Reviews (20)

fabulous addition to your Sabuda collection
Once you have one of his pop-up books, you will be drawn willy-nilly to buy all of the rest. This is not his most sublime effort on two fronts. The art work is in the exact style of the original, so while it is stunning and beautiful, I think it is not as lovely as his absolutely original imaginings. A few of the pop-up effects such as the little baby changing to a pig face(found in one of the mini books within a book) don't work very well, since only the pig is visible unless you go thro contortions to peek inside before ever opening that page. The same with the scene of painting the roses red.

While a great deal of the original text has been abridged, only a couple of the nonsense rhymes that made the original unabridged alice one of my childhoods read aloud favorites has been included.

Overall, the pop up engineering is still stunning, to see Alice's face inside the White Rabbits home with her arms sticking out windows, and her feet out the chimney and front door, the mad hatters tea party, and of course, the very first telescopic view of her fall down the rabbit hole are not to be missed! My 3 1/2 year old sits thro 90% of the story just as long as he can enjoy the pop-ups again and again!

Another Sabuda masterpiece.
As a huge fan of Sabuda's WIZARD OF OZ, I grabbed ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND as soon as I saw it in the store, and it didn't disappoint at all.

The book is similar in design to WIZARD OF OZ, has several eye-popping pages that literally jump out at you and contains a faithful abridgement of Lewis Carroll's classic text.

The first page, featuring the forest where Alice first encounters the White Rabbit, is glorious, and Sabuda has imagined a remarkable way to give readers a look "down the rabbit hole."

This one's as good as THE WIZARD OF OZ, and it's going to be a great gift for all my cousins this holiday season.

This is the MOTHER of all pop-up books EVER!
I've never written a review of any book before, but am compelled to do so now. (I'm not a very good writer!)

I've been collecting pop-ups for a long time, and this is the Pop-Up to End All Pop-Ups!

This book exceeds all my expectations of any Pop-Up. Innovative, top quality, surprise after surprise, includes full story, just superb!

I cannot give this book enough stars. If 5 is the highest, I give this book a 15! You will not be dissappointed!

AMAZING!!!
There is a REASON that reviewers of Robert Sabuda's "Alice in Wonderland" are AMAZED. This is NOT just another "pop-up book." THIS is a WORK OF ART!!

Robert Sabuda's work is MAGICAL as you literally peer down the rabbit hole. Another page shows Alice in the house; Alice at the tea party; the Cheshire Cat; the deck of cards....

This book can be great to show young babies as it will spark their curiosity, but you have to just have them look at it and keep it out of reach as young toddlers would probably rip the art work. If you know a young boy or girl (ages 4 and up) or a young teenager or anyone who appreciates illustrative art - this is the book to buy.

My mother bought this book for me plus one for her good friend and we both loved it!

Robert Sabuda's "Wizard of OZ" was great....this might be even better!

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-up book
Absolutely the best pop-up book I have ever seen. A collectible for sure. Not only do you have large pop-ups on each page, but you have smaller multiple ones on the pages, too!! Beautiful color and excitment for everyone, adults included!! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

I Still Chuckle When I Think of Bony-Legs ...
I had never read this book as a child, but decided to get it for my nephew.

At first I was concerned because, well, Bony Legs is going to eat Sasha! But then I remembered the first time I heard Hansel & Gretel and realized kids are not like adults and I didn't need to be worried. They will be enchanted by the cottage on chicken feet and see Bony-Legs for what she is ... an imaginary part of an adventure.

What I liked most about this book, aside from Bony-Legs' inventive usage of a tub on her bony legs (which made me giggle), was that Sasha did everything right and she came out on top. She followed instructions, she took time out to be kind to others and she put aside her doubts, showed a little faith in the advice of her new-found friends and gets home safe and sound.

Not only does this book entertain, but it also gently teaches children the importance of being kind to others ... not burning their bridges so to speak.

I may have to get this book for my own collection!

Great book!
Our Kindergartener has threatened to steal this from the library. We figured we'd just buy it instead!

highly recommended
i remembered reading this book as a child and loved it. when i had my son i searched for and bought this book. it is a little on the scary side, but teaches children about kindness and gentleness at the same time.

Scary beyond all reason
This book scared the bejesus out of me as a child. The version I had came with a record, so the witch's horrid shrieking and teeth gnashing could be adequately grasped by children that were too young to read. This book was also the cause of many sweaty nightmares, and sleepless sunsets with closet lights on. I tell this story orally to children and friends, and they are frightened by the house that stood on chicken feet and the thought of being chased by a nasty witch who runs with unhuman speed through a forest with intentions of eating a little girl. The details of the illustrations are also phenomenal, right down to the unnerving wallpaper in the witch's house. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to punish children with fright, or finally tell a story around a campfire that is truly scary.

Best book for years to come
Ever since I was three "Bony Legs" has been my favorite book. Now here I am fourteen years old and It's still one of my favorite children books. Even my older sister still likes the book. It opened up me to write books like it. When I'm older and have children one day I'll make sure they read this book becuse sometimes when you grow older its still good to act like a child. It brings back memories and shows how far you've grown. For all I know "Boney Legs" will always be my most enjoyable book to read. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. "Plagued by a bully named Eddie who steals their treats, Arlo and Robbie turn the tables on him by concocting an enticing lunch that is booby-trapped with hot sauce. The plot is sure to please and the reading is easy, with jaunty color cartoon drawings providing visual backup."--Booklist. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Self Defence
I feel that the book Bully Trouble will give kids a bost in

their self-covendince they will fell that they can stand up to

any one. It shows kids that they dont have to result to

violence as the only answer. I think it will give kids a

different way to settle thier differnces and teach them to

stand up for their selves.

Bully Trouble
Two best friends are being bullied by a boy who steals things and teases them. The two best friends don't like him. They trick the bully. I think that the book was awesome. It could become number 1 one day.

It's useful, but...
Arlo and Robby were good friends. They hanged out together but they also encountered a bully together. The story gives insight to children that life still moves on even if they are bullied. Reading the story, children learn to deal with bully troubles through support from their friendship. I an not comfortable with how these two boys ended their bully torubles. What if children apply the strategy to their real-life bully troubles but do not get the same desirable results? I suggest adults participation to discuss with young readers different potential endings that the story might have conclued. A fair and lucky result may not be what actually happens in a real life situation. ... Read more

Book Description

Children's Classics compiles four unabridged treasured children's books on 8 cassettes for easy and fun listening. Children of all ages will be entertained by these literary masterpieces written by the world's most famous and loved authors: L. Frank Baum, Lewis Carroll, Rudyard Kipling, and Aesop. Expose your children to the joys of classic literary fiction, and they will fall in love with Dorothy, Mowgli, Alice, and the variety of fun-loving animals they'll meet in Aesop's Fables and in The Jungle Book. On the road, or at home as bedtime stories, Children's Classics provides high quality entertainment at an affordable price for your family.

The Wizard of OZ (Unabridged)
Poor, young Dorothy thinks that nothing can possibly be worse than life on the Kansas farm. But, when a cyclone transports her to the Land of Oz, she soon realizes that there really is "no place like home". On her quest to get to the center of Oz, Dorothy makes some strange friends: The Scarecrow, The Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion all want something from the Wizard. Dorothy learns a great deal about herself, and about the importance of loving your home. By: L. Frank Baum

The Jungle Book (Unabridged)
Follow Mowgli on his adventures as he grows up in an Indian jungle, raised by a loving family of wolves and educated by a fun loving bear. Charming and creative, The Jungle Book is filled with unexpected troubles and foibles followed by well-learned lessons. Discover why this classic children's book continues to enter a in kids all over the world. By: Rudyard Kipling

Aesop's Fables (Unabridged)
Animals with very human flaws teach kids valuable moral lessons that will be sure to make a lifetime impression. With a variety of fables with surprising outcomes, these stories both entertain and educate young minds about classic virtues that will never go out of style. By: Aesop

Alice in Wonderland (Unabridged)
Join Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole in this timeless children's favorite story. Alice is in search of the white rabbit carrying a pocket watch, wearing a waistcoat, and muttering to himself. Little does she know, an adventure is in store for her with a colorful cast of characters and an amazing outcome! By: Lewis Carroll ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Hen on the Farm
A wonderful book with lots of bright large simple drawings of farm animals and equipment done on soft cloth pages that our baby loves to read and hold herself. ... Read more

Book Description

Ramona Quimby is sure fourth grade will be "the best year of her life, so far." She can show off her calluses from swinging on the rings in the park, sit across the aisle from the boy she calls Yard Ape, and enjoy her cheerful new teacher, Mrs. Meacham. Most exciting of all, Ramona has a new best friend, Daisy.

Fourth grade doesn't turn out quite the way Ramona has hoped. Mrs. Meacham wants her to improve her spelling. Ramona also must be a good role model for her baby sister, Roberta. And Mrs. Quimby wants her to spend more time with, the super-perfect Susan. Fourth-grade life isn't always easy, but it's full of adventure, and at the end of it all- a "zeroteenth" birthday to celebrate!

01 AZ Young Reader Award Masterlist (Intermed. cat.), 01 Colorado Children's Book Award (Jr. Novel Cat.), 00-01 Young Reader's Choice Award Program Masterlist, and 00-01 Keystone to Reading Book Award Masterlist

00 Children's Choices (IRA/CBC)

Reviews (46)

Great to be back
Count me amongst the Gen Xers who inhaled these books when we were young! I remembered Cleary stating that "Ramona Forever" would be the last of the series, so imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon the Beverly Cleary website and found that there was a new book I hadn't read.

For the most part, I was satisfied. What felt good was seeing someone FINALLY understand and empathize with Ramona. Usually it seemed as though she was the oddball, the wild mess amongst neater, quieter kids like Susan and Howie, someone who caught the disapproving eye of grown-ups on a regular basis. But in this book, not only does she finally get a laid back best friend with an even more laid back family, but she comes out looking good compared to Susan. That may be one reason other readers find it more difficult to empathize with her -- because Ramona's point of view no longer seems so unusual.

I agree that something felt off, and part of it had to do with the rather cardboard presentations of Mr. and Mrs. Quimby. In a modern twist, Mrs. Quimby belongs to a book club... but whatever happened to her dilemma about taking time off of work to care for the baby? The loveable Mr. Quimby is barely there -- all I recall is his joking statement to Beezus that he was surprised she didn't get her nose pierced, too. What happened to his management position at the frozen food wearhouse? How does he feel about not getting to teach art classes? To fit in information about every character, it almost seems as though the book would have had to be twice as long.

Some updating was inevitable, but I'm thankful Cleary never actually had Beezus and Ramona surfing the Internet. Beezus's dilemma about getting her ears pierced, though, felt quite retro in this day of "anything goes" piercing.

My hope is that Cleary might squeeze out a few more books in the series. I would love to see Ramona's reaction to Beezus driving.

Another Delightful Excursion Into Childhood!
Cleary does a wonderful job of portraying 9 year-old Ramona's character by showing, for example, how excited Ramona was to start 4th grade. Ramona was at the bus stop early, and the author says something like: "Ramona was always early. Something might happen that she wouldn't want to miss." What a great summary of the character's exuberant personality!

Childhood comes flooding back reading Ms. Cleary. I forgot how something like a baby sister is such a huge event, you can't wait to tell EVERYONE - the whole WORLD must know this! I forgot how you have a sort of crush on someone and you don't want anyone to know - not even your best friend. I forgot how kids jump to the craziest conclusions! After Ramona has an accident involving her best friends attic ceiling (well, she darn near falls through it!) she cries and cries. Not so much because the scratches and bumps hurt, but because now she can't come play with Daisy any more and she no longer has a best friend! Poor Ramona automatically assumed her friend's mom would no longer want her around. But you can certainly see a child thinking like this.

I still have a lot of Cleary to discover, and I plan to keep reading!

Lawn Monkey
Ramona's World by: Beverly Cleary is a very good book! Ramona is eight years old and thinks that her fourth grade year is going to be GREAT!!! Once she meets her teacher and figures out that she has the kind of teacher that is TERRIFIC at spelling, she thinks the very opposite! Now she thinks that she pretty much knows it's going to be a not so GREAT year for her. She has no friends except the dorky guy next door named "Howie". Then she meets her new best friend Daisy! Daisy and Ramona teach each other alot! Daisy teaches Ramona about school and how to spell. Ramona helps out Daisy by showing her around her new school. Ramona finally figures out that her fourth grade year isn't too bad after all. She gets a valentine from the guy that she likes alot named "yard ape" and she meets her new best friend. She also finds out that her teacher Mrs. Meacham doesn't hate her after all and that she can spell. I liked this book alot because it is about normal kids and what it is like growing up. Ramona gets herself into some situations that every kid can relate to. She's a "goofy" everyday girl that likes to have fun with her classmates. I would recommend this book to other kids my age because it's funny. It is a good read!

Ramona's World
Ramona's World is one of Beverly Cleary's best Ramona books. Ramona is just a regular girl growing up. She is in 4th grade in this book and she has some trouble with kids but in the end she figures them out. I think that Ramona is just like some of the girls I knew in 4th grade. She's even kind of like me! I also think that Ramona is a role model to some people. This book is very easy to read and I would reccomend it to anyone.

Ramona's World
I recommend this book for 4th and 5th. Have you been stuck in the middle? The baby gets everthing? The oldest gets to do everthing? Well then this is the book for you' by Beverly Cleart Ramona's World! Ramona's sister gets her ears pierced and Ramona is like well what if i got my ears pierced what would they think? Her little sister gets everthing and when she cry's her mom gets her and Ramona has to get her she hates it! I really like thiis book and if you are stuck in the middle all the time you should read this ! ... Read more

Book Description

"Renny and Bryce play on opposite soccer teams battling for the championship.Until recently, the soft-spoken but talented Renny warmed the bench while another player took the field.But now that player's out with an injury and Renny's been given the chance to show what he can do.And no one is more surprised at Renny's playing ability than his opponent, the hot-dogging, one-man team, Bryce.Bryce was sure Renny would be a pushover, but Renny, who had admired Bryce's showmanship, proves that solid teamwork is often hard to beat.And in the end, both boys come off the field a little wiser." ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Soccer Duel Masterpiece!
This book helps me really relate to my life. I am the left striker, my parents are divorced, but unlike the story it's my mom who usually can't make it to the games because she is blind so she can't drive. It's hard because when I move from house-to-house I have to move equipment too. This situation makes me feel bad because at my dad's house I have two stepsisters and a stepmom and my dad has to drive them everywhere and it sometimes make him feel like a taxi driver! This book is a real situation story and it is probably my favorite book in the series, though I also suggest Soccer Scoop! Ned Donovan.

Soccer Duel
Soccer Duel is a one-of-it's kind book. Compelling, fun to read, and fun to read about the battle for friendship as well as the championship trophy. Renny Harding started as a third string person but was put in when the first string broke his ankle and the second string was away that weekend. He was able to prove to people that he wasn't just a lowly third string player but a higher first string. Bryce McCormack has been the best all his life but when Renny comes in and beats his team he refuses to believe that he had met his match. He then trys to figure out Renny's technique by being nice to him which Renny takes as a friendship opportunity and that makes Bryce do some things that could ruin Renny's soccer career, permanently!

Soccer Duel
Renny joined a soccer team but he was third-string so he watied till his coach let him play then he showed how good he was and became first-string. I agree with the auther about the book. My favorite part waswhen Renny did a bicical move. I liked it because the author discribed it very well. I would reccomend this book to anyone who likes soccer because this book is based on soccer. I tought it was really good.

This book is pure soccer
I think that Soccer Duel is a very good book. It has a lot of soccer details, and also a good plot and good characters that you can relate to if you are a serious athlete. I can relate to Renny because I play striker for my team, i just moved, and my parents are divorced also. For anyone who wants a page turner, read this book. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

3 1/2* A Nice Book of Friction
The Magic School Bus is an excellent science-based book collection, in which the indomitable Ms. Frizzle (wonderfully voiced by Lily Tomlin on the animated TV show) takes her grammar school kids on "Fantastic Voyage" like journeys in a shrinking school bus. . The bus takes the kids inside a book about Physics, where they enter a page about a baseball field with no friction. The kids learn about how throwing, running, and catching would work were there no friction.

Generally, the books are funny, have recognizable characters, and teach science principles in a clear, imaginative way. This book, however, was not as good as others I've read in the series: there is minimal use of "miniaturization" that makes the other books so clever and unique, the focus on friction is a bit too narrow, and the usually exciting escape from danger is on the tepid side. Still, its 30 pages contain bad puns, demonstrations of friction, and two friction experiments and the never-frazzled Ms. Frizzle. It's a mildly entertaining and informative book.

Magic School Bus Plays Ball - a Book About Forces
I'm 8 years old, and I've read alot of Magic School Busbooks. This book explains all about friction, forces, pushing andpulling.The book takes place in a magic book where the kids play baseball with no friction. I liked this book because I play baseball, and it would be hard to play without friction. I think that this book is better than the one about bats, and I REALLY liked that one. This book was one of the best I've read, so I suggest this book for your children.Kids, ask your parents to buy this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Por fin llega el tan esperado primer dia de clases de Ramona. Ahora podrÁ hacer las mismas cosas que su hermana Beezus y sus amigos.

Los lectores la acompaÑaran en sus alegrias y tristezas, en sus occurrencias y sus travesuras, sus miedos y sus fantasÍas. CompartirÁn la caÍda del primer diente, la primera vergÜenza, las primeras letras...

Reviews (1)

Remembering my youth
Ramona reminded me of myself when I was a little girl. She does things that most kids only think of doing because they are afraid to get into trouble. I love the reality aspect that Beverly Cleary brings to the story. Not only does Ramona LA Chinche take me back in time, it allows future generations of kids to see that they aren't the only ones to think up some of the crazy stunts that Ramona pulls off. This story is a hilarious page turner from the very beginning! I'd recommend it to any school teacher and, of course, all students. What a great read! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Joanna Cole and Stephanie Calmenson, creators of the well-loved anthology Ready... Set... Read!, are back again to lure unsuspecting children into the world of words. They have gathered together stories, poems, and jokes, lavished with artwork by all-time favorite illustrators including James Marshall, Dr. Seuss, and Maurice Sendak. The stories, poems, and jokes in this learn-to-read anthology are guaranteed to tickle any young reader's funny bone.Who needs TV when such a mélange of side-splitting humor is available? The format is easy to read, with simple vocabulary, large type, and wonderfully fun and colorful illustrations. Children are introduced to the stories by authors and illustrators with whom they will soon become fast and lifelong friends. The Ready... Set... Read! books serve as a delicious appetizer to the full repast of children's literature. (Ages 5 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Ready,Set,Read-And Laugh! Is a hit!
This is the first book my 10 year old has picked up and read--just for the absolute joy of reading.We enjoyed this book very much! It's for early-beginner readers, but is a book that everyone can enjoy! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Maisy the marvelous mouse is ready to take the plunge--but she needs the assistance of young readers to get properly prepped for the pool. Dressed for the arctic tundra, this rodent has a lot of disrobing to do. By lifting flaps and pulling tabs, kids can help Maisy peel down to her skivvies. After removing her blue hat and scarf, brown boots, red coat, gray sweater, green trousers, purple T-shirt, yellow socks, and orange undies, Maisy is finally ready to don her rainbow-striped swimsuit and leap into the water (hopefully mice can swim). Youngsters will delight in Lucy Cousins's charming illustrations, as well as the tugging, lifting, and sliding involved in this interactive book. The many colors and clothes provide an excellent learning opportunity, but kids will appreciate Maisy Goes Swimming purely as a splash of fun. (Baby to preschool)--Brangien Davis ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Bobbing along
Good old Maisy. Her adventures tend to be as large or small as the daily activites that children themselves partake in. Appearing in cleverly constructed (and mighty strong) books, Maisy is cheery without ever becoming pendatic. She's light-hearted but never tiring. Maisy is, in fact, the perfect companion for any child beginning to read. She is also a great help to those parents that want their kids to see reading as a fun activity.

In this particular Maisy venture, the little white mouse wants to go swimming. The weather outside must be frightful because our heroine is covered from tip to tail in warm woolly winter clothing. It is up to the child reader to remove each article as instructed. So off goes the hat! Open goes the coat. Away goes the sweater, the trousers (love those Lucy Cousins British words), t-shirt, socks, and bright orange underwear. Then the child places the swimsuit onto Maisy and off goes the cheery mousey for a dip in the pool.

The book's a treat, no question. Parents reading it to their children had better put the book back together correctly before another reading, however. No child would want to read through a book where Maisy's hat was already off or her swimsuit was already on. That would spoil half the fun. The trick of removing or outfitting Maisy in these articles of clothing come in the book's clever construction. Using thick paper that can stand up to little hands, it's a treat to watch Cousins's thick lined drawings moving up or down. The only part of the book that's a bit flimsy is, sadly the last picture. In theory, if you pull on a specific tab, Lucy goes bobbing along in the water. In practice, she's more likely to get stuck, or the tab may just get pulled out altogether. On the whole however, this a cute creation. Any child who's a fan of Cousins, mice, or just the trick or interacting with a book's character physically will have a ball with Maisy's small scale adventure. A bucket o' fun.

Lots of fun to read
This book has a very simple concept - taking off all of Maisy's many layers of clothing and then putting on her bathing suit so that she can go swimming. My 2 year old son loves it to pieces - literally. Unfortunately it's not very robust, but even now with half the pages in tatters it's still one of his favorites.

What a great book!
A fantastic Maisy book - my daughter (2) loves it. Not only do we get to read about another wonderful Maisy adventure - Maisy getting ready to go swimming but we help Maisy get undressed and into her swimming costume. It had really helped my daughter give her clothes a name and also which bit of the body they go on. This book enables you to help Maisy get dressed and undress by use of flaps and pull tabs - my daughter loves doing that as well. It has helped her understand the concept of on and off, up and down, and colours.

Great book!!!
This book is one of my daughter's favorites. She loves manipulating Maisy's clothes over and over again for hours. Great overall book, but I subtracted one star for durability. It could have been made a bit more durable...

A great learning tool
As a preschool teacher, I find this book, a great tool to teach and reinforce vocabulary for clothing, as well as colors. The pull tabs also develops fine motor skills for youngsters. Maisy books are the right speed for 2 to 3 year olds. Children also learn about dressing and undressing. This book also rates two thumbs up by my two and a half year old niece. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's time for the much-loved mouse Maisy to get ready for bed, but shehas a lot to do before she can finally slip under the covers. With this engaging interactive book, young readers can help Maisy every step of the way on her journey toward dreamland with myriad lift-the-flaps and pull-the-tabs. First she throws back a bedtime beverage, then she goes to the potty (complete with flushing action!), then she washes her hands, brushes her teeth, puts on her pajamas, reads her bedtime story, and at last says goodnight, toy panda in paw. Kids will love pulling, opening, and sliding their way through the book, and in the process may learn a thing or two about color and object identification and basic hygiene. Lucy Cousins's adorable illustrations may even convince reluctant sleepers that bedtime can be fun! (Baby to preschool) --Brangien Davis ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Hey, She Even Remembers to Brush Her Teeth
If you are the parent of a young child, you probably know who Maisy is. She's a mouse with a duck, a squirrel, an elephant, and a crocodile for friends. Why the crocodile isn't trying to eat the others is beyond me, but that's life in Maisy's world.

Both of my daughters love the Maisy books; there's something about their simple stories and colorful pictures that even appeals to adults. The books are short and easy to read. But, the stories are never obnoxiously simplistic, like so many other books for small children.

This is a lift the flap book in which the childen are lifting flaps as Maisy prepares for bed. Believe it or not, this book helped convince one of my daughters to brush her teeth, which is frquently a battle in our house. This is one of the most fun Maisy books to read to your children. One caution, the kids might get a little aggressive with the flaps and tear a few, resulting in the purchase of a new lift the flap book (in our current copy, Maisy's tooth brush has bit the dust).

Maisy Goes to Bed
This is a very cute, sweet book to read at bedtime. All about a little girl mouse & her bedtime preparations.

Maisy goes to bed by Lucy Cousins
Maisy is a hot property at our house. My 2 year old has fallen in love! Maisy Goes To Bed is just precious. It has lots of tabs to pull out and push in to illustrate the story. The book is made well and has stood up to alot of interactive reading. If your child loves Maisy this will be a true hit!

Maisy Goes to Bed
My 15 month old son adores this book. This is the first book I've been able to get him to sit still for - he loves interacting with the tabs and watching the result. If you're looking for a fun, informative book that really grabs young readers - this is it! We have a great time with Maisy as she prepares for bed every night!

A fun and entertaining book for children...and adults!
Help Maisy the mouse get ready for bed in one of the best children's books ever! Young children help Maisy have a bedtime snack, brush teeth, go to the potty, put on her jammies etc. Along the way there are flaps to open and tabs to pull. Peek in Maisy's closet to see her ballerina outfit! Open the fridge! Cover Maisy with her blanket! I fell in love with this book over five years ago. Lucy Cousins' brightly colored illustrations are eye-catching and have great toddler appeal. Tested thoroughly on my 3-1/2 year old from one year on up. VERY effective as a bedtime transition book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A farm is a very busy place. Good thing Maisy is around to keep things shipshape!This industrious little mouse collects eggs from the hens, feeds the baby lambs, picks apples, anddrives the tractor. (We already knew she could operate heavy machinery from Maisy Drives the Bus.) Equallyindustrious readers can help Maisy by pulling the tabs and lifting the flaps in this interactiveaddition to the well-loved Maisy series by Lucy Cousins. Fans will recognize the vibrant colors,big print, and boldly outlined pictures that characterize these appealing books for very youngreaders (and readers-to-be). Don't miss Maisy and her friends on Nickelodeon as well asin her many other endearing books, including Maisy Goes Swimming and Happy Birthday, Maisy. (Baby toPreschool) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Can't get enough of this one!
My eighteen month old son loves this book! He goes to bed with it at night and wants to read it more than any other book. He can maneuver the flaps and pull- tabs without ripping them to shreds (like some others he's managed to destroy.) We highly recommend this one!

Bought a second when the first was worn out!
This book has been fantastic, and has introduced our daughter to all the farm animals in such a way that they've really become her friends - there are eggs under the laying hen, and then a chick appears too, there is a bird sweeping out from the corn as the tractor chugs by; the geese need water from the yellow watering can, and a very young child can add to the story by activating the animals at different points - magic. We started our daughter on this at 3 months, as a reading book, and now, 13 months later, the second copy is a wreck - she can do each step again, and again, and again.......a worthwhile buy anyday, and a marvellous present (needless to say, for adults too!)

My son loves this book!
My 14-month-old has just learned how to express a preference for some books over others, and this book is the big winner. He loves it more and more as he figures out how to pull all the tabs.

Definitely a Must-Have for Maisy Fans
This is my two-year old's favorite Maisy book. Again, the colors are bold and the drawings simple, as of typical Lucy Cousin. This is a great book for toddlers to learn the names of various farm animals and their youngs. Like all flap and pull-tab books, it is not too sturdy. So this book is best saved for parent and child reading together.

Wonderful book for toddlers!
This is one of my two year old's favorite books! He returns to it again and again (along with most other Lucy Cousins books!). He absolutely loves the brightly colored pictures combined with the pull-tabs. If you have a toddler, this is a sure winner! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very cute Japanese Fairy Story
"The Girl Who Loved Caterpillars" is a very cute Japanese fairy story about a girl who goes against what girls are "supposed" to like and are "supposed" to act and follows her own path. (Incase you wanted to know: the movie/manga "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" was inspired by this story.) This story is very well written/translatted and is a good start for those looking for Japanese fairy stories. The values of the Japanese during Heian Period of Japan are presented as well as a message to be an individual that applies to the current day.

(And if you don't want to get that in-depth, it's a really good story too. ^_^)

The only problem I have with this is the ending. It's as if the author intended a second chapter but either didn't finish or it was lost. You're left wondering what happened to the Girl Who Loved Caterpillars.

Beautiful illustrations; lovely tale of medieval Japan
This is a marvellous presentation of the traditional Japanese tale ``The lady who loved insects''. It has an admirable protagonist in the title character who is sensible and strong, able to think for herself, who resists the pressures to conform. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (17)

Wonderfully written
Laura and Howie are the social misfits at their summer camp. As part of a cruel joke, they are stranded on an island as the "goats." True to tradition, they are left naked, hungry, and painfully alone. Not wanting to give the other campers the satisfaction of finding them helpless on the island in the morning, the two come up with a plan to dissapear off the island. "The Goats" is a story about their journey across the state and their adventures along the way. However, their journey is not a simple one of distance. It it also a journey of growth and an adventure in which they truly realize who they are.

"The Goats" is a wonderful and compelling story about the social classes of everyday life. Laura and Howie's journey is an amazing one that should be shared with everyone. The plot was interesting, the characters engaging - overall, an excellent book that is truly impossible to put down.

SURVIVING ON THE FRINGE OF SOCIETY
Wow, this book really holds your interest, hooking the reader's sympathy for the Boy and the Girl right from the start. You just Have to continue reading to see how they cope with sudden abandonment (supposed to be temporary) and decide to get even with the cruel kids at summer camp. Loss of clothing, money, self respect--just a malicious joke, you understand, to "punish" two social misfits.

Through no fault of their own, two pre teens were chosen to be their camp's annual sacrificial victims (i.e. goats), by being forced to spend a few embarrassing hours on a nearby island. Ha-ha--very funny to the terrified kids, who recognize their degrading situation and who ultimately reject the decision. Thus Howie and Laura (who did not even know each other) are forced to rely on each other's wits and daring (strengths they did not realize that they possessed) to reverse the kids' malicious decree. Not only to escape their dismal fate, but to survive on the outskirts of society for 3 days. They determine to get even, to pay them back for all the humiliation. Anything rather than endure the ridiule of returning to camp.

They decide to be proactive to preserve their own digntiy, to wait until the girl's mother comes up for Parents' Weekend. The plot rivets your attention for the kids must overcome incredible obstacles--posed by adutls and other kids--to live without the pale. It is unlikely that such social outcasts could be transformed so quickly into a cool "bandit" and a "fox wearing glasses", but the plot presents an interesting concept of social and physical survival. The book reads swiftly due to extensive dialogue, without the usual teenage platitudes. Their journey of self-discovery makes a fascinating read, with dark social undertones. For kids of all ages and adults harboring hurt kids inside. You will not be disappitned!

a childhood favorite, lost and found again
i read the goats when i was very young and absolutely loved it. i lost my copy (probably lent it to someone untrustworthy) and years passed. i had all but forgotten this gem until i went searching for the top 100 "challenged" (read:censored) books. i am currently studying to be a teacher, and i decided to collect the "challenged" books for young readers to have in my classrooms (because i want my students to grow with open minds and i will not be told that books and the ideas contained within are dangerous). i recognized this title and it was the first i ordered. i was not disappointed. it was just as great as i had remembered, and the only reason i didnt give it 5 stars is because i reserve the 5 star rating for books that strike a chord within my soul or absolutely change the way i percieve life. those books are extremely rare. that being said, 4 stars is still amazing, and if you are considering purchasing this book i would highly reccomend it.

The Goats by Brock Cole
The Goats by Brock Cole, is about two young teenagers named Laura and Howie; these two teens become the center of a cruel practical joke played on them by their peers at summer camp. The other teens decide to leave Laura and Howie naked and stranded on an abandoned island across the lake from the camp to see how they will react. The two teens are embarrassed and ashamed that the joke was played on them. They end up swimming back to the main shore where the camp is. Since Howie's parents are out of the country, and Laura's mother refuses to pick her up until Parents Weekend a few days later, the two have developed some survival tactics for staying away from the camp until Laura's mother comes. Laura and Howie end up stealing clothes from a beach storage area, they get money from cars with the windows rolled down, and they hide out in a vacant summer cabin, they hide in a different camp that they found, and also they manage to stay in an empty motel room. They are clever and resourceful. They are brave and prove to be good at surviving against the odds. The two teens do very well at demonstrating their self-reliance. Howie decides that he really wants to continue staying away from everyone forever. He imagines a life out in the forest with Laura where the two will not have to deal with their peers or adults anymore. At the end of the story, Laura and Howie meet up with Laura's mom, who is now aware of Laura and Howie's terrible experience and is disgusted with the camp. Laura and Howie remain close and plan to stick together after all they've been through. This story is definitely worth reading.

good reading
The Goats is well written book. The characters in the story were very real and captivating. I found myself following along their journey as if I were there too. I recommend this book and hope that readers can see past the negative parts that have gotten this book banned and see the wonderful story underneath. ... Read more

Book Description

In an enchanting performance, two-time Academy Award® winner Sally Field takes us on a topsy-turvy adventure through Wonderland. Irresistibly delightful, fascinating and funny, Ms. Field's stunning interpretation brings Alice, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat and all of Lewis Carroll's remarkable characters to life.

Produced in a simple manner that allows imaginations to soar, Carroll's triumph will charm the entire family. Destined to become an instant classic, this audiobook will help introduce our family to the unique pleasure of classic literature.

A portion of the proceeds from this audiobook will be donated to the National Center for Family Literacy, anon-profit organization that improves the lives of tens of thousands of families annually by creating and assisting programs that teach the entire family basic literacy skills that expand their economic and social well-being. ... Read more

Book Description

There is a Welsh legend about a harp of gold, hidden within a certain hill, that will be found by a boy and a white dog with silver eyes -- a dog that can see the wind.Will Stanton knew nothing of this when he came to Wales to recover from a severe illness.But when he met Bran, the strange boy who owned a white dog, he began to remember.For Will is the last-born of the Old Ones, immortals dedicated to saving the world from the forces of evil, the Dark.And it is Will's task to wake --with the golden harp -- the six who must be roused from their long slumber in the Welsh hills to prepare for the last battle between the Dark and the Light. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

The most amazing book!
By far the best book in the series, The Grey King has it all, humor, trajedy, love, hope, adventure, and of course MAGIC!!!!! It was a fantastic book, but what I liked best was how it really took you into the places so that you cry with Bran at the loss of his dog, or are white with terror of Caradog Prichard. It was the perfect painting of a great fantasy! Susan Cooper has an uncanny talent for making simple print into whole worlds of wizardry. You must read it!!

A wonderful exploration of magic and humanity
_The Grey King_ is arguably the strongest book in Susan Cooper's _Dark is Rising_ sequence. A winner of the Newbery Medal, it is the story of Will Stanton and his new friend, Bran Davies. Will, a character who appeared in _The Dark is Rising_ and _Greenwitch_, is the youngest of the Old Ones, a group of magical beings fighting to protect the world from the Dark. In this book, he is sent to relatives in Wales to convalesce from typhoid. He learns he is in Wales to win a quest for the Old Ones--and for the first time, he must do it without the direct guidance of his friend and mentor, Merriman. During the course of the book, his new friend Bran becomes deeply involved in Will's quest and both boys learn a lot about themselves. The title character, the Grey King, is a member of the Dark who is bent upon preventing their success.

On one level, this book is an all-out fantasy adventure. There is a cryptic poem, magic, good and evil lords, and fascinating uses of classic Arthurian legend. On a deeper level,however, this is a story about coming-of-age and family. Will learns how to be an independent Old One rather than an apprentice. Bran struggles to understand his mysterious past and his place in the world. This book is more than just a thrilling adventure--it is the story of people's choices and what "family" really means. In other word's, _The Grey King_ is deep *and* fun.

I highly recommend this book to all readers. It may be a little hard for very young readers--but middle readers and older will enjoy it. I reread this book (and the rest of the series) at least twice a year. It should be read after the three previous books in _The Dark is Rising_ sequence (_Over Sea, Under Stone_; _The Dark is Rising_; _Greenwitch_). Lovers of Arthurian legend will particularly appreciate it.

The Grey End
The Grey King, by Susan Cooper is a book about adventure. This book revolves around a boy named Will Stanton. The boy is the age of twelve and is sent to Whales to be nursed back to health by his relatives. During this time, he goes on quests or adventures to awaken the ancient sleepers. The ancient sleepers are the last hope for good to prevail against evil. This evil is controlled by The Grey King who tries to stop Will from completing his quests.
In the story I can relate most to BRan becasue he is the mysterious boy who is different from all the other people. I used to be like this when I was going through middle school. I was the kid who was just a little more differnt than your average kid. Bran displays this perfectly with his pale skin and mysterious appearances.
Overall, this book was a good book. My least favorite part was the end, maybe becasue I thought the end was a little too rushed. There seemed to be a lot of information being crammed into a few pages which made it hard to understand. This gave it an unpleasant end.
This book would be good for readers who like adventure or mystical stories. To me, it seems like a twsit between The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and The High King by Alexander Lloyd. If you like either of those books I strongly advise you to check out The Grey King by Susan Cooper.

Pretty good
This forth installment in "The Dark is Rising Series" seems to combine elements from the previous four. The "Hardy Boys" feel of the first book unfortunately returns, and while not full blown is enough to pull the book down somewhat.

On the up side though some of the mystique of the second book that emulates "Dark Shadows" is there, standing side by side with the third books more complex immagery. So in the end were this book made into a movie, while it would have been doable in the 60s, lacking anything that would have looked too cheasy, it would also be possible to be done in the 20th century without adding in two hours of mindless action that didn't occurr in the book, just to make the f/x guys happy (do the cave, the Grey King, and a time travel scene for Gwene and Bran, then send them on to the next movie with a smile and a months paycheck for two weeks).

Excellent
It is a great book it has very good adventure and emotional roller coaster and a good conflict I loved it and i think it's good for all 6-7th graders (yes i did perposely write no puctuaction) ... Read more

Book Description

"What a gorgeous painting," exclaimed the judge of Ms. Fair's first-grade art contest. "What a beautiful rabbit!"

For Emily, the words are a shock.

Her painting is of her dog, Thor. Not a rabbit.

But instead of thinking: What's wrong with this judge? Emily takes the words, and the judgment, to heart.

Just as she takes her art.

Not everyone, not Ms. Fair, or even Emily's best friend, Kelly, can see that.

At first. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Must Have
This book is fabulous.My children love it. It offers lots of chances to discuss feeling and how we feel about ourselves. We love the illustrations. We love this book

beautiful pics & a life lesson
This was a wonderful book about not giving up on the things you enjoy because of what someone else thinks! Emily learns that one persons rock is the next mans diamond. What makes us different makes us special!
Our favorite book = Matthew A.B.C. - same author

Gorgeous Watercolor Picturebook about Feelings
EMILY'S ART is the story about Emily, a first-grade girl who loves to paint. There is a colorful aura of joy around Emily as she paints with her heart, and she radiates a soft, pink glow when she paints a watercolor picture of her friend, Kelly. When Emily's class participates in a school-wide art contest, Emily chooses to enter a picture of her dog, Thor, with great big ears, "Because Thor hears everything." When all the first-grade pictures are judged in the art contest, Emily is heart-broken to see her beloved picture of Thor passed over because the judge hates dogs. Fortunately, Emily's friend, Kelly, and her teacher, Ms. Fair, show Emily how much they care about her, and the story ends with a class party to celebrate all the beautiful pictures the children made.

What makes this picture book so very special is the way that every illustration of Emily shows how she feels in body posture, facial expression, and her human energy field. When Emily is happy, soft colors of light shine around her head and shoulders. When Emily is sad, her head droops forward and she becomes transparent as her aura disappears. Every picture of her aura is delightfully different -- my favorite is the one where she is showing her friend, Kelly, how to draw a dinosaur and lots of bright colors surround her head, back, and arm!

This is a gorgeous watercolor picture book that shows how feelings look in the human energy field. I give it my highest recommendation!

-- Cynthia Sue Larson

Peter Catalanotto's Art
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous, the talent illustrator's best work to date, with an outstanding story. Faced with an art competition, Emily learns how seeing the world through your own eyes is better than any prize. My pick for the Caldecott award!!! Get it while it's still in first printing! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Dog That Pitched a No-Hitter
I liked this book very much. It is a story about a boy named Mike and his dog Harry. Mike and Harry can read each other's minds. Mike is a pitcher for his baseball team and Harry helps him know how to pitch to the batters. It is a good story about how a boy and his dog can be best friends. ... Read more