Book Description

Convinced the sky is falling, Henny Penny and a band of gullible friends march off to tell the king, only to meet their end at the hands of a wily fox. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Henny Penny needs some worky lurky
NOT to be confused with the tale of the little red hen. We've all heard, at one time or another, the tale of silly Henny Penny. Hit on the head by an acorn the silly chicken is convinced that the sky is falling. Running to tell the king she meets up with a range of different avian types until finally coming to crafty Foxy Loxy. This 1968 creation undoubtedly won many a supporter back in its day. A classic story, it deserved a classy set-up. Unfortunately, the book has not aged as well as it might have. Illustrator Paul Galdone's story is a bit dull for a while, and then it suddenly becomes a little shocking at the end. In true fairy tale fashion, Foxy Loxy and his brood have a 'fine feast' from their silly feathered friends. There's nothing particularly gratuitous about this. You don't see Henny Penny & Friends actually eaten. Nor are there any leftover remains when we view the parting shot of Foxy Loxy and his family. On the other hand, children who (for whatever reason) have grown attached to the silly birds aren't going to enjoy the black page that simply reads, 'From that day to this Turkey Lurkey, Goosey Loosey, Ducky Lucky, Cocky Locky, and Henny Penny have never been seen again'. I dunno. Maybe I'm being too modern. If the children of the late 1960s could take this book, shouldn't we assume our kids can today?

Perhaps. On the other hand, there's no getting around the fact that the book is (forgive me, but it is true) not particularly well illustrated. It's not badly illustrated, mind you. Just the same, the pictures aren't anything to crow about. They're flat. Colored occasionally in red, green or yellow. The three color palette may suit some, but it does grow a little wearisome to the wandering eye. If you're dead set on introducing your kids to the tale of Henny Penny, I suggest you seek out other more entrancing versions of this tale. For all its age and maturity, this is a simultaneously dull and shocking book to be reading the kiddie set at night.

Henny Penny
Henny Penny is a old english folk story about a hen who is one day gathering acorns.When one hits her on the head and she is convinced that the sky is fallling.So natraly she feels its her duty to tell the king. Along the way she meets some of her friends and ask them to join her on her quest to tell the king. Though when they almost get to the kings palace they meet Foxy Loxy who tricks them.

Parents:A great story to reinforce or introduce rhyming
Rhyming patterns help with spelling. A student can see the endings of words are the same and follow the patterns for other unfamiliar words. This makes decoding and spelling unknown words easier: Henny, Penny, Lenny, etc. fox, box, lox, pox. Follow-up with any Dr.Seuss book to reinforce rhyming and spelling. ... Read more

Book Description

How sweet it is. Thousands of bees visited more than one million flowers to gather the nectar that went into that one-pound jar of honey. Here's the buzz on how these remarkable insects work together to create this amazing food.

Book Description

Illus. in full color. Every afternoon King Birtram raced around the palace on a pair of old red stilts, until they were stolen. An uproarious tale. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Good Seuss story of sticking to your duty.
Though it is hard to pick a favorite by Dr. Seuss, this is one of his best. The king works hard so he can play hard. When the duke takes away the fun, the kingdom has problems. Only a boy who knows his duty to his king can save the kingdom.

Play Hard . . . Work Hard!
Many young people are unsure about the proper balance between work and fun. As a result, they tend to overemphasize one or the other. Dr. Seuss has created a wonderful book here to relieve youngsters of the sense that they should work hard all of the time.

This is an early book by Dr. Seuss, and it is written in prose rather than rhyme. Despite this, the prose often has a definite meter, and he sneaks in rhyming words now and again.

The illustrations are predominately in black and white, but splashes of red are used for emphasis to good effect.

The story is quite funny. The king's passion is to run around the kingdom on his red stilts. But he never does so until after putting in a full twelve hours of grueling work.

Never was there a harder working king than Birtram. He even signs papers while taking a bath at five in the morning!

He feels very responsible, because he kingdom is threatened by natural disaster if he lets down his guard.

Who could begrudge such a fine king his fun? Well, there is one who does. Where could that lead?

I also found the book very good for introducing the concept of how we all rely on one another for our well-being. For example, this story can also help a parent explain the need to go to work, despite a sincere desire to stay and play with her or his child.

I think the book is good, too, for helping children think about what kind of work they might want to do when they are older. What benefit would they like others to receive from their work? How hard would they like to work? What difficulties would be bearable, and which would be too much?

After you finish enjoying this book, I suggest that you and your child spend time planning how you can have more fun playing together, and still meet your responsibilities. You can also tell your child about different kinds of work that adults do, and what the stresses and strains are. Although no four year old is going to choose a vocation, it is never too soon to start providing the raw material for mental exploration of work alternatives. Most of us will spend more time working than anything else we will do in our lives except sleep!

May you and your family find ways to play hard that energize and excite you to do your work well!

All work and no stilts put King Birtram's kingdom in danger
Theodore Seuss Geisel, using his famous pen name of Dr. Seuss, wrote and illustrated his first children's book, "And to Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street," in 1937. Two years later he wrote "The King's Stilts." Even at this early point in his career Dr. Seuss was able to emphasize the idea that reading could be fun without have to be moralistic and that it was important that the illustrations actually had a close relationship with the text of the story. Geisel once declared: "I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities." Certainly "The King's Stilts" evidences that point.

The story begins with the point that King Birtram on the Kingdom of Binn NEVER wore his stilts during business hours and that he worked very hard, continuing to sign important papers of state even while he was taking a bath. However, the king's most important job was caring for the mighty Dike Trees that protected the people of Binn from the sea. Their heavy, knotted roots held back the water. However, those roots were also very tasty to Nizzards, a kind of giant blackbird with a sharp and pointed beak. If the Nizzards were to eat the roots of the Dike Trees then the roots would soon give way, the sea would pour in, and every last soul in the Kingdom of Binn would drown. But King Birtram did not allow this to happen and by gathering together a thousand of the largest and smartest cats in the world to function as Patrol Cats (wearing badges that say "P.C."). These cats were so important that the Cat Kitchen was bigger than that of the King and even had the best cooks in the land.

Every day from seven in the morning, when he watched the changing of the Cat Guard, to five in the afternoon, the King inspected every root of every Dike Tree in the kingdom. Only after that important task was finished each day would King Bitram hurry back to his castle to get his red stilts and start racing through his marble halls and garden stairs. The people thought it looked strange, but they knew the king worked hard and well as his job and if he wanted to have a bit of fun then he should be allowed to do whatever he wanted to do. Unfortunately Lord Droon was the one person in Binn who did not like fun and who sulked long enough that the decided to steal the King's stilts, which is when things start to go bad for both King Birtram and his people.

What makes this an interesting book is that, as is usually the case, Dr. Seuss is telling a story that imparts lessons to both young readers and older readers alike. If anything it is the latter that are the target audience for this story, since we see that being able to play is as important as hard work. As long as someone works long and hard they deserve to do what ever their heart desires when it comes to having fun. Meanwhile, younger readers would be getting the opposite lesson, learning that being able to have fun as an adult is dependent upon earning your enjoyment (which makes it clear that "The King's Stilts" is really more for adults).

I was actually surprised that "The King's Stilts" was written in 1939, because if I were trying to guess at what inspired Dr. Seuss to tell this particular story it would have been the concern in the press about President Dwight D. Eisenhower playing golf so often (I thought King Birtram looked a bit like Ike). But evidently Dr. Seuss was going for a more universal idea here. Meanwhile there is the entire subtext of how a kingdom might be lost because of a pair of stilts the same way as the old story about the battle lost for the want of a nail, which only serves to prove that with the good doctor there are always multiple levels to the story and its lessons.

Day Cats, Night Cats
Another of the finest long-form Seuess books, THE KINGS STILTS joins BARTHOLOMEW AND THE OOBLECK, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS and both of the Horton the Elephant books as his finest works for new readers.

The best Dr. Seuss book
This is a Dr. Seuss book that a mother can love. It's long, but entertaining even the fifteenth time you've read it. No tongue twisters or silly rhymes, just a playful, fun story with a good message to discuss with your children. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Our nameless hero--a typical Seuss hybrid who's part bear, part puppy,and part beyond categorization--has an innocent, carefree life, until it's ruined by minor problems. With a toe stubbed, and a tail bitten by a Quilligan Quail ("And I learned there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead, and some come from behind"), he sets out on an ill-fated journey to find a better, less troublesome place: the fabled city of Solla Sollew, no less, "on the banks of the beautiful River Wah-Hoo,/ Wherethey never have troubles. At least very few." Like most dreamlands, Solla Sollew is harder to attain than expected--nobody seems to know how to get there, and the journey is far worse than anyone anticipated. When the faircity is finally attained there is, of course, a last straw; but a happy twist suggests troubles may be better faced than escaped. (Ages 4 to 8) --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Still my favorite Seuss after 35 years of reading it
(If I could rate it twice, it would have ten stars.)

The un-named hero of the story has so many troubles he doesn't know what to do, so, on the advice of a passerby, decides to make the trip to Solla Sollew, where they never have troubles (at least, very few!) So begins an odyssey which, after more adventures than you'll find in any other Seuss, teaches the lesson that it's better to face troubles than to run away. This book captivated me on my 5th birthday (the year it was first published) and is still my favorite. The plot is more complete and complex than any other Seuss, and the moral is as valuable today as when I first read it. A side benefit is the striking use of color; the Dr. used a more subtle color scheme in Solla Sollew and it enhances the realism of the story. This, as much as any other, is essential Seuss.

The Grass Only Seems To Be Greener Elsewhere
This book is great for the child who is never satisfied, or is too easily discouraged.

The story opens with a happy, carefree young furry creature with a tail in the Valley of Vung starting to have problems because he gets careless and doesn't look around. Discouraged by these setbacks, he is all ears when a chap on a One-Wheeler Wubble comes along and says that there's never any trouble in the City of Solla Sollew, and offers take him there. The trip turns out to be very arduous and difficult. Finally at Solla Sollew, a new problem arises. From this experience, he decides to be more proactive in the future. "Now my troubles are going, To have trouble with me!"

Like all of the Dr. Seuss books, this one is enlivened by hilarious creatures, dramatic and colorful illustrations, and a pleasant rhyming scheme that uses funny names to aid the rhymes.

One of the most difficult lessons for people to learn is that we carry the seeds of all our problems and opportunities around with us. Simply changing the scenery may not be enough, if our old ways of thinking still guide us. If you are somewhat depressed and see no opportunity in one place, even in an earthly paradise you can still experience life the same way.

Many people go through life looking for the perfect mate, house, and job, only to be constantly disappointed. In I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew, that voyage toward perfection can be quickly experienced and the lesson learned. Here is where a parent can make a big difference. You need to share some experiences in your own life where you lived this story, and share what you learned as a result. In this way, you can help you child in later years by providing an alternative perspective and reminding her or him or this story. "Are you going to Solla Sollew?" can be a shorthand way of encouraging your child to re-examine the purpose of the sought-for change.

For an adult, the benefit from this story can be to help you consider whether all of the error-elimination you pursue is worth the effort. My clients frequently are interested in reducing their error rate. They may be starting, though, in an area with an error rate that is only one in ten million occurrences. And the area being considered may be relatively unimportant to the success of the organization. The same effort could instead make important improvements in some area where mistakes abound, results do matter, and perfection is an impossible dream.

Decide what the problem is before you grab just any solution!

Underappreciated
This Dr. Seuss classic story is underappareciated by readers young and old. The verse is creative and enchanting, and reminiscent of that old stand-by, "There's a Wocket In My Pocket", with its fantastical inventions.

Not to mention, this particular story teaches a valuable lesson about how "the grass is always greener on the other side".

If you're a Seuss fan and haven't checked this one out yet, give it a try.

my favorite dr. seuss
As a child, someone read this book to me only once, and I looked for it ever afterward. It seemed more magical, somehow, than all the other Doctor Sues books. In college, I stumbled across it again and bought it. It's still one of my favorites'a great pick-me-up if you're feeling beat, definitely good for college students.

The story is about a fellow who has troubles and so goes looking for the beautiful city of 'Solla Sollew, on the banks of the beautiful river wha-hoo, where they never have troubles, at least very few!' Well, as you can imagine, he has a terrible time getting to Solla Sollew'flood ands wars and wild beasts'and when he finally gets there, he discovers that the advantages of Solla Sollew have been somewhat exaggerated. He ends up going back home with a new attitude. The story isn't any different than many similar stories, but the rhymes are particularly lyrical, the artwork particularly funny. I pull it out every few months and read it, and I laugh every time.

More Involving Then Most Seuss
This was my absolute favorite Suess book when I was little. It always seemed to me to be larger in every way than the other Seuss books, and in fact my copy (which I have carefully preserved almost 40 years now) was indeed physically larger in size. The format of a quest was as appealing to me as a youngster as it is to all of us in its many more mature formats. Like all Seuss books, it is a little wierd and twisted - I am not always sure that is a good thing, but I loved the alliteration of phrases like "the perilous poozers of pomplemoose pass". As many have noted, the plot of a character facing his troubles in stead of searching for greener pastures was clearly evident to me as a 4 year old. I learned from this book that there are key slapping slippards everywhere, and that troubles that seem large at first can be faced with determination and preparation. The illustrations to me seem more detailed than most Seuss fare, with greater variety of strange characters and settings. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

First Rate
This is an excellent translation that transfers the poetry of Seuss into Spanish. Not all translations are equal, but Marcuse's are first rate. Brava!

A flawless translation
The 5 stars are for the translator. What a wonderful rendering of Dr. Seuss inspirational masterpiece! It makes for the perfect gift for all ages and all occasions. ... Read more

Book Description

This book about nature and the changing seasons focuses on a young boy and a very special apple tree. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A wonderful book for teachers of grades K-2!
The Seasons of Arnolds Apple Tree is an excellent book with illustrations that capture the changes in an apple tree throughout the seasons. I read this book with my kindergartners every September and they enjoy it very much. This is a wonderful picture book for kids and a great resource for teachers when teaching about apples, plant life and the four seasons. ... Read more

Book Description

Everyone knows that since a Dragon IS a Dragon and St. George IS St. George, there will have to be a fight.

Everyone, that is, except the Dragon. He’d rather writepoetry. This wonderful, whimsical story is by the authorof The Wind In The Willows. Performed by John and Ginny Dildine, with Gordon Bok as the Dragon. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

An engaging story of a family who leads a simple, easy life
Robert San Souci expertly retells The Reluctant Dragon: an engaging story of a family who leads a simple, easy life until a fire-breathing dragon moves in. Jack learns the dragon is just a pussycat who would rather read and write than fight knights; but a persistent St. George the Dragon Fighter brings trouble and challenge in this engaging and recommended story of a mock battle and a most unusual friendship.

Especially charming... especially rich...
Kenneth Grahame's other wonderful story, retold.
But, this time around, what is especially charming, especially rich,
what makes all the difference is something new: the captivating illustrations.
John Segal's images are much more than simply illustrative additions;
they are a stream of the most beautiful, diminutive, vibrant watercolour paintings.
They make the book.

Mr. Segal's art lends color and life to the story -- and his handwritten
excerpts add a dimensionality and energy to the text -- in a way that you
cannot glean until you have the deliriously gorgeous volume happily in hand.
Perfect.

BTW The story incorporates that ever important, inestimably valuable
moral lesson: things may not be what they first appear to be...
or... what we first (and sometimes erroneously) conclude them to be...
to our happy surprise.

A classic for all ages.
Thank goodness this classic tale is still available for readers of all ages. The timeless nature of this tale endures. A satisfying tale and delightful ending for everyone.

A somewhat humorous children's book
This was absolutely my favorite book as a young child about 60 years ago. I am pleased to see that it is still available. Most fables about dragons picture them as dangerous beasts guarding treasure troves, but this dragon is a different sort indeed - an erudite peaceful dragon that had hoped to have a quiet retirement. When a knight arrives to rid the neighborhood of the dragon, he is invited in for tea, and discovers the dragon does not wish to fight. In the classic tale, "Beowulf," the dragon was provoked by someone stealing a piece of the treasure. In this story, the knight finds a quite different means to provoke the dragon into breathing fire (after all, the knight's reputation is at stake). The story has an unexpected ending. The book is suitable for reading to single children or groups of younger children, or for slightly older children (and sometimes adults) to read for themselves.

A book about a dragon and a Boy - but much more...
Grahame's _Reluctant Dragon_ is one of the books I read numerous times as a child. I've also reread it as an adult. One of the reasons I loved it so (I realize now) is that it features a character that most of the others hate because of who he seems to be. The Dragon, who comes to the Downs to find a peaceful life and compose poetry, soon finds himself the target of a campaign on the part of the townspeople to do away with him. His only friend is the Boy, one of the farm children. Through his friendship with the Boy (who does not have a name, as I remember), we realize that although he may be a dreaded beast - a dragon - he is actually not the stereotypical firebreathing, damsel-distressing monster. In fact, he is quite kind and gentle.

When St. George comes, and the plan is to slay the Dragon, the Boy attempts to intercede(...I won't ruin the story for you but I will say you won't be sobbing at the end).

This book was important to me, I think, because I was teased a great deal as a child - I was sort of strange and dreamy and I didn't "look right" for the school I was in. But reading this book reminded me that it was better to be true to myself and who I was than to try (and fail) to fit in. (I just wish I had a friend as good as the Boy.) I think maybe this book would be best for slightly older children, if younger children are going to be read it you may have to do some explaining of the words and the archaic phrases. And the whole idea of St. George and how he is a part of English legend.

I do think that this book is one that imaginative and young-at-heart grownups would appreciate, too. If you are such, and have never read "The Reluctant Dragon", I recommend it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Beyond Dr. Seuss's work for children is an entirely different world--perhaps similar in whimsy and humor, but even more wondrous. The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss is a short (less than 100 pages) and beautiful full-color coffee-table book filled with cartoons, sketches, and oil paintings. The collection of birds, cats, lions, and pointy-headed peopleis fairly familiar territory for any true Seuss fan, but with a deeperamount of detail and more sophisticated tones. A favorite design in ink istitled "Impractical Marshmallow Toasting Device"--it's easy to see Seuss didn't find art to be a serious business. And could the oil painting "Cat from the Wrong Side of the Tracks" be a rendition of Cat in the Hat's evil twin? A wonderful, intriguing book for Seuss fans of all ages. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Wonderfully Facinating
Every page unfolds another facinating look into the mind of a wonderful artist that many have grown up with. I personally was amazed at what I found within these pages, and would recomend this book to anyone that is either interested in art, or in Dr. Seuss. This book shows that he was much more than just a children's author.

beautiful book
dr. seuss was more than a children's book author, he was an artist. i had always taken for granted this fact until i saw this as another extension of his work. beautiful pictures and fascinating sculptures...would i love to one of those hanging in my livingroom!

One Cool Cat
Best known of course for his dearly beloved children's books, Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) was also an supremely talented artist, as this collection of his paintings and sculptures attests. Far more detailed than the illustrations of his books, the paintings in particular range from gently witty to absolutely dazzling.

Many great painters use the canvas to tell a story; Seuss goes a step farther. Each of his paintings are like a portal into an amazing little world. "Cat Detective in the Wrong Part of Town" evokes a seedy 50's mystery story, but with cats. Cats, by the way, are a major theme of this collection. They pop up everywhere, doing everything: Dancing the night away in "Cat Carnival in West Venice", playing pool in "Cat from the Wrong Side of the Tracks", even taking a shower in "Cat in Obsolete Shower Bath (Study)". Seuss packs a lot of feeling into his subjects; "Lonely" sums up isolation about as well as anything I've seen, and several untitled pieces each show one lone bird flying serenely above a stormy sea. My favorite painting is entitled "I Dreamed I Was a Doorman at the Hotel del Coronado". With its dreamy South American feel and bright colors it reminds me of an old Technicolor movie from the forties.

I can't recommend this book enough, the paintings are just wonderful. I never get tired of looking at them. A complete must-own for any Seuss fan, or just any lover of the whimsical. A+

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!
We all know Theodore Seuss Geisell as a creative author and illustrator. However, many of us have no idea he was an incredibly imaginitive, colorful and captivating non-literary artist. I love this collection, and think it really shows Seuss' breadth of talent. (If you also want to see more to Seuss than his kids' books, check out his biting WWII political cartoons. They're equally a treasure.)

And to think I saw it at the art gallery on Superior Street
One of our local art galleries had several choice examples of the art of Dr. Seuss, not just the cartoon drawings that made their way into his wonderful books, but the paintings and other artistic efforts presented here as "The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss." This work extends from a series of four pencil and watercolor illustrations about Peru done in 1925 to an ink drawing entitled "The Economic Situation Clarified" in 1975. That means a half-century of art the beginning of which predates his first publication, "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street," by a dozen years. As I said, these are more than just paintings, including the heads he did in the 1930s, including my favorite, the Blue-Green Abelard. The commonality of all this artwork is the fertile imagination of Ted Geisel. The creatures in these illustrations will seem familiar (you will spot Horton and other beloved visages) but what will strike you is the way Geisel started incorporating brilliant colors and abstract designs into his artwork.

I am not pretending that this is serious artwork, but just that Geisel was serious about his art. He was not a great artist, just a beloved artist, who could twist and tangle pictures the way he could words and rhymes. We appear to have run out of his books, but "The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss" give us something "new" to enjoy. You might even find something you would like to get a copy of and put up on the wall in the children's bedroom. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Treehorn is clearly shrinking, and his parents aren't the least bit interested. His mother is obsessed with whether or not her cake will rise. His father, at one point addressing a son who can barely see over the table, states blindly, "Nobody shrinks." Treehorn doesn't seem all that bothered that his clothes are hanging over his extremities; he just feels someone should know.But the adults he tries to notify brush off his claim as either a ploy for attention or downright bad behavior.

Treehorn's parents, his teacher, and his principal respond (or fail to respond) to his drastically diminishing stature in ways that will ring true to any kid who has tried to convince adults of the existence of fairies, the Loch Ness Monster, or things that go bump in the night. Edward Gorey's stark, intricately patterned black-and-white drawings are simultaneously quaint and creepy, setting the perfect stage for Treehorn's tale--a story for any child who has ever felt ignored by grown-ups (in other words, a story for all). (Ages 4 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Hilarious for both children and adults
Having found this book on a recomendation list by a German (!) literature professor, I ordered it not knowing it is a classic. the sense of humour, though sometimes lost on younger children, is wonderful, actually reminding me of the British sense of humour. I can only advise all adults to read this book, it's an eyeopener to our communication skills.

Drawling voice "Treehorn is shrinking!"
Very memorable story. i didn't read the book, but i remember watching a cartoon version on TV. why is it memorable? well, firstly, the name Treehorn! it was during half term (vacation) when i saw it, and when i went back to school, a friend came out with a very memorable quote, in North American drawl "Treehorn is shrinking!" and i just burst into hysterics! Cool stuff! i will have to buy this book!

Strangeness is delightful
This was one of my favorite books as a child, and nearly 20 years later, it's still high on my list. When I first read it, I was amazed because it was completely different from anything else I had ever been given to read. I think all kids have endured the problem of trying to get adults to listen to them and take them seriously, and Treehorn's somewhat absurd quest to get someone to notice his shrinking is easy to identify with. The book may have no "moral", but so what? Kids need books that enchant and delight them--if you only give them didactic and "proper" tales, reading becomes a boring chore. If you weren't fortunate enough to read this as a child, make up for lost time now.

Bizarre in a wonderful way, great pictures by Gorey
This is a book I loved as a child, because it was so bizarre and interesting and mysterious! I don't think the book is really meant to have a message---it's meant more just to be a strange and memorable tale! I love all the little details about Treehorn we find out---that he has 56 different favorite TV shows, what his cereal send-away collection consists of, etc! Even my 2 year old was enchanted by the pictures---he called a page with several odd dogs on it "monsters" and said "I like those scary monster dogs!" My 5 year old loved how the bus driver thought Treehorn was Treehorn's younger brother, also called Treehorn! Read it because it's fun and great to look at!

My favorite children's book!
This is really a top-ranked children's book. It is very cleverly written. It shows nicely and humorously how people -even when they live close together- can be completely blind to each other. I have noticed that not only children can readily identify with the drawings and the story, but also that adults like it very much. Indeed, I have great pleasure in gifting it to my best friends, who all like it, without exception. The text and the drawings are perfect in their own right and do perfectly match each other. The drawings are most funny and to the point. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Book Description

Liza Poole lives with her mother in one of the last balanced ecosystems in North America -- the Gumbo Limbo Hammock deep within the lush kingdom of the Florida Everglades. Some may think it strange to live outdoors, but Liza feels lucky to live it strange to live outdoors, but Liza feels lucky to live in her small yellow tent amidst tropical birds and exotic plants. And at the center of this natural paradise lies Dajun, the majestic alligator who protects Gumbo Limbo's environment.

Then, one day, a state official arrives with frightening orders. Dajun is scaring people nearby -- he must be killed! Liza takes action to save the invaluable 'gator, but suddenly, he is nowhere to be found. Now, she must find Dajun before it's too late, and her search will lead her into the heart of an exciting eco mystery!

Reviews (8)

The Missing Gator of Gumbo Limbo
I have just finish reading a book call The Missing Gator of Gumbo Limbo. It's about a family who don't have a house yet, because they don't have enough money to build a house. The father was in another country, doing business around the world. He doesn't even know what's happening to his family. Many people say that they don't have house. Well they are, but the mother says that they were on a vacation. She always said that every time because she doesn't want people to know it. So now, their daughter named Liza K., is an adventures girl. She knows all the places in the forest. She even has an alligator friend. Now, she and her friends must save the forest from the people who want to destroy, but then, her alligator friend lost. Now, she's on an adventure to find the alligator and stop the destruction of the forest.

I think this book is good because it tells everybody how important the forest is to us. If we don't have a forest, then how can we live? How can we stay a life without oxygen? Where the oxygen come from? Oh well I think you know where it is. So this book, did, teach us something.

I recommended this book who loves to safe this world.

The Missing 'Gator of Gumbo Limbo
My story was about a missing gator. Travis is a gator hunter who is trying to shoot the gator. The gator is too big for the protection law. All the characters except Travis are trying to protect him. The main characters are Dujen, Travis, Liza K., and James James. Because he is a smart young man, James James is my favorite character. In my own life I try to be good and kind to others. James James is like this, he is always considerate and thoughtful.
I liked my book. I don't have a single favorite part; My least favorite part is the authors choice of where the characters lived at the end of book. My favorite part was that Travis didn't find Dujen.
I would recomend this book to a person who likes mysteries.

could've been better
I thoguht this book was OK but could've been better. It has an exiting plot wiht a hunter trying to hunt the gator[dajun] but the ending is so typical. They end up finding...oops I shouldn't give away the story...but the book's ending is not as fun as it could've been. But if you love animals and a good mystery you should definitly read this book.

A greater gator story
This fascinating novel is for anyone who has ever fallen in love with a wild place, with a wild animal, or who is concerned about our jeopardized natural world. Only Jean Craighead George could write such a comprehensible and informative children's book about nature. While they're not JULIE OF THE WOLVES or MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, Ms. George's Ecological Mysteries Series are sure to be enjoyable for any naturalist--inspiring and educational. In THE MISSING 'GATOR OF GUMBO LIMBO, Liza K. Poole lives with her mother and some eccentric neighbors in the heart of the Florida Everglades. (Anyone who was born to live in a tent and fish for food will be envious of this "wild" lifestyle.) When the woods peoples' "dragon", a regal alligator, disappears, they begin to try to track down the great beast, especially Liza K. A ranger is after the gator, for he has been frightening nearby home-dwellers, and should be shot. Liza K. and her unique friends--including a talkative African gray parrot-- go through a series of clues to find out where the gator has disappeared to. The ending, I admit, is slightly disappointing--the threat of the ranger seems to be forgotten after the gator is found, Liza K. and her neighbors must abandon their way of life--but all in all, it's a fine read. The other Eco-Mysteries should be kept in mind--WHO REALLY KILLED COCK ROBIN?, in which a boy tries to solve the mystery of his clean town's feathered mascot; THE CASE OF THE MISSING CUTTHROATS, quite a lot like THE MISSING 'GATOR; and THE FIRE BUG CONNECTION. No young naturalist or ecologist should overlook the wide, wonderful world of Jean Craighead George.

OK
I read this book in my class and it took me forever to finish it. I am a big reader but I just couldn't get into the book. I think it should have been more exciting. In my opinion, it seemed as if the author kept repeating the same information. ... Read more

Book Description

‘Before the zoo opens each day a small army of keepers, vendors, and maintenance workers perform the daily tasks of cleaning and setting up. Then the crowds flock in. . . . The busy pictures are filled with details and action. The writing is crisp, clear, and informative.’ —SLJ.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 1987 (NSTA/CBC) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great behind-the-scenes look at the zoo
For all the children who go to the zoo and enjoy looking at the animals, Gail Gibbons presents a wonderful behind-the-scenes look at all the work that makes it possible. From the zookeepers arriving in the early morning to feed the animals and clean their cages and the vendors preparing for the zoo's visitors, to the security guard locking the main gate and patroling the empty walkways, the book does a nice job of giving children a more in-depth view of the zoo. Veterinarians help sick animals and monitor the birth of baby animals. Construction workers build a new exhibit. Zoo keepers prepare the special foods that the animals eat.

Both my boys were able to easily relate things they'd seen at our zoo to the book. Their next visit, too, was filled with applying what they'd seen in the book to our zoo.

Gibbons' books are always excellent. Zoo brings alive a favorite place to visit in a very unique way. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Lewis always dreamed of living in an old house full ofsecret passageways, hidden rooms, and big marble fireplaces. Andsuddenly, after the death of his parents, he finds himself in justsuch a mansion--his Uncle Jonathan's. When he discovers that hisbig friendly uncle is also a wizard, Lewis has a hard time keepinghimself from jumping up and down in his seat. Unfortunately, whatLewis doesn't bank on is the fact that the previous owner of themansion was also a wizard--but an evil one who has placed atick-tocking clock somewhere in the bowels of the house, marking offthe minutes until the end of the world. And when Lewisaccidentally awakens the dead on Halloween night, the clock onlyticks louder and faster. Doomsday draws near--unless Lewis can stop the clock!

This is a deliciously chilling tale, with healthy doses of humorand compassion thrown in for good measure. Edward Gorey'sunmistakable pen and ink style (as seen in many picture books,including TheShrinking of Treehorn and Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats) perfectly complementsJohn Bellairs's wry, touching story of a lonely boy, his quirkyuncle, and the ghost of mansions past. (Ages 9 to 12) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Dated, but good
After Lewis' parents die, Lewis is sent to live with his Uncle Jonathon in a spooky mansion.Quickly Lewis finds out his uncle is a magician and that there is a clock somewhere in the house that is counting down the minutes to... something.What that something is, no one knows, but since the previous owner of the mansion was a magician, and probably one more evil than good, what happens when the clock reaches the appointed time probably isn't going to be pleasant.

One thing that stands out about this book is how dated some elements feel.Near the beginning of the book we find Lewis carrying a cardboard suitcase on his journey to to his uncle's home.Other things feel just as dated, like the seeming scarcity of automobiles.But all in all, that doesn't keep the book from being engrossing and sometimes scary.

Lewis isn't someone who makes friends easily, and not being athletically inclined he finds it difficult to find a friend.When he feels as if he's losing his one friend, he tries to tries to impress him.It's a mistake many of us have made, and it doesn't work well for Lewis.

Lewis' troubles with friendship and the mystery of the clock eventually intertwine and we follow Lewis through to a very satisfying conclusion.

It has a few scary moments, but none too scary for the books intended audience, and I can reccommend this book with few reservations. ... Read more

Book Description

The favorite Mother Goose rhyme about the three careless kittens who lost their mittens is given added appeal with Galdone's bold and colorful illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A very appealing and well done little book
My sons have requested this be read to them about 10 times just today! As all of Galdone's fairy tales or nursery rhymes, this is very true to the traditional telling. The special part here is the living, clever and detailed pictures. They show such neat details as a kitchen with catnip in every form---chopped, minced, blended, etc---in a spice cabinet! The cats' expressions are priceless---you wouldn't guess cats could be so expressive.

Adorable depiction of this classic rhyme.
My 2 1/2 year old loves this book! We have taken it out of the library so many times, I have finally decided it is time to own it! I think she identifies with the sweet kittens who get into trouble but then make amends and get to eat the pie after all. Both toddlers and preschoolers will love this beautifully illustrated book. ... Read more

Book Description

Find all the basics in this lively guide.

• The markings on a football field

• What football players wear

• The positions, from quarterback to wide receiver

• The excitement of the kickoff

• The thrill of scoring a touchdown

All these and more are included with a useful glossary at the end.

Amazon.com

Dog talk is not merely whimpers, growls, sniffs, barks, and howls.According to award-winning author Jean Craighead George, it's in the tail ("the flag of feelings") and ear twists, too. In this irresistible picture book, you'll learn how to speak to your dog in his or her own language.Sniff his nose to say hello, for example. (You don't have to lick back, even though it would please him.) While you'll never be a match for your dog in the sniffing department, you can look deeply into his eyes or you can whimper to show you care. Don't growl or bark, however. ("Although it's fun, it is not very rewarding to bark at your dog. He doesn't understand your bad accent and may twist his head and look at you in confusion.")

Sue Truesdell's splendidly doggish illustrations interact with photos of Jean Craighead George herself--a woman who has been around dogs her whole life. Dog lovers of all ages will run in circles for this loving, funny celebration of the human-canine relationship. For those who prefer cats, investigate the companion title, How to Talk to Your Cat. (Ages 7 to 107) ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Great Book
Although this book is short it is great for younger children and is an over-all guide to "Dog talk".You should buy this book, I truly recommend it!

THE CAT'S MEOW! GREAT ADVICE AND HOWLING FUN ILLUSTRATIONS
Let's start simply and honestly, the same way these tomes approach their subject matter, and say these are the cat's meow! Jean Craighead George has penned two ultra-thin volumes on communicating with our best friends and felines, and each is a howling success. The Newberry Medal-winning author does what someone like Elizabeth Marshall Thomas has tried to do in books tens of thousands words and pages longer and could not. Jean, by George, had found the winning ways to teach pet lovers how to chat with their four-footed pals. Her writing is sparse: "A lick is not a kiss. It is a statement that says you're a wonderful leader." Her advice is refreshing: "Growling is aggressive
talk. Don't growl back. Dogs don't like that." As special as her words is the whimiscal use of arkwork: actual color photos of the animated author interacting with illustrations (by Sue Truesdell) of equally animated cartoon cats and dogs. (We just love the one of George on all fours, rubbing heads with a cat!) Four paws up!

More Harm Then Education
When I was given this book by a client I was thrilled.The book's a brilliant red front cover is beautifully illustrated with a cartoon dog.The inside pages are illustrated with more canine cartoons interacting with photos.At first glance it seems to be an intriguing children's book.Unfortunately the cover of this book is where all positive comments end.

I believe the author's intention in this book is to teach canine communication skills.If I am correct in this assumption, she not only failed miserably but may have caused more harm then education.

She advises "To say hello to your dog, sniff toward his nose.That's dog talk.He will answer by pulling his ears back and close to his head.What he is saying is 'Hello, Leader".Ms. Craighead-George is describing a dog who is telling their nose-sniffing-human "This is a bit uncomfortable, please stop". A dog's ears going back can be a conflict behavior.

She goes onto say "'Good night' in dog talk is physical.Rub your dog's head, ears and neck.Lower your lids and sigh into his fur. You are the mother dog licking her pup off to sleep."Although I often enjoy a nice snuggle with my dog I am relatively certain he knows I am not his mother or a dog.I was relieved that she did not suggest I lick my dog, we all have to draw the line somewhere.

Ms. Craighead-George advises "'Good-bye' is a whisk of the tail, then turning and walking off.Since you don't have a tail, swish your hand downward and show your back.If your dog does not choose to hear this unwelcome message and races after you, tell him, `I am the boss,' in dog talk, then repeat the dog `good-bye'."I will admit to frequently suffering from serious bouts of tail-envy but I'm afraid my hand waving behind my rear end is a bit of a stretch in wishful thinking.

Ms. Craighead -George crosses the line from embarrassingly silly to potentially dangerous in her section titled "How do you say `I am the boss'?"She advises, "The most effective way is to put your mouth on his muzzle.That means in dog talk that you are the leader.His ears will go back and against his head, and his tail will lower.This is his way of saying, `Yes, you are my leader'."I suspect many people who attempt this will have time to contemplate what their dog was really saying ("You have totally lost your mind and you are frightening the heck out of me") while they wait patiently in the emergency room to have their dog bite treated.

She suggests if your dog becomes anxious or confused you should "Sniff his nose to tell him not to be angry or confused.Nose sniffs are peace talk."I have a sincere concern that for a dog that is in an anxiety situation, a human sticking their face in his to sniff his nose may increase the stress level to a point where the dog may feel he has no other option but to bite the face that sniffs him.

It is cautioned in "How to Talk to Your Dog" that children should not roll onto their backs while playing with their dog or they will be saying in dog language "I am your humble servant".My own dogs must be the most misinformed canines on the planet.They have three young humble servants in their household and they don't even realize it!

I would recommend that the author stay with ridiculous but harmless comments suggest as "You can pass other messages with your eyes.Think, `I love you.I love you,' and your lower lid will involuntarily come up and soften your expression.Your dog will read that and return this message by softening his eyes."

I am still uncertain to what population this book is directed.I can only hope it was not written for innocent children and will only fall into the hands of adults who will quickly realize this book for the nonsensical hogwash that it is.

Good book, but assumes too much of children
This book shows young people the joys of communicating with dogs, from how to recognize dog talk through body language to the various ways animals communicate through whimpers, sniffs, and barks. The book, however, assumes that young children will know not to apply these very "hands-on" techniques to strange dogs--a very dangerous assumption that could lead to dog bites. The book offers two suggestions that one should never do in front of an aggressive dog: one is to wave a newspaper above the dog's head, the other is to sniff a dog's nose to calm an angry or confused dog down. Children should never be expected to calm an angered or aggressive dog down. While the book has lots of good information on dog behavior that could benefit both children and adults, it lacks the cautionary requirements to keep kids from getting bitten by dogs too.

A Doggone Good Book
Did you know that dogs don't just use their voice to communicate, but also their eyes, nose, tail, ears and even body position?Jean Craighead George has written a charming and humorous book that will not only help you understand your dog, but help you "talk" right back to him.As she explains on page one, "No one will ever love you as much as your dog does". He will be your friend for life, so why not speak his own language.Ms George's easy to read and informative text coupled with Sue Truesdell's delightful illustrations will make you a canine communicator in no time.This is the perfect book your whole family can enjoy together and a must read if you have or are planning on getting a dog.So find out what you dog is really telling you...and talk back! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Highly Recommend it! Fun and Educational!!
This book is wonderful and engaging. It is about a little boy, George W. Allen who shares his name and his birthday with George Washington. He knows many facts about George W. but he wants to know more. One day he decides he wants to know what George W. had for breakfast and the learning adventure begins!! I read it to my boys 6 and 4 and they loved it. My sons enjoyed the facts about George W. like: he had two horses named Nelson and Blueskin. There were many "fun facts" such as this in the book. I loved it because in addition to learning about George W., it shows children different ways to search for information. George Allen first goes to the library from there to the card catalog, and then the biographies. Then his family took a trip to Washington D.C., and to George Washington's home in Virginia. It's a great addition to any family library.

george washington's breakfast
You have the wrong illustrator listed. The illustration on the cover is by Tomie dePaola and you have Paul Galdone listed.

George W.Allen searches for his namesakes breakfast.
George Allen feels related to George Washington because they share a name and a birthday. He knows many facts about the first president but George Allen wants to know what Washington ate for his breakfast. His detemination to succeed makes the book an interesting tour through history. We learn many facts about Washington and also the rewards of perseverance.

A book you can sink your teeth into!
I like this book because it is full of wondering to do. You think: "Will George Allen find out? What is next? How will he handle the situation?" George Allen is trying to find out what George Washington ate for breakfast because he feels like he is related to George Washington! But he is having trouble. He goes to the library, but he doesn't find anything. After going to everywhere he can think of, he still can't find it. But he doesn't give up ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. The Cat in the Hat tells us three zany stories-in-verse about his son, his daughter, and his great-great-grandfather. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Dr. Seuss makes a series of lessons in a trio of stories
"I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today! and Other Stories" presents a trio of stories told in verse and illustrated by Dr. Seuss in 1969. Each story makes a simple point. The title story is about a young fellow who looks like a smaller version of the Cat in the Hat (there is reason to believe he is part of the next generation) who declares that he can lick thirty tigers today. However, as soon as he see the thirty tigers he starts finding reasons to whittle down that number, which should indicate to young readers the problems of biting off more than you can chew (pick whatever phrase that expresses this idea you like even if it is your eyes are bigger than your stomach).

"King Looie Katz" is about the fancy cat named Looie who was the King of Katzen-stein and who was so proud of his royal tail that not only did he wash it every morning in a ten-gallon golden pail. In fact, King Looie is so proud that he decides that his tail should never be allowed to touch the earth and he made Fooie Katz follow him around and keep from dragging on the ground. When Fooie notices his tail is sagging he makes Kooie Katz lift up his tail. Soon all the cats in Katzen-stein are walking round and round keeping each other's tails from dragging on the ground. All the cats, that is, except one in this simple story about being more "demo-catic."

Finally there is "The Glunk that Got Thunk," which has the distinction of being the wordiest Dr. Seuss story I have ever read. The sister of the small cat we met in the first story likes to go upstairs after supper and use her Thinker-Upper. Usually she thinks up friendly little things with smiles and fuzzy fur. But one night she decides to go for go for something more fun and discovers she has thunked a Glunk. There are two problems with this. First, a Glunk cannot be UN-thunk. Second, this Glunk calls his mother each night, which is an expensive long distance phone call (ten dollars a minute), and this particular Glunk will never stop talking (which explains why this story gets so wordy; beginning readers will be amazed). There are actually several lessons that can be drawn from this one.

None of these are what I would call first level Dr. Seuss books but there are three of them, which just about adds up to a solid collection. You readers might find it strange to find three short stories collected in one, but there are other such collections out there. These stories are a bit more inclined towards making points beyond the good doctor's normal delightful infatuation with the realm of imagination.

If you love Dr. Seuss, you need this book
This is one of the great Dr. Seuss books that a lot of people don't seem to know about. Really, really fun and a little bit different from the others. My nephew cracks up every single time I read it to him.

Lessons taught in the most wonderful way possible
These three stories are a wonderful trip for children into an imaginative world, where they learn important lessons, in the most fun way possible.
In the first, 'I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today' the character learns that his bravado does not live up to the reality, in 'The Glunk that Got Thunk' children learn how insurmountable problems can be solved by working together and keeping a level head, and in 'King Loii Katz' children learn a very important lesson:
That sometimes one has to follow ones own conscience and put a stop to the bandwagon. It only takes one to say 'ENOUGH'.
Beautifully illustrated, and with a wonderful sense of humour and imagination.

My Favorite as a Child, Now My Daughter's Favorite. . .
This book (or books, since there are 3 complete stories within the covers) is a fantastic journey into the extended family of the Cat in the Hat. His great great great grandfather learns a lesson about hubris. His son learns the dangers of overconfident bragging. His daughter learns the value of teamwork, and why families need to stand up for one another. The language is delightfully silly for children, yet parents will recognize friends, family and foes in Seuss' wise and deadly accurate characterizations. I got this book c.1970 and it was my favorite, now my 3-year old daughter has me read it every day. NOTE: As a four year old, I found the Glunk a little scary. My daughter doesn't seem to have that apprehension! A pleasure to read that children will love!

If you want a memory that will last forever...
This book is one that has followed me through my entire life in the memories shared between me and my father. He read me these stories when a was a child and the memories still make me smile as I've just graduated from college. I recommend this book to all parents and children, and make sure you read it together. ... Read more

Book Description

All those who enjoyed shuddering their way through Alvin Schwartz's first volume of Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark will find a satisfyingly spooky sequel in this new collection of the macabre, the funny, and the fantastic.

Is it possible to die -- and not know it? What if a person is buried too soon? What happens to a thief foolish enough to rob a corpse, or to a murderer whose victim returns from the grave? Read about these terrifying predicaments as well as what happens when practical jokes produce gruesome consequences and initiations go awry.

Stephen Gammell's splendidly creepy drawings perfectly capture the mood of more than two dozen scary stories -- and even a scary song -- all just right for reading alone or for telling aloud in the dark.

Reviews (32)

This Amazing book More Scary Stories to tell in the dark
If you like scaring people out of their mind this is a book you would want to read. More Scary Stories to tell in Dark by Alvin Schwartz is a great book.
One story called 'The Wreck' takes place in the woods. Fred and Jeanne are at a dance and Jeanne wanted a ride home. She had run her car into a tree on the way to the dance and Fred ended up giving her a ride home. After he dropped her off he realized he didn't know her last name or her phone number, so on the way back something amazing happened. If you want to find out what happens remember to read this amazing collection of scary tales.

More Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark
Alvin Schwartz can write some really scary stories. While I was reading this book I kept getting scared. Some parts in this weren't very scary though. But most of the time the stories were scary or funny. I would recommend this book to people who like getting scared or like to read funny stories. I like the fact that this book has lots of short stories. They leave you wondering what will happen next.

this is a book for all ages , excitingly scary yet wonderful
Alvin Schwartz has created his folklore masterpiece that you can enjoy alone or with family . this book is way bettere than the first but not overshadowed by the third . all three are good but this one is the best by far . Stephen Gammell's art is one of the key parts that make this a classic . this gives a good look at the american horror mind . this is good for first graders and collage studants alike . buy this book .

The scaries book
This book is one of the books I enjoyed the most because it had many different kind of scary stories that had read in the past and made into one book. Some stories had picturess in them, and they lookedvery scary. The pictures help to tell you to know what going on in the book. It is best to read it in the dark whith your friend or whoever you read it to will be shaking and shivering from the first stories to the end of the book. I try it once and it made the book scarier. Tis is one of the scariest book I had read in the past two years. This book is terrifying, it's scarry and it will chill your bones.

More Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark
This book that I read is a magnificent book. It is also scary because I think some of the stories are real and some of them are fake. They also have many diffrent kind of stories, but the absolute favorite story is called The Drum. It's about a haunted house and two people that died there. Their souls are captured in the house then two people moved into that house every night they come out beating a drum. Every time the people that moved they never see nobody beating a drum. Every time they get out of bed they stop druming and when they go back to sleep they start to do it again. While they are beating the drum as hard as they can they also scream GET OUT OF OUR HOUSE! ... Read more