Book Description

Ramona's father has lost his job, and there's a grumpy mood in the Quimby household. Ramona just wants everyone to get along, but it's hard when her mother is worried all the time, her father is grouchy, and Beezus is just ... Beezus.

Ramona always tries to do the right thing ... so why does everything turn out so wrong? At seven and a half years old (for now), she's worried about spelling and about Willa Jean getting all the attention. Most of all, she's worried that her mother may not love her anymore.

It is a time of change for Ramona and her family. Aunt Beatrice is getting married, Ramona's father is looking for a new teaching job, and Ramona's mother suddenly seems a little thicker around the middle. Amid all the chaos, Ramona must say good-bye to one family member and hello to a new one.

Ramona can't wait for school to start -- she's sure fourth grade will be the best year of her life. With a new baby sister, a new best friend, Daisy, and some glorious new calluses on her hands from the rings in the park, Ramona is on top of the world!

Book Description

When he was a little boy, Derek Jeter dreamed only one dream -- he wanted to play shortstop for the New York Yankees. Today, Derek Jeter lives that dream, and more. He has been the team's star shortstop since 1996 and is a major reason the Yankees have won three World Series in that time. His outstanding play in the field combined with his powerful batting make him a force to be reckoned with, but it's his positive attitude and hard work that have earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates and his fans. In a sport filled with superstars, Derek Jeter has proven he has what it takes to rise to the top. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

It's a Grand Slam!
It's a grand slam! Baby. If you like nod slam Yeah baseball you are going to love this book. It's called on the Field with Derek Jeter. It's about a boy who has a fantasy to become the greatest short stop for the New York Yankees. His dreams come true. This book is cool and it is for all Ages. You will like this book but baseball Fans will love this book at One point in he book I all most cried I
recommend this book to you because I am a big baseball fan.

george salerno's book review
I like this book because i like baseball and i also like Derek Jeter. This story tells how Derek Jeter wanted to be the yankees shortstop it shows how he had to acommplished his goals by going through different obstacles in his way to make it to the major league.one of the obstacles was when he got drafted in 1992 but did not play until 1995. this book also talks about his great awards like becoming the american league rookie of the year.he also won the world series a couple of times. before Derek Jeter played for the yankees the yankees did not win a world series in 15 long years.so Derek Jeter is one of the big reasons that the yankees have been winning the world series.

Derek Jeter realizes his dream of playing SS for the Yankees
As with other juvenile biographies in the Matt Christopher "On the Field/Court with..." series, this look at New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter emphasizes work ethic and family life as much as it does achievements on the baseball diamond. Since Jeter dreamed of being the Yankee's shortstop since he was a little boy, the first half of the book follows the "dreams come true" motif, while the second half of the book, covering how Jeter's Yankees won three World Series in his first four seasons in the Major Leagues comes under the "succeeding beyond your wildest dreams" heading. In relating key moments for Jeter at bat, on the bases or in the field, there is an admirable attempt to provide the details and not merely refer to things you might remember having seen on television. But there is always something of an educational purpose behind these sports biographies, so young readers will also learn that despite all his talent, Jeter had to work very hard to become a baseball star. Being considered the top high school player in the country does not mean you are ready for professional baseball, even at the lowest minor league level. Young readers will be informed to learn that Jeter's fielding style and batting swing had to be readjusted to make him a better player. They might also learn something from the relationship he enjoyed with his parents and his attitude towards people and school, as well as towards sports, that make him such an admired sports figure.

I believe this biography is written by Glen Stout, although it is copyrighted by Catherine M. Christopher for whom Matt ChristopherTM is a trademark. It only sounds confusing. One of the fun thing with these books is that they are not written "down" to the level of their readers. You should always keep an eye out for words that will send kids running to their dictionaries. In this book the biggie is found in the following sentence: "Near the end of the season he magnanimously offered to move to third base so Derek could play shortstop for the varsity." Other titles in this series look at Kobe Bryant, John Elway, Wayne Gretzky, Mia Hamm, Lisa Leslie, Tara Lipinski, Sammy Sosa, and Tiger Woods to name but a few. "Matt Christopher" is, by its own admission, the number one sports series for kids and based on the few books I have read to date, I have no reason to suspect there are engaging in hyperbole.

On The Field With... DEREK JETER
I LOVED THE BOOK. I LOVED IT BECAUSE I LOVE DEREK JETER, THE NEW YORK YANKEES, AND BASEBALL. IT HAD A GOOD SETTING. I LOVE THE BOOK IT WAS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE READ IN A REALLY LONG TIME!!*!!

Good for all Derek Jeter Fans!!
I am a big fan of Derek Jeter! I love the Yankees! I had to read a biography for school, and I picked this book. It tells you all about his life gorwing up till 1999. If you like Derek Jeter, or just want a good book to read, I recommend this to you!!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful Word Book
This is a simple word book with one drawing and word per page. All of the words are toys that Maisy loves, and my son loves them too. What a coincidence, since he is a top Maisy fan. This book is small and fat. Good for little hands. Perfect for car trips. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Magic School Bus gets a little confusing
This informational book for small children could have used some help. It is quite complicated for young readers. ... Read more

Book Description

Strider has a new habit. Whenever we stop, he places his paw on my foot. It isn't an accident because he always does it. I like to think he doesn't want to leave me.

Can a stray dog change the life of a teenage boy? It looks as if Strider can. He's a dog that loves to run; because of Strider, Leigh Botts finds himself running--well enough to join the school track team. Strider changes Leigh on the inside, too, as he finally begins to accept his parents' divorce and gets to know a redheaded girl he's been admiring. With Strider's help, Leigh finds that the future he once hated to be asked about now holds something he never expected: hope.

Reviews (18)

CHARIOTS OF FUR?
Man's best friend does it again! Well, it's been two years since Leigh Botts closed the diary which boys' writer, Mr. Henshaw, had inspired him to keep. Now he's taller, still living in a "shack" with his divorced mom, but totally cool about his trucker dad's permanent absence from the family portrait. One day at the beach he finds an abandoned dog--of a breed which runs and herds other animals. Starving but obedient to his last command, the forlorn canine guiltily follows Leigh home.

This is a light read, but it does provide insight into the emotional, financial and social struggles of young teens. Named for his easy, loping stride, the dog gradually transforms Leigh's aimless, joyless existence into an intentional pattern of planned activities with definite goals: the track team, permanent and total custody of the dog, real rapport with a girl, and the respect of teachers. Nor are teens the only humans who have issues to sort out in this book; young readers will realize the problems facing adults and single parents. STRIDER is a satisfactory sequel to DEAR MR. HENSHAW, as Leigh carves a legitimate niche in his world, where he finally "belongs."

If you like dog stories read this book NOW!!
This story is about a boy named Leigh and a dog named Strider.Strider gets found by Leigh and his friend Barry.They both own Strider.Furthermore, Barry has to visit his real
mom.So Leigh can have Strider for a whole week.Durning
that week Leigh's dad turns up.In this story Leigh's dad comes to visit Leigh a lot.When Barry comes back it's time for school again.Also,durning school Barry and Leigh loses their friendship.Barry runs a lot in this story because of Strider.He even makes the track team with Kevin.Leigh want's his friendship back with Barry so he leaves Strider in Barry's yard ,but Strider comes back and they become friends again.At the end Leigh gets closer with his dad and gets a new frienship with Geneva.One more thing I forgot to say is that Leigh does real good in the track race.

Make the movie!
This book is light reading, but it's honest and serious, sad and funny, realistic and heartwarming. It's a pleasure to read for children and adults, and has plenty of humor without ever getting silly. I usually don't like stories written in a journal style, but in this case, it works great. We watch as Leigh comes to a major fork in the road of his life, and with the help of friends, family, and Strider, he chooses a good path. One warning: If your kids read this book and they don't already have a dog, you may end up with one.

Hot off the Beverly Cleary press
Leigh Bolts, a fourteen year old, lives in Pacific Grove. Leigh is still a little depressed because his parents are divorced. When Leigh finds a hungry,and abandoned dog on the beach, he feels happy. He names him Strider. Strider and Leigh become best friends. I gave this book four stars because it is a great and exciting book. I hope you like it too.

Jason's Strider Review
I think that "Strider" is an excellent book, because the author, Beverly Cleary, uses very vivd examples, and it is so easy to picture i in your head. All of the events that take place in this book are very descriptive; you can't stop from imagining them in your head. The personalities of the characters were very easy to picture. I even could think of some people I know that could represent dome of the characters in the book. Another reason why I liked this book is because it has a good story to go along with it. It just leaves you hanging at the end of each chapter, and makes you never want to put it down. You'll be amzed of how much you read this book; because you don't realize how long you've been reading. You get so invovled in the book, that you lose track of time. What else I like about the book, is that it is exactly written the same way as its first edition, "Dear Mr. Hensaw." I suggest you read this book, and guarantee that you will never put it down.

I think one of the best parts of the book, is when the main character, Leigh Botts, joins the track team. He joins mainly for fun, but runs with his dog, Strider, everyday after track practice. He begins getting faster, and concentrates more and more on a victory at the first meet. After many hours of training, he finally meets his goal. Then, he decides to try an even more amazing feet. Braking the school record. Will he do it, or will he get injured and sit out for the rest of the year. To find out, read the book.

I think one of the most vivd story elements in the book, are definantly the characters. Like I said, they are just so easy to picture. The main character, Leigh, is a young boy who really loves life. He is often arguing with his mom, but who can blame a boy that never gets to see his dad. I can picture Leigh in my mind as this character, and I bet you could too. Another story element that stands out alot is the setting. You will notice that you can easily tell where the story takes place, just by noticing how his community acts. He lives in a small, quiet town where almost everyone knows everyone. This town reminds me of my own, so I can picture it easily. I guess that liveing in a town like his helps picture it, but I know that you'd be able to imagine exactly what his town is like. ... Read more

Book Description

After Ms. Frizzle takes her class to visit a beekeeper, the Magic School Bus mysteriously vibrates, shrinks, and flies right into a beehive. And when Ms. Frizzle tells everyone to "be a bee", the adventure begins. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

More Science!
My son is 4 years old and we read to him a lot. Now, before bed, he announces, "Mom, you know what kind of book to read....ONLY SCIENCE!" He loves science, and the Magic School Bus is a great, fun way to introduce it, even to a preschooler!

Beekeeper's Review
Kids (of all ages) ask the darndest things. When we work fairs or are identified as beekeepers in public, we are bomberded with basic questions regarding honeybees. This book was bought for my mother as much as for my brother's son. He asks her questions difficult to answer without pictures, "How do bees make wax...?" This book goes into enough detail to answer all the "How do...?'s" likely to come up regarding honeybees. A fine book for any child interested in insects. Also a good selection to temper the fears of those children that may fear bees. The pages are a little busy, otherwise would have gotten 5 stars.

Once again, Magic School Bus hits the mark!
The full details in this book are simple enough to keep children's interests (mine are ages 4 and 8) but still provide more data than even I knew. The subject matter is of particular interest to kids, not only because bees are encountered nearly every day, but this book helps this overcome the fear that some children have of bees by showing them as peaceful, otherwise occupied and busy creatures. Don't miss this, or any other Magic School Bus book if you have kids! ... Read more

Book Description

A is for seed, B is for eggs, C is for milk -- what's going on here? The seed is tomorrows Apple, the eggs are tomorrows Birds, the milk is tomorrows Cheese! Explore a wonderful world of possibility with an imaginative alphabet puzzle that encouraged young readers to look beyond the obvious.

... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great with predicting!
This book is great to use for predicting outcomes. I just fold that second page back, read and show the first page, and then have the students guess what the second page might be. My students are 6th grade and they really enjoyed it. Some predictions were very easy, however, some really made you think.

Innovative!
My 4 year old daughter loved this book when I got it from the library. I first thought that it might be a bit confusing for her but she understood it perfectly and has memorized the entire thing. This book is definately a keeper.

This is a wonderfully delightful book!
I loved the way the author approached the alphabet by first telling what the article was in its beginning, i.e. A is for seed, tomorrow's Apple. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Awesome!
The Team That Couldn't Lose by Matt Christopher is a very interesting book. The characters are Coach Kash, Chip Chase, and the rest of the Cayugans football team. Mr. McFall, an old player who played 60 years ago, has lost his old playbook because his wife sold it. A boy named Danny Livenmore bought it, and was sending plays to the Cayugans.
This book is a must read! It has a good author because he is a very young sports writer. He will probably have some good books in the future.
Matt Christopher is a former sports magazine seller. Also he worked at General Electric. And is a young sports writer for kids. Keep an eye out for more books by Matt Christopher.

Little E book
The Team That Couldn't Lose by Matt Christopher is a very interesting book. The characters are Coach Kash, Chip Chase, and the rest of the Cayugans football team. Mr. McFall, an old player who played 60 years ago, has lost his old playbook because his wife sold it. A boy named Danny Livenmore bought it, and was sending plays to the Cayugans.
This book is a must read! It has a good author because he is a very young sports writer. He will probably have some good books in the future.
Matt Christopher is a former sports magazine seller. Also he worked at General Electric. And is a young sports writer for kids. Keep an eye out for more books by Matt Christopher.

Cool Team
I like this book. I liked the part when the team was winning. I did not like the part when Danny was cheating on the plays. I would recommend this book.

The winners!
A Review by Erik
This book was an interesting story about a kid's football team that was supposed to lose every game, but they mysteriously get a new play that they used to help them.

Jasper was an old man who recognized the plays. He said they used them over 60 years ago when he was in high school. Chip, the quarterback, asked the high school coach if he was giving them the plays, but he said no.

Every week they got a new play and practiced it. And every week they won the game. Jasper, chip the coach, and the other kids on the team wanted to know who was sending the plays to the coach. They tried and tried to see where the plays were coming from, but the only person who knew wouldn't talk about it.

The characters are like real kids and very interesting. The coach doesn't know a lot about football but that part of what makes the story interesting.

The book is interesting and doesn't get boring. The main story talks about the football games and kids. But also talks about the mystery of who is sending the coach the secret plays and where did these plays come from.

The worst part about the book is that the Author led part of it get boring because parts of the book drug on too long, especially in the middle. But most of the time it was fun to read.

Short But Sweet
I have this book & it is very good. In my title I put "Short But Sweet" because this book is roughly 80 pages. I read it in a day, but it is worth buying. I love this book, and I wish that everyone will read this book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

One of the best of the Maisy series
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. Whty the crocodile isn't trying to eat the others is beyond me, but that's life in Maisy's workd.

Both of my daughters love the Maisy books, and this is a particular favorite. The books are short and easy to read and have a certain appeal that I just haven't quite figured out yet. The stories are never obnoxiously simplistic, like so many other books for small children.

In this book, Maisy visits (surprise!) the fair. She visits various rides and finishes up with some cotton candy. Okay, so its not long on plot, but two-to-three year olds love it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Great Book.
I think that this is a great book. It is not just for small children but for people of all ages. It is a moving story about the life and death of a man who spends most of it on one island. We can only envy him.

touching story of family life in turn of century America
Through the eyes of Matthias we watch the times change from a bucolic country life by the sea to a vacation haven for the rich and wealthy mainlanders. But throughout Matthias and his family strive to keep the island beautiful and respect the old ways passing them on from one generation to the next. The pastoral illustrations convey the warmth of this possibly best of Barbara Cooney's tales. Boys will especially like it, although my daughters loved it, too. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Sweet story with a good conclusion
Hattie grows up in growing New York City, creating, participating with her wealthy family and occasionally talking about what she will do with her life. She accepts the changes her father goes through that affects her and she does her best with them.

Finally, one day she makes her big announcement that she will become a painter. Thankfully, her family is happy with her choice and compares her to her famous painting grandfather, but Hattie is able to tell that she will be, "a painter like Me." My daughter appreciates the message that this creative, painting girl grows up to do what her heart tells her to do, in the way she plans.

A Must Read for Every Young Girl!
We had to finally buy this book, because I had simply borrowed it from the library too many times! Hattie who is from a well to do German immigrant family has a mind of her own. While her sister excels at all the correct things such as needlepoint and piano, Hattie has no interest and is off drawing pictures. She looks to the ocean, her lifelong friend, for reassurance that she is choosing the correct path. From the wonderful German traditions and occasional word to the detailed pictures of life at the turn of the century, Barbara Cooney has written a true joy to read.

too wonderful for words
I am a huge fan of Barbara Cooney, whose illustrations and words have made me want to travel like Miss Rumphius, live by the sea like Hattie, and read more biographies because of Eleanor(a role model of mine). Hattie and the Wild Waves tells of a little girlk whose wealthy family moves from seaside house to seaside house, each time with more passion from Hattie on her love for the sea. From her big sister's wedding to the pink card that tells her fortune, Hattie and her ambitious spirit will capture your heart, and the beautiful illustrations will capture your admiration. Read it. You will love it. ... Read more

Book Description

Lance Armstrong is a world champion cyclist. He won the Tour de France, the world's most challenging race, three consecutive times. He's been the World Road Cycling Champion three times and claimed a medal at the Olympics. His cycling achievements have made him an international celebrity; but that's not what makes him such an inspiration. When he was twenty-five-years old, three years before he'd won his first Tour de France, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with cancer. How he fought back against this life-threatening disease and went on to take the cycling world by storm is a story that continues to amaze fans worldwide. AUTHORBIO Matt Christopher is the name young readers turn to for fast-paced, action-packed sports stories. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

My Daughter's First Maisy Book
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 was the first Maisy book we ever bought our oldest daughter. Both of of our daughters still like it as Maisy attempts to take a bath but finds herself interrupted by Tallulah. Not one of my personal favorites, although I really can't explain why. I suspect my children are part fish, so maybe they like it because of that fact and because they love bath time (or any other opportunity to get wet).

Tepid
I like Maisy as a character, and I like the look of Cousins's drawings. However, I can't help but feel slightly disappointed by this book. First, the narrative voice seems to shift back and forth between Maisy and some omniscient entity, which smaller kids may find disturbing. Second, the plot is unengaging and repetitive. Third, the character of Tallulah is poorly conceived and confusing. I prefer her books that highlight the drawing without a narrative context.

Maisy Mania
We were given this book as a hand me down in a bag of about 50 others. This is my 22 month old's favorite of them all and I'm here to buy more Maisy books. She can't wait until the end when Tallulah jumps in the tub so she can say "no no!" Last night I had to read it to her 3 times in a row! She loves it but I need some variety! :)

Tallulah, You Naughty Thing You!
Yep- it's a keeper. Maisy is just so patient and wonderful, as always. But pushy, impatient Tallulah keeps showing up. What can Maisy do?? Nothing, it seems, cause Tallulah is going to do just what she wants, which is play with Maisy. This one caused some concern for my 3-year old son, who wanted to know if I'd be angry if *his* friend, "a girl with braids" came and took a bath with *him*.

A delight to read, and enticing for toddlers
When my toddler started to show reluctance at taking baths, I found this Maisy book. Now with Maisy's help, she's enjoying bathtime again, and even asks to be read "Maisy Takes a Bath" when it isn't bathtime. The illustrations are simple enough for a toddler to see and understand. It's a little strange that Maisy refers to herself in the third person. ... Read more

Book Description

"On a deep-blue background, the words 'blue sea' appear...and then the first of Crews's eye-filling paintings....The author and illustrator of Rain have invented another winner."--Publishers Weekly. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent Resource to Help Teach Comparatives/Superlatives
"Blue Sea" is a delightful book to help the beginner/elementary reader learn simple comparative and superlative adjectives. "Small," "Smaller," "Smallest," and "Big," "Bigger," "Biggest" are mentioned in this 21 page story which averages about 3-4 words per page. The text is large, and the visuals are simple, colorful, and uncluttered.

children learn a variety of concepts while having fun
I work with small children as a speech therapist and have found that this book teaches many different concepts in only a few pages. The little ones request it over and over again, even those who cannot yet ask verbally. The text is crisp and concise, and the pictures invite children to offer comments throughout the book. It is possible to read this book over and over and discuss many different concepts while having a lot of fun. I am on my way to wearing out my second copy. ... Read more

Book Description

"Look, Ryan," he said. "I'm in trouble and I don't have time to tell you about it. Just take me and my motorcycle with you, and don't ask questions."

"To school?" Ryan was surprised.

Ralph's pesky cousins are wrecking his motorcycle, and his janitor friend, Matt, is in trouble because there seem to be mice in the hotel. All in all things are not going well at the Mountain View Inn. So Ralph persuades his young pal Ryan to take him to school. Ralph is an instant hit with Ryan's classmates. But he doesn't like being forced to run through a maze or the threat of an exterminator coming to the school. Worst of all, Ryan gets into a fight with a classmate, and Ralph's precious motorcycle is broken. Is Ralph S. Mouse smart enough to steer this sad situation to a happy ending?

Reviews (16)

Ralph S. Mouse
I read the book Ralph S. Mouse by Beverly Cleary. This was an adventure, fiction book written for 4th grade readers. It is a good book. I recommend it.

Ralph is a mouse. He has lots of relatives and lives in a hotel. He can talk and he has a motorcycle. Rian is boy. He is a friend to Ralph. Rian brings Ralph to school. He has lots of adventures there. He gets stuck in duct tape. I think it is a good book. It is dramatic and silly. Ralph S. Mouse is amazing and adventurous.

Ralph S. Mouse
I really thought that this story was a great book and I think Beverly Cleary is a talented author.I liked the part when Ralph told Brad how mad he was that he broke his motorcycle.Brad became friends with Rayn after Ralph talked to him. One day when Brad went over Rayn's house and gave Ralph a brand new sports car . I really liked this book and I think Beverly Cleary a real good author.It makes me want to read more books by her.

Ralph S. Mouse
Ralph S. Mouse is a very good book. In Ralph S. Mouse, Ralph is tired of living in the inn. Ralph has pesky cousins. His new home is in Ryan's school. Ralph has a friend Matt who works in the inn. Ryan makes friends with somebody he does not like at first. Brad is who he does not like at first. Brad by accident broke Ralph's motorcycle. He replaces his motorcycle with a Laser XL7 (which is a car).Ralph ends up in a mouse exhitbit.Brad's dad marries Ryan's mom. They meet when Brad's dad came to pick Brad up from the inn. They moved to a house in Cucaracha,California. The class writes a letter to the editors. The editors note said that the school was invaded by mice. I think you should read it to find out if Ralph moves back to the inn.

Ralph S. Mouse
Ralph S. Mouse was a truly splendid book for all ages. It had grace sadness and happiness. It was about a little mouse named Ralph. Read this book or you will be missing out on a great book.

Ralph S. Mouse
...This book is about a mouse and his most pesky relatives. The mouse (Ralph) and his relatives live in a hotel. One day he got so mad he went to school with his friend Ryan to get away from his relatives. The moral of the story is don't bug someone or else they will get very mad. Another message is when you get mad don't try to run away from home. I think it's a very great book because it's adventurous. I recommend this book for people who like exciting moments. I think you should read this book too. ... Read more

Book Description

It is natural for young children to be curious about where they come from. Using vivid full-color photographs and a clear, straightforward text, this comprehensive book answers the questions they have about how an egg cell grows to become a baby, how a baby lives inside its mother's uterus, and how a baby is born.

Reviews (4)

A Great Beginning for the That Difficult Talk
Every parent dreads that moment. You know the one I mean- that moment when your child begins to ask about S-E-X. This book is a wonderful aid to help you through it.

Most experts suggest only giving as much information as a child is ready for, and answering the questions as they come up. This book is wonderful for the beginning stages of this process when your child wants to know where babies come from, but is neither ready for nor interested in the details of conception. This book has beautiful pictures of babies in utero in various stages of development and gently discusses the development of the fetus, the birth of the baby (in a non-graphic but honest way), and the excitement of welcoming a new life into the world.

I bought this for my eight year old, but it is gentle and non-graphic enough that my 3 year old loves it, as well. In fact, I wish I'd had this book when I was pregnant with my younger child. This would be a wonderful book for expectant mothers to share with their older children as they prepare for a new sibling.

There are other books out there that will answer more advanced questions in a more graphic way. This book is not going to answer everything, but it is the perfect book to use for beginning the journey of educating your children about reproduction, and it is written in such a way that parents can easily discuss their own beliefs with their children.

Fun, factual and reverent... what more could a mommy want?
This book is a fun, low-key, high-quality way to introduce kids to the miracles of development and birth. Mine (6 and 7) were less interested in the pictures of actual babies as they were in those of the developing fetuses, and their long looks over each page allowed plenty of time for my narration -- about how much each of them was wanted, about how amazing it is that a real baby can be so tiny, and so on.

My daughter seemed a little uncomfortable with one of the pictures, which depicts a woman "giving birth" -- you do see the side of her hip exposed, in a fairly realistic position, but there's not much more skin visible here than you might see on a beach. I think overall, the pluses here -- especially allowing kids to see the developing fetus as an actual baby -- outweigh any possible drawbacks (the very slight nudity).

As "facts of life" books go, this one is full of fascinating facts, doesn't dodge any tricky issues, and can help instill a much-needed sense of reverence around the whole process.

NOTE: There is nothing in this book about how babies get made in the first place. If that's what you're looking for -- and in my case, it was, in part -- you will need other books to cover THAT information.

My kids kept saying "WOW"!
This book focuses mainly on fetal development and childbirth. My 5 year old daughter, who always wants to hear stories about her birth, loved it and kept saying "Wow!" and "Awesome" througout the book. It had beautiful pictures and lots of factual information. It was great!

Relax and have fun with the tough questions!
I first bought this book when I was pregnant for my second child. My daughter was about three at the time and I wanted to make sure she had an understanding of the "miracle of childbirth". This book took away the pressure! Great photographs and a clear and factual explanation of how babies are conceived and develop. I loaned this book out to one of my friends and unfortuantley never got it back. My daughter is now 9 and will still mention how she loved that book and wishes she had it back! This is a must for anyone with a new baby on the way or to handle that tough question of, "Where do babies come from?"! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

one of my daughter's favorite Maisy's books
Since my daughter's grandma introduced her first Maisy book to her when she was just one month old, Maisy has become her favorite book character. Thirteen months now, she has lots of books that she loves to read but Maisy books are her all-time favorites. When I went to the bookstore to buy books for her, I always want to see if there is any new Maisy book. Honestly speaking, I don't think every Maisy book is equally good. I saw this book a couple of months ago and liked it right away. My daughter loves it too. I like it that the book shows different objects on one page and then it shows on the other page the context--what Maisy is doing. This way, it teaches kids names of individual objects and also lets them understand these objects under certain circumstances.The flapbook format also gives kids surprise, which I think is always helpful. It's really both informative and entertaining. Another book "Where is Maisy going" is similar to this one and my daughter likes it too. ... Read more

Book Description

At last, Henry Huggins's father has promised to take him fishing, on one condition. Henry's dog, Ribsy, has been in all sorts of trouble lately, from running off with the neighbor's barbecue roast to stealing a policeman's lunch. To go on the fishing trip, Henry must keep Ribsy out of trouble -- no chasing cats, no digging up lawns...and no getting anywhere near little Ramona Quimby, the pest of Klickitat Street.

Reviews (16)

Salmon fishing Anyone?
I liked this book because Henry has a very funny, silly and weird dog named Ribsy. Also,I enjoyed Henry and Ribsy because the first chapter book that I ever read was by Beverly Cleary. This is why I liked the book Henry and Ribsy.

Henry And His Dog
It was a story about a kid named Henry Huggings and his dog named Ribsi. Henry found Ribsi and wanted to take it home but he could`nt take it home because it wasn`t in a cage. Henry called his dog Ribsi because his ribs popped out but his real name was dizzy. Henry and his dog Ribsy passed through a lot of adventures. Henry didnt like the playthey were going to make in the school he was going to be the baby. Henry and Ribsy lved happy until the owner of Ribsy goes to the street Klitklat looking for Henry Huggings. Henry lets Ribsy decide who does he want to stay with.
I liked this book because it`s about a dog and I like dogs a lot

Henry and Ribsy
This book is by far the best book I have ever read and im 35 years old! I have the original copy. My gramma's sister is Beverly Cleary And I love her. She makes a mad lemon maraing pie.

henry's deal
henry and ribsy is one of my favoirte book's henry made a deal with his father mr.huggins he has to keep ribsy out of trouble if he wants to go fishing with his father first ribsy growls at the garbage man for taking henrys garbge but henry stops ribsy before ribsy could get the garbge man second he chases ramoina up the school jungle gym but henrys school pirncipal helps henry there henry ends up going fishing whith his father but ribsy jumps out of the boat and is saved by a fisherman henry had to stay at the dock when he decided to go to the beach when he got there ribsy started barking and running so henry followed the dog to find a chin hook salmon

henry and ribsy
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read books that are fun to read and books that have you wanting to read the next page and never stop reading. This book is very good and I think that it would be better for the younger aged kids, around 8 years old and up. This book keeps you wanting to read on and see what happens next. When I was done reading Henry and Ribsy, I noticed that I was never bored while reading. This book is a very easy book to read and it never gets slow. It's a fun book to read. The New York Times says, "Ribsy complicates life as only a loyal, bumbling, well-intentioned mutt can. Few writers for children handle everyday comedy so realistically as Beverly Cleary." Another quote by the magazine Kirkus says, "Henry's audience is in for more laughs. Another Cleary hit!" The magazine Booklist says, "Genuinely funny". Those quotes describe the story very well and describe how the book Henry And Ribsy is a fun book to read. ... Read more