Book Description

Newbery Award Library

It's Like This, Cat

by Emily Cheney Neville

Dave has problems with his father. So he roams the city streets a lot, which leads hint to befriend a tough tomcat, a troubled 19-year-old boy, and a girt at a record counter, who change the way he, sees himself, his father ... and life.

Julie of the Wolves

by Jean Craighead George

Lost on the Alaskan tundra, Miyax, a runaway Eskimo girl, realizes that only the wolves can help her. How she befriends Amaroq, an alpha wolf, who saves her life and gives her a new appreciation of her heritage, is a heart-expanding adventure story.

Onion John

by Joseph Krumgold

Who is to say who you are? You, or someone else? It takes Onion John, an immigrant worker whom the, townsfolk are always trying to help in the wrong way, to make Andy, a star Little Leaguer -- and future engineer, according to his father -- understand about making choices.

Sounder

by William H. Armstrong

This epic story, which was made into the famous award-winning movie, tells of the adversities that befall a black sharecropper and his family, and of the dignity and love with which theyand their faithful coon dog, Sounder -- respond.

Amazon.com

When a little Eskimo boy named Amaroq is given a sickly wolf pup tonurse back to health, his sister Julie warns him, "Don't fall in love, Amaroq,or your heart will break when the wolves come and take him away." But it's toolate. One look in the pup's golden eyes and Amaroq is smitten. Soon enough,Nutik the wolf has grown fat and well, and he and Amaroq are never apart. Whenthe wolf pack comes back to reclaim their cub, Amaroq must be strong enough tolet him go. Now can the two friends be strong enough to remain apart?

Do some of these names sound familiar? They should. First told in the novel,Julie's Wolf Pack, thisadventure is a young reader's picture-book introduction to Jean CraigheadGeorge's classic trilogy for older children, The Epic Adventures of Julie and HerWolves, including the Newbery Medal-winning Julie of the Wolves. Georgecrafts an exquisite story for a new generation of readers sprung from those whogrew up with many of her more than 80 outstanding children's books. Acclaimedillustrator Ted Rand traveled to the Arctic tundra to research the pictures forthis book; the result is splendidly evocative of the beauty and desolation ofAlaska, both in daylight (which lasts for three months in the summer) and atnight. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A howling good story!
In an Eskimo village at the top of the world lives a little boy whose name is Amaroq, so named for the great wolf leader who saved the life of his big sister, Julie. One day Julie brings home a sickly wolf pup named Nutik.

When his big sister puts Nutik into Amaroq's arms, she tells her little brother to feed & tend the pup. She also warns her brother not to fall in love with Nutik as she has promised the wolf pack that when both pups are fat & well, they will be returned.

Amaroq says he is strong & sets about feeding the bedraggled pup. Together through a magical summer, pup & boy, frolic in the tundra of the land of the midnight sun.

When, at last, the sun does set & the long dark winter comes upon them & Nutik is strong & healthy, the wolf pack comes to the edge of Amaroq's village, calling Nutik home. Amaroq is not as strong as he once thought, especially when his beloved pup takes him out into the star filled night to meet his wolf family.

This is a poignant & magical look at the love between a boy & a wolf pup, at the rightness of our actions, the pain of duty & the rewards of responsibility.

Lovely, lovely read!

Marvelous!
When she was younger and lost and starving, Julie was saved by wolves who shared their food and kept her safe and warm. Now many years later, Julie brings her brother, Amoraq, a small sickly wolfpup to feed and take care of. She tells him, "When he is fat and well, the wolves will come and get him." Amoraq looks into the golden eyes of the pup, Nutik, and it's love at first sight. "Don't fall in love, Amoraq", Julie warns him, "be strong." As time goes by and the three months of summer light begins to fade, Nutik becomes fat and healthy and soon the wolves call for him. At first, Amoraq takes Nutik and runs away. But soon, the wolves call again and Nutik knows it's time to go home where he belongs..... Jean Craighead George has written a memorable picture book introduction to her Julie and the Wolves books, a whole new generation will treasure. Her text, full of imagery and magic will capture your youngster's heart and Ted Rand's expressive illustrations of the Alaskan tundra will mesmerize children with their vivid beauty. Together, they've authored a special book of love, friendship and respect your kids will want to read again and again. And, just like her Julie books, Nutik the Wolf Pup is sure to become a classic in the years ahead.

The Newest Addition to the Julie Books Makes Me Growl
First of all, I must say I was a bit disappointed when I got this book. I am a huge Jean Craighead George fan, but I am not so fond of the illustrations. I am much more fond of John Schoenherr and Wendell Minor, who illustrated the other Julie books. Also I don't think the same beautiful effect of the Julie novels is present in this young children's story. But overall, it's a fine addition to the Julie trilogy. Julie's story begins, of course, in the magnificent Newbery-Award winning JULIE OF THE WOLVES. Next comes the thought-provoking sequel, JULIE, and then, my personal favorite because of my love of wolves, JULIE'S WOLF PACK. It is in the latter that Nutik, the wolf pup, and his sister Uqaq are born and raised by Julie and her little brother, Amaroq (the main character in this story). The wolves try to take Nutik back, but Amaroq resists them. Nutik belongs to a human pack now, just as, for a long time, Julie, the human, belonged to a wolf pack. Or does he? I think one of the main reasons I actually appreciated this somewhat disappointing book was because it helps to extinguish cruel and misleading thoughts about wolves. Young children should grow up reading books like this instead of LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD, and older kids should read books like JULIE OF THE WOLVES, JULIE, and JULIE'S WOLF PACK. Whichever one of Ms. George's eighty or so books one reads, one always comes away with a feeling of a deeper respect and love for our natural world. ... Read more

Book Description

From the imaginative author of "The Wind in the Willows," an enchanting pair of books that map the imaginative landscape of childhood. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A rare gem indeed
If you are picking up this book, you most likely have read its companion, THE GOLDEN AGE. This book continues the exploits of the children introduced in the first volume. Veddy, veddy English. Completely delightful, though.

I am not sure today's children would enjoy this book. The 19th Century British-isms will probably be quite tedious to any but the most precocious of children. And nothing really "happens" so to speak. No adventures of overwhelming magnitude. Rather, the children's imagination governs what happens throughout the book. Small things are turned into events of great importance. Children brought up with video games will most likely be bored. But for an adult, ahhh! This is a find. It will make you yearn for the idyllic childhood you never had or anybody had for that matter.

Each chapter is like sunlight shining on a bead of dew in April. Or something similarily poetic. Grahame's the better writer anyway.

Recalls the past
I'm sorry to see that Grahame's "Dream Days" is so unavailable. It's a deeply enjoyable book that demonstrates the power of "stories" to pull us out of the here and now and make us to stand up straighter, to imagine ourselves as knights and ladies. Grahame's book would be great for older children (young ones may find themselves fidgeting - there is a certain amount of description and archaic language). Adults may actually enjoy this one more than kids. Reading it brought back to me the days of my youth, when a good story could fire my imagination for days, and the characters lived right along side of me, as sort of doppelgangers. This story reminds me of E. Nesbit, another great Edwardian children's writer. Children should read these books, they are well-written and can help foster a love for the "right word" and the well-turned phrase. Try to find a copy with Parrish's illustrations. This whole book is just a wonderful aesthetic experience. ... Read more

Book Description

Fans of Sam Gribley and his falcon friend, Frightful, will thrill to Jean Craighead George's new book about these beloved characters. Now living in the wild, Frightful and her mate hatch three babies. The female, Oksi, "does things her own way" and, like her mother, is destined for greatness. Readers will follow her singular path from the timeshe breaks out of her rosy shell to her young adulthood, when Sam saves her life and they bond.

Jean George's themes--the interdependence of human and animal, respect for the wild, and the importance of nature--shine through in her storytelling. In the latest book in her best-selling wilderness series, she introduces a younger group of readers to that one mountain among thousands and the one boy, Sam, who lives there. With majestic, sweeping artwork of the sky and forest near Sam's mountain, Daniel San Souci adds his vision to the story of these noble, remarkable raptors and their human friends. ... Read more

Book Description

While current events have focused the public"s attention on Korea once again, many veterans of the conflict that occurred there half a century ago worry that their time spent fighting in this "Forgotten War" will not be remembered or understood unless their story is told. Award-winning nonfiction author Linda Granfield has collected the personal accounts of thirty-two men and women who served with the U.S. and Canadian forces in Korea during the years 1950--–53 and has written her own introduction describing the main events of the war.The veterans in this book represent a variety of service areas, including medical, supplies, infantry, and naval, and their moving, sometimes graphic, recollections are illustrated with their own personal photographs. As commemorative ceremonies mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Korean War this year, attempting to understand the human face of war is more important than ever. Timeline, glossary, bibliography, Internet resources, index. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The decency that lurks in all of us -- even in war
If Napoleonic warfare shattered concepts deeply rooted in the past century, this fact does not inavlidate reasons for studying warfare as waged in that earlier era, Col. Thomas E. Griess, of US Military Academy, wrote in July 1969.

Griess, head of the Department of History at West Point, wrote the foreward to "The Art of War in the 17th and 18th Centuries" which analyses the tactics of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, the "Lion of the North" in the Thirty Years War. Linda Granfield, in "I Remember Korea" about the 1950-53 Korean War, is a "historian in arms" fit for the company of any other military writer. Her book is a gem.

In contrast to the mob armies of his time, the army of King Adolphus was carefully trained, thoughtfully administered, well equipped, splendidly led. In contrast to the mob army the US sent to Vietnam, "The Art of War . . ." is a blueprint for the awesome military machine the US created after its defeat in Vietnam. The quality of American men-at-arms hasn't changed; but there is a vast improvement in leadership.

Granfield presents us with 31 poignant and telling snapshots of those who served in Korea, drawn from the experiences of the veterans of that war which ended 50 years ago. It is a reminder of the basic good nature, generosity and compassion of Americans and Canadians in the military as well as civilian life. One element of military history covers the Captains and Kings, which is part of training leaders; Granfield writes of the ordinary folks who are commanded by Captains and Kings, which is also part of training effective leaders.

Instead of writing like Napoleon, Granfield writes like Abraham Lincoln who believed, "God must love the common people, because he made so many of them." Today, any officer who doesn't respect and learn from the sergeants has zero future in the military; Granfield presents example after example of those fine qualities of the "common people."

She doesn't analyse the tactics and strategies and advances and retreats and blunders and triumphs of the war, the favorite pastime of armchair generals and obsession of real generals. Instead, her inclusion of stories such as "Lima Beans? No, thanks!" ought to be required reading for anyone and everyone, political or military, who wants to command. She has a superb sense of what matters to real people.

Unfortunately, some people may classify this as a "children's book" because of its straightforward style and concise clarity. If so, we should all be children. It's not a book to be read by freshmen at the Royal Military College in Kingston or West Point, they're still too young for it; instead, it should be assigned reading for the Senior Class with the admonition, "This is the type of people you want to command; now, as an assignment, find someone about whom you can write a story that matches Granfield."

It would be part of a useful graduation exam. If an officer-to-be cannot find a story to match these memories of a grim experience, are they really capable of seeking the best in commanding others?

As for the rest of us . . . . . it is a reminder of the decency that lurks in everyone, even under the rigors of war. She has written a gem. ... Read more

Book Description

A verse version of the tale first published in England in 1807. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Work!
This is a wonderful approach to the fairy tale stories. I've read several of Mrs. Capps-Burgess books and all of them are excellent! They make extra special gifts for the young reader.

Not the Typical Tale
The illustrations for the version of Jack and the Beanstalk are wonderful, however, the text is from a 1807 version and is difficult to read easily. This is compounded by the fact that it is in rhyme so some of the words/grammer are really strange to keep the rhyme pattern.

A great new tale not of the fairy kind, but Faith.
Mrs. Capps-Burgess, the daughter of famed Arkansan Bible Teacher and farmer Charles Capps, does an extrodinary job of transplacing the traditional Fairy tales into Faith tales. A former reviewer has sent back her copy and declared that she, the reader, is religious. Herein lies the reason she misunderstands Mrs. Burgess. Mrs. Burgess is not religious, but rather maintains a relationship with Jesus Christ. It would be a mystery as to why Mrs. Burgess has written this new "twist" were it not for a fact that millions have stepped aside from religion and moved ahead toward this relationship building class for their children with Jesus Christ. In my opinion, only those parents who have strong Bible-believing faith, would approve of the works of Beverly Capps Burgess. Those who claim to be religious should probably continue to hold to traditional fairy tales.

The traditional tale has been changed into a religious story
I was quite surprised when I received this book since there was no indication in the description that the traditional tale had been transformed into a religious story. The subtitle is "Faith as a seed". God speaks to Jack and the Giant is the devil. At the end of the book there is a page headed "Your New Birth Day" where you are supposed to sign that you have accepted Jesus as your Savior. I am a religious person, but I find this type of book unacceptable and inappropriate..especially for the preschool age group suggested. I have returned the book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderfull stories by master story teller!
Aside from Marc Brown, the author of the Author series, there are not to many children's authors that teach the children something worthwhile. Six by Seuss: A Treasury of Dr. Seuss Classics by Seuss, Dr. Seuss is the exception. In this well designed ( nice font, nice pictures) book one gets Dr. Seuss most well known tales for the price of one; these being, And to think I saw it on Mulberry Street, The 500 Hats, Horton hatches the egg, Yertle the Turtle, How the Grinch stole Christmas and last but by any means not least, The lorax. These wonderful tales all tell children how to behave, i.e., in Horton hatches the egg, the mother bird neglects her egg and therefore it turns into an elephant (thanks to the love and care plus a bit of attention shown by Horton). So do you child a favor and buy these stories and if you find this edition, Six by Seuss : A Treasury of Dr. Seuss Classics by Seuss, Dr. Seuss, then get it; because you will not regret it. ... Read more

Book Description

From the author of the Newbery Medal–winning Julie of the Wolves and its sequel, Julie, comes a third exciting adventure about the wolf pack that saved the life of a young girl when she was lost on the tundra. Julie has returned to her family, but her wolf pack has a story all its own. Fearless but inexperienced Kapu is now the new leader of the pack. He must protect his wolves from the threats of famine and disease and, at the same time, defend himself from bitter rivals, both inside and outside the pack, who are waiting for their chance to overthrow him. The strength of Kapu's leadership will determine not just the well-being of the pack but its very survival.

Jean Craighead George's research and first-hand observation form this engrossing, epic tale that's sure to draw readers into the fascinating world of wolves. ... Read more

Reviews (38)

A wonderful ending to the trilogy!
This is by far my favorite book of the Julie trilogy. Even though Julie isn't in it as much, I love the way the wolves' lives are described down to every detail. Wolves are my favorite animals, and this is one of the few books that I have read that actually is showing the book from a wolf packs' point of view. This will definetly make the story more appealing and interesting to the reader instead of it being told by an observer. Kapu and Sweet Fur Amy are my favorite wolves, and they were described in detail throughout this book, which made the story even better for me! Any animal lover will truly adore this book!!

Jean Craighead's Best One Yet
Julie and her wolves return in the stunningly wonderful, "Julie's Wolf Pack." This book centers mostly around the young and powerful leader of the Avalik wolf pack, Kapu. Kapu's father, Amaroq, has since passed on, and it's up to Kapu to lead the Avaliks through caribou famines,and diseases. Along the way,he also has to defend his leadership from a rebel pack member named Raw Bones, who was once the leader of another wolf pack. Things start to get tense when a wolf named Ice Blink joins the pack. One problem is that the wolves seem almost too human. They also seem to have too exellent senses. For example, one wolf named Sweet Fur Amy, can smell a disased caribou from quite a difference. Overall, however, this is a really good book you should pick up and read. You'll feel like part of the pack.

One of the best books ever!/By:SMR (grade 5)
Julie's wolf pack was great! I couldn't put it down! My mom would call me to dinner but I would be so lost in the world of the wolfs I wouldn't even hear her.I read the other books in the trillogy, but this one was different. This one showed you the life of the wolfs through thier eyes. I almost cried when the pups died.Don't take my advice. Read the book for yourself. I am positive you will love these books if you like wolfs.

JUlie's Wolf Pack a review by Justin
"Snap! A trap has caught Cotton Grass's brother's foot! He tried to escape but it was no use. Cotton Grass stayed with him until the big snow machine came. Then she and her pack fled. The wolves sense Cotton Grass's brother died. Snap! Another trap has caught the Alpha Male (wolf pack leader), Kapu's foot.
In the book Julies Wolf Pack written by Jean Craighead George, the protagonist, Kapu, has to deal with life or death conflicts. For example, when his pack almost starved to death and when many packs become rabid including Kapu's, dangerous animals and hunters kill his pack members. Kapu also has to deal with a maverick, Raw Bones, who wants to be the Alpha Male. Raw Bones conspiratorially tried to improve his position by using underhanded attacks, which always failed.
A young girl named, Julie, who was lost in the frozen tundra was rescued by Kapu's pack. They adopted her for a time and they named her Wolf Pup. Since her name is Julie they called her Wolf Pup Julie. She grew to understand their body language and growls. Can you imagine?
Later, an outside wolf joins Kapu's pack. Her fur was white as snow (if she laid down you wouldn't know the difference). Her pack died from rabies and she also had rabies. Will Kapu's pack die too?
Another scene that kept me at the edge of my seat is when Kapu has a gang of hunters chasing after him so they could give them to a scientist. The scientists will do so many tests that he would probably kill Kapu. The hunters have the luck of a fisherman using a hook with no bait. But they finally catch him. What will become of Kapu?
Ladies and Gentlemen, I encourage you to read Julie's Wolf Pack. It's a fasinating and adventurous book about how wolves live.

JUlie's Wolf Pack a review by Kyle
Do you want to know the adventures of Kapu and his pack? Well, if you do, check out the book Julie's Wolf Pack by Jean Craighead George. When the caribou migrate to another place the wolves must find them or starve. Read this book if you want to learn about wolves.
One of my favorite events is when Kapu gets hit with a dart after trying to run from the big white helicopter and is taken to a lab to be studied because I could imagine him running as fast as he could to escape. The second one event I liked is when Sweet Fur Amy becomes the new alpha because Kapu couldn't be found.
This story is told in a third person view with a setting of snow like polar bear fur and grass like a miracle for caribou. Kapu is also the son of the greatest alpha. But he dies in battle. Kapu's mother died too.
In conclusion, when Kapu got back to the pack, he and his wife went to live alone. Sweet Fur Amy had pups and the pack was helping her. All the wolves were together except for Kapu and Anka because after Kapu was not the alpha he left the pack and Anka followed. If you want a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat the book Julie's Wolf Pack is just for you. ... Read more

Book Description

After Lewis and Rose Rita go to the National Museum of Magic, Rose Rita starts behaving strangely. An evil sorceress is trying to take her over, body and soul, and Lewis, his uncle Jonathan, and their friendly witch neighbor Mrs. Zimmerman must band together to save her! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Come long-leggedy beastie...
Initially, one would think that a truly talented author's quirky, unique style could not be very nearly duplicated. But Brad Strickland is doing a fine job with the characters that Bellairs created, and this is one of his best efforts.

Lewis Barnavelt and Rose Rita Pottinger have to participate in a talent show whether they like it or not. When they hit on the idea of doing a magic show (fake, not real), they end up consulting a friend at a museum who allows them to borrow some books on stage magic. But when Rose Rita picks up an old parchment scroll, she inadvertantly lets a drop of blood fall on some magic dust -- and the dust turns into a living spider. The two of them flee, but Rose Rita brings the scroll, with intent to return it.

Except she then starts acting oddly. When the talent show results in a dismal failure, Rose Rita is left with a burning hatred and a wish for revenge. Then she starts dreaming of becoming a giant spider, and hearing the voice of the scroll's previous owner -- Belle Frisson, a sorceress who now wants to use Rose Rita to rise again and live forever.

This is labelled as a "Lewis Barnavelt" book, but at least half of it focuses on Rose Rita. While fans of Bellairs will be well acquainted with Lewis's insecurities, Strickland takes the opportunity to delve into a few of Rose Rita's. He also manages to give us a message about revenge and hatred and grudges without beating the reader over the head with it. The Message is simply there.

How much of a "Bellairs" book is this? Very much so, and not just in terms of having creepy beasties and a megalomaniac villain. The pacing and tone are very correct, as is the usage of maybe-it's-real-maybe-not ancient magics. I could have used a little more bickering between Mrs. Zimmerman and Uncle Jonathan, but the comforting scene between Rose Rita and Mrs. Zimmerman makes up for that.

Strickland does an excellent job with the evil sorceress Belle Frisson, and uses the ever-growing, evil-spirit spider very well also. The idea of a drop of blood turning powder into a malevolent spider is not just good spinechilling material, but it also is quite Bellairsesque.

This is an amazing spinechiller. I do warn you though: Arachnaphobics should definitely not read this book, or they'll never sleep again.

A Good Read!
I think that Brad Strickland Did a good job with this title. The story has some depth, and the character development is good, as well. I think this is the best Bellairs' novel that Strickland Has written so far, and would give it a full five stars!

Strickland Masters Bellairs' Style in Specter
At first serving as a finisher for the late John Bellair's uncompleted DOOM OF THE HAUNTED OPERA, GHOST IN THE MIRROR, and VENGENCE OF THE WITCHFINDER, Strickland took those characters to new heights in the late 1990s by churning out books like THE HAND OF THE NECROMANCER, and THE BELL,THE BOOK,AND THE SPELLBINDER which mimicked Bellair's writing style down to the letter. In SPECTER, Strickland goes from mimicking the man to being the man. He captures the vocabulary and characterizations of Lewis Barnavelt and company flawlessly in a terrifying story darker than all of the other books combined. Please check out this book. I hope Strickland continues to write. He is hitting his stride now. ... Read more

Book Description

‘An intrepid explorer, young Rebecca ventures into the forest in search of an ovenbird, a warbler reputed to be the wizard of the woods. Readers follow Rebecca’s progress through the day discovering the secrets of the spring foliage and learning much about the temperate forest and its inhabitants.’ —BL.

... Read more

Reviews (3)

One Day in the Woods
If you like danger and adventure you should read this book. It is about a girl who goes into the woods to find a bird that is suppose to possess mysterious powers. Some other books written by Jean Craig head George are- one day on the Alpine Tundra and- Julie of the Wolves

One Day in the Woods Book Review
One Day in the Woods and One Day in the Tropical Rain Forest are both books by Jean Craighead George. They are both about kids who are looking for something . They both take place out in the wilderness. If you need some interesting facts about animals, this is the book for you. One Day in the Tropical Rain Forest is about a boy and a doctor looking for an unnamed butterfly so they can save the rain forest from 11 bulldozers and 4 trucks, will they do it in time? One Day in the Woods is about a girl trying to find a wizard in the Teatown Woods. Will she do it? I hope you enjoy these two books.

Come spend ONE DAY IN THE WOODS
Jean Craighead George, author of nearly one hundred novels, picture books, novellas, guides, and stories about nature, presents a story of the perfect length about our most familiar ecosystem, the woods. Ms. George does a terrific job of placing readers in the feet of her main character, a young girl named Rebecca (Ms. George's granddaughter and perhaps the same Rebecca from her picture book DEAR REBECCA, WINTER IS HERE). One beautiful spring morning, Rebecca takes a trip out to the woods near her home to search for a rare and remarkable bird, the ovenbird, which her uncle tells her is a real natural wizard. While Rebecca searches for this wonder of the woods, she finds lots of other incredible creatures--owls, flying squirrels, deer, ducks, and a skunk--and even runs into danger and excitement. Fine descriptions, fondly and accurately written, make birds a lot of us see every day--towhees, robins, and cardinals--all the more special and important, as Ms. George's admiration for even the smallest things in nature is evident. And when Rebecca finds the ovenbird wizard, it really is an eye-opener. The illustrations are woodsy and a nice companion to Ms. George's words. This is a great story for anyone who loves nature and the special words of the author of JULIE OF THE WOLVES and MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Simple yet effective
This is a simple book, perhaps to simple for my 11 and 13 year old. However it's also a one of a kind. We are building a house this year, our first and the boys really wanted to know what was going on without me turning it into another school lesson. This book does just that each frame (simular to comic book style but larger) is one process of the home as is goes up. It is to the point and doesn't waste paper getting through the steps. Simple but effective. Any child wanting to understand "what's next" but not wanting an engineering lesson would appreciate this book. I do think even a 4 year old, that has it read to them could understand it.

What happens next on our house, Dad?
Our family refered to this book constantly as our own house was built. The book is filled with information for children. Plus, I admit it, there are some construction terms that I learned myself. This is a typical Gail Gibbons non-fiction, filled with relevant information combined with clear, easy-to-understand pictures.

Great book for a family building a house!
We bought this book because we wanted our children to know what to expect while we were building our first home. It was a great step by step guide of the building process with very colorful pictures. I would highly recommend it if you have young children! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Dy-Quill's Word
I think Air Mail to the Moon is an excellent book. I think it was an excellent book because she was going around acusing people of stealing her tooth. She said, "When I catch him or her, I am going to Air Mail them to the moon".

Tanazia's Review
I think Air Mail to the Moon is an excellent book. I think it was excellent because she thought everyone stole her tooth, but she had it all the time. It was such a funny book!

Andre Thinks
I think Air Mail to the Moon was a good book because she was thinking about all of the things she was going to get with her tooth from the tooth fairy.

This was one of my favorite books when I was little
I am 11 now and I still think that this is one of the greatest books I read when I was little. It is cute and I loved it I wanted my dad to read it to me over and over again. I still think that it is a good book.

laugh with your 6 year old !
This a book that you can read with your children and relate to in some sort of way. Explain the fact the tooth fairy FORGOT!!!. Oreo is the cutest if not the SWEETEST!!! My daughter would have reacted the same way. Keep Oreo close to your heart, she's Great!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

How to Take Your Grandmother to the Museum
One of my first grade students brought this book into school one day. I read it and decided I had to have it. Lois Wyse wrote a humorous story perfect for a Grandparents' Day Celebration or just for casual reading for children of all ages.

A great book
A cute and heart worming story about a girl and her Grandmother. I love this book with all my heart. The book was fantastic! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Horses!
Starting with the ancient Eohippus, Horses! shows the history of and long relationship between people and horses. This book is packed with anatomy, life cycle, and general information. There are numerous labeled illustrations and many breeds are featured. While a well-read horse-loving child may not learn anything new, I learned quite a few things about horse. Did you know that horses only have one toe? Karen Woodworth-Roman, Children's Science Book Review

ENTERTAINING AND INFORMATIVE
One would be hard pressed to think of an animal that enjoys more popularity than horses. Consider the parts they have played not only in our country's history but also throughout literature. Children admire them and can imagine all sorts of adventures on horseback.

Gail Gibbons has brought her usual perception and skills to this entertaining book about one of our favorite animals. Noting that the horse's earliest ancestors lived almost 60 million years ago the author traces the migration of horses and their domestication. We're reminded of how useful they were: plowing, pulling wagons and carts, transporting people.

Included is an examination of this animal's anatomy as well as notes on purebred horses from the Arabian to the Palomino to the Clydesdale.

"Horses" is both entertaining and informative for all ages.

- Gail Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (2)

scary subject; educational in nature
My situation and perspective comes from being a mother of a just turned 4 year-old who is for some reason, is interested in pirates and wants me to read books to him, yet is scared of them and has nightmares about them. I don't quite see how one can even discuss pirates with small children yet avoid discussions of robbery, guns, killing, and stealing. I don't think it is possible. For this review I will point out some things this book illustrates and discusses and let you decide whether your child is ready for this or may be of an age where these things may be too scary.

I borrowed this book from the library and when my son saw the cover he decided it was too scary for him and he didn't want me to read it to him. I read it to see how this author would depict pirates to an intended audience of 4-8 year olds who read picture books.

The book has a historical flair, citing places, dates, and real names of pirates. Sometimes I think there are too many dates than a young child would even care to hear about. A general overview of what a pirate is, what they do, and the harm they inflict is depicted. Swords are seen in every illustration and guns abound. Pirates have mean looks on their faces. Kidnapping is mentioned. Illustrations show scenes of pirates taking over ships and throwing people overboard. Actual dueling with swords and fighting with daggers is shown. Some passages can be scary "no treasure ship was safe from the fierce and greedy pirates". Cannon fighting is discussed and depicted. Shooting of guns in battle is shown. Walking the plank is shown. A picture shows the burning of a ship and is discussed. Treasure maps and treasure burying is briefly mentioned. How the countries dealt with pirates is discussed and mentions that pirates that are caught were often hanged for punishment (opening another can of worms for a child to be exposed to, another discussion for parent and child).

A confusing point is made where they say not all pirates are bad, and a pirate, well dressed, is shown holding a pistol and wearing a sword, these are called privateers and were considered heroes. I don't think that was explained well enough to make sense to a young child. It states the kings and queens hired them to rob ships of their enemies. I am so confused by this passage and think it sends mixed signals. This section should have either been discussed in more detail and more clearly or else just eliminated altogether since it leaves the reader confused as to whether killing and stealing is acceptable/good or is it bad (as the whole first part of the book was eluding to)? And why would it be all right and heroic for a king or queen to pay someone to kill and steal for them?

The book wraps up with saying that pirates no longer sail the seas and that "most of the oceans and seas are safe for travel". I dislike that element of unsure-ness over the safety of ocean travel. Yet another element of fear for young children, to think that even today they aren't safe if they go on a boat ride. Brief biographies of some well-known pirates (male and female) are at the end of the book.

I give it 4 stars because it is pretty detailed, is historically accurate, and the illustrations are good. I usually rate books that depict violence low, but as I said before, how can pirates be portrayed accurately if the fact that they rob, harm and murder is not included?

I Like This Book
This book is about pirates and how they rob ships. This book is also about where pirates hide their treasure. It also talks about pirateers. I rate this book good because it was interesting. I recommend the book. ... Read more

Book Description

John Bellairs, the name in Gothic mysteries for middle graders, wrote terrifying tales fullof adventure, attitude, and alarm. For years, young readers have crept, crawled, and gonebump in the night with the unlikely heroes of these Gothic novels: Lewis Barnavelt,Johnny Dixon, and Anthony Monday. Now, the ten top-selling titles feature an updatedcover look. Loyal fans and enticed newcomers will love the series even more with thishaunting new look! ... Read more