Book Description

Reviews (25)

Smoky Night- Chilren facing rioting and prejudice
From her home in Pasadena, California, Eve Bunting was close enough to Los Angeles for the riots of the early 90's to have had a big impact on her everyday life during that time. As an author of children's literature who was always thinking of new story lines, she began wondering about the effects the riots had on children in the Los Angeles area and other areas where rioting was taking place. This is the premise of her book Smoky Night. In the story, a young boy and his mother witness a riot on the streets outside their home. Later that evening, their building catches fire, and they go to a shelter until the fire can be extinguished and the building repaired. Through their experience, they learn the importance of getting along with others regardless of their race or background. Bunting does a wonderful job of portraying the craziness and futility of the riots from a child's perspective. The illustrations by David Diaz are also important in furthering the theme of overcoming the adversity of the riots, along with racism, through togetherness. Smoky Night begins with just the narrator and his mother, exhibiting their isolation in the middle of the dangerous riots. The mother in the story becomes the interpreter of the riots for the young boy. He seems to understand how the rioters are feeling, he says, "They look angry. But they look happy, too," but he does not understand why they are smashing and stealing things. His mother explains that they are so angry that they don't care what's right or wrong anymore. The pictures that illustrate the scenes of the rioting streets are wonderful. Collages of such things as glass to represent the broken windows, the soles of shoes to represent the robbing of the shoe store, and several different types of cereal to represent the robbing of Mrs. Kim's market create the illustrations. A painted scene of the action that is being described at the time also accompanies each of these backgrounds. During the riots, the colors and images are brightly colored, and many different things cover each page. The colors as well as the sparse, carefully selected words create the sense of panic and confusion that everyone, especially the children must have been feeling at the time. The brightest illustration is the one depicting the reds and yellows of the apartment fire along with matches and the fleeing occupants of the building. On the same page appears a lot of dialogue to represent the confusion of the fire in the middle of the night. Most of this consists of quick questions, many concerning the boy's lost cat. Later in the story, Bunting uses this cat which always fights with a neighbor's cat as a metaphor for the people who also work against their neighbors. The reader finds out about the cats' feud and the prejudice of the people when the boy says, "Mr. Kim's cat and my cat fight all the time, and Mrs. Kim yells at Jasmine in words I don't understand." As the people flee from the burning building their sense of urgency is obvious from the repeated use of exclamation points on the page. After the residents of the apartment escape from the fire, the text seems to move more slowly and the pictures show thick, soup-like smoke covering everything. Not until the residents of the apartment reach a shelter and a kind fireman brings both the boy's and Mrs. Kim's cats to them do the illustrations brighten up once again. In the story the cats are important because, like the people, the cats do not get along at first. However, when they are caught in the riots and the fire, they find the need to be with one another and, in the end, the fireman finds them together. The people involved in the story go through the same changes, and they also find that they have never taken the time to get to know each other. A story like Smoky Night can be helpful for any person who is struggling through adversity or thinking that others may be too different from themselves to be worth befriending.

A new view of urban violence
Bunting takes a bold step by bringing the LA riots to life through the eyes of a child. Though not the ideal bed time story, Smoky night is worth being read. It conveys the message of the effects of urban violence on a child but also tells a beautiful tale of coming together. Daniel and his cat stare out their apartment window at the streets below as people loot the stores. He can not understand why this is happening, how people can look angry and happy at the same time. As Daniel and his mother sleep, a fire breaks out in their building. In the confusion their cat is lost as well as the cat of Mrs. Kim, a Korean shop owner where Daniel's mother never goes. Perhaps a tad cornybut effective is Bunting's use of the two cats coming together to find comfort and security in a time of crisis. The illustrations of David Diaz fill the pages with bright neon colors. His use of multi media to create unique chaotic pictures, complimentary to the story being told.

A 3 1/2 year old critic
My daughter spotted this book at the library and said "look its a badge book." We are reading Caldecott Honor books to earn a badge from the library. I thought the content was a little advanced for a 3 year old, but she said "mommy this is an interesting book." She wants to read it again tonight before we return it to the library. I am ordering a paperback copy for at home and for future reads. I think she will understand the content and meaning more as she gets older. I am certain she doesn't know what riots are but she liked the tie-in with the 2 fueding cats becoming friends in the end and sharing a bowl of milk at the shelter where their families have been relocated during the riots.

Avoid, this book creates negative stereotypes.
Must aggree with other negative posts. Although the author has good intentions, this book is too complex for kindergarteners who may sadly create negative stereotypes of Blacks based on the depictions in the book.
However, this book may be appropriate for childeren who have encountered urban riots and other street violence.

Unfortunately I will have to solicite my child's kindergarten library to remove the book or at least place a warning indicating the book contains complex social issues.

a story about a horror that happened in our time
Smoky Night portrays a mother and son family in urban Los Angeles who are forced to leave their apartment because of a fire while the riots are in full swing. The background of each full-page spread consists of various photographed media, while the left side contains the text and the right side the impressionistic illustrations. The paintings contain exceptionally heavy lines to lend a sense of surrealism to a horrifying experience and also give a sense of seriousness within the brightly colored illustrations. This story shows an experience that elementary children nowadays won't remember, but may still be vivid in their parent's memory, and reminds the reader that adversity does not have racial boundaries. ... Read more

Book Description

The owl and pussycat have gone to sea often in the past 100 years, but never in a boat so green, on a sea so blue, into horizons and lands so glowing with color. Artist Erica Rutherford has created beautiful silk-screened images of Edward Lear’s much loved fantasy poem of two unlikely companions and a spare little boat. First published 150 years ago, “The Owl and the Pussycat” is impossible, nonsensical, whimsical, and it is in those very elements that its appeal lies. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

the best
I have always loved this rhyme, and when I found a version illustrated by Jan Brett, I knew that for me this would be the definitive version. Jan Brett's illustrations bring the Caribbean Islands to life right in front of your eyes. The cat with her headscarf, the beautiful tropical fish in the borders, the lush vegetation, this is so richly illustrated that you can look at the pages over and over again. And if you tire of the Owl and the Pussycat, there's always the story told in the borders to provide a change.

Hand in hand, on the edge of the sand....
Spectacularly beautiful illustrations make this book a joy. The familiar poem has a gently rocking rhythm, and the pictures have a flow of their own. My 18-month-old daughter likes to find the flower, the yellow fish, the cat and the owl on each page. The quiet familiarity of the poem calms her down during the nighttime crazies (that spurt of energy toddlers get just before they collapse into a puddle). I recommend this book for a soothing, visually delightful experience.

Amazing Illustrations
My daughter loves this book and I don't mind reading it over and over again thanks to the beautiful illustrations. I always notice something new and wonderful and what a fantastic idea for a setting.

Beautiful But Ridiculous
As I'm sure you know, owls and cats don't make fast friends (something that makes the Hopperoo a lover of the owl). And that's what makes this book so ridiculous. Of course, it is a fairy tale and the illustrations are beautiful.

On the other hand, I once took my ailurophilic spouse Bessie on a camping trip to one of those cat-ridden ghost towns in New Mexico (Winston) and the interaction between owl and kitty cat was not quite as Lear describes in his charming book--imagine an entire evening interupted by the continual caterwauls of nature's inferior puddy tat. I only wish Bobo (her annoying tabby) had been along for the ride!!! Recommended, but not as enjoyable as the Winston Owlprey Symphony Orchestra.

Beautiful book with depth!
This is one of my favorite all-time books. I have always loved the story. My mother recited it so often that it was one of the first things I memorized. It's whimsical, sweet and has interesting characters and locations. When I found this edition with Jan Brett's illustrations, I was captivated. I have read it to my four children over and over again, and I always find a new detail that I missed before. Wonderful book!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Four pairs of eyes stare from the blackness to watch fearsome creatures trick-or-treat. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

My almost 3 year old memorized in a couple of days!
My son is just turning 3 and borrowed this book from the library to get him excited about Halloween ...did it ever! We didn't know how much he was taking it in until one night when we were very tired and reading it to him...we stopped to yawn and he filled in the rest of the story in a very scary scary halloween whispered voice! So much fun - we are buying it! GREAT pictures and colors that go right along with a GREAT story! I will probably buy this for all my niece and nephews for next Halloween!

Learning that Halloween is not just scary, it is great fun
"Little ones, stay safe inside! It's best to stay at home and hide On hallowed Halloween." This certainly must sound like good advice to young kids, because on Halloween there are skeletons and ghosts, vampires and werewolves, and all sorts of other creatures out and about. The pictures by Jan Brett strike a nice balance between obviously being costumes but still looking wonderfully frightful. Eve Bunting's story is told in simple rhyme and offers a delightfully little surprise at the end regarding the frightful green eyes under the front porch of the house. "Scary, Scary Halloween" shows how much fun it can be to dress up and go out scaring people, so young kids should get a sense of the excitement and not been so worried about going out into a night filled with scary costumes. Then you will have less than two months to get them ready to go sit on Santa's lap.

Fun, Fun Halloween
I love this little book about Halloween night! It has the usual bright, colorful work that we have come to expect from the talented Jan Brett. Eve Bunting's fun-filled rhymes have just the right amount of spookiness for little ones. The Halloween images are fresh and creative and include the autumn ambiance of the orange Chinese lantern flowers on the cover. You will see a marvelous, flowing ghost, a jaunty dancing devil, a hunched and sauntering werewolf and so much more. Be sure to notice the mummy costume...what kind of kid is in there under those winding cloths? This will be a Halloween treat for any little goblin that you love.

I still know the book by heart...14 years later!
we bought this book when my son was about 3 years old. he immediately memorized every word, every sound we made when we read it together, and every picture. he used to lay in bed "reading" it to everyone (with voice inflections, too!). i still know the book by heart, and it brings back wonderful memories every time i see it. i buy it for every child i know each halloween. enjoy!

Intiguing illustrations make students beg for more.
As a teacher, Eve Bunting and Jan Brett are my favorites. The illustrations bring the story to life and it is just scary enough for the very young. In this day and time however; when I read the book to my kindergarten children I usually paraphrase "in praise of Halloween" and "on hallowed Halloween" just because I don't want to upset parents. ... Read more

Book Description

Christmas is coming and Carlos and his family are going home-driving south across the border to Mexico. But Mexico doesn't seem like home to Carlos, even though he and his sisters were born there. Can home be a place you don't really remember?

At first, La Perla doesn't seem very different from the other villages they pass through. But then Carlos is swept into the festivities by Grandfather, Aunt Ana, and the whole village. Finally, Carlos begins to understand Mama and Papa's love for the place they left behind, and realizes that home can be anywhere, because it stays in the hearts of the people who love you.

Eve Bunting and David Diaz-the Caldecott Medal-winning team behind Smoky Night- collaborated once again to create a dazzling picture book that glows with holiday joy and the spirit of Mexico.

Reviews (4)

Eve Bunting and David Diaz do it again!
Eve Bunting takes her readers on journey with a Mexican family going home for Christmas. The text she uses is elegantly written. Through the feelings expressed by Carlos and his family you get a real sense of the Mexican culture and the importance of family. David Diaz's illustrations lead you into the journey with Carlos and his family. With the use of collaged background and inset illustrations the pages come alive. The text of Bunting and the illustrations of Diaz give you the sense of being there. This is a book that a child of any age would enjoy.

Excellent book!
This book is very touching...it sensitively portrays the sacrafices Mexican immigrants have to make to move to America for their children to have a better life. Very well done themes of parental love, long car trips, the sadness of leaving one's home country, sibling realtionships, husband and wife being romantic (tasteful and age-appropriate), and a child's growing understanding of the complexities of life. Buy and read it to every child (and adult) you know.

Good story/GREAT illustrations
This story is well told, with a nice pace and sense of language. Diaz is up to his usual standards, creating a colorful world that you just want to hop right into. Judge this book by its cover - it's beautiful!

beutiful story and Illustration
The story will keep the attention of any child with the vivid illustrations of Diaz's technique ... Read more

Book Description

Best-seller Graeme Base is back with an all-new story filled with hidden pictures on every page!

Little Ngiri is the Smallest Warthog in Africa. Tired of being teased by his bigger brothers and sisters, he wishes things could be different. When Old Nyumbu the Wildebeest gives Ngiri a set of magic drums, he is sure his wish is about to come true. But all the animals of the jungle are in for a BIG surprise as Ngiri's wish is granted in a most unexpected way. In the end, the gentle message that inner beauty and change is more important than outer beauty rings true. In true Graeme Base style, there is an added surprise at the end of the book. Everything seems to be normal in the jungle, but look closely and you will see that none of the animals or the other creatures watching from the trees are quite the way they were when the book began. Look even closer, and you will also find Old Nyumbu the Wildebeest hidden somewhere on every spread. Jungle Drums is a book to be read over and over again. AUTHOR BIO: Graeme Base, while working on Jungle Drums, journeyed with his family to Tanzania, Africa, where they camped in the Serengeti among giraffes, elephants, zebras, and of course warthogs. The trip helped Graeme bring the characters and landscape of the book to life. Graeme lives in Melbourne, Australia, with his artist wife, Robyn, and their three children. ... Read more

Book Description

If you could see with your eyes closed, how would you use your power? That’s what Henry has to decide in "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,"one of the seven stories in this extra-ordinary collection. In addition to imaginative and magical tales, this book also contains the true story of how Roald Dahl became a writer, as well as a copy of the very first nonfiction story he wrote for The Saturday Evening Post. Packed with wit and adventure, the collection is a clever mix of fantasy and reality — and a stunning showcase of Dahl’s prose. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Marvelous tales from a master
A recent discussion with several friends left me fending off accusations that the only material I read or watch pertains to the horror genre. I had some difficulty convincing these misguided souls that I do indeed like to read literature and watch films that don't contain a masked maniac. Exhibit A in my defense is Roald Dahl's "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More," a book I adored as a child and one that fully deserves to sit alongside the author's better known "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "James and the Giant Peach." Dahl the man had an interesting life; he worked in the oil business in Africa before joining the RAF during World War II to fight the Luftwaffe. Injuries incurred from a plane crash briefly sidetracked Dahl's military career, but eventually gave the world something to sing about because it directly led to the beginning of his writing career. You get all of this information from one of the stories in the book, but Dahl's fiction deservedly receives the most attention. Fortunately, we get a lot of that here too. Roald Dahl died in 1990.

The non-fiction pieces here are wonderful. His first story, "A Piece of Cake," is here, along with an account of how Dahl became a writer. Entitled "Lucky Break," this story is really a short autobiography of the writer from his early school days through his war experiences. The sections outlining his years at one of England's public schools should be read by anyone who thinks American places of learning are terrible. English public schools, Dahl writes, are actually very private academies devoted to the total education of their pupils. During the writer's childhood, this meant harsh, rigid discipline of a type usually seen in the military. The brutality exhibited by teachers and elder classmates at the school is shocking: the older students routinely whipped younger pupils with switches, an activity mirrored by the teachers whenever students misbehaved. There are great, tension filled descriptions of the beatings endured by Dahl at the hands of these tormentors. The author advises that wearing thick pajamas and undergarments will protect one's posterior from the brunt of a switching administered by a fellow classmate, but nothing will save you from the headmaster's canes. Yikes! And to think the worst thing that happened to me in school involved losing my locker combination. School wasn't a total loss for the young author, however, as it was the place where he learned to love literature.

The centerpiece story, "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar," is one of the best in the book. It's really two stories in one, about a wealthy but frivolous soul named Henry Sugar and his discovery of an unusual book in a friend's library. The book tells the story about a man in India who has learned to see through objects without the use of his eyes. Sugar gets the sudden inspiration to attain this ability and soon discovers that he is a natural at it, one of the rare people with the amazing gift to learn this art in just a few years. Henry's motivations are highly suspect at first: he wishes to use this newfound talent to cheat at the casino, thereby earning himself a fortune. But something rather odd occurs during his training process when Sugar soon discovers that he has little interest in accumulating money for selfish ends. He decides instead to use his gift to fund orphanages for the world's poor, and over the next several decades bilks casino after casino out of millions of dollars. Sugar soon becomes so well known to the owners of these gambling houses that he must assume disguises to keep the game going. Dahl writes the story in such a way that the reader becomes convinced Henry Sugar was a real, breathing person.

"The Swan" is another gem about a precocious child named Peter Watson who runs into two local tormentors, Ernie and Raymond, while out bird watching. The two goons march Watson around at the point of a gun for no other reason then alleviating their boredom on a weekend. They first tie Peter to the railroad tracks and trick him into believing he will be hit by a train. The final indignity occurs when Raymond and Ernie shoot a beautiful swan, tie its wings to Peter's arms, and force him to climb a tree so they can see him "fly." No spoilers here, but there is something magical and memorable about what happens next as Peter learns that he is one of those precious souls which all the bullies in the world will never triumph over. Along with "The Swan," you get "The Hitchhiker" and the less interesting "The Boy Who Talked With Animals."

"The Mildenhall Treasure" is an incredible story about an amazing discovery. On a cold winter morning, a farmer plowing another man's land stumbled upon the greatest cache of Roman silver ever found in Britain. Regrettably, Gordon Butcher didn't know what he had found because the silver had tarnished during its years in the ground. His boss did know what it was and took the stuff home where hid it for a few years before the authorities discovered it. The crux of the story centers on a British law that says the person who FINDS any treasure receives compensation for the full market value of the items. The Mildenhall plates, bowls, and spoons would have netted Butcher nearly a million pounds. By allowing his boss to walk off with the silver, Butcher received only one thousand pounds. In a way, this book is similar to the Mildenhall Treasure: a great find even if you have little idea of it at first glance. Roald Dahl's works are genius and everyone should read a few of them.

Delightful Stories by the Exciting Author Roald Dahl
Contains: THE BOY WHO TALKED WITH ANIMALS A wierd tale about a boy who decides to run away on a giant sea turtle. I gave away the end, but you'll have to read the well-written middle. THE HITCHHIKER The short tale of a fingersmith ( talented pickpocket ). THE SWAN A dramatic story of an intelligent, unconquerable young boy and the child thugs who terrorize him. THE MILDENHALL TREASURE From the back of the book:"A true tale of a fortune found and an opportunity lost." THE WONDERFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR Tells of the deep, Indian ( that is, from India ) secret: how to activate the senses without their instrument functioning ( i.e., to see without eyes, smell without the nose, hear without the ears, etc. ), and of the two people, Imhrat Khan and Henry Sugar, who dared to use it improperly. LUCKY BREAK-HOW I BECAME A WRITER Exactly what the title says. Includes some interesting characters we didn't see from "BOY" and some other great moments. PIECE OF CAKE FIRST STORY-1942 A poorly written story about the author's accident as a RAF fighter that changed his life. Then again, it was his first story, so I shouldn't be so critical.

Simply the best
As far as I'm concerned, this book should be reachable on every child's bookshelf (and by the way - every child should have a bookshelf). I read it years ago and can still recall the way the book made me feel - truly wonderful. I still remember the story of the hitchhiker so many years after I read it. Dahl is one of the best storytellers of our time.

a piece of cake
this is the only story i have read from the book so far, having just read it this last saturday to my 7 year old cousing before he drifted off to sleep. I'm seventeen and have read a fair share of literature. I enjoy Vonnegut, Lewis, steve Martin, Camus etc..., and I must say that this was one of the most captivating stories I have ever read, taking into account its short length of course. It wasn't epic, but I was driving and caustic. I loved it, and I will buy the book, even that one story would be all that was worth reading, which I highly doubt. I'm just rebuffing the last reviewers oppinion on the "Piece of Cake" story, so that someone might be given a second oppinion. Fusion is awesome, chech out billy cobham, I'm a Christian but I won't be voting for Bush when my first valid election comes around, I play the drums but I don't care for metal or rock n roll, stocks to watch are eag, emrg, almi, orch, and adzr, I'm single as might be assumed, and yes, I have a physics test tommorrow.

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More
This is a great book. There are seven stories each one as fun and interesting as the next.

In the first book entiled the The Boy Who Talked to Animals a man goes to Jamaica and as he was sitting on his balcony several fisherman bring up a turtle. Now you may be thinking so they bring in a turtle so what. Well heres what. This was no ordinary turtle. It was atleast five ft. long and four ft. across and a big crowd of hotel guests had come to stare at this magnificent creature. In this crowed of people was a certain very special boy, the boy who talked with animals. He begs everyone to let the turtle go as here kneels down and hugs it. What happens after that is for you to find out.

In the next story entitled The Hitchhiker a man pickes up a hitchhiker who turned out to be a fingersmith (also known as pickpocket). The man drives too fast and is pulled over what happens next is for you to find out.

The next story is The Mildenhall Treasure which is a true story - in fact one of the only true stories that Roald Dahl has ever written. He wrote this story because it was so interesting that he just had to. This true tale takes place in 1946. This story is about a treasure found and a man who lost a great oppertunity. Read this story and you wont be dissapointed.

The Swan is a story about two child thugs Ernie and Raymond who go hunting and find bird wathcing Peter Watson. The two boys tourture Peter and kill a swan while their at it. Does Peter get shot? Does he live or die? find out in Roald Dahls The Swan.

After this is a story about a man named Henry Suger. In this story Henry reads a story about a indian man who learned to see without his eyes. Henry learned to do this in order to make millions off casinos but in the years it took he seemed to have a change of heart and though still making millions, he finds a way to bring joy to orphans and fear to casino owners around the world. Read to find out more.

In Lucky Break Roald Dahl explains the amazing way he became a writer.

And lastly in the true story A Piece of Cake Roald Dahl has the story that led him to his lucky break. ... Read more

Book Description

Ever since the morning Molly woke up to find that her parents hadvanished, her life has become filled with terrible questions. Where have her parents gone? Who is this spooky old man who's taken her to live with him, claiming to be her great-uncle? Why does he never eat, and why does he lock her in her room at night? What are her dreams of the Skeleton Man trying to tell her? There's one thing Molly does know. She needs to find some answers before it's too late.

Reviews (19)

the "never let go of" book by :CLMH grade5
The book Skeleton Man is definitely a quote on quote spine chiller. If you addventours and mysterious books then pop in the car and go the the library because it is a darn good. I would give this book as many stars as it would offer. It starts out as a creppy and horrifing legend and just keeps getting creeper.When Molly, the main character, gets sort of scared when her parents don't come home from a night out in the town.Then her skinny and boney so-called uncle comes and claimes her.When he feeds her for the first time she gets dizzy and never eats his food again. And she especially gets creeped out when he lockes her in her roomand goes to the shed every night. one night she gets a hammer and knocks down the door then she hides in the bushes next to the shed. When her uncle leaves the shed, she sneaks into the shen and looks around. It is all neat and tidy. But then she sees a trapdoor in the corner and goes over to it. She opens it and what does she see!!!!

Skeleton Man
Prepare to be scared! Although based on a Native American tale the author makes you feel as though Molly (the main character) could be anyone in your classroom. When she wakes up to find her parents are not home and that days later they still do not arrive, the eerie tale begins. Molly learns she must trust her intuition and dreams that lead her to know the truth about what is happening to her and what has happened to her parents. Her strength and initiative (warrior instincts) are what gets her through. Not the ending I expected with a children's book , but showing girls can be strong and solve problems makes this a book I would recommend to those who dare to be scared.

A story that hits all the right buttons
This book does a number of things very well. The story is tremendously creepy and scary which is something intermediate grade readers always enjoy. Molly is a great character. She is strong and resourceful and ultimately saves herself. She also does something very sensible, intelligent and believable in the context of the story. She TELLS a trusted teacher about her situation and concerns with her "uncle." Even better, the teacher believes her and tries to help. So often as a reader I wonder why a character doesn't just TELL someone they need help. The background of the Native American folktale is terrific. The final scenes are absolutely gripping.

Creeps me out!!!
If you buy this book, prepare to have nightmares! It is both scary and good! BUY IT (just don't read it late at night)!

Skeleton Man
Skeleton Man is a very well written book about a young Mohawk girl named Molly whose parents mysteriously disappear. She is left alone to care for herself until a mysterious man claiming to be her uncle arrives to take care of her. Molly knows that the man is not really her uncle, although he convinces social workers with family photos of Molly's parents. These photos appear to be the same photos Molly's parents were carrying when they disappeared. Molly is taken to a spooky old house to live with the uncle who is careful not to reveal his face to Molly, and speaks only to tell her to eat. She is locked in her room each night, and is only allowed to leave to attend school. Molly's only escape from this frightening man is through her dreams where she is befriended by a rabbit who informs Molly her parents are buried but still alive. Is the skeleton man responsible for the disapperance of Molly's parents? Will Molly escape this frightening man, and find her parents? This is an awesome book filled with suspense and impossible to put down until you reach the very last page. ... Read more

Book Description

Sister Bear watches Dr. Bearson fill Brother Bear's small cavity. Then it's her turn in the chair to have a dangling baby tooth removed. An entertaining story for preschoolers of a cheerful and informative visit to a dentist. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

More than excellent
This book helped me get through life and showed me the true path to spiritual enlightenment.

Another great book!
i love it,so does my son! he will be making his first trip to the dentist soon-ad at 29m old we need all the help we can get!

the only part that is questionable is how Sister gets her loose tooth pulled.It even gave me the willies!

my first bernstein bear book
I was 6 years old in 1989 when my mom bought me this book. I've been hooked ever since.

Help kids who are vervous about the dentist.
When sister gets a loose tooth that won't come out, mama take her to the dentist to have it removed. With brother telling her how much it hurts she becomes quite scared.

This book is great! It helps kids understand how going to the dentist is not scary or painfull!

Useful, but.....
My 5 year old daughter loves these books, and we do try to read the particular ones when they are relevent. We read this before going to the dentist, but now she assumes that she'll get a loose tooth and get it pulled by the dentist. I suppose they're reasonably accurate, and they help allay some childhood fears. "Dentist Barbie" was almost as helpful for my daughter when she was three, as this book is now. ... Read more

Book Description

After the police come, a family is forced to flee their Caribbean island and set sail for America in a small fishing boat. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A wonderful and touching story
The first time I read this book was to a third grader. When it finished she sat in silence. Then, with an amazing amount of concern and compasion, she asked if it was a true story. The way the book touched her (and me) was amazing. It is a great book to help children (and adults) see the hardships many immigrants face. It is a wonderful book that can be used in the classroom as the center of a integrated lesson, or just read and discussed. This book is one everyone should read, around Thanksgiving or any time of the year.

Is illegal immigration justified?
Eve Bunting seems to hold the opinion that breaking the laws of this country can be justified. I would not read this book to my third graders. In the case of illegal immigration, the end does not justify the means. In her book, Ms. Bunting portrays a family fleeing a Cuba-like country for a Florida-like destination. After enduring a harrowing journey in a rickity, leaky boat, the family arrives in America and is greeted by their fellow countrymen in time to celebrate Thanksgiving. Sorry, but this book does not warm my heart. The problems and responsibilities thrust upon the United States by uncontrolled immigration is too serious an issue to gloss over.

How Many Day's to America
This book was interesting because it showed how people travelled when they immigrated to America. Somebody from our school had the same travel experiences as the family in the book. It was a sad story because some people got sick, but the conclusion was very hopeful.

Fabulous! A must read for Thanksgiving!
Eve Bunting outdid herself again! This story left both my second grade students and I teary eyed! A fabulous read when discussing Thanksgiving! We have alot to be thankful for in America! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

It's funny and cute
My boys love the pictures ~~ and I enjoyed reading the story about Arthur's first sleepovers and his little sister's concern about aliens. After a trick goes bad, Arthur returns the favor to his little sister. And it's just cute.

It's a great book for beginners. If you're a mom of toddlers, this book is just cute to read ~~ it's not repetitive nor boring. It's a fun book.

1-12-04

arthurs first sleepover
i found this book to be very enjoyable my six year old loves it. it s creative, funny and veryattention grabbing. we enjoy this story usually several times a week.

a really great book
Original Reviewer : Tommy Bruzina I liked it because it was funny, because DW played a trick on the boys, then the boys made a trick of their own to scare DW. Arthur had a fun time on his sleepover. ... Read more

Book Description

With help from Mama and Papa (who get a little advice from Grizzly Gran), Sister Bear learns to stop her nervous nail biting before it turns into a bad habit. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good children's book, but puts ideas in kids' heads
As always, Stan and Jan Berenstain do an excellent job writing an entertaining children's story. They add a lesson to it, but I wouldn't feel right not saying this book can actually put the idea of nail biting into a child's head. I am a 20 year old confirmed nail-biter, and reading this book in Kindergarden was my first introduction to it. I still rate it 3 stars because it is well written and entertaining, but this lesson may entice some children rather than get them to avoid a bad habit.

Hard To Break.
Bad habits are hard to break is a lesson that many adults don't even know very well. Most young children don't even have a clue what a habit is, let alone know the difference between a bad habit and a good one. This edition of The Berenstain Bears not only explains what a habit is, it also illustrates the difference between good and bad habits, and offers a helpful way how possibly to break a bad habit youngsters may have.

Clever and meaningful!
Once again Stan and Jan have made a complex issue simple for the child. I love the way they explain what a habit is and why it is hard to break. Sister's bad habit is biting her nails but we substitute whatever we want (nose picking etc.)and our children (age 2 and 6) roar with laughter as they learn that a habit isn't easy to quit...but you can do it with practice. We love this book. I even gave it to a college student who bites her nails and she loves it too.

cute artwork, but author is not a story teller
This book is tedious, uninteresting, and hard for kids to understand. There are way too many words. When we finally get to the boring conclusion, the kids don't even understand it. Too bad the cute pictures aren't paired up with an interesting, creative story. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

From Sea to Shining Sea
This book is a treasury of poems, songs, and stories, from the great country of the US :) The songs are traditional, and, if you have a little skill in piano, flute, recorder, or mallet percussion, you can play them with ease.

The poems are okay, and they include Paul Revere's Ride, which is wonderful.

The stories are also interesting, and they probably aren't ones that you've ever heard before; all of them are 'G' rated, except for one that might be a little scary for little kids in the first section about a girl whose fingers were smashed off by her father and brothers (gross).

This book is okay, but it isn't the greatest thing out there.

A great resource for teachers and others.
I've used this book in my work as a substitute teacher in elementary school and as a Scout leader. It reflects the
diversity of American culture - good Native American tales, for example. The continuity of the illustrations - each illustrator does one section - is a nice touch.

Disappointing
This disappointing anthology is considered a children's book and rightly so because the legends in it read like terrible fairy tales, and not all like the adult fare of a time when adults had no televison, radio, movies, or other instant entertainment. There was a time for relaxtion after a 10 - 12 hour work day or after a holiday dinner when the folks would sit together and spin stories like yarn about one thing or one person or another. This is how all cultures developed. It was not just for kids to enjoy but for adults as well, using mature intellects as each story teller added his or her own twist to a constantly evolving story. One need only look at Washington Irving's "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle" to get an idea what some folks were like. Both of Irving's stories were intended for adults and not mere children - so it is bad that this anthology of American folklore with its tradtional tales and songs reads as much.

wonderful resource for home and classroom educators
A beautiful book with a terrific variety of offerings. I homeschool and have used this book repeatedly through the years with a 10 year old and now a 5 year old. This book gives an excellent foundation for each of the subjects covered in its separate chapter. There are stories, poems, brief non-fiction pieces, and songs that include simple but nicely creative piano accompaniment. You'll find everything from scary southern folk tales to "Who's on First" to a brief, accessible and sad report of Isabel's "cleansing" of Spain. The writers and artists are incredibly diverse, and include Norman Finkelstein, Longfellow, and Leo and Diane Dillon. The fact that the above and many others can seamlessly exist is a wonderful testament to the talents of the editors, Cohn and Bang. Perhaps they could compile an equally terrific anthology of world lit for kids; I'd snap it up. My kids love it and will gladly pick it up on their own to pore over the beautiful artwork.

A wonderful treasury for elementary age students.
This is a wonderful book that is full of american folklore. It includes stories, poetry, folk songs, and illustrations. The illustrations are fabulous and are by well-known picture book artists including Marcia Brown, Barbara Cooney, Leo and Diane Dillon, Trina Schart Hyman, Chris Van Allsburg, and Ed Young. The folktale retellings are well-written and are appropriate for reading out loud as well as fourth grade reading level and above. The included folk songs have the musical score as well as the lyrics.I highly recommend this book for parents and teachers. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Picking right up where Charlie and the Chocolate Factory left off, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator continues the adventures of Charlie Bucket, his family, and Willy Wonka, the eccentric candy maker. As the book begins, our heroes are shooting into the sky in a glass elevator, headed for destinations unknown. What follows is exactly the kind of high-spirited magical madness and mayhem we've all come to expect from Willy Wonka and his creator Roald Dahl. The American space race gets a send-up, as does the President, and Charlie's family gets a second chance at childhood. Throw in the Vermicious Knids, Gnoolies, and Minusland and we once again witness pure genius. (Ages 9 to 12) ... Read more

Reviews (63)

Great Book
This book was very funny.And the kids too!I liked it when Grandma Josephine took 4 wonkavite pills and she turned into a minus.And when she ate the vita-wonk!Read this book you'll find that it is very funny.

Enjoyable, but not a must-read.
This is the sequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory...

...and I'm afraid I didn't like it as much, probably because what happens to Charlie and his family and Mr. Wonka is much more far-fetched. And what I enjoyed in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was precisely that however extraordinary, everything was plausible, or at least very close to.

In this book, our eight protagonists shoot to the stars in Mr. Wonka's glass elevator, and are mistaken for terrorists by astronauts in a space shuttle. Then they have to fight monsters called Vermicious Knids (sound the K), and when they finally get back down to the Chocolate Factory, the story shifts to something totally different... but closer to the style of the first book, therefore more to my liking: Wonka-vite, the rejuvenating pills.

So yeah, it's enjoyable, but I wouldn't call it a must-read.

Wonka carries another terrific book
"From fifty yards away, a full grown Vermicious Knid could stretch out its neck and bite your head off without even getting up!"
"Bite your head off with what?" said Grandma Georgina"I didn't see any mouth."
"They have other things to bite with," Mr. Wonka said darkly.
"Such as what?" said Grandma Georgina.
"Ring off," said Mr. Wonka. "Your time's up. But listen, everybody. I've just had a funny thought..."

This magical sequel picks up where Charlie and the Chocolate Factory left off, with Charlie bursting through the top of the Wonka factory in a flying glass elevator. After a quick stop to pick up Charlie's family, they fly off into space, eventually finding themselves in conflict with the White House and with a race of hungry space aliens.

This book is not quite as grounded as the first one; since it starts off flying around in an elevator, we know right off that this won't be a very realistic tale. But Dahl really pours on the humor and the thrills, which keeps us turning the pages as quickly as we can.

We return to more familiar ground later in the book, when Charlie's family returns to the chocolate factory and find it to be every bit as thrilling and dangerous as their encounters in space.

I believe that this is the only sequel Dahl ever wrote, and I wish all sequels were as good as this one. On the one hand, he does seem to fall a bit into the trap of making things bigger and better in the hopes that it will make up for the sheer originality of the first book. On the other hand, the book is far more bizarre than the first one, and at times takes on an eerie surreality akin to The Phantom Tollbooth.

It's hard to find a more entertaining character than Willy Wonka, who is fiercely cheerful and unpardonably rude, but always to those who deserve it. It's not many characters who can seemingly take pleasure from the act of annoying a trio of bedridden octagenarians and come out of it with more goodwill than he went in with.

Dahl has a talent for children's books unlike any other author. That talent is on full display here, and this book is as highly recommended as his other works.

When Charlie Bores Me!
OOOOOOPS!!!!WENT TO FAR!!!!

When The Great Glass Elevator goes too far,there are some problems.

They're being attacked by Vermicius Knids and there is a commuter capsule on their tail!!When they finally get back to The Chocolate Factory, Grandma Josephine, Grandma Georgina and Grandpa George are too lazy to get out of bed.Who (or what) will make them get out of bed?

This book is recomended for people who like astronomy and crazy things.It is appropriate for kids from 8 to 10 years old.I gave this book two stars because I think that it is too crazy and not very interesting.For example: I don't much enjoy stories about aliens that invade space hotels.How can glass be Knid-proof?

Weird
If you REALLY liked the "Charlie and the Choclate factory" Then I recomend it. But if you though it was "okay" then the sequil, you might not enjoy. It is REALLY weird. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Two young girls cope with shipwreck, babies, a grumpy hermit
This book is a great story of two great women-in-the-making. Shipwrecked and alone, young Scots Mary and Jean are unfailingly clever at finding food, water, shelter, and just about everything else they need for the babies whose lives they save, and the grumpy old hermit whose life they rescue. At the same time, they are real girls - singing, playing, crying, praying, and taking care of each other. Read this book to sons and daughters both for examples of strong, brave children, and read it yourself for a laugh and nostalgic look back at childhood. I've been looking for Baby Island for 25 years and am thrilled to find it again!

I am SMILING!!
I am so thrilled to know that I am not the only Baby Island fan. I read this book SO many times as a child that I had parts memorized. I loved it so much. I still have my copy and the front cover that got "loved" off. The other weird thing is that I also liked the book Caddie Woodlawn but never made the connection that Carol Ryrie Brink wrote them both. What a talented authoress she is! This book is GREAT and an old friend.

True Survival
"Reality survival" T.V. programs seem pretty tame after reading this story. ANYONE who gets marooned on a desert island could figure out how to survive...for at least a few days. Now try it with four infants. THAT would send most of us over the edge, hmmm?
Mary and Jean are only little girls themselves, yet they are faced with the responsibilities of feeding and caring for themselves and four babies. And they do a right fine job of it!
I first read this book 40 years ago, when I was about the same age as Mary and Jean. I've saved that book all of these years and re-read it from time to time. It's a delightful story that every little girl should get a chance to read! (Mary and Jean certainly could have taught the folks on Gilligan's Island a thing or two!)

Fantasy Island, but Lots of Fun
This fun book comes from Carol Ryrie Brink, the author who brought us Caddie Woodlawn, and while shorter and not quite up to the standards set by that great book, is one that kids are sure to enjoy.
Written in 1937 it tells the tale of two girls, 12 year old Mary and her younger sister Jean, who rescue four babies and end up floating alone with them in a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean when the steamliner they are sailing on begins to sink. The quick thinking and good sense of the girls pulls them through when they run aground on a small deserted tropical island. This book was written in a "kinder, gentler" time than our own and thank goodness because the children do not experience anything traumatic or terribly frightening. They mostly exhibit plucky courage and try to do things properly with their little charges, one infant and three active toddlers. There is plenty of humor and adventure in the book, but not much realism. They easily find clean water, food and shelter, but this isn't a reality show it's a children's fantasy. The childcare methods have changed somewhat over the years and that makes the story seem rather quaint, but I found that all the more endearing. The girls insist upon having a church service every Sunday even though that only consists of singing hymns and reciting the 23rd Psalm, the only Bible passage they know by heart. Again, this is quaint but interesting and sweet. I think most modern day children will love the story and enjoy imagining what they would do under similar circumstances. This is not much like other "deserted island" stories such as Swiss Family Robinson, Robinson Crusoe or even Island of the Blue Dolphins in terms of action, but it is similar to those in its ability to transport and to kindle the imagination. Check it out.

Great for boys too
My fourth grade teacher read this book to us a chapter at a time and we were all so eager for the next day's reading. One of the very best childhood books ever. Many reviewers are commenting that it is a great girls book, but I and the other boys in class loved it too. I'm 45 now and when I chanced on a copy of Baby Island in a used book store I snatched it up. After all those years it was still a great read. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Lewis always dreamed of living in an old house full ofsecret passageways, hidden rooms, and big marble fireplaces. Andsuddenly, after the death of his parents, he finds himself in justsuch a mansion--his Uncle Jonathan's. When he discovers that hisbig friendly uncle is also a wizard, Lewis has a hard time keepinghimself from jumping up and down in his seat. Unfortunately, whatLewis doesn't bank on is the fact that the previous owner of themansion was also a wizard--but an evil one who has placed atick-tocking clock somewhere in the bowels of the house, marking offthe minutes until the end of the world. And when Lewisaccidentally awakens the dead on Halloween night, the clock onlyticks louder and faster. Doomsday draws near--unless Lewis can stop the clock!

This is a deliciously chilling tale, with healthy doses of humorand compassion thrown in for good measure. Edward Gorey'sunmistakable pen and ink style (as seen in many picture books,including TheShrinking of Treehorn and Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats) perfectly complementsJohn Bellairs's wry, touching story of a lonely boy, his quirkyuncle, and the ghost of mansions past. (Ages 9 to 12) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (65)

My all time favorite book, because.....
..Lewis, the main character in the book, is FAT....just like me bhwahahhahaha. Seriously, i adore this book ever since i read it awhile back ago. It scare me alot like no other book ever did. I had nightmare where a clock is ticking inside the house and i was chubby Lewis, trying to find a way to save the world from destruction. I think i hid under the bed in my nightmares but that is another story. I saw the made for saturday movie based on the book but it was nowhere as scary. Read the book and be forewarn... it will scare you senseless. I am scared just by thinking about it.

John Bellairs knows how to write a good scarefest with exact detail and heartfelt suspense. I have read his other books on the Lewis saga and enjoy every one but this one started it all. Check out Edward Gorey's illustration...this guy is good!

Well that's enough...now give it a read....and be terrified!!!

A "timeless" story!
I first became acquainted with "The House With a Clock in Its Walls" around the age of eight. It was made into a kids' TV show (an "After School Special", perhaps? I don't remember), and I immediately checked the book out from the library. Over the years I read several other of Bellairs' books, but my favorites were always the books linked with (and continuing the story of) "The House With A Clock In Its Walls". The stories were especially fascinating for me, as they all took place in Michigan, my home state (in fact, "The Letter, The Witch, and The Ring" - book three of the series - takes place in no small part near Petoskey, Michigan, which is only 25 miles from my hometown). When I was in college, I found that the college bookstore had some copies of T.H.W.A.C.I.I.W. for sale, so I bought one. I found the story was just as enjoyable then as it had been 16 years before. I'm now 27, and I STILL enjoy these books! These are truly stories for young and old alike.

Bellairs' Best
It was his first Gothic chiller for the younguns, and was his best.

Orphan Lewis Barnavelt moves to the town of New Zebedee, MI, to live with his uncle Jonathan, only to find himself in the middle of eerie goings on. Why does his uncle behave so oddly? Why do things change around the house? Why does the front hall mirror show images of faraway places? And...what is the reason for the ticking sound heard in the walls of the old Victorian mansion they live in?

All this is contrasted with some of the everyday problems that Lewis faces. He's a fat, bookish kid who's no good at sports and also fairly depressed, so of course he worries about bullies and about making friends.

Supernatural chills abound as Lewis discovers that his uncle is a wizard (although not a very powerful one) and that another, evil wizard is using the clock for a nefarious purpose. The story ends happily and has a good message about courage.

Bellairs maintains just the right balance between scares and whimsy in this terrific little book, great for middle readers and for adults looking for an afternoon's amusement. I would like to see the return of the original Edward Gorey cover, but his illustrations are still there and are sublime.

One of my childhood favorites
Lots of reviews here recount the plot, so I'll skip that.

This book is great fun for younguns who enjoy a good eerie tale. I first read this about 1978 and enjoy revisiting it every so often. Lewis is a great character, smart but also emotional and prone to making bad decisions. He's also fat, bookish and not good at sports although he keeps trying and trying. His Uncle Jonathan is a great parental figure, loving, nonjudgemental but also seemingly baffled sometimes by dealing with his nephew, someone who's a lot like him.

The plot is full of chills and thrills. It does amble somewhat and there are lots of scenes that have nothing or little to do with the main storyline, but this book is also a primer for Bellair's world of wizards and supernatural chills.

The book has a good message about courage that lots of kids like Lewis would benefit from hearing. It helped me as a bookish kid who was no good at sports (although I wasn't fat...that waited until I was an adult!). The writing is brisk and Bellairs is a master of atmosphere. He creates a great feel for the old house and the town of New Zebedee.

As an adult, I enjoy this book immensely, and highly recommend it to kids. Parents whose kids enjoy a good chill may enjoy sharing it with them. Kids who enjoy Harry Potter are likely to enjoy this as well. Bellairs' books are basically gothic horror for the younger set, and this was his first in that genre and his best.

P.S. Hollywood, if you're reading...these books would make great movies, or maybe a TV series!

THE HOSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS
THE hOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS.THE SETTING TAKES PLACE IN nEWNEBEE. THE MAJOR CHARACTERS ARE LOUIS, UNCLE JONATHAN, MRS. ZIMMERMAN,TARBY AND MR. AND MRS.IZARD. THE FASCINATING EVENT OF AN MAGICAL ECLIPS OF THE MOON AND THE RISE OF THE DEAD. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANY ONE THAT LIKE WISARDS, MAGIC AND MYSTERY. THIS BOOK A BOOK THAT YOU PICK UP A WON'T PUT DOWN BOOK.
ASHLEY ... Read more

Book Description

When Bo spots what he thinks is a "rip-roarin', rootin'-tootin', shiny red armadillo," he knows what he has to do. Follow that armadillo! Bo leaves his mother and three brothers behind and takes off for a two-stepping, bronco-bucking adventure. Jan Brett turns her considerable talents toward the Texas countryside in this amusing story of an armadillo on his own. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Armadillo Befriends Boot
A slightly different tale from Jan Brett. Gone is the European feel of so many of her books. It is replaced by a healthy jargon-filled dose of American Western. Gone are the hedgehogs; welcome the armadillos.

Bo is one of four armadillo brothers. He tends to be curious and wander so his mother tries to keep a close watch on him. Like all armadillos, Bo's eyesight is not very good. So one day while he is following a lizard, he sees a red cowboy boot and thinks it is a red armadillo.

The boot in question is being worn by a young girl who is trying to scuff them up so she won't look like a tenderfoot at the rodeo. But Bo does not see the girl, or the other boot for that matter. Instead, he thinks he has found a playful new friend.

Chasing after the boot, Bo has many experiences while his mother and brothers search for him (as seen in the side panels). Bo's adventure takes him across the rodeo arena, to a bar-b-que, into an encounter with a jalapeno, to a barn dance, a hayloft, and ultimately to the truth about his new friend.

In the end we learn that while Bo has learned the truth of his day's adventures, he knows just what to do when he feels a little mischievous.

I usually give Jan Brett's books five stars but gave this one only four. I did that only because of the heavy use of Western jargon that needs to be explained to young ears in order for the story to make sense. But it is still a very fun book with beautiful illustrations.

The book I have the most fun reading aloud to my 7-year old!
My sister, a nearby neighbor of Jan Brett's, discovered this book and sent it to my then 5-year old son for his birthday. Bo's nearsighted adventures entertain; and his being lost and not knowing he's lost delights my son. Most children will envy Bo's adventure to the rodeo and understand his curioisity. Having developed quite the Texas "accent and attitude" while reading this book, it's at the top of our list of all-time favorites. Thank you Jan Brett!

A book this Texas girl loved!
In my opinion, this is one of Jan Brett's best. Her thorough research aided in her creating a book my second grade, rural,Texas students really enjoyed reading. So much media gives a distorted view of Texas life. This book gave a picture that my kids could relate to. Bo, the armadillo, searched for adventure in a setting that truly depicted our Texas countryside, from the prickly pear cactus to the bluebonnets. Bo's troubles finding a friend made the children laugh and want to read to find out what would happen next. I plan to use this book in my classroom for many years to come

Exciting adventure story for young children.
Bo is a lovable Texas armadillo who longs for adventure. Because he is near sighted, he mistakes a cowboy boot for a fellow armadillo. Together they romp through the Texas countryside. All the while, Bo's mother is looking for her missing son. You'll love reading about Bo's adventures. I attended a luncheon at which Jan Brett described how she went about writing this book. She and her husband went to Texas and researched the region and life style. Hearing her story of the background search greatly enhanced my pleasure in reading this book to my first grade students. ... Read more

Book Description

Who's to blame? That's what everyone always wants to know. But the

kernal of wisdom at the heart of this latest First Time Book is who

really cares? Because -- let's face it -- there's always enough blame to

go around. What matters is how we work together to fix the problem.




... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Berenstain Bears and The Blame Game
In the Book called" The Berenstain Bears and the blame Game", there is a family of four, Brother Bear, Sister Bear, Mama Bear and Papa Bear. Mama Bear is usually friendly and kind, but now her house has turned into a never-ending blame game. " Its her fault, No its his fault",