Book Description

Reviews (11)

The Eyes of The Amarylis- a look through the eyes of love
When I first read this book, I was blown away. I was only 11, but I could still grasp the power of the story. Jenny, an 11 year old girl is sent to live with her grandmother by the sea shore. The mystery begins. Jenny's grandmother tells her the story of her grandfather's death, the figure head of a ship washes up on the shore, and a mysterious man appears at their doorstep. A very grand mystery as well as an unforgettable love story. I recommend this book to anyone with a heart that beats and feels and loves.

The Eyes of the Amaryllis
This is the BEST BOOK I EVER READ! It is very well written.It is a story about a girl who comes to live with her grandmother bythe sea and then finds out she has been waiting for thirty years for a sign from her husband, whom she loved dearly, who died in a shipwreck just off the shore. It is a ghost story, but also a story of neverending love.

This is the best book
In 6th grade my favorite teacher had our class read my favorite book, The Eyes of the Amaryllis. I liked this book so much that I told my best friend (in another class) that she had to read it. She did and she loved it. And to my teacher's surprise my whole class loved it too! This book will stick with you forever once you read it. The Eyes of the Amaryllis will keep you reading until you finish, and once you finish you will be in awe of what a wonderful book this is! I LOVE this book!

My fave book
This book will melt your heart, and show you how magical the sea really is, and how you should respect it. This novel will be one that you will read over and over, without becoming bored.

It's Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature
This is by far the best book Natalie Babbitt has written. Her use of descriptive writing is superb. When Gran reveals the secret about Seward to Jenny, the story really takes off. This is a must read for all who love the Sea and its powerful and mysterious ways. It is also a great book because by its conclusion, the story helps one to understand the "generation gap" and bond between children, parents and grandparents. ... Read more

Book Description

Peter Hatcher can't get a break. His little brother, Fudge-the five-year-old human hurricane-has big plans to marry Peter's sworn enemy, Sheila Tubman. That alone would be enough to ruin his whole summer, but now Peter's parents have decided to rent a summer home next door to Sheila the Cootie Queen's house for three whole weeks! ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Fudge strikes back!

Peter and his family is about to have a great summer vacation in Maine -- except for the fact that they would live in the same house as the Tubmans! For three whole weeks! And this time, Fudge decides he would MARRY Sheila (the queen of cooties!)!

Another great and funny story by Ms. Blume about Farley ("Fudge") and his brother Peter ("Pee-tah"), this book portrays, in a humorous way, the life of an "average" family.

Fudge.A.Mania RULES!
Fudge.A.Mania. Was really funny. I have read all the books about Fudge and think this one is the best. I can't belive Fudge wanted to marry Shelia. My favorite chapter was"Baby Feet". Tootsie was so funny. I really liked this book!

Fudge a mania was a blast to read!
oh my gosh! fudge a mania is like the best book. I read it for a book report and it was just perfect. If you need to do a book report for school you should chose this book. It is really fun to read because its a whole family vacation. If you have read any of the other books by Blume with fudge, peter and sheila you will love this book! I hope i helped you with your dission.*

Farley Drexle Hatcher
Fudge-A-Mania is a really funny book. Fudge is always making trouble everywhere he goes, even at a restaurant. Peter is Fudge's older brother and he always minds his own busness. Shelia is the snottiest person on the whole planet. The Hatchers go on a trip to Maine for three whole weeks, but there is good news and there is bad news. The good news is that his best friend Jimmy Fargo gets to come. The bad news is that The Cootie Queen, Sheila Tubman, also comes. Peter thinks that this vacation couldnt get any worse, but it does!!!

Funny Fudge
I am in second grade and I thought this book was very funny. Fudge gets a new bird and his bird does funny things. The book made me laugh so hard I had to blow my nose. I recommend other kids to read it because you will like it too. ... Read more

Book Description

Young Sacajawea has been asked to join Lewis and Clark in their exploration of the American West. As a translator, peacemaker, caretaker, and guide, Sacajawea made the historic journey of Lewis and Clark possible. This captivating novel which alternates between the points of view of Sacajawea and William Clark provides an intimate glimpse into what it would have been like to witness firsthand this fascinating time in our history. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Enjoyable
Sacajawea was the Indian teen that acted as guide and translator to Louis and Clark's expedition across the north-western territory that would soon become part of the United States with the Louisianna Purchase. Read about Sacajawea's early years, how she was pledged in marriage as a child. Stolen by a raiding party when only eleven and subsequently lost to a traveler while the new tribe was gambling with her. Married soon there after and giving birth all before the age of sixteen. And the interesting part of her life was yet to come.

The book also covers the expedition and its encounters while exploring the new land and the many Indian tribes the met. It is told in alternating view points of Sacajawea and Captain Clark. Their views on the happenings around them are very interesting. It is apparent how time and time again Sacajawea, or Janey as the expetition named her, was indespensible. Read between the lines to see the bond that formed between Sacajawea and Captain Clark.

This is an outstanding book that I recommend to adults as well as teens. Very informative and easy to read. The chapters were short and it was interesting how they altered from one view to the other and back.

Fantastic!! A joy to read.
I think one of the best things about this version of the Lewis and Clark story is the way the author alternated chapters by Sacajawea and Captain Clark. The whole book is told as a collections of stories for Sacajawea's son, Pomp, who was a favorite of Captain Clark. Their separate characters and backgrounds, American and Indian, shine through their versions of the memorable moments of the voyage to the Pacific Ocean and back.

This may be listed as a book for children, but it should not be labeled for any particular age group. Adults will enjoy it too.

The book so clearly points out the great optimisim of the early explorers that led them through dangerous situations with such confidence. The reliance upon actual texts from the participants of the voyage make this a very authentic story.

Not just for teens
I got this book for my 10 year old daughter, but I picked it up and found I couldn't put it down. It was a wonderfully entertaining story full of historical detail, and as told from the 2 points of view, Clark and Sacagawea, it just came alive in my mind. Joseph Bruchac tells a fascinating story and educates at the same time. I highly recommend this book for teens as well as adults.

Good historical fiction
I really enjoyed this book! I have always found the Lewis and Clark expedition to be fascinating, and this book combines the viewpoints of William Clark and Sacajawea. The two are telling their tales of the expedition to Sacajawea's son, and the story includes Native American legends as well as actual excerpts from William Clark's trip journals. I would recommend this book to any teens interested in the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Sacajawea
This is a great book. Full of adventure and dangers. I lovedit and will read it again! END ... Read more

Book Description

Perhaps the best-known of Shakespeare's tragedies, "Hamlet" has all the ingredients for a gripping story: revenge and power, familial love and betrayal, dramatic sword fights, dark spooky scenes. Once again Lois Burdett has woven her own brand of magic by transforming Shakespeare's complex verse into rhyming couplets. She has created a version of "Hamlet" especially for children, even as young as seven, and one that readers of all ages will enjoy.

At the appropriately named Hamlet Elementary School in Stratford, Ontario, where Burdett has taught for over 20 years, her students have created wonderful drawings of "Hamlet" to illustrate Burdett's fluid rhymes. The students' interpretations are vivid evidence of Burdett's clever ability to bring Shakespeare's complex characters and intricate plots to life for young people. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

the magic of shakespeare
I teach third grade in an urban school in a very large district and have used Burdett's version of Hamlet as my sole reading program component for the last 2 months. My students have showed more growth in comprehension, vocabulary, writitng skills and public speaking, than I have ever seen with any other class. Not only has their work showed such growth, but their passion for reading has flourished unbelievably. My class ranges from d's to average b's to high honor roll and every child has grown and every child now loves Shakespeare. The wording that Burdett uses is enjoyable and comprehendable yet challenging enough to keep the educational bar raised without compromising the accuracy and intent of Shakespeare's original version. Burdett also incorporates written material and illustrations by students in her second grade class. This helps the children in my class relate to the book even more. They have developed a thirst for Shakespeare that I enjoy trying to quench everyday. Every child is quoting Shakespeare and reciting soliloquys, and I credit much of that to Burdett and her brilliant writing. I loved this book so much that I have personally purchased her entire series and have displayed them all in my classroom. These books are checked out by students in my class everday. They are by far the most frequently read books in my class. She has truly brought Shakespeare back to life in the classroom and on behalf of my students and myself as well, I thank her. Classic literature is back!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Generations of children have treasured the story of Sara Crewe, the little girl who imagines shes a princess in order to survive hard times at Miss Minchins London boarding school. Now, this classic novel is available in two beautiful new collectors editions. With Tasha Tudors enchanting black-and-white illustrations, and lovely details like a satin ribbon marker and glorious full-color plates in the hardcover, these new editions of A Little Princess are must-haves for anyone who wants to rediscover the magic of this beloved story.

... Read more

Reviews (237)

GREAT family movie!
This is one of my favorite movies. So well-acted and well-made. Leisel Matthews is a very good actress, and she does a great job at portraying young Sara Crewe, the little girl who is sent to a strict boarding school by her gentle and loving father, who must go serve in the war. When Captain Crewe (Sara's father) is believed to have been killed in battle, Sara is devastated, but she decides to have as much optimism as she can. Though the coldhearted mistress of the school, Miss Minchin, forces Sara to become a servant, Sara's spirit does not die. Miss Minchin takes away all of Sara's pretty things and attempts to take her "princess" title away, but Sara will never give up belief that she and all other girls are princesses, mainly because her beloved father has told her so. Sara develops a close bond with Becky, who is also a servant at the school. Throughout the movie, Sara's strength and her kind nature will enchant everyone who watches the film. It is truly an uplifting story. It's my favorite version of "the little princess," and it definitely deserves 5 stars. I'd give it 10 if I could.

A Beautiful Story Anyone Can Fall in Love With!
This has got to be one of my favourite movies. I'm the type of person who loves orphan stories such as The Secret Garden, Annie, etc. But this one touched me like no other. It's about a little girl named Sarah who loves storytelling. She hasn't any brothers or sisters, nor a mother, so she just has one father whom she loves more than anyone. They both live together in India. Then her father is called to battle, and Sarah is sent to a boarding school in New York, where her mother used to attend as a girl. When her father is killed in battle and there's no one to pay for Sarah's school fees, the cruel headmistress forces Sarah into a life of poverty. She quickly befriends the other servant girl whose name is Becky, and somehow manages to live through the hardships that come her way. The ending just blew me away. The ending isn't the same as the book, because this movie is only based on the book, not a recreation. But all the same, you'll love it. The perfect family movie, and a great movie to introduce not only girls-but boys also-to the world of poverty children in England used to suffer.

Beautiful, though some liberties were taken with the story
When Alfonso Cuarón was picked to direct the new Harry Potter, many people were surprised because his last movie was definately for grown-ups only. They seem to have forgotten that he is responsible for this beautiful retelling of a classic children's book.

This movie is based more on the classic Shirley Temple version than it is on the book, which means that it takes some creative liberties. Gone are the diamond mines (the best part!) and back comes the father. I did not really like these changes. The movie is also transfered from London to New York, so it's a little unclear what they were doing in India.

Despite those qualms, though, this is a brilliantly filmed fable. The girls are wonderful: dorky Ermegard, prissy Lavinia, spoiled Lottie, and Sarah pulls off the admirable feat of not being completely insipid (if you think that this is an insult, then you haven't read the book).

It is good for all ages. My friend, for reasons still unclear to me, dragged me to see this in the theater when we were about 15... if a cynical teenager thought that a movie about little girls at a Victorian boarding school was really good, then you know it's gotta be great!

Wondeful Story--Better Than The Book!
A Little Princess is a fast-paced movie about a young girl who's father must go off to war. Sarah (the Little Princess) must cope with the fact that she must leave her home in India and go the strict boarding school for girls in New York, where her deceased mother once attended.
Sarah turns out to be a trouble maker and ends up almost being sent to jail.
However, she gets out of it and I promise I won't give away the ending.
We have owned this movie form almost 10 years and I don't think we'll ever get tired of it.

My Favorite Movie of All Time!!
After all the times I have viewed this movie, it still makes me laugh and cry! Parts of this movie have some of the best and most beautiful filming techniques I have ever seen and the colors and richness of the sets are magnificent. The weaving together of the Indian, shall I say, myth/tale and English boardinghouse storyline is wonderful. When I think of our battered world, I wish it was really so, that all girls are princesses (and all boys, princes). Worth seeing over and over again!!! Liesel Matthews is great! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Ever so Frabjous
It was a frabjous day when we picked this one up, no question.

This is a winning adaptation, and a great example of poetry to read to young children. My twins, five at the time we picked it up, really responded to Graeme Base's goofy popup illustrations. At that age, too, they already did enjoy Lewis Carroll's turns of language. Now, a couple of years later, both of them can recite the entire poem -- surely not JUST a testament to my brilliantly amazing children (mild self deprecation intended), but also a good measure of how well this book came through to them.

Another poem picturebook you might consider for kids would be the Robert Frost "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening" illustrated by Susan Jeffers. Either book makes a nice gift, and if you've got a few moments sometime, if you have some time to stand a while in thought by the tumtum tree, you might even pick them up yourself. ... Read more

Book Description

Anna and Grandma are planning a surprise for Dad's birthday. Dad thinks he has received all his presents, but Grandma stands up and gives him the best one of all: she reads aloud the stories that Anna has taught her. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Annie Loves to Read with Grandma
Do you have a secret? Annie had a really big secret with Grandma who comes on the bus to Annie's home. In the book The Wednesday Surprise, written by Eve Bunting, Grandma cooks hot dogs, eats ice cream, and reads with Annie. Every Wednesday they have fun together. They want to have a birthday party for Annie's dad. First they want to read more books.
I liked this book because Annie read with Grandma. It is funny and sweet. I had fun reading this. The only part that I didn't care for is the length of the book.
The book, I think is a four star rating, because it was good but it was not wonderful.

The Wednesday Surprise
Annas dad was working.He is a truk worker.He was going to come in time for his birthday.Anna and her grandma where making a BIG surprise.Do you think dad is going to like the surprise?I wonder what the surprise is going to be? I like this book because it remainds me of a surprise of my own life.I felt so happy when my teacher Miss.Aubry read this book. I recommend this book to everybody that likes surprises.

Wonderful Story For Grandchildren and Families
This is a great book to read to children while asking them what they think the surprise is. There is a lot of visualization in this book that makes for thoughtful reading, as well as a delightful ending that leads to much discussion. A "requirement" for all libraries at home or school.

one of our favorites
A beautiful story with an unexpected twist at the end. Nice art, and very realistic narrative by the precocious 7 year old.

We appreciate the way it shows such a warm relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. We certainly hope that our girls will enjoy the same sort of friendship with their grandmothers. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Tiff at GMS
The story was mainly told in the forest. The main characters in the story was Franklin. The minor characters were bear, rabbit,fox beaver skunk. The theme was that this book would be that school is alot of fun and don't be afraid to go there. School is a good learning experience. The style would be that the author has a picture on every page and it has friends playing and having fun on every page.

A VERY SWEET AND ENDEARING BOOK
FRANKLIN IS A CHARACTER THAT ANYONE REGARDLESS OF AGE CAN LOVE. IN FRANKLIN GOES TO SCHOOL HE HAS GREAT RESERVATIONS ABOUT THIS NEW EXPERIENCE AS DID WE ALL AND OVERCOMES THEM WITH THE HELP OF HIS FRIENDS. I WOULD RECOMEND ANY FRANKLIN BOOK.

Franklin wins the hearts of children the very first time .
All of the Franklin books deal with something a child might face.They are written so it is easy for children to conect with their new found friend, and thats just what Franklin will become. I teach children and Franklin is the most asked for of all the books we have. His stories are great and children learn from his experiences.

Our 5 yr old loves the entire series. She reads them aloud.
From the first time our daughter had a "Franklin" book read to her, she's loved the series. Beautifully illustrated and written "up" to a child's level. We wish there were more titles available. ... Read more

Book Description

This classic story by Margaret Wise Brown (author of GoodnightMoon), illustrated by Garth Williams (illustrator of Stuart Little) is nowavailable as a Little Golden Storybook.This collectible hardcover edition isthe perfect addition to Easter baskets or just for reading at bedtime. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A Home for a Bunny Forever!
Now at 25 years old I am in the process of living in a new place and finding a new home. I cannot help but recite in my head over and over the words of Margret Wise Brown as the Bunny. A home for a bunny, a home of his own.... My father read this story to me every night before bed as a child and I cannot wait to share its lessons with my future children. I know I will forever remember what it taught me! The beautiful illustrations, the catchy rhymes, and the wonderful moral of the story! A treasure~

Home again, home again
What a dear, sweet book. There are very few books I read as a child that I read again for the next generation, but I think we're on the THIRD copy of "Home For a Bunny" because it's read (and slept with) so often.
The illustrations are glorious - simple but colorful - they tell the story but don't get in its way. This helps the book work for children as young as 1 1/2 and as old as 5. The book is "only" about a bunny looking for a home and all the homes and friends he meets while he's looking. But isn't that what we're all doing - trying to find a safe, warm and happy place?

This book is as good, or better, than I remembered it.
This was one of my favorite books when I was a child. I even bought a book to have in reserve BEFORE I got married.

Margaret Wise Brown has put together a rhythmic, engaging story about a bunny that seeks for its own place. As the story progresses there are lessons that can be learned and taught about changes of the seasons, and where animals live and what they do.

I like the pictures, the story, the whole ball of wax. We have read this book over and over to our children. When it resurfaces from the bottom of a stack of books it still gets read through a couple of times -- by popular demand!

5 stars all the way.

A gentle, hope-inspiring story, beautifully illustrated
Home for a Bunny is a gem, both beautifully written and illustrated. Its gentle rhythm is smooth, great for reading aloud, and reminds one of the journey the bunny is taking: "Down the road and down the road he went. He was going to find a home of his own; a home for a bunny, a home of his own, under a rock, under a stone, under a log, or under the ground. Where would a bunny find a home?" The illustrations are by Garth Williams, lending the story extra beauty and realism. (This same man illustrated the Little House on the Prairie books.)

HFAB is also a rarity in baby books in that it has a recognizable plot, with scenes and dialogue. This gives parents a chance to practice their storytelling skills. I enjoy using different voices for the characters (e.g., a low, low voice for the frog, and a nasal one for the groundhog). Plus, having a plot helps develop the child's ability to follow a sequence of events.

And for the crowning praise--it is my 2-year old's favorite book. As soon as we finish reading it, he asks to hear it again, and again, and again. How can a book get any better than that?

Home For a Bunny is a Classic!
Home for a Bunny should be a part of every child's library. This was the first book I learned to read and 25 years later I am buying it for my new baby girl. The colorful pictures, rhythmic text, and the loveable ending are unforgettable. Home for a Bunny is a classic! ... Read more

Book Description

In this groundbreaking book, Laura and Malcolm Gauld draw on their experience as parents and as educators at Hyde -- an organization of award-winning schools and programs -- to argue persuasively that true education springs not just from seeking good grades and achievements but from reestablishing a commitment to character, attitude, and purpose. Offering a new paradigm for reconnecting education with values, the Gaulds focus attention not on the child, but on the child's primary teacher -- the parent.

After explaining how enormous a parent's impact is on how children approach education and life, the Gaulds detail the Hyde program's 10 Priorities for meeting life's challenges so that any family can embrace them. Interspersed throughout are dozens of remarkable stories of Hyde parents and students; their funny, moving, and provocative anecdotes reveal that astonishing results are possible and that all children -- and their parents -- can exceed expectations and realize their full potential. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Useful but . . .
This book, written by the daughter-in-law of the founder of the Hyde Schools, espouses a character-first philosophy of education. This philosophy has much to recommend it, although as other reviewers have pointed out, "The Biggest Job . . ." repeats many of the same old cliches as other books. But it does have its place.

Nonetheless, this book should be used with caution IF you are using it to evaluate the Hyde schools. Because it is given out during family interviews, it functions as a recruiting tool. Of the current eight reviews, three of the most glowing are written by parents of Hyde students. Several earlier negative reviews by former Hyde parents have been removed. What those earlier reviews said, in essence, is that the emperor had no clothes and that Hyde's methods did not always mirror their philosphy.

The bottom line is that if you're looking for help raising your childred, then this is as good a book as any. BUT if you're thinking of sending your child to Hyde, it's only part of the picture. Talk to other parents--including those who have had negative epxeriences with the school

A Practical Way to Look at Parenting
As with a prior reviewer, I should start by saying that our family went through the Hyde School program, which the authors lead. Like everything else in life it isn't perfect, but it left each of us -- parents and kids -- with much better tools to do our best in our lives. My marriage, my relationships with my kids and my work performance all grew because I started growing again as a person... something I had stopped doing for a while without even realizing it. My son was the student there but I got a tremendous gift from my participation.

BTW, the school program has nothing to do with substance abuse, although some kids who go there have had those problems. That's also true for our local high school.

If I had to boil it down in my own words, the Hyde program and the Gaulds' core goals are about figuring out what your dreams really are, and then "walking the walk" about pursuing them. This book talks about these principles and values in the context of parenting, but going through the program I instantly saw practical places where it applied to my marriage and my work life as well.

I have very little patience for flighty theoretical "how to live your life" books. I found this book quite down-to-earth rather than off in some idealized universe, and it gave me ideas I could start to use immediately.

In the end it was inspiring and addresses both mind and spirit, but those benefits come "bottom up" from the practical wisdom rather than from long speeches about how things ought to be inside our heads.

So count me as someone who got tremendous benefits from the program this book represents.

Take it with a grain of salt.
This book was written with the best of intentions, however take it with a grain of salt... what sounds too good to be true often is. I graduated from Hyde school and have seen most of my classmates go on to college and not make it through. Hyde's ideas help some families and hurt others, as they are implemented by teachers who are not qualified to act as psychologists. Anecdotal evidence (much is offered in this book) can be extremely convincing, but it can also be misleading. One can always find a story to illustrate a point, if one looks hard enough. What about all of the times that the "Hyde way" of doing things hasn't worked? Other reviews are written by parents of children who attend Hyde. My guess is those children are still in school there, or recent graudates, or they'd be singing another tune. One other review commented on Hyde students' high acceptance rates to college... of course they'll be high. Every student is REQUIRED to apply to colleges until they receive an acceptance. Collegiate acceptances do not equate collegiate success. This book is a good starting point when considering how to make changes within your family...

About the Book...
I found this book to be one of the best parenting books I have ever read. Life is about character first and that is what I want to teach my children in my home. One quote I love is (from memory) "we need to teach our children they are accountable to life, not to us". How true is that?? When I finished reading this book I closed it and said "I wish I could buy a copy for every parent I know." I feel one of the best things I got from the book was all of our children can and will make mistakes... we as parents can and will make mistakes. In today's society we feel everything has to be neat a clean and sometimes life is messy. This book has helped me understand that that is ok and we need to reach out and make connections so other know it is ok. I found the journaling questions to be very thought provoking and the exercise ideas great. We did the thank you one of my Father in law's 60th birthday. So from me mom to 3 boys and community leader for Positive Discipine... I HIGHLY recommend this book to every parent. The BOOK is fabulous!

Use Caution
I am a former Hyde parent. First of all I find it odd that my original review was altered and parts of it deleted. I also see that many of the negative reviews have disappeared as another reader mentioned.

There are many positive aspects of Hyde School, but do NOT use this book to evaluate whether to send your child to Hyde. The best way to evaulate a school is by speaking to families who are no longer associated with a school for a period of time.

I find the Reviewer Roy Gordon from Oakland California misguided.
He speaks about the "astounding 97 or 98% college acceptances." Many of the graduating students from my daughters class either never started college, (yes they were accepted) or they started and dropped out.

This concerns me and makes me wonder, does the "Hyde Process" work over the long term? I have seen many circumstances where a child or teen will do well in a structured environment, but once they are on their own they cannot continue to function well. These dropouts could be a perfect example of this.

My other question is whether some of these kids would naturally do better as they get older, and mature on their own without a specialty school.

I would advise to take the good you can from the book, spend lots of quality time with your kids while they are young, and keep them home with you till college rather than sending them to a boarding school. Hyde was not good for us. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (4)

DANDELIONS by Eve Bunting
DANDELIONS is a very moving story. It does an excellent job in describing the struggles and bravery of a pioneer family. Although it doesn't detail why the family had to leave Illinois (their home), it does show readers that even back then parents may not have always agreed on family issues. Through the dialogue in the story it is apparent that the family wants their apprehensive, pregnanat mother to be happy, and they strive to make her so. The painted illustrations by Shed were very true-to-life and warm; they establish the setting and mood of each page. Further, the pictures helped define the characters by showing emotion through facial expressions and body language. Of course, those factors contributed in reinforcing the text. Despite the fact that the artwork has a warm fuzz to it (almost giving a surrealistic feel), attention to detail was definitely established, giving the story realism and life.

Dandelions
This beautifully illustrated(Greg Shed) picture book tells the story of a pioneer family settling in the Mid-West. Mama, Papa and their two daughters, Zoe and Rebecca have left the security of home in Illinois to settle on the Prairie. Papa and Zoe make a pact that they will help Mama feel better about living on the Prairie. After Zoe and her sister plant a patch of dandelions on the roof of their sod house, Mama agrees that their family is hardy and will bloom just as the dandelions are sure to do. This book, told from Zoe's viewpoint, is a touching recount of the feelings of the sodbusters. Would be very useful for primary teachers and media specialists in the mid-west states.

Dandelions, A Wonderful Book
My third grade class read Dandelions as a large group. We loved the pictures and the characters.It was very interesting learning about the way families settled the land. We decided that the book was showing us that families are like dandelions and they both grow with love and caring.

I cried and cried!!
This is my most favorite children's book in the whole world. If you miss out on this book, you're missing the best! The illustrations are incredible, and the story is one that touches the heart. ... Read more

Book Description

It's soft! It's silly! It even moos!

Here's a spiffy plush cow book with a squeeze-it moo, a vivid pink terry cloth tongue, dazzling satin teeth, and four padded cloth pages of jaunty rhyming text.

Sort of a book, sort off a toy, sort of a blankie, Boynton's Moo Cow Book is an absurdly soft companion for the smallest of book lovers -- for car rides, for quiet times, for right this moment.

Perfect for babies, toddlers, and sensitive high-powered executives. ... Read more

Book Description

When Mama Bear decides her family spends too much time in front of the TV,

she bans it for a week. Then the Bear family finds other ways to have fun and

keep busy, so they watch less when TV is allowed again--and they don't even

miss it.




... Read more

Reviews (7)

This book is boring, lets watch TV
Berenstain bear books are usually great reads, with a good lesson within the fun and enjoyable text. This story had a good message, but wasn't a fun book to read. I lost attention, and attentiveness. My voice as i read it became slowly more monotone. If you want a strickly educational book, its better to read them the dictionary.

The bernstien bears and too much TV
This book is good especially for this jnew generation of kids. It starts when all the family besides mama bear start wastching TV way too much. It tells the importance of limiting how much you watch TV. I think it is a good book for children ages 2-9 yrs. old.

No TV?
In this edition of the Berenstain Bears series, Mama Bear decides that the Bear family is spending way too much time watching television. So, the whole family, including Papa Bear, goes one whole week without watching television. Though upset by the idea at first, Brother and Sister Bear soon realize that there are a whole bunch of things they enjoy doing more than watching television...

Excellent children's morality story.
This book is a delightful little story told and illustrated in the quality typical of the Berenstains. It has a clear message without being preachy, and presents the need to balance different activities in our lives. I purchased to give me a starting point to talk to my six-year-old-son about watching too much television, and I will say it fulfilled this purpose admirably. I don't think it's quite as entertaining to children as some of the Berenstains' other works, however. Still, an enjoyable story.

great to read to kids who are watching too much TV!
What a wonderful find. We were in a rut with my 3 year-old watching too much TV and I read this book to him. It was nice to read about Mama Bear thinking the kids are watching too much TV which is what I have taken to chanting lately. It is funny to realize it is a bit dated as they reference having had a black and white TV and now their current color TV has an antenna. No VCR, DVD, TV video games, cable, or satellites are mentioned here! For that matter, computers are never mentioned either (no "too much computer time"). But the main theme is true: as with these Bears, our kids should be outside more, talking to their parents more, not eating in front of the TV like a zombie, and could be reading books and newspapers more, and watching the stars at night. The Bears go without TV for one week and lo and behold are happy and enjoy each other all week long. I had to laugh when Papa Bear thought he could continue watching his sports even when the Bear Kids were banned from the TV. This is all-too-much like the scene in our home! At the end, when the Kids can watch TV, they prefer crafts and toys, and even Papa Bear tires of the TV and goes fishing instead. A note: the Bear Kids go to school and homework is seen in a negative light. Time off from school is portrayed as entertainment time rather than learning time. This is a different mindset than the homeschooling family (like us) usually has. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Simple, Soft, Explanation of Nightmares for Young Children
Both "Brother" and "Sister" Bear have bad dreams after they play with some toy monsters, and "Brother" sees a movie about them. "Mama Bear" and "Papa Bear" comfort them when they each have bad dreams that night:

"But it was so real!" she said, calming down a bit.
"That's how it is with dreams," he [Papa] said. "It's as if they're really happening, but they're not-they're just in your mind."

After Sister explains the dream, Mama explains that the mind keeps thinking during sleep, but in a nonsensical way, and that a dream "takes all the things you were thinking or were nervous about during the day and puts them together all jumbled like a mixed-up jigsaw puzzle." Mama validates that the dream is scary but also points out how it was interesting.

This may or may not help a child experiencing his/her first nightmares. It's might be useful as an initial explanation, but it doesn't (nor does it intend to) offer much more insight or coping strategies than those mentioned above. As usual, the drawings are fairly bland and unimaginative, but will be familiar to the Berenstain Bear fan.

The Bad Dream
Waking up from a bad dream isn't very pleasant, but after reading this story its not half as bad. This story helps explain to your children why they dream and why sometimes they are scary dreams. It's a great and fun way to show your child that dreams are all in their head, and not even close to being real.
It all starts when brother buys his new Space Grizzlies play set. He makes a deal with Sister so she will play with him. The next day Brother goes to see the Space Grizzlies movie and it scares him. That night both Sister and Brother have nightmares ... about Space Grizzlies. They both run into Mama and Papa's room, first Sister, then Brother, and that is when they explain to them how dreams get concocted in your mind.
This is a great story to show your kids that dreams aren't real. It also explains why they have bad dreams. I would recommend this story to any child who has bad dreams. If you are an adult I would recommend you read this to your child. It's great just like all the other Berenstain Bears books. I would also recommend you read some more books by Stan and Jan Berenstein to your children.

Great Kids Book
After the cubs go to see a scary movie with their parents, they have a horrible bad dream. Will Mama and Papa be able to help the cubs?

This a a really great book. It explains to kids why we have bad dreams and how they are not real. I suggest it for any child who loves good story!

Toddler loves it
She loved the picture of the cover on the back of another Berenstain Bear book. We have read it so many times that our 3 year old can tell the story word for word by the pictures. Any time she claims to have a bad dreams now "Space Grizzly's" are chasing her.

The Bernstain Bears and the Bad Dream
I bought this book because my 2 1/2 year old daughter was having nightmares. It explained to her what nightmares were in a way that she could understand. After I finished the book she said "no monsters Mommy?". I have read it to her before bed everynight since I bought it and she has not had nightmares since. I would recommend it to anyone who has a child who is having nightmares or who is afraid of monsters in the night. What a lifesaver this book is...I now get a full night's sleep again!

Heather ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. Three terrified little bears explore the inside of a mysterious old tree and go into, up, through, over, down, and out. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

TRADITION
I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS BOOK TO READ TO MY GRANDCHILDREN. I USED TO READ IT TO MY CHILDREN WHEN THEY WERE LITTLE. IT KEPT THEIR ATTENTION TO THE END AND I READ IT TO THEM SO MUCH THEY COULD LOOK AT THE PICTURE AND TELL ME WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH THE BEARS. I TRIED TO REMEMBER MOST OF THE STORY TO TELL MY GRANDCHILDREN BUT IT IS NOT THE SAME AS HAVING THE BOOK OF ILLISTRATIONS. THEY TO ASK ME TO TELL THEM THE STORY OVER AND OVER. IT IS THEIR FAVORITE.

Woohoo! I Found It!
Excellent children's book! One of my all-time favorites when growing up. I STILL have the copy and I am old enough to wipe my own hiney and drive it around. ;) Anyhow, Jan and Stan Berenstain did a marvelous job writing this book. The pictures are what you would expect from these creative writers.

Basically, 3 bears go out on an adventure carrying 3 items to which they eventually use and lose on their journey through the dark, spoooooky old tree. Will they dare go into that spooooky old tree? Yes! They dare! And read it to find out what happens! What will they find? What will they lose? Will they survive? Fate shall choose! ;)

Warm childhood memories relived
Like the others this was the first book that I learned to "read." My parents read it to me so many times that I memorized it before I actually learned to read the words themselves. Unfortunately because it's been my favorite book my three younger sisters, the youngest two being significantly younger, never got to read it because I hid it away. Now that I've found it again here they'll have a chance to see my favorite book. Of course it ends with one of the best lines in childhood literature, "Home again, safe at last."

Classic!
Like others who have reviewed this book, I read it when I was a little kid and it is one of my earliest memories. However, I had forgotten about the book and the whole series until we were assigned to do a essay on children's books for one of my english classes. Someone brought up the Berenstain Bears and I was instantly filled with warm childhood memories and the image of the Spooky Old Tree as if I had actually visited it. I can't beleive I could forget something like that. Anyway, it is a definite classic and I can't wait to read it to my kids someday. The tape definitely adds to the book also.

Thank you very much!
This was the very first book I learned to read as a child and that was over 18 years ago. I completely forgot the name of this book until today when I just HAD to find it. I am going to buy this book because it was so much fun when I was a boy and when I have kids they will have the pleasure of reading it too. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

A Sweet Book
I absolutely love this concept book. My preschool children love it too. I have 4 & 5 year olds and this book is a great jumping off point to all sorts of Springtime themes! I have read many of Eve Bunting's books and all are wonderful; I highly recommend them all.

Colorful, playful, nostalgic, bright and fun.
Looking for the perfect book for kids to understand the concept of 'how a seed grows'...? This one is great, and shows the development of the seeds, from beginning to end while bright illustrations show what fun the garden brings home to the little boy who grew his own 'sunflower house' and shared it with others. How one seed can grow into a plant that supplies even more seeds to sow, and bring pleasure not only for one season, but many seasons thereafter that others may enjoy as well. ... Read more

Book Description

"What, my Lady Disdain, are you yet living?" These famous lines from Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado About Nothing delightfully shows the verbal sparring between the reluctant lovers, Beatrice and Benedick who are happily brought together at the end by the schemes of their friends. And, no story is complete without at least one evil character, Don John, who unsuccessfully tries to tear apart the wedding plans of Hero and Claudio, the other lovers in this sparkling tale.

Written in rhyming couplets, Much Ado About Nothing, the eighth book in this successful series, captures all the exciting elements of the original story, and is truly a delightful read for both adult and child.

Lois Burdett has been a teacher at Hamlet Public School in Stratford, Ontario, for over twenty years and her expertise in bringing Shakespeare to life for children as young as seven is reflected in the children's clever insights and wonderful drawings which complement the play.

Her success has resulted in an ever-increasing demand for workshops as far afield as Europe and Australia where she instructs educators on how they too can familiarize young children with Shakespeare. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Book of the Year!!! I'd give it 10 stars..
This is one of those series that is so well done you can't imagaine EVERYONE not knowing about it! Have you always been a bit out of the loop or intimidated about Shakespear? Or are you good with it but don't know how to show/share that love with your family and students. This series will do it!! It's good for ALL ages, my middle school students found it fun and informative yet... really young (4ish) children could learn from it too. Save your self the upgrade and buy it in hardback, this will be one that you keep for generations and get the "WHOLE" series, each one is just as good as the other! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Must-have book for children with messy rooms
The first time I read this book to my son, almost 5 years old, he quietly sat and thought about it for a while afterwards. It actually motivated him to clean up and keep up (well,for a while at least!) his room. It gives a child great motivation to clean up by showing what treasures they might have lost that might turn up. My almost three year old daughter carries it around with her all the time. A wonderful, sweet and funny book!

A great teaching book!
We have read this over and over! My son loves Franklin and wehave been able to use this book to help him understand the importanceof taking care of his room.

A pleasure to read with my child.
Like all the Franklin books, I found "Franklin is Messy" a delight to read with my young son. The pictures are lively and the story is one many children can relate to in their own lives. Another important feature is the use of cardboard swords as opposed to toy guns, which Franklin and his friends played with. The swords were used against imaginary dragons and not against each other. I would like to thank the authors for that. Children will play these sorts of games, but in this case the friends aren't directing any violence towards each other. ... Read more

Book Description

Paddington has a talent for getting into trouble. His intentions are always the best, but he is seldom far from imminent disaster. "A delightfully humorous book." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A delightful, funny book
This is one of the most delightful children's books ever. I listened to my mom (Ann)read the Paddington books to my younger brother and was hooked. When I was younger, I remember my mom telling me about the bear on tv who liked marmalade but was never interested in him until I heard the stories. The stories often ended in tears- we would laugh so much. Well, I guess this is less of a review than it is a recommendation. With all of the worthless children's literature out there, this one stands out.

This book is great!
I really liked this book because of adventurouslittle Paddington. I liked when they picked him up at Paddington station.

I laughed so hard I couldn't breath
I was introduced to Paddington as a young age, and I voraciously read every book I could find. The situations Paddington got himself into were so hysterically funny that I would have to put the book down even the third orfourth time I read them. I am eager to see if the magic is still therereading them as an adult.

A SWEET, AND FUNNY BEAR YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH INSTANTLY
This sweet bear will capture the hearts of children of all ages.As a Pattington Bear/Book collecter, my entire house reflects his peaceful nature.Pattington, a bear discovered at Pattington Railway Station by Mr.and Mrs. Brown, lives in a imaginative world.Many Pattington vidoes areon the market.They include the bear himself and the Brown's children. Let Pattington Bear steal your heart today!

Paddington...
He is so clumsy, that anyone will laugh. I read all of the Paddington books I could find as a kid, and I read them again as I got older. And I would read them again, and again and again. This is a very good reason tohave kids, so you can buy this book. Too bad he has become some sort ofcommercial bear, he is much greater as a little clumsy bear trying toplease all the people. ... Read more