bought this book for my son when he was 8 months old. Now he's 2 and he picks the books to read before bed. Every night this is the first book he picks from the shelf and we must read it several times. He loves the rhythm, words, and pictures. He learned his animals from this book. I highly recommend it.

A wonderful square-dance for the farm!
I love the square-dance caller's rhythm of this book. It's so easy to memorize, sing, chant, make silly noises with. My 2 year old son says "Read it again!" at the end every single time. My six year old daughter dances around while I read it to him. Everyone is equally entertained by this book: listener, observer, and most definitely reader! A true 5 star book.

My 2 year old loves it.
My two year old girl literally "bows" to the horse and "bows" to the cow and then she twirls and it goes on and on. She interacts with this book every time we read it. It's so upbeat and fun. We first took it out of the library and it broke my heart to have to return it. So I came here and ordered her her very own copy. I can't wait for her baby brother to engage in this book soon too. ... Read more

Book Description

It started the summer of 2002, when the Springfield librarian, Molly McGrew, by mistake drove her bookmobile into the zoo.

In this rollicking rhymed story, Molly introduces birds and beasts to this new something called reading. She finds the perfect book for every animal—tall books for giraffes, tiny ones for crickets. "She even found waterproof books for the otter, who never went swimming without Harry Potter." In no time at all, Molly has them "forsaking their niches, their nests, and their nooks," going "wild, simply wild, about wonderful books." Judy Sierra’s funny animal tale coupled with Marc Brown’s lush, fanciful paintings will have the same effect on young Homo sapiens. Altogether, it’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys! ... Read more

Book Description

Boynton is back! Joining Barnyard Dance! and Birthday Monsters!, here is Pajama Time! a good-night book with the irrepressible language, the inimitable illustrations, the irresistible cast of characters only Sandra Boynton could create.

A jump-roping chicken and a pig on a swing. A Scottie in plaid pajamas and an elephant in a fuzzy one-piece with feet. And in sing-along nuttiness reminiscent of Barnyard Dance!, it's time to head to bed-to the beat: Pajammy to the left. Pajammy to the right. Jamma jamma jamma jamma P!J! Everybody's wearing them for dancing tonight. Jamma jamma jamma jamma P!J!

... Read more

Reviews (28)

Oooooo yes! It's pajama time!
This is our first Sandra Boynton book and a family favorite at our house! My 20 month old son brings it to me often to have read to him during the day, and it's part of our nightly routine as well. When it's late and he refuses to get out of the tub at night because he's having too much fun, we mention that it's time to read Pajama Time, and he practically jumps out by himself! I've read the book more times than I can imagine, but I'm not tired of hearing the rhythm of the words - my husband reads it with more of a rap sound, while I choose to use more of an upbeat cheer. The drawings are so cute! My son always points out the moon to us and I love that chicken lying on the ground pulling his pants on! We enjoy how the last page seems to quiet things down by using smaller and smaller type, implying that the words get quieter, and the use of the words "Hush, hush" and "shhhh".

It's a definite keeper although our copy is getting a little hashed. If I had any complaints, it would be the hole in the moon on the cover was way too tempting for my son - he's bent the little flap there so it doesn't look very nice anymore.

I'm considering buying multiple copies to give away as shower gifts, but I suppose it's more age appropriate for kids over the age of 1.

If this is any indication of the fun and excitement of Sandra Boynton's other books, we'll be expanding our collection!

Favorite Book in our nightly routine!
Pajama Time! is a wonderful story that my daughter looks forward to. The rhyme and rhythm of this story makes her giggle and bounce around. She loves the "Pajammy to the left, Pajammy to the right" part, and we move around to the beat as I read. This story will be a part of her bedtime routine for a long time. She started to enjoy the book at about 6 months and now she helps turn the pages as I read! When she is older, she will get more from the book, such as the different types of "jammy" characteristics! I would highly recommend this book. It is very easy to read these stories in an animated way to entertain your child!

it's got a great beat & you can dance to it
Since he was 2 or 3 months old, my baby has loved to hear us chant this catchy rhyme. Keep a good, steady rhythm when you read it aloud, dance with it or pound the crib mattress to keep time, and it's magic. "Pajammy to the left! Pajammy to the right! Jamma jamma jamma jamma P!J!" seldom fails to get a baby grin. The pictures of happy dancing animals, like most of Boynton's illustrations, just radiate good feeling. This is too good to save for bedtime (in fact, it's so rousing, parents might prefer to use it earlier in the day).

Jamma Jamma Jamma!
We read this to my (now 17 month old) daughter every night before bed. I LOVE the part that says "turn out the light" because we have a light above our bed, and that part signals that it's time for her to go to sleep. I've read that some people don't find it easy to sing, but I've had no problems. My daughter calls it "jamma jamma jamma" (a line from the book) She loves it! Since we started reading this to her about 2 months ago, she has gone to sleep a LOT easier at night.

One of Boyton's Best!
This is the reigning Boyton book in our house. Catchy phrases and Boyton's usual adorable pics do not disappoint. My two boys STILL giggle at the "ugly pajama" page. Also great for little ones for learning some colors, textures, old vs. new, etc. A must for your little Boyton lover. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Artist Sandra Boynton has been charming adults for decades with her whimsical, animal-centric greeting cards and her droll sense of humor. When Boynton transferred her weirdly wonderful critters to board books for babies, she made publishing history. These short, hilarious books are perfectly suited to toddler tastes, with their small size, few words, cheerful colors, funny jokes, and silly animals. Blue Hat, Green Hat is all about getting dressed, and stars a very silly turkey who just doesn't get it. (Feet in the hat, pants on the head, etc.) His continuing refrain is "Oops." Moo, Baa, LA LA LA! investigates the sounds animals make, including pigs who sing. Doggies is "a counting and barking book" about the many sounds dogs can make, and A to Z frolics through the alphabet with amusing animal antics from an aardvark admiring to a zebra zigzagging. Parents love Boynton as much as kids do, and these four books in a compact boxed set will no doubt become household favorites! (Baby to age 3) --Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Great fun for "children at heart" of all ages
This is a wonderful series of books that enables toddlers to "read" at a very young age. The humor is ageless, and I always give this set as a gift to first-time parents, to ensure that they know about Boynton's books. Although I love them all, I have a special fondness for "Doggies" which must be read with expression to be enjoyed! Trying to manipulate those barks is great fun.

My daughter's personal favorite is "But Not tThe Hippopotamus", my son loves "Moo, Baa, La La La", and we all giggle at "Blue Hat, Green Hat".

Although my kids have outgrown board books (at 13 and 17) we have never put away the Boynton books, as we enjoy going back to them for the respite and pleasure they continue to afford all of us! (Yes, the kids admit that they still love these books! )

Set yourself free, and enjoy!

Love Boynton's Books!!!
What I love best about Sandra Boynton's board books is that they are fun for both my son to hear and for me to read. Our long-time favorite was "Moo Baa LALALA" - at 17 months, my son could recite every one of the animal sounds (well, except the pig). The only down-side of this set is the "Doggies" book. My husband and I hid this one because we detested reading it - all the barking, howling, whining, arfing, and woofing was tiresome.

The BEST author for little bits!!!
When our oldest (now 6) was 3 months old we happened upon Moo, Baa, La La La, bought it and we are now, two kids later on our fourth copy! We of course bought more and more Boynton books, and just got Philadelphia Chickens for the girls as a Christmas gift! (It includes a CD of songs- it's GREAT!) I found that whatever topics we had Boynton books on, like colors and types of clothing (Blue Hat, Green Hat), animal sounds (Moo, Baa, La La La), parts of the body (Horns to Toes), my daughters knew very early. Boynton book are funny, have bright and engaging graphics, and educational value! But, the greatest thing about her books is that not only will your kids love them, but you will love them! They are my favorite books to read to them too! And my kids didn't grow out of them as quickly as most of the board books. In fact, when my oldest was learning to read we used them and she now reads them to her baby sister. In my opinion, I think that Sandra Boynton is on the same level of skill and talent as Dr. Suess.
I have purchased at least one Boynton book for every baby shower I have gone to in the past five years, and I hope that everyone will discover how wonderful these books are.

My Baby Laughed
We were at a local playgroup and they read Blue Hat, Green Hat. My 7-month old son laughed out loud. He had laughed before, but I think this was the first time he laughed without direct eye contact or being tickled. After playgroup I inquired -- Sandra who?? I hadn't heard of these books, but have since purchased several.

My baby is now 2 and has a 4-month old brother. These books have become very popular favorites for reading time in our home.

I wonder how old our new baby will be when he laughs at the "silly chicken".

Gotta have 'em.
My first two ladies (now 5.5 years and 4.5 years old) loved these books to death, literally, so I'll be replacing them (both Volumes One and Two) soon after the current Wiggle arrives. We all loved "Doggies" - "Nine doggies on a moonlit night AaaaaaOOOOOOOooooooo" - what fun to read! The ladies loved "The Oops Book" - Blue Hat, Green Hat - as well, because that crazy turkey just *didn't get it*. All of Sandra Boynton's books are wonderful, though.

I've been doing my best to make sure that every baby *I* know has these books in his library; everyone else should do the same. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Mistress Mary is quite contrary until she helps her garden grow. Along the way, she manages to cure her sickly cousin Colin, who is every bit as imperious as she. These two are sullen little peas in a pod, closed up in a gloomy old manor on the Yorkshire moors of England, until a locked-up garden captures their imaginations and puts the blush of a wild rose in their cheeks; "It was the sweetest, most mysterious-looking place any one could imagine. The high walls which shut it in were covered with the leafless stems of roses which were so thick, that they matted together.... 'No wonder it is still,' Mary whispered. 'I am the first person who has spoken here for ten years.'" As new life sprouts from the earth, Mary and Colin's sour natures begin to sweeten. For anyone who has ever felt afraid to live and love, The Secret Garden's portrayal of reawakening spirits will thrill and rejuvenate. Frances Hodgson Burnett creates characters so strong and distinct, young readers continue to identify with them even 85 years after they were conceived. (Ages 9 to 12) ... Read more

Reviews (165)

The Secret Garden a review by super-girl
The Secret Garden

Have you ever discovered a place that has bee locked up for a long time? If so, then you can relate to The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Mary Lennox, the protagonist, moves from India to Misselthwaite, England because her parents die of cholera. She lives with her cousin Colin Craven, who thinks he's a cripple and believes he is never going to walk. Mary tries to convince him that he's not a cripple. The children meet Dickon, a local boy who they call the animal charmer. Together they find a magical world inside a garden.

Mary, Dickon, and Colin find the garden left alone and locked. They find a key with the help of Robin and then start to garden without anyone knowing it. Mary and Colin are very frail like a toothpick, but then they grow because the fresh air makes them well. Dickon is a teacher because he shows them how to garden.

Then, on a rainy day, Mary and Colin go into rooms in the house that are locked up and they learn about their ancestors. In Colin's room Mary sees a portrait hidden under a tarpaulin, she opens it and sees picture of Colin's Mother (Mrs. Craven). Mary asks Colin why it is covered and he tells her that he doesn't want to see her because she reminds him of his Father and how he is mad at him because he will be a hunchback. Finally, Mary and Colin learn to overcome their tantrums and the fears of never seeing their parents again. When the children are in the garden, they were caught by one of the gardeners, however he said that he wouldn't tell because he himself had been inside the garden.

Read to find out if the children ever get caught in the garden again, or if Colin ever walks. Ladies and gentlemen, I invite and encourage you to read The Secret Garden.

One of my childhood favorites -- and I still love it!
I can't count how many times I read this book in elementary school -- dozens, I'm sure. I still read it occasionally and listen to the musical.

Here's a brief synopsis: Mary Lennox is a bitter child whose parents live in India during the very early 1900s (approximately). Her mother and father pay no attention to her, and she is spoiled, selfish and temperamental. When cholera kills her parents, she is sent to live with her uncle -- a hunchback who lives in a huge mansion on the Yorkshire moors.

Slowly and with the help of the maid, the maid's brother, and the gardener, Mary becomes a normal, happy child. But her uncle never sees her and is rarely there. He was devastated by his wife's untimely death years earlier and cannot bear to be in the house where they lived together.

Mary also hears a mysterious crying that no one else seems to. She investigates and discovers it is her cousin, Colin, who refuses to see anyone, believing he is crippled. His father can't bear to look at him because his mother died in childbirth. Mary and Colin discover his mother's garden, long neglected, and eventually Colin realizes he is perfectly healthy and learns to walk again.

This is one of those books every little girl should read. It will stay in your heart forever.

A Classic
I think that this is FHB's best book. Although I certainly enjoy the romatic ideas of diamond mines, life-size dolls, and (completly platonic) secret admirers (as all appear in "A Little Princess") nothing beats the spunky nature and burgeonng independance of Mary, Colin and Dickon.

After her parents die of Cholera, spoiled brat Mary is sent to live with her uncle in Yorshire. She is shocked, absolutely shocked, to find a world that is the complete opposite of India. Not just the weather: gone is the fully staffed nursery which completely revolved around her every whim (and she had a lot of them) and in its place is a local maid who brings her breakfast and that's about it. Mary doesn't even know how to dress herself.

Appalled at first by the notion of having to look after herself, Mary discovers that it's really not so bad. Especially when she discovers a secret garden that has been locked for ten years. Together with her cousin, a boy as bratty and obnoxious as she is, and Dickon, a local boy with a way with living things, she sets about to bring the garden back to life. Mary and Colin, who have been raised with fairly good intentions and plenty of material possesions but no real love, learn what love is as they care for and nurture the garden.

Burnett really has an ear for children's dialogue, and she brings a real sympathy to Colin and Mary even when they are at their most obnoxious. In addition, their transformation is believable, complete with little relapses into their self-absorbed natures.

This is a book that is perfect for people of all ages.

Anything is possible
AThe Secret Garden had an inspirational effect on me. Frances Hodgson Burnett was able to show you that no matter how rough life gets, you always have a single ray of hope. Through realistic characters, she was able to show the value of life. Each character was so detailed and developed it was as if you were watching it all happen. Whether you believe in magic or not, it feels as if something is with you while you are reading. This story has been made into a movie. However, the book has a warmer nature as opposed to the movie.
Mary was an unloved unwanted child with everything she could ever want except for a family. Due to the fact that her mother didn't want her around, her nanny would do anything for her to keep her happy. After her mother's death the only person left to keep her was her uncle in England. Coming from India, the people in England didn't expect Mary to be so picky. She finds that in order to stay amused she must overcome her selfish nature and do things on her own. This leads her to find her cousin, Colin. In time, they both learn to appreciate life and the only way to make it is to stop worrying and start believing. Mr. Craven, Mary's uncle, locked up parts of the manor and a special garden after his wife's death 10 years earlier. So, when it is found it is to be kept a secret between six new friends, until it can be revealed to Colin's father, which could or could not happen.
I would rate this book a 4 because, there were s things I didn't agree with. Some of the less important characters were too developed and it is a long story. I did like that it gave me a warm feeling, as if anything is possible. I'm still thinking about how I can change someone's day the same way they did for each other. The only way to enjoy the miracle is to read it yourself.

The Secret Garden
I liked the book alot because it had alot of excitment and talked about Mary finding a room that was her aun'ts room. I liked the part where she found a key that opened the gate to the secret garden. ... Read more

Book Description

By the big red barn
In the great green field,
There was a pink pig
Who was learning to squeal.

There were horses and sheep and goats and geese--and a jaunty old scarecrow leaning on his hoe. And they all lived together by the big red barn. In joyous and exuberant

Pictures, Felicia Bond lovingly evokes Margaret Wise Brown's simple, rhythmic text about the cycle of a day on a farm, where a family of animals peacefully plays and sleeps.

In the barnyard there are roosters and cows, horses and goats, and a pink piglet who is learning to squeal. Margaret Wise Brown's lulling story about a day in the life of a barnyard is now available as a sturdy board book. Felicia Bond's atmospheric illustrations add to the tranquil simplicity of this story.

Reviews (37)

Soothing words & Simple illustration
These are the things that the little ones, like my 21 month old son, should appreciate in a book.
MWB is widely known for the books "Goodnight moon" and "The Runaway Bunny". I didn't even know about this book until I saw that my husband had picked it up at the bookstore. This book is illustrated by a different artist, Felicia Bond, and her work is sweet and uncomplicated. The story has that same rhythm and beat you follow when reading poetry, but it is also gives a peaceful feeling to it's readers(and the ones being read to).
It's a day in the life of kind of story about animals on a farm, while the children are gone. It is a perfect addition to any child's book shelf and makes for a perfect bedtime story with it's calming effect.
I highly recommend buying this for toddlers! If you already have any of Brown's other books, this one will be a welcome addition.

Wonderful story for children and adults alike
This is one of Margaret Wise Browns best books, Children of any age will love it. The text flows beautifully without being too silly and the illustrations are great for children learning their animals. We've had this book since my son was ten months old and it is still one of his most favorite books, and even after reading this a million times it is still one of my most favorite childrens stories. How did I miss this one as a child?

Un libro bueno por leyendo en voz alta
This translation is not the best one I've used but works well for younger crowds. It rhymes on some pages but not all which makes for a somewhat awkward read the first time around. With a little practice, though, the book is wonderful to use in a Spanish language storytime. The story is very simple as are the pictures so it could be used for toddler and preschool age groups. The book would also be good for those just starting to read in Spanish since many of the words are basic and the text is somewhat sparse.

Doesn't do it for us
Just a basic farm book like many others. Doesn't really do it for my kids. We own a lot of board books and none of mine ever attached to this one. They prefer Boynton books.

Very gentle and calming
If your child enjoys Goodnight Moon, then they should enjoy this book - it has a similar rhythm and very appealing illustrations. Like the mouse that you can look for in Goodnight Moon, this book has a butterfly that appears on many of the pages. It also shows beautifully the change in the light as the sun sets and day turns to night, and the animals going from active to asleep.

I did find it quite difficult to get a good reading rhythm until I had read through it several times. The rhymes are not exact (not like Dr Seuss, say) - it is more subtle and textured than that. I found some of the lines that work well together require turning over to the next page, and personally I think it sounds better when 3 of the lines are left out completely ("meow meow", "yeow yeow" and "bow wow").

My son (21 months) really enjoys it, and it's a book that you can read every day without going too crazy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The thinking's not fuzzy in these board books, but the animalscertainly are. Sandra Boynton's familiar furry creatures introduce simple concepts in this bright collection of four books, replete with clever line drawings. In Horns and Toes and In Between, three horned monsters teach the parts of the body in rhyme: "...and we have a fuzzy TUMMY that we all like to pat / and a little BELLY BUTTON in the middle of that."The Going to Bed Book gets a Noah's Ark of animals organized for bed: "They hang their towels on the wall / and find pajamas, big and small." Opposites is just that: cute animals "high and low / fast and slow / heavy and light / day and night." In the rhyming reader But Not the Hippopotamus, a hippo finds himself on the outs as "a cat and two rats are trying on hats. / But not the hippopotamus. / A moose and a goose together have juice. / But not the hippopotamus." Rest assured the hippo finds love at the end. (Baby to preschool) --Claire Dederer ... Read more

Reviews (9)

My daughter's favorites!
When I first got this group of books (and also the other set), it didn't hold my daughter's attention. She was still just a baby, so I'm assuming the pictures didn't thrill her. Then she turned 18 months... In the last three months I think I've read each of these books at least twice a day. I know them by heart and she does too. In fact she sleeps with a couple every night!

Simply essential for every well-read infant.
I think "The Going to Bed Book" is the best night-night book ever written. "But Not the Hippopotamus" is a tear-jerker - "But YES the hippopotamus!" - and "Horns to Toes" is a rockin' good book to sing, rather than read. Sandra Boynton is wonderful; I want her to come to my house and hang out. In the meantime, I'll settle for reading these books to my kids and making sure that every baby *I* know has them in his library.

great books
Our two year old loves Sandra Boynton books and we enjoy reading them to him. Great books.

Excellent books for 0 - 3
These four books are all very good! My 15 month old loves them now as much as she did when she was first born. In fact, Boynton books are the only books she likes now in her active toddler stage. They are the only books she will sit still for, and I have over 100 books for her to choose from! They all have cute, short, catchy rhymes that are fun to listen to and read. The colors are very bright and the animals/creatures are really cute! Her favorite is The Going To Bed Book amoung these four, but she likes them all very much.

Boynton's Greatest Hits: Volume II
These are must buy books for the kids!!. The books are great. I've never bought Boynton's books before and after having this volume : The Going to Bed Book, But Not the Hippotamus, Opposites, Horns to Toes; I must say that I am going to get more of Sandra Byonton's books. The rhymes are short and simple but nice and I think this is important for infants as their attention span is pretty short. The illustrations are wonderful and kids won't go tired of them forever as they are cartoon characters. My 8 month old daughter seems to enjoy listening to the rhymes and looking at the pictures as I enjoy reading the books to her. Get these volume now.....I really recommend them. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

One of the Most Amazing Sights in books
"Animalia" is an illustrated book that brings you into a magical fantasy land full of animals. It features brilliant pictures of cats, birds, mice, unicorns and all sorts of animals. Each creature acts out interesting activities with gorgeous backgrounds. I am now sixteen, but I remember when the book recently came out, some six or seven years ago and I was amazed by the many sights of this book. Every page has "tongue twisters" for the letters of the alphebet, such as "Crafty Crimson Cats Carefully Catchting Crusty Crayfish" and "Lazy Lions Lounging In The Local Library". The pages also have pictures of many things that start with the letters. The lions look at books titled "Lassie Come Home", "Let's Learn Latin", and "Life In Louxembourg". The cats where charms and sit next to a pond, surrounded by a grand horizan where in the background you see castles and churches. Myself and my brother and sister loved looking for all of the things that started with C. We were also very amazed by the mesmorizing images. These illustrations look very lifelike, in fact, they look very much like the wonderful scenes children see in dreams. Reading this book with your kids is like walking through a great fantasy adventure in an animal world. It also serves as an excellent method to teach the alphebet to children. You will always enjoy reading this book with your kids and your kids will also enjoy reading and looking at the book by themselves.

Otherworldly delight
Forget the usual rhyming games - this is the way to teach your kid the alphabet.

Each page (or sometimes two) has a clever little phrase like "Lazy lions lounging in the local library." But it will not be only that - hidden in the sumptuous, realistic illustrations are tiny pictures, symbols and words that also begin with the letter of that page. Small kids will be delighted by the opportunity to find all of them, though parents may have to describe what the difference between a lobster and a crawfish is.

Humans don't really exist in this book, as animals seem to rule. The actions of the animals - such as aforementioned lions pawing lazily through books - seem very logical in this dreamy world. Even if you don't have kids or they are too old for picture books, check this out anyway. Excellence like this is not restricted to age.

Fantastic alphabet book
In this book, each letter appears with an amusing gerundive phrase describing animals doing something. The book is richly illustrated. Each item in the drawings starts with the focused letter of the page. The book is great for kids to sit and point at the details in the pictures and identify all the items that begin with the focused letter. The book has about 170 words.

Great book with one disturbing page
I agree with every word that previous reviewers used to glorify this book; however, my 4 year old has become obsessed with (and I think slightly disturbed by) the "K" page which shows a machine gun wielding kookaburra and kangaroo kidnapping a female koala. The kangaroo is pointing his machine gun at the koala and he is seemingly dragging her away. Perhaps this scenario wasn't the very best choice--couldn't Base have these critters knitting or flying kites? I try to make nothing of this scene, but my daughter always wants to turn back to that page and ask what the kangaroo is doing and why he is doing it. I try to tell her that they are playing cops and robbers, but that means nothing to her. She detects the violence. Of course, it provides a teachable moment, and I don't want to sound moralizing because I do otherwise adore this book for the great fun it provides. However, you may want to preview that page before choosing this book for your child. I would like to just skip that page all together (and I may tape it together with the previous page until she gets older).

From A to Z
The brilliance of this book is not just the way the illustrations walk into your living room or the way the colors drip right off the pages, but in how it grows in skills as your child grows.
From a small child giggling at the silliness of your words as you read aloud; to an older child weaving their way through the labrynth of puzzles and challenges, like figuring out the name of the picture in relation to the letter of the alphabet.
Graeme Base is a "versatile virtuoso of vociferous verbosity" in this linguistic and artistic pleasure for the entire family. ... Read more