Reviews (3)

Maisy at the Grocery Store
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.

Maisy visits Charlie only to find his cupboards are bare, so its off to the grocery store. For reasons known only to them, my children aren't real wild about this Maisy book. Still, like all Maisy books, they liked it the first time around; maybe we've just read this one too many times.

Sweet and Simple
Like all Maisy books, this one is sweet and simple. My kids love it!

Great toddler book
In this book Maisy and Charley go grocery shopping. My two year old loves grocery shopping and is fascinated by the book. We read it over and over and over. Actually it is great for me too, because I use it to talk about what kind of foods we can buy at the grocery store. Maisy and Charley buy apples, bananas, yogurt, bread etc... It is a good opportunity to get in a plug for nutritious foods. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good Book
Angelina loved her bicycle and rode it everywhere. Her best friend was Alice. This year for her birthday they were going to have a picnic. Angelina and Alice went to the village to buy some decorations for her party. On the way back they raced, and Angelina hit a rock and crashed. She hurt her leg and ruined her favorite bike. Angelina and Alice started doing odd jobs to earn money so Angelina could buy a new bike. They mowed grass, picked apples, hung laundry, watered the garden, planted raspberries and strawberries, and washed floors. Angelina still didn't have enough money to buy a bike. On their walk back from the village to buy more balloons, Angelina saw the best bike ever in the window of the bicycle shop and she wished she had enough money to buy it. The day of her party came and Angelina received hair ribbons, books, a ballerina, and a silver horn for her new bike. Everyone had pitched in to buy Angelina the bike she had wanted. She was so surprised and decided to take everyone on a bicycle ride through the hills. I think this was a good book because Angelina worked to buy herself a new bike, and in the end everyone realized how hard she had worked so they decided to get her it for her birthday. ~ Katelyn Carson

Wonderful
In this next book in the Angelina Ballerina series, Angelina prepares for her birthday. However, getting into a bike race with her Alice, Angelina hits a rock and damages her bike beyond repair. When her mother suggests that she can work to raise the money for a new bike, Angelina throws herself wholeheartedly into her work, and birthday are such wonderful times...

Such a wonderful book! I do love Katherine Holabird's work! Although I should say hers, and Helen Craig's, for the illustrations do make this book come so alive. My daughter and I love this book, and recommend it to you.

Reprint of older, out-of-print book!
If you already own 'Angelina's Birthday Surprise', don't buy this book! It is identical in every way. I know because I purchased both to complete my daughter's Angelina book collection, since there we no details on either book at the time. It is another cute Angelina book. This one is about Angelina having a bicycling accident which ruins her old bike, then getting a new one as a surprise birthday gift after working hard to earn the money to purchase it herself. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. "Angelina prances home and sees the former postman,

Mr. Bell, all alone. Holabird and Craig have teamed up again to offer simple

lessons that create a real celebration."--School Library Journal.




... Read more

Reviews (5)

Owning a peice of myself...
I really loved this book. It was my very first book I got. Of course I got it because my name is Angelina. When I was little I used to think the book was actually about me! I own the first publication of this book and noticed that in the original one I've got it says "Santa Clause" and in the new one that my little cousin has it says "Father Christmas". I don't understand the change. Although I still recommend this book for any little girl who loves to dance, or who's name is Angelina!

Nice book
I came across Angelina's books a while ago. ...Great book, speaks to the kids for real

Angelina Books
This series is really terrific. My 4 year old daughter loves them...very high quality and well written.

Angelina is wonderful
My children love Angelina. This book is a wonderful tale for Christmas. If you haven't met Angelina yet, this book is the perfect time to do so.

GREAT!
Beautifully illustrated book for children! Moving and sweet! Loved it! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This book IS a ballet class!
Great book! I don't know enough to teach my 4 year old ballet, so I narrate for her living room ballet class by reading the book aloud. I love the fact that it shows me how to pronounce the names of various ballet steps. Plus the descriptions of the steps are good enough that I can help her learn some. The flip book is a fun extra, but don't buy the book for that as it is hard for little hands to 'flip' the pages. Use ribbon to tie it together (with knot) so it's safe for younger kids too.

Very cute!
My four year old absolutely loves this book! She loves to try all the dance steps that Angelina and her friends are doing (and it's neat because it shows you how to do them.) There is also a tear-out section in the back from which my daughter was able to assemble a little book of her own. If you've got an Angelina fan, she'll enjoy this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Marian called it Roxaboxen. (She always knew the name of everything.) There across the road, it looked like any rocky hill -- nothing but sand and rocks, some old wooden boxes, cactus and greasewood and thorny ocotillo -- but it was a special place: a sparkling world of jeweled homes, streets edged with the whitest stones, and two ice cream shops. Come with us there, where all you need to gallop fast and free is a long stick and a soaring imagination.

In glowing desert hues, artist Barbara Cooney has caught the magic of Alice McLerran's treasured land of Roxaboxen -- a place that really was, and, once you've been there, always is.

Reviews (18)

An incredible world for kids
This was my absolute favorite book as a child: I loved imagining the world of Roxaboxen as the children who 'lived' there did and I loved creating my own Roxaboxens in my world.Alice McLerran's kids taught me how to make my own places and times and adventures in my own universe.The entire book was so beautiful that I still smile whenever I see kid's books and remember my favorite or when someone asks me what my favorite book from childhood was.

Wonderful picture book geared towards adults
Roxaboxen is a lovely story about a childhood playground created by the author's mother, her mother's siblings and her mother's friends.

While children will enjoy the pictures and may get some great ideas for building their own Roxaboxen "town", adult readers are the ones who will truly treasure this story. Its sweet nostalgic look at childhood is a catalyst for our own stories and memories to return. Cooney's pictures are appropriate and enjoyable but subdued.

Overall, a nice memorial to the real Roxaboxen and its residents.

Roxaboxen
Roxaboxen was one of my favorite books growing up as a child.I used to pass by Roxaboxen almost every week and we (me and my siblings) would play games just like in the story.It is a fun-loving and imaginative story that all kids and adults should read.The illustrations are incrdible and the book reminds me of when I was a child.A great read for all ages.

Very nice book for adults.
Lovely, haunting, poetic book -- for adults.

But, for a child, nostalgia for "the way we all used to play outdoors in an abandoned lot, decades ago" doesn't make a very interesting topic. Certainly there have been no repeat requests for this book at story hour.And mine is not a child who shuns the haunting, the subtle, the poetic.

More than a Children's Story...
This is a wonderful inspiration for anyone who works with or for children.Teachers and educators sometimes forget that we have a lasting and concrete effect on the children we serve.Do they remember us?ROXABOXEN answers with an emphatic YES!The memories of childhood are forever and the impact is widespread. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ms. Frizzle, science teacher extraordinaire (in the tremendously popularMagic School Bus series by Joanna Cole and illustrator Bruce Degen),parachutes into social studies in the first of the new series from the samecreative pair. On the first day of school vacation, the inimitable, redheadedMs. Frizzle joins a tour group bound for Egypt. When the plane trip gets toomonotonous, Ms. Frizzle invites the group to jump ship with her. Somehow, tourguide Herb ends up in contemporary Cairo, while everyone else lands in ancientEgypt! Here's where Ms. Frizzle's teaching skills come in handy. By the end ofthe vacation, members of the tour group--and readers--have learned more aboutmummies, pyramids, Re the sun god, and ancient Egyptian's teeth than they everimagined.

With their familiar blend of information sharing and humor, Cole and Degenpresent what might in any other format be an overwhelming amount of informationin a lively, entertaining, easy-to-absorb style. Full-color cartoon-style textand illustrations allow readers to explore Egypt even as Ms. Frizzle and herinadvertent students do the same. Witty asides take the shape of travel diaries,postcards home, and messages on Herb's megaphone ("I'm the tour guide!","Help! I lost my tour group!"). Ms. Frizzle's sly pretended ignorance at timesalso makes for high hilarity. "I can't imagine how that happened. Can you?" shesays, after the airplane door somehow swings open. If only all education wasthis much fun! (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great Book!!!!!
This book is great! I got this book when I was 4 3/4 and I am now 13 1/2 years old and it's still wonderful!!! It shows wonderful examples of hieroglyphs and demotic writing!!! It shows you detailed pictures of an Egyptian market, scribes house, and tells you how mummys were made!!! After reading I ( to my mom's extreme annoyance) turned our basement in to an Egyptian town, and you can imangine what I went as that Halloween!!

Mostly good!
My daughter loves this book. The information is packed tightly into the book, much as in the Magic School bus books. The one major problem that really upsets my daughter is that in one picture the Sphinx does not have a beard. Really, this upsets her a great deal. There is a scene when Ms Frizzle opens an airplane door and jumps out, which I do feel is not good to put in a kids book. It gives them ideas, in my opinion.

Other than that, the book has good information in it.

My 2nd graders love this book!
Doing a unit on Ancient Egypt this Summer, and was THRILLED to see this book at the library. I wish they had made a video too! My kids love it. Ms. Frizzle is her usual self sans the class. She's taking a vacation in Egypt during Summer break but just can't let go of being a teacher. She jumps out of the plane on the way there and the other passengers become her students. They go back in time thanks to Ms. Frizz's Time Travel Watch. Great illustrations, captions. Very historically faithful and fun.

a funny and informative book for children
This new adventure with the loving teacher Ms. Frizzle will enchant kids of all ages. Splendidly illustrated with accurate details, this book is a delight to read: funny, informative, colorful, clear and comprehensive. An excellent, highly recommended book for children ages 8 to 12.

Ms. Frizzle and Ancient Egypt... What Could be Better?
My children absolutely love the Magic School Bus Adventures. Now, combining Ms. Frizzle with one of their favorite times in history is a magical success! My children learned about Ancient Egypt in the exciting, fun and descriptive way only Ms. Frizzle could portray. I'm so glad Ms. Frizzle "took chances and got messy" with social studies! Hooray! ... Read more

Book Description

Sam has a joyful story to tell, one completely her own, yet common to millions of families -- the story of how she was adopted. Most of all, it's a story about love. And in the end, Sam's story comes full circle, inviting young readers to share stories of how they were adopted.

Reviews (7)

Great for young children
I was very pleased with this book as a way to introduce the topic of birthmothers and adoption in general to young children. It was "generic" enough to work for most domestic and international adoption scenarios, perhaps with a little editorial by the parent reading it. I also liked the way it asked questions of the child being read to as I think this might be a good stimulus for further conversation between parent and child. Overall it had a gentle, upbeat message while touching on subjects that parents sometimes have difficulty introducing to their children.

A bit of a tour de force
It is always nice to see a book on adoption written in the child's voice even if the child is perhaps unrealistically mature and talkative, like Samantha. I am an adoptive mother and our daughter was not like Samantha, nor were any of the other adopted children in our neighborhood. It was surprising to me how few questions the children asked as they grew up and how little interest they showed in finding their birthmothers. One reads about this phenomenon in literature. For that reason it's perhaps good to have books like this that may stimulate young adoptees into becoming more conscious of their adoption. Yet, I feel that this book, like many other books about adoption, focuses too intensely on the issue, neglecting the more general aspects of family life and caring for others.

Gisela Gasper Fitzgerald, author of ADOPTION: An Open, Semi-Open or Closed Practice?

a good book, with one small quibble
I am an adoptive mom of an 11 month old son, who I adopted at birth. This is the first adoption book for children that I've bought -- in others that I've looked at, the story was too different from our family's story. However, this book makes it clear that Samantha is telling the story of her adoption, and that the stories of other adopted kids may be different -- in fact Samantha invites her "listeners" to talk about their own adoptions. This way of writing the story makes me comfortable about reading it to my son, even though the book features a 2-parent family, and I'm a single mom. I also give the book points for using the word "uterus" rather than "tummy". I think the latter creates confusion in young children -- they imagine the unborn baby swimming in a sea of half-digested food. Since we need to explain to children that babies grow in a "special place" anyway, why not use the correct term for it? (if you think your child can't handle a 3-syllable word, then how about "womb"?). I also disagree with the reviewer who thought the illustrations of a baby growing in a uterus, and the descriptions of birth, were inappropriate for young children -- by the time children are 3 or 4, they start noticing pregnant women, and if you tell them "there's a baby in there", the natural next question for them to ask is "how does it get out?" -- I think this book does a really good job of explaining this in simple, not-too-graphic, language that a young child can understand.

I also like the fact that the birth mother is at least mentioned (though that term is not introduced) -- an awful lot of adoption books feature a magical phone call from an adoption agency that has "found" a baby for the would-be adoptive parents, without any mention of where the baby came from. However, my small quibble is that I would have liked to see even a little more discussion of the birth mother -- she appears in this book as not much more than a uterus -- I'd like a book where the adoptive parent(s) actually meet the birthparent(s) -- but then, maybe I'm still looking for a book that exactly mirrors my family's story, since ours is an open adoption with visitation.

Anyway, I think this book can be a good start point for discussions with your adopted child, even if your child's adoption story is somewhat different from Samantha's.

Waiting to adopt
My husband and I are currenly awaiting a referal to adopt a child. We have been looking for books that can assist us in talking to our child about his or her adoption. We purchased this book thinking it would foster discussions about our child's own adoption story. Although the book is layed out very well, and is written in a very simple language, we are returning it. It actually breaks our heart to do so because it us such an excellent book, but one page depeticts the birth of a child. It discussed a woman's uterus squeezing and pushing a baby out. There are drawings on the page of an actual birth. We do plan to discuss the facts of life with our children, but do not feel that it is neccessary for a pre school age child to see drawings of a baby actually being born. I have no problem using the proper words with a child and telling him that a child grows in a birth mother's uterus, not her tummy. But sharing with a child what the actual process of birth is like needs to be saved for when he (or she) is older.

A straighforward and cheerful introduction to adoption
While my sons are not adopted, they have friends and extended family that are. This book was a good introduction to them to the concept. It's very straightforward and written in such a way that it could apply to a lot of different adoption situation---details are not that specific just to Samantha. It is very upbeat and cheerful. Just a note---the book does assume the kids that are hearing it are adopted, and it has questions like "Do you know how old you were when you were adopted?" which confused my sons a little! So be aware of this if you are reading it just for general awareness! The pictures are cute, bright and with neat details. ... Read more

Book Description

All Henry Huggins wants is his very own bicycle, a shiny red one to ride up and down Klickitat Street. But no matter how Henry tries to raise money for the bike of his dreams -- from selling bubble gum to delivering newspapers -- he always ends up with too much trouble and not enough money. But Henry's old friend Beezus has an idea that may turn Henry's worst trouble yet into a real business success!

Reviews (5)

The Best Book I Have Ever Read!
On a scale of one to ten Henry and Beezus by Beverly Cleary is a twenty. That is why I am going to try to persuade you to read this wonderful book. The first reason you should read this book is because once you pick it up you just cannot put it down. It has so many funny things that happen to Henry, Beezus, and Ramona that you cannot wait to read what happens next. Now I am going to tell you a little about this book. It is about a boy, Henry, who wants a new bicycle. His parents cannot afford to buy him one so he decides to find a way to get the money himself. If you want to know how he gets the money you will have to read the book. But don't think that reading a book about a boy that gets money to get a bike is boring. In this book Beverly Cleary makes it so much more interesting. So if you want a book that you can read that will bring the kid side out of you again, read Henry and Beezus by Beverly Cleary.

Interesting Book
In this Henry Huggin's book, Henry is trying to get a bike. So, he tries to save his money up to buy one. Also, Ribsy gets into lots of trouble. Some of the parts are very funny. I would reccommend the book to anyone 8 and up.

I love this book.
In a time when kids had to work hard to get what they wanted, Henry wanted a bike, and got it...in a most unusual and creative way. This is a charming book that portrays a humorous, realistic, unsentimental friendship between a boy and a girl.

I LOVE THIS BOOK.
I like this book because Henry can always count on Beezus.

Listening Library audio version is NOT abridged!
The audio book version of this wonderful children's book, well done by the excellent "Listening Library" company, is complete and unabridged. I know, I bought it. Look closely at the photo and you can see that this is true. If you want the book, I recommend the beautiful "library binding" hardcover. Strip off the dustjacket, and find a perfectly faithful reproduction of the 1950s original. Henry and Beezus is my favorite of all the Beverly Cleary books. My three kids love it. It's the kind of children's book they just don't make anymore. Like Encyclopedia Brown, and other traditional American heroes of his ilk, Henry Huggins is great kid, friendly, kind, just, responsible, bright, and forgiving. He's short on cash at the moment, and can't afford a bike like the other kid on the block, but Henry displays a naturally independent spirit and even----hold your breath----entrepreneurial initiative. He persists in all that he endeavors, rolling with the punches, and shrugging off life's little humiliations, even as they sting inside. He's all the things that made America great, but that seem (let's face it) to have gone out of fashion in this whiny New Age of anti-capitalist political correctness. But perhaps the American soul still breathes, as long as a book like this is still in print. ... Read more

Book Description

Do you want to be my friend? asks the little mouse, and hopefully follows a tail, finding at the end of it a rather unfriendly horse. But there's another tail, and another, and a strange, long, green one, too, that follows the mouse on his quest for a friend.

Each page of this ingenious picture book contains a surprise. Its only text is on the first page, but the exciting pursuit of a friend for the little mouse lends itself to improvisation by both the reader and the young child -- another brilliant idea from Eric Carle, the creator of The Secret Birthday Message and The Mixed-Up Chameleon.

Notable Children's Books of 1971 (ALA)
Children's Books of 1971 (Library of Congress)
Honor Book, Book World Spring Book Festival 1971

Reviews (6)

compared to hungry caterpillar a disappointment
yes this is a book about friendship and i realize for child at times simple is better but this book i thought really lacked especially compared to how great a book the hungry caterpillar is(i personally think just about this authors best book)it has at the very start of the book the question ask by a mouse "do you want to be my friend?"and then at the end a yes from another mouse no other writing between yes you can teach your child a little about the other animals the mouse is apparently asking though not in print.I personally thought this could have been laid out a little different

"Do you want to be my friend"
This book is about a mouse that wants a friend so he goes asking other animals if they will be his friend. He asks alligators, giraffes, elephants, and other animals, but they all said no. So now maybe you can figure out the rest of the story.
I think the lesson that this book teaches is that everyone needs a friend or you not going to get anywhere in life. I would say that the age level for this book is for three to eight year olds because it has mostly pictures and only eight words. It was an ok book and the good point of the book was that the artwork was really nice.

LOVE IT
As a early childhood speech pathologist and special education teacher, I love this Eric Carle book. It allows the children to "tell the story" and provides a great foundation to discuss friendships. We read it every year in my classroom.

Cute
A bit too repetitive, but I like the idea of looking for a friend.

not what I expected!
Being a huge fan of Eric Carle and a kindergarten teacher, I was fairly disappointed with this book....it needs words! The only words found in the book are in two speech bubbles. At one time, these pictures were published in a Big Book that included text entitled "Will You Be My Friend?". Early readers need simple text they can follow - not just pictures. ... Read more

Amazon.com

At 7 and a half, with working parents and a sister at "a difficult age," Ramona Quimby tries hard to do her part to keep family peace. Usually, however, she ends up behind every uproarious incident in the house. Whether she's dying herself blue, watching while her young neighbor flings Kleenex around the house, or wearing her soft new pajamas to school one day (under her clothes, of course), Ramona's life is never dull. Through it all, she is struggling for a place in her mother's heart, worried that she might be unlovable. Not a chance. Ramona Quimby is nothing if not lovable.

Beverly Cleary's gift for understanding the tangle of thoughts and emotions in a child's mind and heart is remarkable. Luckily, in addition to being empathic, witty, and astute, Cleary is also prolific. She has created over two dozen children's books, and been presented with many awards, including the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw, as well as the Newbery Honor for Ramona and Her Father and for Ramona Quimby, Age 8. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (21)

this is a very good book!!
The book Ramona and Her Mother was a very funy book. This book is about a little girl convincing herself that nobody likes her. One of the most intresting things this book is all the problems that the Quimby family goes through. One problem is that the parents got into an argument and Ramona and Beezus , Ramona's older sister, thinks that thier parents were going to split up. Ramona gets so angry at her parents that she says that she is going to run away. So Ramona's mother comes in and says " Do you want me to help you pack?". well these are not the words Ramona expected to hear her mother say so she said "yes." Her mother told her to pack all sorts of things. When Ramona was all finished packing the bag was way to heavy for her.So she burst out in tears and told her mom she wanted to stay. I believe that this was a very good book and i encourage people to read it. So read the book and find out more about Ramona.

"Ramona and Her Mother"
Are you a mama's girl or daddy's boy who wonders how others get along with THEIR parents? Do you ever wonder how kids could be so close to their parents when you can't stand yours? All of these questions could be answered by reading the book, "Ramona and Her Mother", by Beverly Cleary. The book is about a young girl named Ramona who has two very hard working parents. Although Ramona knows her parents work hard to support their family, there are times where she feels left out. She sometimes thinks that her parents pay more attention to her sister Beezus and ramona feels she should get the most attention because she's the baby in the family. Ramona wishes that one day her mom could just stay home from work and spend time with her. She also wishes peopple would tell her she's a mama's girl just like they tell her friend. Cleary has written many books including, "Ramona the Brave," "Ramona Quimby, Age 8," "Socks," and other books that young readers have been attracted to. her writing, though, can be for anybody to read. it is very easy to make connections with this book, but you have to think each scene out throughly and think about its actual meaning or purpose. Beverly clery's books remind me of Ann M. Martin, a populare author of "The Babysitters Club" series. they both show great meaning when conducting a scene. So, if you ever wonder about things that relate to you and your parents, this is the book for you

this is a very very funny, fun, and good book
The book Ramona and Her Mother was a very funy book. This book is about a little girl convincing herself that nobody likes her. One of the most intresting things this book is all the problems that the Quimby family goes through. One problem is that the parents got into an argument and Ramona and Beezus , Ramona's older sister, thinks that thier parents were going to split up. Ramona gets so angry at her parents that she says that she is going to run away. So Ramona's mother comes in and says " Do you want me to help you pack?". well these are not the words Ramona expected to hear her mother say so she said "yes." Her mother told her to pack all sorts of things. When Ramona was all finished packing the bag was way to heavy for her.So she burst out in tears and told her mom she wanted to stay. I believe that this was a very good book and i encourage people to read it. So read the book and find out more about Ramona.

Ramona and her Mother
I think Beverly Cleary is a great author. I think Ramona and Her Mother is one of her best books yet! This book is about a little girl who is a challenge to her mother because she does silly and meaningless things when she doesn't get her way. She learns how to get things she needs on her own. If you like to laugh a lot, you'll love this book! Ramona is very weird and annoying. She has temper tantrums when she doesn't get her way. Ramona reminds me of my little brother because they're both really weird and annoying! My favorite parts are when Ramona squirts out a whole tube of toothpaste and when Howie and Ramona get covered in ink! I love this book!

Very good!
In this book Ramona seems to be more agreeable than Beezus, unlike previous Ramona stories - probably because Beezus is becoming a teenager. One of the funniest parts is when Beezus insists on getting a haircut at a beauty school on the other end of Portland - they get off at the wrong exit and can't find their way back to the freeway - I made the same mistake in Portland in real life, so that screwy exit DOES exist! ... Read more

Book Description

"I am Joy, and I have come to qreet you."

A beautiful bird named Joy stops one day to visit a mountain. Every spring she flies high in the air, looking for the best place to build her nest and raise her children. As much as Joy would like to stay with the mountain, she must leave to continue her search. After hearing the mountain's pleas for her to stay, Joy is so touched she makes a very special promise that each spring the mountain will be visited by one of her kin. Over time the birds bring about a wonderful change in the mountain -- a change that will transform the mountain forever. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

It's about hope!
I found this book again while cleaning my daughter's room; I found it years ago and it is such a wonderful and uplifting story. Perhaps it was more than serendipity that I found it again, for it seemed the perfect message to send to an adult friend who needed some TLC -- for its main message, to my mind, is one of hope, and of believing in the power of love.

Beautiful pictures, beautiful story
This story is one of the true classics of children's literature, even though it is an unkown. I collect children's books, and this is one of my all - time favorites. If you want a story with substance, meaning, and still a wonderful story - buy this one. The illustrations are outstanding, also. Have a kleenex handy, though.

Beautiful
This is one of the most beautiful books that I have ever read. It is love. Love that is indeed essential. Like water for chocolate type of love. Whenever I read this book it amazes me how as to how real the author personified the characters.

This story not only clarifies the necessity to of the need for love but it brings it forth with such astounding boldness. The mountain in its isolation literally almost gives up in the midst of its quest for companionship.

This book is not only a book for children -- it is can also be a literary piece for adults. In the quest for the mountain's security; the bird leaves behind generation upon generation of offspring to provide the mountain with a sense of love and security for many, many, many years to come.

Beautiful -- is a mere word that describes an element of something that is precious, astounding, and good. I cannot find the perfect word for this book. It seems to me that beautiful is hardly enough.

Beautiful story, great storytelling
This is a beautiful story about a bird that visits a mountain once a year. Both can talk, and they visit with each other. The mountain is lonely. The bird explains she will die someday, that birds don't live long, but promises she will have her daughter visit when she is gone. She explains that she cannot live there as this mountain is barren, so she can visit only once per year. The mountain is lonely when she passes on and cries (a brook begins). The daughter does visit and she drops one seed per year. In the end the mountain is a thriving ecosystem where birds and animals can live year round, nourished by the water that the mountain created.

The book has longer prose than the usual picture books for this age range (more like the picture books published in the 1950s and 1960s). The illustrations are by Eric Carle, interesting and appealing collage format that he is famous for.

This is a tender and touching tale! It is not just a plain picture book prose, it truly is "storytelling".

Timeless Story for Both Young and Old
I randomly picked and read this book waiting for my wife to finish in her kindergarten class. What joy it brought to me, as it will to you and your children. "The Mountain That Loved a Bird" revels in classic storytelling of old: a building promise of a miraculous ending. The timeless themes of emotions, promises made and kept, and "happily-ever-after" resound throughout the story and beautiful artwork. In these days of rapid-fire animation and video game addiction, "The Mountain That Loved a Bird" brings us to a gentler and far more satisfying place. It will teach your children about the power of friendship and hope, a lesson off-times lost in this world of Pokemon and violence. This book is one that should hold a revered and oft-used place beside your child's bed. But don't be surprised if you find "The Mountain That Loved a Bird" making its way into your bedroom or favorite reading nook. ... Read more

Book Description

The train tracks ran right by Bigmama's house in Cottondale, and the children were warned to stay off the tracks. But one night they were late, and the tracks were a shortcut, so they started off. And when there was no turning back, they heard the train coming. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A Must read
Excellent for writing and using as a model text.

Terrific follow-on for older "Freight Train" fans
Young children may already be familiar with Donald Crews' _Freight Train_. That book introduced them to their colors and each car in the train.

This book is an actual story where real characters have a brush with a freight train. It's a good follow-on to Freight Train because it introduces the concept of trains being dangerous. Shortcut begins with seven (older) children playing far from home, who decide to take a shortcut along the train tracks. As they continue on their walk, the colors hint that danger is coming as the overall tints get darker. Sure enough, a freight train does pull up, and the children must scramble away to safety. Readers of Freight Train will recognize Crews' marvelous engine and car renderings even in silhouette.

This is a also a great book to use for discussion after reading together. Did the children make a wise decision to take the shortcut? Should they have listened to their mother? What do you think they decided to do after the train incident? Crews' book teachers safety without preaching, and also hints at the beginnings of independence away from parents.

Note: this book has the same children as Crews' book "Bigmamma." While "Bigmamma" is not a train book, if your child wants to know more about the characters, this might be your next stop.

Excellent for a Speech Competition
I loved reading this book to my son. The story line, drama and noise effects would be EXCELLENT for any student to present in a Speech Competition.

A Vivid Adventure for Preschoolers and Beginning Readers
This is an excellent book. I am an artist, so I especially appreciated the illustrations, which are beautiful as well as exciting to look at! The illustrations and story combine to make it seem like a real-time adventure, as though you are really there with the children. My four-year-old loves this book. We have had many interesting conversations about the reactions of the children to their adventure, and why they did the things they did. For example, why were the children scared? What did they do when they were afraid? Should they have listened to their Mama? Etc. We were first introduced to it by checking it out at our library, and now I am going to purchase it for us. You will enjoy this book alot.

It's my son's favorite book.
This is a great book. It is by far my sons favorite book and he has practically got it memorized by now! I started reading it to him when he was less than one year old and he could enjoy the over-large pictures and special sound effects if nothing else. One time when he was in his twos I accidentally stopped in the middle of a sentence to sneeze or something and I was astounded to hear him finish the sentence for me! I tested him and discovered that he knew the last word of just about every phrase and sentence. Since then it's been a game with us where I start the sentence and he finishes it. Donald Crews has a prose style that is well adapted to this kind of memory game, it is rhythmic, somewhat repetitive and driving - like the train itself. We are fortunate to live in Japan where a busy train track runs near our house. Thus he has developed a love of trains from birth and the book and real life can interact and reinforce each other. I feel sorry for kids who can't experience trains in their daily life, but this book goes a long ways towards filling the gap. My hats off -- and my warmest thanks go -- to Donald Crews for a wonderful experience. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Maisy Gets Ready for Bed
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 great to read at bedtime, esspecially if you can convince your child to pretend they are Maisy going to sleep. Maisy's preparing for bed and her preparations include a trip to the potty. The first time you see that page, it's actually kind of funny. This is one of my daughters' favorite Maisy books.

Kat's Kind Review
The children's book Maisy's Bedtime by Lucy Collins was not a very interesting book. I think the only reason that it was not very interesting to me was because I am an older child and the book was angled towards younger children. The book basically tells how Maisy gets ready for bed. It tells every single step that she takes in order to get to bed. For instance she has to close her bedroom curtains, then she had to put on her pajamas, brush her teeth, use the bathroom etc; I would only recommend this book to children that are the ages 2 to 6.

Maisy to the rescue - bedtime ritual
If you have a reluctant toddler, Lucy Cousins' Maisy can help reinforce bedtime rituals and good habits. Maisy washes up, uses the potty and puts on pajamas. She even reads in bed - just like Mommy and Daddy read their child. Bright, clear pictures and soothing text make this our daughter's favorite go-to-sleep book.

My infant son loves them!!
I've been reading to my son since he was first born, and he is now 5 1/2 months old. Out of all the books I've bought for him, he by far loves his Maisy books!! His eyes light up at the pictures, and he starts babbling (talking) to the book! My husband and I love reading them to him because the stories are so cute and easy to read. Thank god for Amazon because I haven't been able to find all of the books anywhere else. This book in particular is a life saver, because at night he often gets a little fussy and I read this to him before bedtime--it helps to calm him down!

Maisy RULES!
These books are FANTASTIC! My two and a half yr old has been enjoying this series since DAY ONE! No matter what maisy book, she loves it. This one is all about getting ready for bed, brushing teeth, using the potty and a special little teddy bear. These books rule. We've even bought them in italian versions because they are so appealing. The illustrations are perfectly suited to toddlers, bright, simple and cheerful!(I Love Them TOO! ) You can't go wrong with maisy! ... Read more

Book Description

One of the best-selling children's books of all time, The Very Hungry Caterpillar has been delighting young readers for over thirty years. Now packaged as a board book with a new plush doll, this classic book will continue to introduce new generations of children to the magical world of Eric Carle. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Charming ¿ Eat Your Way Through An Afternoon!
Story Synopsis:
- A caterpillar eats his way through different foods until he is full and weaves a cocoon transforming into a beautiful butterfly. Charming colorful illustrations of foods along with the fat caterpillar and catchy little holes in the foods where the caterpillar "had his snack" make this book a hit with young children.

Review:
- Eric Carle's classic, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" has charmed millions over the years with it's simple memorable story, striking illustrations and the gimmicky holes on each of its' pages. To date, more than 12 million copies of this book have been sold in its original, full-sized edition, and mini editions. This beloved tale of science and gluttony has also been translated into 20 languages and counting. Die-cut pages (each page has a hole where the "caterpillar" ate through the food item) illustrate what the caterpillar ate on successive days. Strikingly bold, colorful pictures and a simple text in large, clear type tell the story of a hungry little caterpillar's culinary progress through an amazing variety and quantity of foods. Full at last, he weaves a cocoon around himself and goes to sleep, to emerge a few weeks later as a wonderfully transformed and beautiful butterfly! The final, double-page picture of the butterfly is a joyous explosion of color, a vibrant affirmation of the wonder and beauty of Nature. This story is a hit every time. Carle's bright colors and clever die-cut artwork never cease to entertain even the youngest child, and there is surely nothing in nature closer to magic than the emergence of a butterfly. This is a beautiful, educational and fun book.

Literary Features For Young Readers:
- Simple words appropriate to pre-readers, younger children and ELLs (English Language Learners).
- The predictability of the words and their tie-in with the illustrations makes the book easy for pre-readers to understand.
- The rhythm of the prose makes the book memorable and fun book to read for little people.
- Strikingly bold, colorful pictures tell the story of the hungry little caterpillar in complement with the simple words.
- Eric Carle's art gimmick (i.e. the die-cut holes through the food illustrations on each page) gives small children (and the occasional adult like me!) an extra bit of fun and enjoyment
- The moral lessons of the story are simple and universal: "Don't judge a person by the way they look" and "real beauty is more than skin-deep."

Teaching Tie-ins:
- Counting skills (Foods accumulate progressively)
- The days of the week.
- Nutrition (The best food for the caterpillar is the leaf, not the candy, cake, etc. or why we can't eat chocolate and candy all day long)
- Intro to science and biology:
It is a fun book with its' "holes" that have been eaten through the pages, and become a preschoolers introduction to science/biology when the little caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly.
- Shapes (foods)

Possible Projects:
- Food or nutrition mobiles and other related projects.
- Art collages in the style or Eric Carle using torn tissue and other media.
- Simple life cycle science projects (posters are life cycle mobiles)
- Caterpillar art activity: creating caterpillars out of an egg cartoons.
- As a preschool and kindergarten teacher, I had classes perform simple plays for young children based upon this book.
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I highly recommend this charming little book for younger children and ELLs (English Language Learners).

Review by: Maximillian Ben Hanan ... Read more

Book Description

Read by a full cast
Two cassettes / One hour 34 mins.

More than anything Boots Raymond wants to be a quarterback for the Apollos.But because of his size,the coach assigns him to a tackle position.

Boots rebels and almost quits the team, but his brother intercepts and teaches Boots the valuable lessons about commitment and teamwork that he learned from being a soldier in Vietnam. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Phenomenal book
Boots Raymond is a boy that want to play quarterback for his team - there's just one problem - the coach says he's too heavy to play that position.The coach assigns him to right tackle.His brother, Tom, is actually the one that encourages him to play football because he wants to quit.His brother explains that it's good to play the line because you help the quarterback make the plays.I like this book because it's very exciting, and I understand how it feels to play a position that you don't like.I would recommend this book to anyone who loves sports or who plays tackle football!

Tough To Tackle
Tough To Tackle is a book about a boy named Boots, who wants to be on the Apollos football team.When he goes to the coach he said that he wants to be a quarterback, and the choach said that he was too heavy.His brother was in the war and "Boots" wrote to him about how he was playing the line.Will he quit?Read the book Tough To Tackle to find out.
I read the book Tough To Tackle because I like reading about sports.I also like reading Matt Christopher books.Once I started reading it I couldn't stop.I suggest that everyone should read this book.

Tough to .... Read
This book was just pages and pages on details about 4 football games (plays called, players names)The actual story, about a boy who doesn't know if he wants to play or not because he's a tackle and not the quarterback encompassed about 10 pages of the book.The moral is a good one but it is just too difficult to get through 20 pages at a time about how much time is left or who ran which way.I know quite a bit about football and still wasn't interested.

Tough To Tackle
Tough To tackle, by Matt Christopher, is one of his books about sports. This type of book is a realistic fiction book so it's not true but it can happen.

This story takes place on a football field and happens from the months of September and October. Matt Christopher helps us know the characters by telling us what the characters do and how they act. The major conflict is that a boy named Boots Raymond really wants to play quarterback for his team called the Apollos, but Coach Hayes said that he's too heavy to play quarterback so he puts him on right tackle. Will Boots ever improve on his position? Matt Christopher's writing style interest me because he likes to write about sports all the time.

This book would be great for 9-11 year old kids because this book is interesting and I would recommend it.I'd give this book a 4/5. A person that likes sports would like this book. So to find out if Boots will ever improve on his position, go get this book now at your local library.

Tough To Tackle
Tough To tackle, by Matt Christopher, is one of his books about sports. This type of book is a realistic fiction book so it's not true but it can happen.

This story takes place on a football field and happens from the months of September and October. Matt Christopher helps us know the characters by telling us what the characters do and how they act. The major conflict is that a boy named Boots Raymond really wants to play quarterback for his team called the Apollos, but Coach Hayes said that he's too heavy to play quarterback so he puts him on right tackle. Will Boots ever improve on his position? Matt Christopher's writing style interest me because he likes to write about sports all the time.

This book would be great for 9-11 year old kids because this book is interesting and I would recommend it.I'd give this book a 4/5. A person that likes sports would like this book. So to find out if Boots will ever improve on his position, go get this book now at your local library. ... Read more

Book Description

Henry Huggins's dog, Ribsy, is hopelessly lost in a huge shopping mall parking lot. It's raining hard, the pavement is slick, horns are honking, and drivers are shouting. When Ribsy thinks he has found the Hugginses' new station wagon at last, he jumps in the open tailgate window and falls asleep, exhausted. When he wakes up find himself in the wrong car, lots of little girls pet him and make plans to give him a bath. All Ribsy wants to do is go home to Henry. Instead, he's about to begin the liveliest adventure of his life.

Reviews (11)

not the best, but okay
This is not Cleary's best work, but the story of the five children is charming, and, of course, it has a happy ending.

The best thing about this book is that it is written, convincingly, from the point-of-view of a dog. It's not as good as Socks (which is about a cat--but then I'm a cat person!), but still good. Poor Ribsy--it's a dog's world.

It's Good
I really like this book because it is interesting and many people really like dogs. Ribsy is a cool dog

Great book!
This book is part of the Henry Huggins series by Beverly Cleary. I read all of those books, when I was a kid and wished I had friends like Henry, Beezus and all the other kids on Klictitat Street (instead of the hoodlums who populated my real world). I enjoyed every one of those books.

"Ribsy" tells the tale of how Henry met his dog.

This book is NO GOOD!
Like I said in the title, this book is NO GOOD! It has no point and I think I got dumber as I read it. Goodbye!

Acceptable, but not my favorite Beverly Cleary book
This book is OK, but I've always gotten impatient with the story. Ribsy jumps in the wrong car at a shopping center, and 4 girls give him a bubble bath against his will. Then he runs away from them and has more adventures with other people who find him. The things that happen to Ribsy in this book are soooo ridiculous, I think in real life he would have been reunited with Henry sooner! ... Read more

Book Description

This classic tale of a little girl's adventure is full ofimagination. A smiling Cheshire cat, screaming Queen of Hearts, andalways-late White Rabbit keep the reader engrossed from one fantasticscene to the next. Classic illustrations included. ... Read more

Reviews (169)

Take a walk with the dream child.
If you long to be carried away to a world of nonsense and magic, talking beasts and flowers then Alice is the best tour guide you can employ. This is a book that will find a place close to the heart of a reader of any age that has a place inside reserved for whimsy and childlike wonder. As Alice travels through Wonderland and meets many unexpected characters your imagination will soar. Run a race with a dodo bird. Have tea with the doremouse and his friends the mad hatter and the march hare. Thrill at the "Jabberwocky". Alice proves to be a very level headed young lady indeed as she encounters things that become "curiouser and curiouser!" The story meanders through forests and chessboards that are life size never ceasing to amaze the reader with charm and wit. Lewis Carroll completed a masterpiece of fantasy and social comentary in this classic tale. The book is truly a gift to any one who hopes to hold onto childhoods magic.

The Adventures of Alice Could Be Any Dream
I very much enjoyed this book because it was full of pure fun reading. Some books drag from the very beginning, but this children's story didn't. There were surprises from the start. This book is an all original example of using your imagination. Lewis Carrol was gifted enough to let his imagination go wild, and to write it down on paper. This book inspires me to write any sort of crazy thing that is worth writing. This book is about Alices adventures from the time she saw the peculiar White Rabbit with a waistcoat and watch. She meets thrilling but very arguementive creatures and charectors such as the caterpiller who smokes, the Duchess and her baby which turns into a pig, a Mock Turtle, a gryphon, and the most famous the Chesire cat and the Queen of Hearts. This book is a bit different than the Disney movie. There are other charecters in the book that are not mentioned in the animated movie. and I think the book is more bizarre.

Beware the Jabberwocky!
I had seen this back in the 80's and was surprised as to the stars involved in the project. It almost plays out as a who's who of stars from the time. I especially liked Natalie Gregory as Alice. She played the role well as the naive little girl who wants to grow up but childhood wants to keep just a little longer. Sit down and enjoy it with your kids some rainy day and you all will enjoy the warm glow of family again

True to the story?
I give this version of Alice in Wonderland 5 stars because to date, it does the best job of following the actual story line (even dialogue) that is presented in the books. The cheesy acting and the casting can be forgiven, after all it was the 80s.

Brilliant film!
Brilliant film. I have Alice in Wonderland taped on video and i have been looking for Alice Through the Looking Glass for a long time. While watching it last week, I discovered that Part 2 is also on it, so I saw that for the first time the other day. What can i say? Brilliant acting from the whole cast, especially Natalie Gregory who plays Alice. i recommend it to anyone. Children and adults would love it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Maisy Demonstrates Her Driving Talents Again
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, always a winner with the preschool set who love to keep lifting those flaps again and again to see what is underneath. Maisy is demonstrating her varied talents as she drives planes, trains, and automobiles (among other machines). My two-year old loves this book. Highly recommended for ages two-to-four, as are nearly any Maisy book. ... Read more

Book Description

On the Midwinter Day that is his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers a special gift -- that he is the last of the Old Ones, immortals dedicated to keeping the world from domination by the forces of evil, the Dark. At once, he is plunged into a quest for the six magical Signs that will one day aid the Old Ones in the final battle between the Dark and the Light. And for the twelve days of Christmas, while the Dark is rising, life for Will is full of wonder, terror, and delight. ... Read more

Reviews (119)

Thrilling & Exciting!
I have bought the entire sequence of The Dark Is Rising and so far this is definetely my favorite of the pack. I love the thrilling of it all. The Dark, The Light, Merriman, The Rider and EVERYONE! It's so amazing how Susan Cooper can write such AMAZING stories! I love the way that there is always so much fantasy between the two covers on the book. It's so amazing how Will goes through his quest as an Old One to recover the six signs, Iron, Bronze, Stone, Wood, Fire and Water. And while doing so he is also an eleven-year old boy on winter break. And how the Old Ones are battling the Dark so that they may finish the quest. And how they can travel through t