Reviews (2)

Nicky Loved It
It's the best Commander Toad book! I like them all. They all are great. The monster in this one was cool.

Funny, funny science fiction for kids and their parents
Commander Toad is a delight. He's "bold and bright", though not quite as bright as he thinks. His crew (an amalgam of loose takes on Star Wars and Star Trek characters) puts up with his prideful ways, because he is, after all, a good leader. Together with his mixed-gender crew he gets into and out of a wonderful series of scrapes. This book is the first in the series.

Jane Yolen writes for kids. For example, when Commander and crew are threatened by a sea monster who makes it clear that they're about to be lunch, I asked my 4-year old what he thought would happen.

"Shoot him with a ray gun," he answered.

"I don't know," I said. "I think that they'll find out that the monster's just lonely, and they'll make friends."

Turn the page, and BAM! Lt. Lily, Toad's female weapons master, is blasting away (to no effect). Thanks, Jane. Only you could make a story about a bunch of space-explorer frogs be true-to-life.

Jane Yolen also writes for the adults who read books to their kids. There's nearly a pun a page, and the Commander's ludicrous solutions to problems have a germ of genius unrestrained by the laws of physics that will have you shaking your head over his cleverness.

Buy this book, or regret the lost opportunity. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Another Great Read!
In this book, Amber has a growth spurt, and is enjoying fourth grade. She is worried about her parents because they fight like children. Her mother is engaged to be married again and Amber is concerned about her love for her father. What's a fourth grader to do?

The best Amber Brown book
I simply adore Amber Brown books!I love Amber Brown sees red because it is so funny. I especially like the bit when her school is full of skunks. My second favourite character is Brenda the Amber sitter because her hair is always a different colour, she wears wacky clothes, wears loads of earings and seems to be the best babysitter ever!Keep writing, Paula.

A Easy Reader
The book was ok. In most of it I thought it was very good. I thought the part when they had a skunk day was pretty funny. I rated it with four stars because it was a good book, just not the best.

Amber Brown Sees Red
I am a seventh grader from Michigan and I read Amber Brown Sees Red for a book report project. I think evey student from ages nine to thirteeen should read the book. It's a story about a girl named Amber Brown who's dealing with school, friends, and family. Amber's parents are divorced and she lives with her mom and her mom's fiancee' Max. Her father lives in Paris , France, and he's moving back to the U.S. Whenever Amber's dad calls, her mom has to talk to him first and they always fight. Amber doesn't know how to get them to stop fighting and listen to her. When her father moves back, she will be living with him part time because of shared custody, but she feels split. Amber is getting so mad shes seeing "red."

Amber Brown Sees Red
Amber Brown she had problems with her parents. Her mom is dating a guy named Max. Her dad lived in Paris, France. Amber Brown was trying to find a way for her parents to get back together. So she made a terrific plan. After A few days she recieved a phone call from her dad telling her that he is going to come and move. When Amber Browns mother found out she ran and started crying. It was time to test Ambers terrific plan. So then 2 weeks later Amber tried her plan and her plan worked her parents were back together. My opinion to the book is that is great. It has a great experience for children who have parents are divorce. I recommand this book to everybody who is a Amber Brown fan. ... Read more

Book Description

Tomie has his own diary with a lock and a key&150now he can write down all his secrets and no one will be able to read them. All through the year, exciting things happen and Tomie writes about them in his diary. Sledding down the steep hill on his new Junior Flexible Flyer, being a pirate in the dance recital, and starting second grade with real art lessons at last!Then one Sunday morning Tomie's family hears news on the radio that changes everything. Master storyteller Tomie dePaola takes us back to 1941 and lets us experience what life was like growing up in the dePaola household. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Argh, Matey!
Boredom settles over the crew of the space ship STAR WARTS and Commander Toad has to do something quick. Lieutenant Lily, Mr. Hop, Jake Skyjumper and Doc Peepers are all unhappy. They've watched all the ship's movies-SPLASH GORDON, THE TOAD WARRIOR, INDIANA FROG AND THE LILY PAD OF DOOM-and read all the ship's books-ROBIN TOAD, THE LIZARD OF OZ, and SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN WARTS-and played a lot of croak-kay, leapfrog, and hopscotch. There is nothing to do and they're all going a little crazy. That all changes the day Commander Salamander and his pirate crew arrive. Commander Salamander boards STAR WARTS and takes everyone captive except for Doc Peepers. Only a little while after that, Commander Salamander makes Commander Toad Hop the Plank at sword point! Only Doc Peepers can save the day!

Jane Yolen is an award-winning children's book author as well as a writer of adult science fiction and fantasy. She's earned the Caldecott-given for the most distinguished picture book, the Nebula-given to the most distinguished writing in the field of science fiction and fantasy, the Golden Kite-given by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the World Fantasy Award. She's written seven Commander Toad Adventures, including COMMANDER TOAD AND THE LONG VOYAGE HOME, COMMANDER TOAD AND THE PLANET OF THE GRAPES, COMMANDER TOAD AND THE SPACE PIRATES, and COMMANDER TOAD AND THE BIG BLACK HOLE. With dozens of books written in many genres, Jane Yolen is a great author to introduce to young readers.

Fun to read out loud and filled with puns and sight gags really well drawn by Bruce Degen, COMMANDER TOAD AND THE SPACE PIRATES is a blast to share with young or reluctant readers. The sentences are short and choppy, driving the story on and filling the events with laughs. The pirate talk, "Yo-ho-ho, me slithery-slees!" is top-notch and will inspire young readers to quote the lines long after the book is finished-if an adult is willing to read the passages in a properly piratical dramatization. The solution to the pirates, once revealed, is hilarious and makes perfect sense even to pre-readers who understand story and set-up that comes in narrative repetition.

The Commander Toad series, all seven books, is recommended for imaginative young readers who have already been exposed to STAR WARS, STAR TREK, and various other science fiction based television shows and movies. Jane Yolen is one of the most entertaining authors for young minds out there.

In space, no one can hear you get really, really bored...
Commander Toad and the crew of the good spaceship Star Warts are bored out of their minds. They have played all of their games like leap frog and croak-kay, they have read all of their books like "Robin Toad" and "The Lizard of Oz," and they have watched all of there movies like "Splash Gordon" and "Indiana Frog and the Lilly Pad of Doom" so many times that the crew is desperate for something different. The good news is that the crew of the Star Warts get the diversion they want, but the bad news is that what breaks up the boredom is a gang of space pirates, led by the notorious Commander Salamander, the Scourge of the Skies and Goon of the Galaxie, who has a new game for the hostage crew to play: Hop the Plank.

"Commander Toad and the Space Pirates" is, on a very basic level, quite silly. But young readers are going to be drawn to the relentless puns and Jane Yolen does a good job of setting the reader up for something surprising to happen (probably involving a whole lot of tongue depressers) without really giving away what the big surprise is going to be at the end of the book. The artwork by Bruce Degen is appropriate (you will believe that a frog can fly...a spaceship) and does a nice job of capturing the narrative action. This is one of those books where you trick young kids into learning a life lesson, because while their chances of going off into deep space on a spaceship commanded by a toad are rather remote, kids manage to get bored all the time (or, more to the point, they often complain about being bored, which is not necessarily the same thing). So if any youngster makes the mistake of announcing that they are "bored" within your hearing, then toss this book at them, which should solve both their short-term and long-term problems with regards to the subject of boredom.

Argh, mateys!
Boredom settles over the crew of the space ship STAR WARTS and Commander Toad has to do something quick. Lieutenant Lily, Mr. Hop, Jake Skyjumper and Doc Peepers are all unhappy. They've watched all the ship's movies-SPLASH GORDON, THE TOAD WARRIOR, INDIANA FROG AND THE LILY PAD OF DOOM-and read all the ship's books-ROBIN TOAD, THE LIZARD OF OZ, and SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN WARTS-and played a lot of croak-kay, leapfrog, and hopscotch. There is nothing to do and they're all going a little crazy. That all changes the day Commander Salamander and his pirate crew arrive. Commander Salamander boards STAR WARTS and takes everyone captive except for Doc Peepers. Only a little while after that, Commander Salamander makes Commander Toad Hop the Plank at sword point! Only Doc Peepers can save the day!

Jane Yolen is an award-winning children's book author as well as a writer of adult science fiction and fantasy. She's earned the Caldecott-given for the most distinguished picture book, the Nebula-given to the most distinguished writing in the field of science fiction and fantasy, the Golden Kite-given by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the World Fantasy Award. She's written seven Commander Toad Adventures, including COMMANDER TOAD AND THE LONG VOYAGE HOME, COMMANDER TOAD AND THE PLANET OF THE GRAPES, COMMANDER TOAD AND THE SPACE PIRATES, and COMMANDER TOAD AND THE BIG BLACK HOLE. With dozens of books written in many genres, Jane Yolen is a great author to introduce to young readers.

Fun to read out loud and filled with puns and sight gags really well drawn by Bruce Degen, COMMANDER TOAD AND THE SPACE PIRATES is a blast to share with young or reluctant readers. The sentences are short and choppy, driving the story on and filling the events with laughs. The pirate talk, "Yo-ho-ho, me slithery-slees!" is top-notch and will inspire young readers to quote the lines long after the book is finished-if an adult is willing to read the passages in a properly piratical dramatization. The solution to the pirates, once revealed, is hilarious and makes perfect sense even to pre-readers who understand story and set-up that comes in narrative repetition.

The Commander Toad series, all seven books, is recommended for imaginative young readers who have already been exposed to STAR WARS, STAR TREK, and various other science fiction based television shows and movies. Jane Yolen is one of the most entertaining authors for young minds out there.

A truly delightful children's book
Jane Yolen's "Commander Toad" series is a charming science fiction spoof, and an excellent children's book. The detailed, zany illustrations by Bruce Degen are the perfect complement to the witty text and off-the-wall characters. The test of any children's book is its reception by actual children, and "Commander Toad and the Space Pirates" gets full marks there. It has been requested so many times by my 5- and 3- year-old siblings that I can now recite it from memory. The text stands the test of many repetitions, and my five year old brother, just now learning to write, can often be heard to request "Mom, how do you spell 'Commander Toad'? How do you spell 'Space Pirates?'. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Once you start reading, you cant stop
Hardy Boys, Hunting for Hidden Gold is one of the best books I have read in my life. It combines mystery, adventure, and suspense all crammed in one book. The Hardy Boys series is a really great series. I usually don't like mystery books but this one is really good.Unlike some books that have boring parts. Hunting for Hidden Gold doesn't have any boring parts. That is very good. I really don't like parts where they just talk and talk about boring things that don't interest me. The Hardy Boys have been around for awhile and people still read them. Hardy Boys can be read by all ages. it is not really hard to read. In the whole Hardy Boys series there are 58 books. I am looking forward to reading more books from the series. Hunting for Hidden Gold is a sort of long book. It is about 150 pages long. That is not too long but it is not very short either. Since it is long, it gets lots of action in it. If it was any longer, it would have some boring parts in it. In conclusion, this book deserves five stars.

A book review of Hunting for Hidden Gold by Alyssa Laspesa
Recommendation - This book is an exciting thrill packed mystery novel. I recommend this book to anyone 13 years or older. It contains thrills, suspense, and many unpredictable close calls. If you are adventurous this book will hold your interest. "She may drown" Frank thought fearfully. The boys were very adventurous and brave to swim after the drowning animals. Another reason would be that the Hardy boys are heroes. "Look out!" Frank cried out. He grabbed Joe's arm and both boys leaped ahead in the nick of time. No matter difficult the situation, they never get hurt. They always come out the good guys. The Hardy boys think over each clue carefully so they out smart everyone. In conclusion, if you like a mystery novel where the main characters end up heroes, read this book.

Will Frank and Joe find the gold before the crooks do?
This review is of the 1963 Revised Version of "Hunting for Hidden Gold". The first 38 titles in the series were revised over the course of 15 years (some with minor changes, others were completely re-written). "Hunting for Hidden Gold" is the fifth Hardy Boys mystery. This edition is said to be drastically altered from the original. What this means, according to the Hardy Boys Unofficial Home Page, is that the text and plot have both been changed.

Frank and Joe Hardy become involved in another mystery when their father calls them out west to help with a case. They are searching for a gang that is involved in robbery, and even on the way out west, they are kidnapped and attacked and it is only with great luck that they even are able to meet up with their father. They find him hurt badly, but begin the investigation on their own and learn about a mystery about gold that was stolen from a prospector years ago. Can the brothers keep out of harm's way long enough to solve the case?

"Hunting for Hidden Gold" is another solid offering in the Hardy Boys series, though I would not say this is one of the best. It is a bit of an adventure story and it gives the sense of really being out west (as opposed to a story set in Bayport). There is a definite sense of place in this book. As usual, this book is recommended for kids of all ages (even the 25 year old kid).

-Joe Sherry

The book is like gold!
This is my second favorite Hardy Boys book.I think this is one of the best and thrilling book ever.Out of all the books I've read this is the second best.I like when Frank and Joe were getting chased by the wolves.I loved reading it.

Incredible!!
... This book is excellent; definately one of the top three of the series. The action starts on page 1 and doesn't let up until the book is finished. Hunting For Hidden Gold has perhaps the best mystery out of all of the books in the series and is written quite well unlike most of the books put out after the early 1950s. The book is very exciting, as quite often Frank and Joe are chasing, or being chased by, the criminals. Definately one of the best, no Hardy Boys fan should miss this one. ... Read more

Book Description

Includes 4 books from the Amber Brown series: Amber Brown is Not a Crayon, You Can't Eat Your Chicken Pox, Amber Brown Goes 4th, and Amber Brown Wants Extra Credit. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Amber Brown goes fourth
This was a very good book, great for kids in the third or fourth grade. Ambers best friend moves away, because his father gets a new job. Amber has alot to deal with now. Her parents are not together and she has lost her best friend. This book shows how Amber copes with all these things. It also is helpful in showing you how to make new friends. Great book, would recommend it to everyone who has ever felt a little left out or just lonely at times.

Please read and enjoy
I picked Amber Brown is not a Crayon because I like the book very much and I like reading something that is funny. And like Amber brown she is a teenage girl like I am.She talk about things that I would talk about.She goes through things that most girls and families goes through.There was one book that she wrote was Amber Brown goes to fourth grade and her mom tries so herd to get her up for school and she makes up the most stupid lies that I have ever heard .But in the end her mom makes go to school anyways .And I will rate this book to 5 stars because that is a very good book. I reccomend all people out there read this book.

Best Book ever!!
Amber Brown is not a Crayon is a 5 stars book! I suggest you read this because in the book Amber's friend Justin moves away!! If you've ever had a best friend move away, you would love this book! Amber has had a very tough life because her mom and dad are divoriced. She bairly ever gets to see her dad. She really loves her mom and dad both and wishes that they would get back together again! If your parents are divoriced then you would know how Amber feels. When I read this book I said to myself this is the best book I've ever read and then when I told my class they agreed! So that is how good it is!! If you don't read this you'll be very sorry. So just put down that gameboy and nintendo and get reading!! As I said before I loved this book so much I couldn't put it down!! Other books that are in the Amber Brown series are Amber Brown Forever, Amber Brown You Can't Eat Your Chicken Pox, and Amber Brown goes Fourth!!

The Exellent Books
I have read all the Amber Brown books, and I LOVE all of them! Amber Brown is in fourth grade. Her life is falling apart. Her parents got divorced, her best friend moved away, and her mom isn't too nice. Plus her mom is getting remarried, she found a new best friend , and her dad is moving back. Amber is real funny and is always getting detention at school. I LOVE the books, and highly recommend them.

It's Okay....
Now, these Amber Brown books are very funny. Amber is facing a life kind-of like reality. Her parents are divorced and she's trying to cope with the fact. She is really like a real girl. She acts very juvinile, well she is in fourth grade. This book is good for fourth or third graders because the words are big and easy to read. But for older kids, it might seem too easy. But Amber faces very likely problems like you and me. Very fun to read. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I'LL ALWAYS LOVE THIS BOOK!
I like this story of Jaun Diego's vision. I read it over and over again. In choir, I learned the song Saddened Eyes. It's about Guadalope`, and one of my mom's favorite songs. I like the the picture of Guadalupe` on Juan Diego's touma. I love this book ever so much! ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Bill Irwin
approx. 3 hours
2 cassettes

When Mr. Hardy disappears while investigating a mystery surrounding a vacant house rumored to be either haunted or an abode for criminals, the Hardy Boys search for the truth. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

A great mystery book
Mr.Hardy is on a vacation and tells the boys,"So you boys want to help m e on anouther case?" The two Hardy boys answer by telling him," You mean it dad?". Later on, they also get their friends to join in the spying game.The boys are out motorcycling along the mountain road and decide to investigate an abandonded house high up on the cliffs. Once inside, they hear a shriek which scares all but Frank and Joe out. The Boys investigate but find nothing. They leave but a storm forces them all back to the house. They hear more shrieks, get locked in and part of the house starts to collapse! They finally get out but have problems with their motorcycles and find their tool kits stolen. They are distracted by a boat chase out on Barmet Bay. With the starting of a normal day, it turns out to enravell a chilling mystery.

I liked the book because it actually made me read it until the end. Other books do not have as much desrciption as this one had. This book was so mysterious that I had been confused whom the kidnapers were and why they had chosen to capture hostages. Plus this book had great action scene and I felt i was one of the charaters in the book.

I disliked the book because it had confusing parts to it, also the parts of the book really didnt sum up and make much sence.

My favorite scene in the book was when Mr. Hardy and both the Hardy boys had been kept hostages after being captured. Mr. Snattman put threaten them by saying," If i get turned in, your all dead." The story gets really interesting and the ending is a surprise!

The best one written!
The Plot: One day shortly before summer vacation, the Boys, along with Chet, Biff and Jerry, are out motorcycling along the Shore Road and decide to investigate the spooky old abandoned Polucca house, high on the cliffs overlooking Barmet Bay. Once inside, they hear a shriek which scares all but Frank and Joe out. The Boys investigate but find nothing. They leave but a storm forces them all back to the house. They hear more shrieks, get locked in and part of the house starts to collapse! They finally get out but have problems with their motorcycles and find their tool kits stolen. They are distracted by a boat chase out on the bay. There are shots from one boat and the other boat explodes!.... Comments: The best story in the canon! A dark, violent tale of smuggling, drugs, kidnapping and murder! None of the other stories can match this one for sheer exciting adventure! I've always thought this tale would make a great Hardy Boys movie. The Boys show plenty of guts and good detective ability in this one. Fenton plays a major role here and he works well with his sons. The gun battle and fight at the climax is the most thrill-packed prose in any Hardy story. If you read only one Hardy Boys book, it should be this one. Rating: Original: A+

Can the Hardy Boys stop the smugglers?
This review is of the 1959 revision to "The House on the Cliff". Over the course of 15 years, the first 38 Hardy Boys stories were revised to a slightly shorter format with some changes to the original stories. "The House on the Cliff" is the second Hardy Boys mystery story.

The internationally renowned detective Fenton Hardy has asked his two sons, Frank and Joe, to help him on a case involving the smuggling of rare medical drugs. The Hardys enlist their friends and spend some time with their telescope looking out over the bay for suspicious activity. They hear a strange noise coming from the abandoned house, but when they came out they found that the lenses had been stolen from the telescope and the tools taken from their motorcycles. Something is going on, but does it relate to the smuggling case they are working on?

"The House on the Cliff" is another fast paced Hardy Boys mystery. It is more of a straightforward story (with twists, of course) than "The Tower Treasure". We are introduced to the main mystery right from the start: there are smugglers and the ringleader might be a man named Snattman. Everything that happens in the book drives towards solving that case. This was an excellent Hardy Boys mystery.

-Joe Sherry

Jenner's Review
The Hardy boys (Joe and Frank) are visiting their father on the second floor study of their apartment. Their father is a famous detective, Fenton Hardy. He asks them to spy on some smugglers, who have a leader named Snattman. Joe and Frank go to an abandoned house on a cliff to do the reconnaissance. They soon save a spy for the coast guard who is also under cover. They take him to a farm to recover. Then they go back later to check on him. He was man napped! They soon learn that their father is missing. They look for him at the smugglers' hideout, at the abandoned house. They almost got away, but the smugglers captured them. Soon they try to escape, but something happened! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries. It deserves a Newbery.

The Amateurs Help the Professional
The Series: In 1927, Franklin W. Dixon launched the "Hardy Boys" books, a series of books telling of the exploits of Frank and Joe Hardy, the sons of a big-city detective. The Hardy boys lived out in the country and, with their friends, loved following in their father's sleuthing footsteps. The result was a set of wonderful amateur detective stories that I read as fast I could find when I was a kid. The Hardy Boys helped launch me on my lifelong reading binge.

This book: When the detective father of Frank and Joe Hardy disappears, the boys step up to the plate and begin a thrilling adventure, with their father's life likely at stake. Is the house haunted, or a criminal hideaway, or both? Did Dad get kidnapped or go under cover? This is pure adventure and sleuthing at its best. Enjoy the ride! ... Read more

Book Description

This third title about Babar and his family follows the elephants as they build a magnificent city: Celesteville. Life is peaceful and contented, everyone has a job to do, and celebrations are frequent. But one fateful day a snake bites the Old Lady and Babar fears that he may lose his oldest friend.Illus. in full color by the author. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful Children's Book
I had this book as I was growing up only 14 short years ago and still remember it as a wonderful book and an enjoyable companion to all of the other Babar books. An excellent addition to any child's collection and one they will be sure to treasure and remember for years to come. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

great, fun plot and easy to read
THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE!!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Informative & Fun!
Growing up in an Irish Catholic family myself, I had heard a great deal about St. Patrick. When we received this book as a gift I started reading it to my children, and they loved it. There were stories even I hadn't heard about St. Pat! As with his St. Francis book, Tomie DePaola's book holds children's interest throughout the many stories while other books of this length lose children. Kids remember the stories and repeat them because they are told so lovingly and in such a fun way! I now bring this book to their school and read it to all their classrooms every St. Patrick's Day to let children know that there is more to Patrick than green beer!

Learn more about the Patron Saint of Ireland
A wonderful book by Tomie dePaola filled with helpful information about the true story of St. Patrick's life, as well as fun legends attributed to the patron Saint of Ireland. dePaola's bold illustrations lend to the attraction of the book. He mentions at the end of the book his reasons for writing it and his attraction to Saint Patrick. My own eight year old son has a strong devotion to Saint Patrick and this book is among his favorites. I appreciate the clear differentiation between fact and legend in this book and would highly recommend it for any family.

knowledge, good drawing and simple shapes make a joy to see.
Tomie dePaola's Patrick, patron-saint of Ireland is a joy to read and see. The story is clear and simple, the drawings strong and cheerfull. Not many historians mention the Irish hounds on the the ship to France. Tomie dePaola does, with knowledge and artfull humor. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Great adaption of an ancient folktale
This story is rather simple, and yet it conveys a rather universal message that will touch adults as well as children. I not only reccomend it to those who want to expose children to stories from cultures other than their own, but also to anyone that appreciates great stories in general. ... Read more

Book Description

Kathleen Norris, acclaimed author of The Cloister Walk, offers a moving text to accompany beloved artist Tomie dePaola's strikingly beautiful frescolike paintings in the dramatic and inspiring story of two miraculous, yet very human siblings.

The twins, Benedict and Scholastica, grew up as lively best friends in northern Italy, but their paths diverged when it became time for them to enter adulthood. Benedict's life was filled with dramatic moments and miracles as he grew into an important spiritual leader. Scholastica lived a quieter life, but she remained a strong influence on her brother as he developed the Rule of St. Benedict, which guides the Benedictine order to this day. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Saints preserve us
I read my first Kathleen Norris book, "Dakota: A Spiritual Geography", in a Humanities class in 1996. Little did I know then that the adept writer would pop up later in my life with the book, "The Holy Twins". Examining the lives of St. Benedict and Scholastica from childhood to their deaths, the book is a careful examination of the path to spiritual enlightenment. To me, this book falls firmly into the category of picture-books-for-adults. The book is a spiritual journey, one that could easily bore children but that contains enough life and verve within its pages to retain interest amongst the older crowd. Illustrated by Tomie de Paola, the book is also bound to garner some interest amongst the "Strega Nona" fans as well.

The story follows the twins, Benedict and Scholastica. As children they played together in the hills of northern Italy. As time passed, however, they were separated and went their different ways. Scholastica joined a convent and Benedict studied, eventually becoming a holy man of sorts. The book mostly examines Benedict and his life, from one near poisoning to another. When the siblings are united their personalities haven't changed much since their days as children and they still react to one another similarly. In the end, Scholastica is the first to pass away and Benedict decrees that he be buried with his twin when he too dies. An author's note at the end (also accompanied by de Paola's illustrations) explains the rule of St. Benedict and gives some additional information about how Benedict influenced monasteries for centuries to come.

As I mentioned before, I personally can't see the little ones put to bed with this as their bedtime story. Certainly the words are simple enough but there's a sophistication to the plot and language that suits an adult reader better. That and the fact that not a whole lot happens in this tale. The book's exceeding interest in Benedict who, as the book itself notes was, "extremely strict and demanding of the monks", and others, is baffling. Why not give us more of a glance on the life of Scholastica? This character obviously has a sense of humor but one minute she's a girl entering a convent and the next she's greeting her grey-haired twin brother. Why the lapse? Benedict's preferential treatment belies the title of the book that would have suggested the tale told the stories of both the characters. Alas that this is not the case.

No objection could possibly ever be made to de Paola's illustrations, by the way. He is just as talented today as he was when he first began illustrating. The use of distance and multiple actions taking place on a single page is impressive. All in all, the tale is given a respect and dignity that a lesser illustrator might have squandered. Such is the beauty of a de Paola book.

Should you wish to teach the tale of two saints from birth to death, this is a good resource to have. But for fun recreational reading, I direct you to look elsewhere. It's a great book, but dry at times and skimpy on the details at others. Altogether an interesting effort.

A DELIGHTFUL AND INSPIRING STORY
Twin brother and sister Benedict and Scholastica were rambunctious youngsters who lived many years ago in Nursia, a small mountain town in northern Italy. They climbed trees, raced each other up and down the hills, and befriended stray cats. They were not only twins but constant playmates and best friends.

When the twins grew older, as was the custom of their day, Benedict was sent to Rome to study while Scholastica went to a nearby monastery to learn to read and write. While Scholastica easily adapted to her new live, enjoying the women she met and the prayers that were said, Benedict was troubled by the poverty and cruelty to slaves that he encountered in Rome. Although he knew that the great city opened many avenues for him and that he was expected to remain there to study, Benedict chose to go to a small village where he joined a small number who spent their days in prayer and labor.

Later, Benedict felt God was calling him to live alone so he found a cave for shelter. It was there that shepherds found him and deemed him to be a holy hermit. As Benedict's reputation spread other clerics became envious and even tried to do away with him.

Eventually the solitary believer went to the peak of Monte Cassino where he founded a monastery, which became a refuge for many.

Scholastica, along with a group of other nuns, would come to the monastery to visit her brother once a year and became a great source of support for him and his work.

Tomie de Paola's delightful, boldly colored acrylic illustrations enliven this inspiring story of faith and devotion.

- Gail Cooke ... Read more

Amazon.com

Virginia Hamilton, Newbery Medal winner and recipient of the NationalBook Award and the Hans Christian Andersen Award, teams up with two-timeCaldecott Medal winners, Leo and Diane Dillon, in this classic collection ofAmerican black folktales, winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. By turnsdroll, grisly, and spine-tingling, the 24 stories celebrate the indomitablehuman spirit, surviving under the most crushing circumstances of slavery.Traditionally, storytelling has helped people to push through sorrow and pain,especially when the stories are saturated with magic, mysticism, and fantasy.Bruh Rabbit, He Lion, Tar Baby, and other animals populate many of the stories.In others, John, the traditional trickster hero, outwits the slave owner timeafter time to win his freedom.

Included with this very special edition is a CD featuring the commanding voicesof Hamilton and actor James Earl Jones. Eleven selections, including "ThePeculiar Such Thing," "John and the Devil's Daughter," "A Wolf and LittleDaughter," and "The People Could Fly," bring to life the rhythm and lyricalenergy of Hamilton's text. Leo and Diane Dillon's strikingly beautiful black andwhite illustrations continue to mesmerize and haunt the reader. (All ages)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent! Especially when read aloud.
I read this to my daughter, Rachel, and she really enjoyed it. She smiled throughout the entire book. She loved the animal folktales about Bruh Rabbit, and Bruh Fox. She trembled with delight at the reading of the scary tales. As for her mother, my favorite was the title tale, The People Could Fly. It was magical!

This book is a must have!!
I read this book as a child. The lessons that I learned from it have lasted well into my young adult, I am now 23 years old. The illustrations are first rate. This book should be a literary standard for all children books. Anyone with a child needs to have this in their children's personal library.

A Must-have for every American home
Fascinating folktales from an African-American perspective, this work evokes memories of the strength of a people to find magic, wonder, and spirituality in a time when oppression was the norm. Miss Hamilton, along with illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon, has produced a work of timeless importance. One of the few books that I can't keep on the shelves of my classroom, it is an essential for every teacher or person interested in exposing children to a wealth of literature.

When I was a kid...
I read this book when I was in elementary school. I am now in college, and it has stayed with me all of these years. I am currently involved in drawing up a cannon for my literature class, and this book of great and inspiring folklore will definitely be included!

This is a good book for kids that are 9 - 12 year old.
I really enjoyed reading this book, I am 9 year old. I read the book in about 2 days, it was about African-American folk tales. The best story in the book was "if the people could fly". ... Read more

Book Description

When Little Billy ignores his mother's warnings about the wild beasts in the Forest of Sin, he meets the Minpins, miniature people who own the forest and live in the trees. Little Billy vanquishes the worst monster of all and becomes a hero to the Minpins. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great book!
We love this book. One of my daughters, who loves fantasy, asks us to read this to her about once a week. The story totally captures a childs imagination. A child will never look at the trees in their yard the same way again.

Wonderful Ronald Dahl Imagination!!!
My 6 year old loves this book! Brought it home from the library again and it was the first one she picked up. This is typical of Ronald Dahl's amazing imagination, the little people with homes inside the trees and using the birds to travel; it's wonderful! I would recommend this book for most children, though for some, the beast at the beginning may be a little scary. It's a great "read to" book.

Just lovely to imagine when you look at the trees
I really like the idea of postage stamp-sized windows and doors opening in a huge tree, and tiny people in suction-cup boots walking out and strolling through the ceiling of the forest. I like the idea of a swan big enough to carry a not-so-small boy while flying. "And above all, watch with glittering eyes the world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."

This is a great fantasy book!
This book starts with a mother forbidding her son to enter the "Forest of Sin." Will he find monsters, friends or both? Many interesting things happen on the night adventures that young Billy takes. Does anyone know about them? This is Roald Dahl's only picture book. It has been beautifully illustrated by Patrick Benson who resides in England. Let this book take you on a trip with little people and an adventure you will not soon forget.

great interesting reading for young and old
The travels of little billy are exciting. The developing story leaves you amazed by his adventures and the urge to get behind billy and save the min pins from the terrible grunger. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Plot Knock
The great knock against this book was the plot itself. This review concerns the original 1944 story where a gang of criminals steals valueable coins and melts them down for sale. The metal is worth more if they are still coins and are not melted. Isn't this like "shooting one's self in the foot"? I suppose it could be argued that the purpose for melting the coins was to avoid detection. Well...."Big Sigh" In any event, I really liked this book for many reasons. The criminal Black Beard was perhaps the most memorable of any Hardy Boys villain. And in the end - he was not that bad. The scene in the tattoo parlor was a classic. The book moved along well and had a beautiful cover art for its 1944 edition. This was the second last edition to be completey revised chronology wise. The Short Wave Mystery was the highest volume to be drastically altered. The original Melted Coins is a great book. RATED A-

PS: The revised 1970 text was completely different and cannot hold a candle to the original.

Too Many Characters Spoil the Story
I just recently started reading Hardy Boys books to my son because I enjoyed them when I was young. This is the third one we read together (going out of order obviously) and probably the least enjoyable of the three. Had we read the book over a course of 2 days, it may have been easier to remember who was who. For the most part, the plot really lacked in surprise. We both had a good idea of who was guilty from the start. In addition, the two subplots were way too coincidental when the author tied them together. The best part about it was the involvement of Chet and the Hardy's other friends. This one is for serious fans only.

A Rather Good Book
This review concerns the revised 1970 edition. Frank and Joe are called upon by a member of the Seneca Indians to find a gold tribal relic that was stolen from them. Also they believe that their friend Chet was scammed by a summer school called Zoar College. I enjoyed this book; I thought that the mystery was quite interesting and not as predictable as some of the other books. There was a fair amount of action and the book moved along at a good pace. I liked this book and think that other fans of the series would as well.

Another Good Hardy Boys Mystery
This review concerns the original 1944 edition. A man with amnesia, a crazy pirate, a treasure buried on the Morton farm and a case of counterfeit coins all occupy Frank and Joe's time in this story. This book was fairly good. The mystery was interesting and there was a moderate amount of action. One thing that I liked about the book was that Chet Morton played a prominent role in the mystery after being just barely mentioned in many of the volumes immediately preceeding this one. This book isn't one of the best volumes, but it is still enjoyable reading.

Mystery of The Melted Coins
This book is great with lots of trouble and adventures. The Hardy's try to solve who stole from the Seneca's. They face kidnapping, little poison darts, hostile indians, and more. Recomended reading for kids form 3rd-6th grade. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (6)

Great book!
My 2 yo loves this book (and the other Carl books we have). He's a bit nervous around real dogs so I saw this book as a way to show him that dogs are fun and not scary. We have to read it every night (at least once) before bed. When I've had enough, he'll "read" it to himself.

Carl Goes To Daycare
Recommend this book highly to preschoolers and below. They love the pictures and insist that you still 'read' it to them. Instead have them read it to you by telling you what Carl is doing is in each picture. The botttom line: Carl is always very handy to have around the house.

Adorable story
My two children enjoyed this story with no anxiety at all, and I'm sure they are typical. It is cute and funny book which most kids will enjoy tremendously.

MS DAY HURRAY
How Ms Day captures the heroic spirit of a good Rottwilder with so few words and so much beauty certainly makes any and all of her volumes a real treat. Thank you so very much Ms Day for showing the public that Rotties are more than tough guard dogs.

An imaginative adventure.
My two year old daughter and me thoroughly enjoy reading this book. I find Carl's responsible behavior with the children to be both silly and endearing. My daughter constantly finds a different interpretation to each page of this book with every reading. My child was not afraid in the least. This book is meant to be a thrilling fantasy that every kid (I believe) dreams about. Imagine, a big old loveable dog caring for children while the teacher helplessly watches from the outside. What child has not wished this if only for a second. A marvelous and brilliant execution of the beauty of a child's mind. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Good Book
I read a book called the Twisted Claw. It's a fery good book. Frank and Joe Hardy help their dad track down a gang of smugglers,and discover a secret island kingdom.This book was great,lots of mystery.

Similar To The Original
This review concerns the revised 1969 edition. Frank and Joe help their father with his case concerning the thefts of pieces from a pirate treasure that had been on display in various museums. The investigation leads Frank and Joe to a mysterious ship called The Black Parrot. This is a very good book; although, I preferred the original edition. I thought that the best part of both books was when Frank and Joe disguise themselves and sail aboard The Black Parrot. Unfortunately, in the revised edition it lasts for only about 25 pages, while in the original version, that part lasted for a number of chapters. The revised edition is an exciting book and I think that most fans of the series would enjoy it.

A Really Good Book
This review concerns the original 1939 edition. Frank and Joe help their father track down a gang of smugglers and discover a secret island kingdom. This book was great; lots of mystery, lots of action, lots of suspence. The first 15 chapters are good, but the final 10 are excellent. At that point, Frank and Joe are hired on as crew members aboard the smuggler's ship. This book was very exciting; a must-read for all Hardy Boys fans.

It stumped me
The Hardy Boys are back in another big mystery. The twisted claw museum artifacts have been stolen and the Hardy Boys have to get them back. They have to risk their lives to find it. If you want to find out if they get it back you will have to read it. This is not a book to pass up.

A surefire suspense mystery
The Hardy Boys yet again get caught in a super thriller that almost cost them their lives. The Empire of the Twisted Claw tries to smuggle out all of the twisted claw treasure in musuems in the U.S. The treasure was owned by the famous pirate Cortal, the founder of The Empire of the Twisted Claw. Can the Hardy Boys stop the gang from taking all of the treasure, and what is the link with the Black and Yellow Parrot? Nobody can pass up a book like this one!!! ... Read more

Book Description

This wordless picture book follows the trials of a little old lady who attempts to make pancakes for her breakfast. “The optimistic determination of the woman and the gentle humor of the illustrations make this an appealing book for the very young.”--School Library Journal ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Yummy!
I took this book out of the library over 20 years ago and convinced mom to make the pancakes.They were really good.The book is good to by the way!

Story without words
I "read" this wordless picture book to a class of 2nd graders and they loved predicting what would happen next in the story.Tomie dePaola has frame by frame pictures of the pancake making process.Some students didn't get what she was doing at first, but as the storyline progressed, they understood.The kids were so excited to get to the end of the story, they were surprised that they hadn't guessed the ending.
This is also a great story to give children/students who have speech problems or problems staying focused on a storyline.It gets them thinking and "Pancakes for Breakfast" is made into 'their own little story'.

Superb Wordless Book
Wordless books are neat. You can make up the story, change it, talk about the pictures, and so on.

This book is no different.

The end has a little twist of humor that most kids age two and up can get and many younger kids will see the humor in the situation as well. The pictures are adorable and simple and tell a story.

Excellent.
Enjoy.

The story grows with the child
This is a wonderful book.My grandaughter received it when she was under a year old, and we looked at the pictures and talked about them.Slowly,she began to put together the story line, and recognize what came next, andwhy, and now at age two she can almost tell the story herself.Wish therewere more "books without text" that both adult and child couldenjoy together.The author's illustrations do a wonderful job of creatinga story that truly grows with the child.

A good, good, good book
I liked this book because I have it. The best part of the story is the pancakes.I like to eat pancakes for breakfast just like the woman in the story. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Change of Heart
Published in 1954 - As a child - I rather liked this volume. I read it once as an adult and was very very bored. The Hardys seemed to professional to my liking in this one. First book to contain interior artwork - so it is a hallmatk of the series. The Hardys are given a Peregrine Falcon to aid them in solving this case. Not much to say about it other than it was sub par. RATED C-

The best book in the world.
I recommend this book because it has a lot of suspense and mystery.it is also has a lot of weird happenings.This book is wriiten by Franklin W. Dixon.Another good thing about is its got stuff to do with wildlife.

Average
This review concerns the original 1954 edition as well as the revised 1971 edition, which is a shortened version of the original. A friend of Mr. Hardy gives Frank and Joe a falcon so that they can help their father with his case concerning the smuggling of Indians into the U.S., also Frank and Joe search for a kidnapped Indian prince. This book was alright, the first half of it has some slow moments; however, the last 7 chapters were rather good. The book has a moderate amount of action and while the plot isn't totally original, it isn't bad and alot of kids would probably find the parts concerning the falcon interesting. One thing that I did like about the book was that many of the other characters of the series (Mr. Hardy, Chet, Tony, Sam Radley) were used often. It's not one of the best books, but it is worth reading.

Review of The Hooded Hawk Mystery
"The Hooded Hawk Mystery" is a normal Hardy Boys book. In the beginning the Hardys recieve a hawk to hunt pigeons. Then they get a new case to catch kidnappers and some smugglers smuggling aliens into the U.S.. Do the hawk,kidnappers,and smugglers tie together somehow?

The hooded Hawk Mystery
This book was interesting because it was exciting about the pigeons, the way the criminals were catched, the bombing of the Hardy home, and the falcon. I'd like to have one of those. This book may be four stars, but it can still be considered one of the top ten, and is definitely one that all fans can not miss. ... Read more