Book Description

The profoundly comforting story of a little bunny's imaginary game of hide-and-seek and the lovingly steadfast mother who finds him every time. With gentle full-color and black-and-white illustrations, this enchanting tale has been a favorite among children since its original publication in 1942.

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Reviews (3)

¡Excelente!
¡Excelente!

Me gusta el libro. Aprendo español con me niño y este libro nos está ayudando.

I like the book. I am learning Spanish with the little boy I look after and this book is helping us. We know the story in English, and now we are learning it in Spanish. I like it better when we have two separate books - one in English and one in Spanish then when we have one book with both languages, because it then we don't "cheat" and look at the English. It also lets us have a small amount of "immersion" time when we only speak the new language - even if it's only for 5 or 10 min.

What is this??
I would not recommend this book to any child. After reading it several times I still don't get it. It's like it's written in another language! The author should learn how to speak proper english before writing a book.

It is a heart warming tale that is wonderful for any age.
I think that it is wonderful to have this book in spanish. I loved the pictures and the tale was one that expressed the love of a mother for a child. Another good book, also by Margaret Wise Brown, is Goodnight Moon (Buenas Noches, Luna). Both books feature the wonderful charaters of rabbits in personified situations. ... Read more

Book Description

Toddlers love baby animals. So does Spot! Join Spot as he visits his dad, working on the farm, and help Spot look for baby animals. Animal sounds pique Spot's curiosity, and lift-the-flaps reveal who is underneath. After an adventurous search for baby animals, Spot finally finds a litter of kittens. This board book also features a full-color cover, with rounded-edge, sturdy pages that will stand the test of time. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Fantastic!
My nine-month-old daughter LOVES Spot Goes to the Farm. She can lift all the flaps by herself. We love the board book edition -- it's so sturdy! This book is just plain fun! I can't recommend it enough!

We love Spot
Spot the Dog books are a favourite with my girls. They love the simple stories that they can relate to (hiding, baking a cake, playing with others etc) and the lift-the-flaps always bring screams of delight even though we've read them many many times. As they grow I'm sure they'll be one of the books they learn to read with. The words are simple and the font easy to read. Lovely books to cuddle up with your children on your lap. They are also big enough to hold up and read to them as they sit in back seat on car trips.

The best Spot book ever!
My baby and I love this Spot Lift the Flap book. Only this one and Where Is Spot is in this sturdy board addition. The farm animals are so cute! Spot goes out looking for baby animals and finds some pigglets and kittens. My favorite page is Spot in the duck pond looking for Duckling. My baby loves to lift-the-flaps and this book calms her down when she is fussy. One of the all time best baby books on the market to me!

Make the spot books a part of your toddlers library!
Make the spot books a part of your toddlers library collection. These books are durable, quick and easy to read and the "lift the flap" aspect makes them perfect for toddlers to join in. In this book, Spot the dog and his dad are looking for baby animals on the farm. This is a theme that children enjoy. The pictures are large and colorful and the story is simple, yet entertaining. My toddler LOVES this book and yours is sure to love it too! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Wemberly the mouse worries about everything: big things, like whetherher parents might disappear in the middle of the night; little things, likewhether she'll spill grape juice on her toy rabbit, Petal; and things inbetween, like whether she might shrink in the bathtub. What she is more worriedabout than anything else, however, is her first day at the New Morning NurserySchool: "What if no one else has spots? What if no one else wears stripes? Whatif no one else brings a doll? What if the teacher is mean? What if the roomsmells bad?" Happily, Miss Peachum introduces her to a kindred spirit rightaway. Jewel doesn't have spots, but she is wearing stripes and holding adoll. As Wemberly plays with her new friend, she still worries, but no more thanusual. ("And sometimes even less.")

Kevin Henkes, well-loved creator of the award-winning Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse,gets to the heart of a child's feelings like no one else can. Young worrywarts(and their parents) will see themselves in Wemberly, and be relieved that she,too, worries about playground equipment ("Too rusty. Too loose. Too high."),sure-to-be-inhabited cracks in the wall, whether she will be the only butterflyin the Halloween parade, and, of course, whether school will be dreadful inevery way. Henkes's Lilly-style illustrations are sweet, expressive, and loadedwith funny, inventive details that invite close perusal with every reading.(Wemberly's roller-blading grandma, for example, is wearing a T-shirt that says"Go with the flow.") We're not worried about whether this book will become aclassic--it will! (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Henkes does is again
Wemberly Worried is the epic tale of Wemberly and her doll Petal. The adventure begins with our hero, Wemberly the mouse, and her array of pre-school worries. Wemberly worries about everything and anything despite her parents and grandmother's best efforts. The climax of the story is her first day of school her greatest worry yet. It concludes with her revalation when she meets her soulmate in Jewel and her partner in crime, Nibblet. Henkes' use of colors and humor in the illustrations make it a must have for any child. His use of font size emphasizes the magnittude of the worry. The story teaches a life lesson, that there is a friend out there for every child no matter how worried or different they are. This book is espically good if your child is a worrier and a mouse, yet, is still a great story for those human children out there. Henkes' use of dialoge outside of the story help the story devolope into the timeless classic Wemberly Worried. The most interesting is Wemberly's laid back roller blade wearing Grandmother who is known for her shirt with 'Go with the flow' written on the front. We look forward to Henkes' next ingenius work.

A Pleasure to read for both parent and child
Kevin Henkes is one of my daughters favorite authors, and I have to say, for the under 5 reading I have to do, he's one of mine too, especially after reading this book. I bought it especially because my daughter, like Wemberly, is very worried about starting her new school. When she heard Wemberly was worried about that, she said "I'm worried about that too, Mommy." Right then, I knew I had bought a great book. We read it over and over and it gives her great comfort to know that she is not the only child who worries. The best thing is Wemberly gets to school and makes a new friend. The experience is positive and all the things that she worried about did not happen. This is a great message for all kids (I think it's rare that a four year old child would not worry about certain things). Aside from a great message, the story has good humor and Henkes wonderful illustrations. I am so glad I got this book for my daughter, we read it at least 4 times before bed each night. Happy reading.

Adorable little worry wart
(...)Wemberly (a little girl mouse, despite the masculine sounding name) is a worrier. My oh my how she worries. It's amazing the girl can even get out of bed in the morning, she's so wracked with worries morning, noon, and night. She doesn't take the advice of her grandmother half as much as she should. Her grandmother (a sweatshirt wearing, roller-blade enjoying, high-tops sports shoe figure) is constantly advising Wemberly that she is carrying, "Too much worry". And on top of everything Wemberly is about to go to school for the first time. Rest assured that by the end of the tale, Wemberly's worries have at last been put to rest.(..)

I've always liked Kevin Henkes's portrayal of fathers in his picture books. I like his other characters as well, of course, but Henkes just has dad's down pat. Take a gander at the dad in "Wemberly Worried" for example. Here's a nice pot-bellied father mouse (usually seen in close conjunction with the mother mouse) wearing different colored vests and striped shirts. Be sure to spot the special Halloween bat vest he sports as well! He's great. And so is the book.

Fans of Henkes's other mouse based picture books won't be disappointed with this one. The clever child might even locate a disguised Lily and little brother Julius (two of Henkes's best creations) hidden in one the pages. This book is a good choice for the child that shows a little reluctance towards that first day of school. Though Lily finds her solution through a similar friend, there are other ways of dealing with scary times in school. Be sure to pair this book with other first-day-of-school stories for a well-rounded view of that undoubtedly worrying time.

Perfect for a child entering pre-school
Wemberly's grandma may be my favorite character in this book. Her flower child attitude is cute. Wemberly and her skepticism about the world around her is sweet and I think all little kids have some amount of caution about doing something new. As it turns out, Wemberly decides pre-school is great and it shows little ones that trying new things usually turns out wonderfully.

What's not to love?
Wemberly is every child (and every adult, for that matter) who has ever faced the First Day of School (or Camp, or Dance Lessons, or ....) Kevin Henkes knows children, and writes with a gentle humor that both entertains and reassures. A lovely book! ... Read more

Book Description

s her little sister Gloria's birthday approaches, Frances wavers between being generous'and being jealous. ‘[Frances] is every youngster who chafes at being the un-birthday child.

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Reviews (1)

Frances is fabulous
"A rainbow and a happy tree are not for Alice or for me. I will draw three-legged cats and caterpillars with ugly hats." Frances deals with birthday envy and how to be generous when her little sister's birthday rolls around. Another bright and endearing tale about a lovable little badger. She's a model for all of us who aspire to write children's stories. And kids love her too. This is one of my two-year-old's favorite stories. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Tintin and Snowy avert an oil crisis in the Middle East
"Land of Black Gold" was the first Adventure of Tintin I ever read, so, of course, it has a special place in my heart. It seems that all around the world cars (or lighters) using petrol are exploding. In a storyline eerily prescient of what would happen decades later with the rise of OPEC, the world is on the brink of an oil crisis. In the Middle East the evil Sheik Bab El Ehr tries to overthrow Sheik Ben Kalish Ezab, so Tintin heads to the Middle East to save the day. Throwing a monkey wrench into the proceedings, in addition to the omnipresent evil agents and hapless Thompson brothers, is Abdullah, son of Sheik ben Kalish Ezab, who pulls a constant string of practical jokes on everybody in sight (Historical Note: This is where the Thompsons first develop their habit of becoming extremely hairy at inopportune moments).

I always think of Tintin as constituting "realistic absurdity," which reflects the way our hero plunges on despite the lunacy around him, which exists mainly in the characters rather than the situation. This delicate balance seems to be reflected even in Herge's artwork, where his "clear-line" style combines iconic characters with unusually realistic backgrounds, appeals to me. I also admire his remarkable restraint with Snowy, who "talks" less than any other "talking" dog in comic book history. These are truly timeless tales.

More Historical Notes: "Tintin in the Land of Black Gold" (the 9th Tintin Adventure) was the episode in progress in "Le Vingtieme Siecle" when German troops invaded Belgium on May 10, 1940. Herge suspended the story for eight years and actually began another adventure, "The Crab with the Golden Claws," in the interim, which was published in "Le Soir," one of the few newspapers authorized during the German occupation.

The whole Tintin collection
As a kid, the one single book that would bring me greatest joy and take me to a whole different world was "Adventures of Tintin". I am 25, and I love them more than ever before. It is REALLY a pity that Herge isn't alive today to write about a 1000 more. I sure hope some bright new talent can capture his magic and continue to amaze the millions of Tintin fans who are dying for more of his unique adventures.

His books are guaranteed to keep you captivated, as the adventures are VERY well thought out, and the characters are among the most intriguing ones you have ever imagined. The adventures, the characters, and the ambience of the book in combination give you the best time you have ever had reading any book. Not only will the plot keep you on the edge of your seat, but the characters are guaranteed to make you laugh and keep you coming back for more. Don't take my word for it. TRY IT NOW!

Great Books!
I am only 11, and I have only read some of the Tintin books, and the reason I'm at Amazon.com is to buy all the others. Out of the one's I've read so far, I think "Red Rackham's Treasure" was my favorite. I loved the way Herge made Calculus, and thought he was extremely funny, even when he did get annoying! I love the Tintin books, and look forward to reading every single one again! If I could go over 5 stars, I would, definatly!

Great
I loved Tintin books when I was a kid, and I love them now at age 37. I know I'm not alone, because a Tintin store in San Francisco sells Tintin coffee cups and ties and key chains (grown-up's items!) I myself have a Tintin tie and key chain! THE LAND OF BLACK GOLD is my favorite Tintin book. It has all the best characters, humor, and an intriguing plot. (That's why adults can like them, because many of the books have reasonably sophisticated James-Bond type plots.) Tintin forever! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

For the final time Tintin and the Captain share an adventure
"Tintin and the Picaros" is the final adventure of the intrepid little reporter by Hergé not that there is really any sense of this being the end of the road. The only part of the story that suggests as much is the surprising discover that suddenly Captain Haddock can no longer stand the taste of alcohol. As the story begins the Captain and Tintin are discussing the state of affairs in San Theodoros, when General Tapioca's dictatorship continues to rule in place of their old friend Alcazar. Then news comes that prima donna Bianca Castafiore has been arrested by Tapioca as part of a conspiracy to over throw the government. Haddock things this is a good thing, because he knows exactly what sort of "guest" the soprano is like when he enjoys someone's hospitality. But then Tapioca charges Haddock, Tintin, and Professor Calculus are declared to be part of the conspiracy and a series of charges and countercharges, as well as outright insults, fly back in the forth in the headlines between Haddock and Tapioca. Finally the Captain agrees to accept Tapioca's "invitation" to come to San Theodoros to discuss the matter. Haddock is pretty much trapped into agreeing, and Calculus insists on going to Madame Castafiore's rescue, but Tintin refuses to go, knowing that just has to be a trap.

The title of the book refers to the Picaros, which is the name of the rebels in the mountains who want to take back the government of San Theodoros and return Alcazar to power. In this final Adventure of Tintin we are back on familiar ground for the most part, both in terms of the geography and the characters. We know, of course, that Tintin has not abandoned his friends and eagerly anticipate some clever way of arriving upon the scene at a most opportune moment. However, this turns out not to be the case, and when Tintin does arrive on the scene you know that Hergé is providing a standard adventure for his hero and his friends, and not something special, even if the final panel does make a point about the plight of Third World countries. But while "Tintin and the Picaros" is an average adventure at best, there can be no doubt that taken together these 21 stories (23 if you count the two earlier "flawed" adventures) are a major accomplishment in the field of comic books. I only wish I had made a point of reading these classics two or three decades earlier.

Banana Republic...
Bianca Castafiore, the 'Milanese nightingale' is arrested in San Theodoros, for allegedly plotting against the regime of General Tapioca, who goes on to accuse Tintin, Captain Haddock and Professor Calculus of working with Castafiore to overthrow his government in support of their friend, General Alcazar.

Tapioca lures our friends to San Theodoros by inviting them to come there and prove their innocence.
There the plot thickens and they are forced to flee their hosts and join up with Alcazar and his band of rebels: The Picaros, in the heart of San Theodoros' tropical jungle.

Behind the machinations of the Tapioca regime is the henchman is the sinister Colonel Sponsz, henchman of Tapioca's ally, and the Bordurian dictator, Marshall Kurvi Tasch.

With much humour, excitement and colour, Herge captures well the flavour of a Latin American Banana Republic.

Interesting to note is his play on the relationship of Borduria to her satellite, the Tapioca dictatorship in San Theodoros, resembling the relationship of the old Soviet Union to Cuba.

My Review
I have been reading Tintin books for a long time, and this book is one of the better ones of the collection. Altough it doesn't have all the humor and adventure as some of the other ones it still is loaded with lots of fun.

wonderful tintin, one of the first ones I read
This Tintin adventure is a good grand finale. (It is the last Tintin comic.) Splendid and amazing are the only words that I can come up with to describe it. You have to read it to believe it.

The Final Tintin adventure
Many years ago when my love of Tintin books began, I always found this book made me a little sad. I had always figured this emotional reaction was due to the fact that Tintin and the Picaros is the last of the wonderful series. However, after reading the excellent book Tintin and the World of Herge by Benoit Peeters, I understood that the great Herge himself was reaching the end of his rope. This book took him eight years to complete. Within its pages some of Herge's weariness can be discerned, as his characters often reflected not only the times in which Herge lived but the emotional state of the author as well.

The most glaring example of this reflection is Tintin's unwillingness to be a part of the adventure. It is Captain Haddock rushing off to South America while Tintin only follows him at a later date. This book places the Thompson Twins and Castafiore in danger; it is up to Tintin & Co to stage a coup to free them. This book contains some great Calculus moments. General Alcazar's pushy wife provides the best comic relief.

It's advisable to read The Broken Ear before Tintin and the Picaros in order for the reader to become acquainted with the politics of San Theodoros and the characters Pablo and Dr. Ridgewell. This isn't one of the better Tintins, but it's part of a truly amazing series all the same. ... Read more

Book Description

A stark and allegorical tale of adultery, guilt, and social repression in Puritan New England, The Scarlet Letter is a foundational work of American literature. Nathaniel Hawthorne's exploration of the dichotomy between the public and private self, internal passion and external convention, gives us the unforgettable Hester Prynne, who discovers strength in the face of ostracism and emerges as a heroine ahead of her time. As Kathryn Harrison points out in her Introduction, Hester is "the herald of the modern American heroine, a mother of such strength and stature that she towers over her progeny much as she does the citizens of Salem." ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Let's be for real!!!!!!!
I think that the book is pretty good so far, but it does have a few things that I can't quite relate to or understand. Most people in today's society don't get pointed out for commiting adultery. It's like an everyday thing now. People just don't do that anymore. I do think that is was great to see how the people back then viewed certain quailties and how they carried out their religious beliefs. To me, this was a story about a woman named Hester Prynne who was caught up in a bad love triangle. She was married to a scholar who had sent her ahead to Boston. She got caught up and fell in love with the minster Dimmesdale. She got pregnant and had a daughter who she named Pearl because she was the most precious and expensive thing in her life. All of her earnings went towards her. They made Hester and baby Pearl sit out on a scaffold allday to let the people come by and look at them and ridicule them. Hester had to wear a scarlet A on her bosom from hence forth. She made the most of it, though. Pearl had an intuition and she could recognize how was good and who was bad. She knew the Chillingworth, Hester's husband, was a bad man. She felt a connection with Dimmesdale. One day when Pearl was about seven years old, she asked her mother what did the scarlet letter mean and why did Dimmesdale always cover up his heart. Hester had still not revealed who the father of her child was because she loved him that much. As far as I have read the guilt is eating Dimmesdale up and he wants to tell the people but he doesn't know how. In the end you should try your best not to keep hurtful secrets inside because in the end it will be the thing that destroy's you the most!

Maybe the book was cheated...!?
Yes, I enjoyed this book. The STORY was good...I am sure you have an idea about it so I won't waste time with a summary. The SETTING was great...Hawthorne brought 17th Century frontier Boston alive with his stunning descriptions. The CHARACTERS were ok...yes, only ok, because I never found myself loving or hating any of them, which to me is evidence that the author was successful with his creation. But...The SYMBOLISM is what makes this book, what makes it a classic!...This book is a brilliant essay on how important it is to abide by a conscience. One mishap can lead you down a path towards destruction. BUT aiding in that destruction were Christians who were more unforgiving then the heathen around them...The christian who reads this book should learn that forgiveness was the #1 thing Christ taught and expects from us! (i.e. He who is merciful shall obtain mercy). BUT what I learned most from this book was how important it is to understand Gods grace! God is not some powerful ogre waiting to punish but a friend waiting to forgive. If this frontier town only could have known this how different their experience would have been!

However, I think this book was cheated because I read it right after the stunning 'Grapes of Wrath' and it simply could not compare, overall, and therefore can not receive the elite five star status! Still a must read if you have never...!

My opinion of The Scarlet Letter
If stories of sacrifice, strength, commitment and love perk your interests, then this may be gratifying reading material for you. Hawthorne's text, The Scarlet Letter, requires concentration and thought to comprehend some of the wording. This book has a copious amount of run-on sentences which makes it seem way too drawn out. I also found it challenging to follow the plot and theme because of the ample amount of detail provided about each character and the various situations. I can see why The Scarlet Letter is considered a classic, but I would not recommend it to anyone.

A Wonderful Example of Classic Literature.
The Scarlet Letter tells a story of a young woman named, Hester Prynne. As
the reader enters the story, Hester has a three month old baby girl and no
father in site. She had come to Boston months before to make a place for her
much older husband who was to arrive later but never had.
The normal punishment for adultery was death. Hester was very young,
however, so the church officials were "merciful." Instead of sentencing her to
death, she was to wear a red letter 'A' on the front of her dress and be put on
public display for three hours. After those hours she was to wear the "scarlet
letter" for the rest of her life. At the end of which her tombstone would be
engraved with nothing other than her name and the letter A.
While on public display she was given a chance to repent and escape
her punishment. She was asked to reveal the father of the child. In protection
of the man she loved, she vehemently declined the offer.
Needless to say, Hester and her child are shunned by the townspeople,
who believe them both to be hell sent. As you read The Scarlet Letter, you
travel with Hester through the next seven years of her life. You experience
with her the pain, isolation and ignominy she carries upon her dress, and in
her heart.
I enjoyed reading the Scarlet Letter and experiencing with Hester the
events and circumstances that shaped her life, the life of her daughter, Pearl,
and the life of the man she would forever love.

Very good and very unlike the movie
I am an avid reader, specially of books in the English language. The movie "The Scarlet Letter" has been a favorite of mine, but reading other reviews of the novel (other editions) here in Amazon, prompted me to read it. People kept saying they were dissapointed with the movie and vice versa; people kept saying they could not deal with Hawthorne's 19th century language. But I could deal perfectly with the idiom, even though it's not my first language. Both the movie and the novel are excellent, although different. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Exploring Tintins wonderful books
This was a great book! It surveyed knowledge of astronomy(which is always interesting), and then put on top of that a great mystery and awsome characters! You can't have a great Tintin story without Captain Haddock, Tintin, Proffesor Calculous, T&T, Snowy, and even Wolf make the story great. Herge really knows how to write!

Tintin's greatest adventure as the first man on the moon
"Explorers on the Moon" ("On a Marche Sur La Lune," 1954) picks up right where "Destination Moon" left off... But what makes "Explorers on the Moon" so fascinating is the documentary detail that Herge infuses into the story. I cannot think of a 1950s science fiction film that predicts as accurately what happened when Apollo 11 went to the moon a decade and a half later. One of the chief charms of Herge's artwork has always been the way his caricature drawings of Tintin and friends are contrasted by the realistic backgrounds, and this artistic style achieves its apex when we see the spaceship approaching the moon. "Explorers on the Moon" would work as a straight-forward first man on the moon type story, but, of course, in Herge's hands it becomes so much more. Taken together with "Destination Moon," this has got to constitute Tintin's greatest adventure.

Futuristic animated adventure
This science fictional comic , written in 1954 , 14 years before the first actual moon landing , fails to disappoint , after the precedent set by its prequel , 'Destination Moon'.
This adventure sees Tintin and friends successfully go to the moon and back , defeating such problems as a rapidly depleting oxygen source and villains who have followed them into space .
I read it when I was ten and it led me to become interested in space.
I remember sitting on top of the roof of my home , reading it , and seeing a shooting star fly by. There is something intriguing about these comics.

"It was a very neat adventure on the moon."
I liked this book because I could understand it very throughly. It was a very neat sequal to "Destination Moon". And because it was a good adventure. It was good because it had a very good theme about the moon. ... Read more

Book Description

Whenever you are -- inside or outside -- there are shapes to discover. And with Tana Hoban's help you will begin to see them. Look around. How many circles, squares, stars, triangles, hearts, and rectangles can you see?

Reviews (1)

Fun!
This is such a fun book that teaches children to look around their world for objects and shapes. Another one my children love is 'What Is Round?' ... Read more

Book Description

When a baby sister arrives, Frances the badger finds a charming way to prove her own importance. ‘A familiar family situation, treated with understanding and humor.’ —E.

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Reviews (6)

sweet book
It's a delightful kid's book. Who cares if the badger drinks from a bottle or eats chocolate sandwiches? If you're going to get technical, I didin't know badgers could talk. Really. that's the problem with America today - nobody has any fun anymore, and creativity has been stifled and replaced by accuracy.
I loved this book and the entire Frances series growing up and love them now.

Badgers Bottlefeed?!
This book was mine when I was a child, and anticipating the birth of my second, I pulled it off the shelf to read to my 3.5-year-old daughter. While the general gist of the story (Frances "runs away" under the dining room table because she's not getting attended to enough since her baby sister arrived) is not terribly offensive, there are a few "little" details that have led me to get rid of this particular story. First of all, there are a couple images (including the cover illustration) of the baby sister being bottle-fed. This is fascinating, since I thought badgers were MAMMALS! Also, Frances packs herself some chocolate sandwich cookies for nourishment when she runs away. My daughter isn't allowed to eat this kind of junk food. Last, other than bottle-feeding the baby, she is never shown being held by the new parents, and it is mentioned that the parents can hear her crying in the other room. In other words, this is NOT a book for attachment parents who are interested in promoting good nutrition in their kids, even in the subtle details of their bedtime stories.

An adorable story, with the very lovable Frances
This book in the Frances series tells of Frances' trouble with having to share her parents with her new baby sister. In typical Frances style, she makes up songs about what she is doing, and complains loudly about things that she doesn't like. Her decision to run away to under the dining room table was a running joke in our family for months. Now if someone's nose gets bent out of shape we say "are you going to run away to under the dining room table?"

It handles the needs of older siblings and their feelings very nicely and is a great ice breaker to help older kids talk about how a new baby impacts their lives.

New baby sister makes Frances feel left out
Frances's life is in upheaval because of her little sister's arrival. Suddenly she is not the focus of attention and schedules are disrupted, to say the least. So she runs away, to the dining room table!

I love the Frances books, they are sweet and not condescending, a must for any children's library.

A veiw from a teen
A Baby Sister for Frances is a wonderful book for children. Many time when a new child comes into the family another one feels left out. This book portrays the feelings and thoughts of a child in this situation. I think that this book, even on a low level or reading, is a good book for teens. It points out that no matter what your parents say or do they really do love you. I would recomend this book for anyone! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Tintin and friends prepare to take a spaceship to the Moon
"Destination Moon" ("Objectif Lune," 1953) gives a detailed account on the preparation and the launching of the expedition to the Moon from the Sprodj Atomic Research Center in Syldavaia using the rocket designed by Professor Calculus. However, be forewarned that this is the first half of the tale, which is continued in "Explorers on the Moon." So do not let the cliffhanger ending to this volume throw you for a loop. Just make a point of picking up both halves of the story and you can avoid any sleepless nights worrying about Tintin and his friends trapped in a spaceship that could well become their tomb.

This Tintin adventure has one of my favorite sequences in the entire series and it was not the cliffhanger ending with Tintin and the crew heading to the moon. It comes when Captain Haddock dismisses the preparations and accuses Calculus of "acting the goat." The normal placid professor goes off the deep end and drags the captain to show him the spaceship destined for the moon, demanding to know if that is what the good captain means by "acting the goat." The worm finally turning is one of those great moments you cherish in a series because it has been so long in coming.

"Destination Moon" is really the set up, for which "Explorers on the Moon" is the payoff. What is most impressive is the attention to detail that Herge shows in these books, in terms of both the technical preparation for a trip to the moon and the actual trip. There is some intrigue, with agents from Klow trying to thwart the mission, but the main thing here is the preparation for the epic journey. These two volumes stack up well against any 1950s science fiction movie about traveling to the moon and anticipate a lot of what we would read about and see when Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon in 1969. Together these volumes constitute Tintin's greatest adventure (how can you top being the first man on the moon?).

Futuristic Fantasy
First written in 1953, 15 years before the first real moon landing in 1969!
I like these books because of their nostalgia value, good old-fashioned values of heroism, adventure good vs. evil. . I first got hold of copies of 'Destination Moon ' and 'Explorers on the Moon' when I was ten, and I was fascinated by the world which they opened up.
Tintin and Captain Haddock fly to the uranium-rich Balkan State of Syldavia, to work with Professor Calculus on his project to send a rocket to the moon, using the mountains of Syldavia as a base. You learn a lot about the fantasyland of Syldavia, and about the unusual perception of the world of his time, by the author, Herge.

This work is amazing in its futuristic scope. The super-modern (for when it was written in1953) Sprodj Atomic Research Center, and the details of the rocket where quite an amazing concept when the book was first published, 16 years before the first real moon landing by Neil Armstrong in 1969.

It is full of adventure, such as when Tintin is wounded while surprising villains at the ventilator grid in the picturesque Syldavian Mountains; and much humour such as escapades with Captain
Haddock's pipe and Professor Calculus' hearing aid , and the famous scene of an enraged Professor Calculus 'acting the goat'.

It is a great adventure for all ages, a wonderful album to have.

Learn and have fun
Why I like Tintin?
Basically, I would say, because it is an icon of French culture. In the era of globalisation, I do believe there are several poles of culture dissemination: Hollywood is one of them, though not the only one.
Travel with Tintin, and you will learn as much as you have fun. I wouldn't draw a parallel with Mickey Mouse (though my brother once suggested that Johnny Quest is closer to what Tintin is) but I do know that Tintin is a beloved character with francophones all around the world.
Ironically, Tintin does not come from France, but from Belgium. But what does it matter? Canada's Celine Dion has also made it to the top charts in far away France...

Definitely one of the best Tintin books
This book comes alive with a delightful mix of action and adventure as tintin and his compatriots prepare for their trip to the moon. A must buy for tintin fans!

Tintin's lunar adventures mark Herge's finest hour.
Along with its sequel, Explorers on the Moon, Destination Moon is the most fully realised of Tintin's adventures. Published over a decade before the lunar landing of 1969, Herge's vision of space travel is a convincing one. Brilliantly illustrated with Herge's unique cinematic style and featuring some excellent villains, as well as hilarious antics from the Thompson Twins, Destination Moon is a must read. ... Read more

Book Description

Wendell was spending the weekend at Sophie's house. Playing house, Wendell was the mother, the father, and the children; Sophie was the dog. Playing bakery, Wendell was the baker; Sophie got to be the sweet roll. Wendell shone his flashlight in Sophie's eyes when she tried to sleep. But when he gave her a new hairdo with shaving cream, it was the last straw, and Sophie made up a game that left Wendell speechless for a time -- and won the day for friendship. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Appeals to all ages....
This is a funny little story of two mice (kids) who start off on the wrong foot but end up being best friends over a weekend. The best kids' books make grownups laugh and appeal to a wide range of ages, and this one fits the bill--it's a great bedtime choice for my eight year old niece as well as my six and three year old nephews. Very very cute illustrations too. At (the price), a bargain!

Another Henkes hit
Ever had to watch someone elses ill-behaved child? That is the storyline of "Weekend With Wendell". Sophie is informed by her parents that Wendell is coming to stay while his parents go out of town. Wendell begins to wreck havoc the second he steps into the house. He not only tears up Sophie's room, but he always insists on making the rules. E.g.: when they play "hospital", Wendell is the doctor, the nurse, and the patients...Sophie gets to be the desk clerk.

At dinner, Wendell claims he's allergic to anything green, thereby escaping the vegetable problem. He also takes an opportunity to sccop the whipped cream off Sophie's dessert. "When is Wendell leaving?!?", Sophie constantly asks her parents, who reply "Soon!". After Wendell pinches her, tries to make a long distance phone call, and gives Sophie a hew hairdo with shaving cream, she's had it. She convinces Wendell to accompany her outside to play "firechief" for her revenge. You can guess who gets to be the firechief, and who gets to be the burning building.

We love all the Kevin Henkes books, some of which (including "Weekend With Wendell") are now available on DVD and read by the likes of Meryl Streep, Sarah Jessica Parker and Mary Beth Hurt. Any Kevin Henkes book is a valuable investment in your child's library. You'll enjoy them as much as they do.

Love it as much as my 4-year-old
This book cracks me up. I like all of Kevin Henkes' books, but for some reason, this one really makes me laugh (I especially like when they play bakery and Sophie has to be a sweetroll). More importantly, my 4-year-old loves it too. And, of course, buried deep in this story is a nice lesson about being polite to a guest, no matter how difficult that can be.

Another Henkes Gem
This is another great book by an outstanding writer and illustrator. Henkes is very good at capturing the little things in the minds of our little ones. I have a 2 1/2 year old boy and a 6 year old girl, and they both really like this book. As a matter of fact, so does this 35 year old. It's not quite up there with Sheila Rae, the Brave and Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, but it's very close. Highly recommended.

Absolutely wonderful!
I'm not sure who loved the book more, my 9 year old daughter, my 13 year old son or myself. It has something for everyone, parents will recognize and enjoy the portrayal of the "problem child" and children will learn a valuable lesson while being entertained by one of the funniest books ever written for children. I've given it as a gift and will continue to do so. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Owen adores Easter. Life doesn't get much better than a basket full ofjelly beans ("My favorite"), gumdrops ("My favorite"), buttercream eggs ("Myfavorite"), and a chocolate bunny ("My favorite"). Unless... there's also alittle yellow marshmallow chick the same color as our hero's fuzzy blanket.Decked out in his purple plaid Easter finery, this boy mouse spends a giddy dayplaying with his sugary new pal. And does he succumb to tasty temptation? Howdare you even think such a thing! Kevin Henkes, in picture books such as Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse,Sheila Rae's PeppermintStick, and our introduction to the blanky-toting mouse, Owen, creates recognizablecharacters in familiar settings and preschool predicaments. His bright,spring-hued illustrations and gently humorous plots are tremendously appealingfor readers young and old. In no time, this cute little board book will haveevery youngster announcing, "My favorite." (Baby to preschool) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Cute easter book but short
this is a sweet little board book for little ones. I swear it was written in 5 minutes, i wish i would have done it first!

Great for teacher to use with a follow-up activity
Anyone who grew up finding marshmallow chicks in their Easter basket can relate to this story. When i was a kid they were yellow. Now these chicks come in all colors. I am a kindergarten teacher. My students loved this book. Now, one child takes it home with an Owen plush and a plastic egg with a marshmallow chick inside. They don't know what color their chick is until they get home. I provide a journal for them to document the color, write a story about their visit with Owen and draw a picture. They LOVE it!

A sugary sweet tale
This story is a perfect read for Easter or any time of the year! While my child loves to bite the head off of his marshmallow chicks, he could understand Owen's attachment to the treat. Owen projects his emotional attachment of his favorite blanket onto the marshmallow chick (that is the same color as his blanket)and doesn't gobble it up like his other holiday treats. This ending is absolutely priceless and we read this story at least once a week. Since there is no focus on spirituality or religion in this board book, it would be appropriate in a home of any faith (especially with those who are fans of marshmallow chicks!). Highly recommended!

"My Favorite....."
No author captures the essence of a preschooler like Kevin Henkes. "On Easter monring, Owen's basket was full." Little blanket toting Owen jumped for joy as he first surveyed and then gobbled down all his "favorites." There were jelly beans and gumdrops, buttercream eggs and a big chocolate bunny. And then there was a little yellow marshmallow chick. "It was the same color as his fuzzy yellow blanket." And Owen loved it. He didn't eat the chick, but played with it all day. At bedtime, Owen decided to put "his favorite" on the shelf with his best toys. Sweet dreams..... Henkes' simple and gentle text is kept to a minimum. The real story is told through his bright and engaging artwork, and youngsters will enjoy the charming facial expressions and special details in each illustration. Perfect for little ones 4 and younger, Owen's Marshmallow Chick is a sweet and tender board book you don't want to miss.

An Easter Board Book
We got this as a gift for our 4 month old. He loves the colorful illustrations. The story is basic and children will easily relate to the easter basket of goodies. I can see this book being valuable when he learns to read. Also I'll never look at a marshmallow chick (aka Peep) the same way again! ... Read more

Book Description

Frances fans will find their favorite stories about this endearing, irrepressible badger who cleverly avoids her bedtime and stubbornly refuses to eat anything but bread and jam, in this charming audio collection read by actress Glynis Johns.This ALA Notable Children's Recording includes: Bedtime for Frances; A Baby Sister for Frances; Bread and Jam for Frances; andA Birthday for Frances.

Repackage
Running time:45 minutes
Unabridged with music

... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wonderful
While teaching preschool for many years, this tape was the start of most naptimes! Now ordering it for my child, I can't wait to see them enjoy it as well... The reading is beautiful and after listening you can't help but hear that voice when reading it yourself.

Funny and entertaining
The stories are narrated by Glynnis Johns, she played the mother in Mary Poppins. My children listened intently and laughed a lot at irrascible Frances. They asked for the stories over and over. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

what are these people talking about?
i was shocked to see the broken ear referred to as a "minor tintin" by one reviewer. i've read all the tintins atleast 50 times each over the last 20 years. in my opinion the broken ear is right at the top in the tintin canon! the mystery, the action, the adventure, the humour - it is simply superb. and this opinion is shared by a large number of my friends too. in the tintin canon the broken ear is rivaled only the blue lotus.

The Perils of Tintin continue, down South American way
"The Broken Ear" is an early adventure of Tintin where our hero and his faithful terrier companion Snowy go it alone through a series of perilous episodes (there are brief appearances by the Thompsons and Professor Calculus). The title defect belongs to an Arumbaya Fetish at the Museum of Ethnography which is stolen and then mysteriously returned. When Tintin notices the sacred tribal object now has two perfect ears and our hero is quickly in full Sherlock Holmes mode. However, Tintin is not the only one in search of the real fetish as his path starts crossing that of a pair of mysterious figures. After a series of incidents involving the search for a talking parrot, everyone finds themselves on a ship bound South American way for the Republic of San Theodoros, which happens to be where the Arumbaya tribe lives along the banks of the River Coliflor. There Tintin becomes involved in the political turmoil of San Theodoros and eventually gets around to traveling up the jungle river to find the Arumbayas. Meanwhile, poor Snowy finds that his tail becomes a sore point time and time again.

Overall in "The Broken Ear" the mystery takes something of a back seat to the repeated perils faced by Tintin. I went back and counted them up and on average Tintin faces death or severe physical harm once every three pages in this 64 page story. That might not be a record for our intrepid reporter, but, sheesh, it has to be close. This adventure of Tintin has engendered some criticism because of the way Herge draws a Negro in caricature and I certainly do not want to suggest that a white male European was not representative of the inherent racism of his culture, but I would point out that Herge, like Edgar Rice Burroughs, relied heavily on stereotypes for many of his characters and that you will find "good" and "bad" types for every race and ethnicity Tintin encounters. Certainly the South Americans Tintin encounters in San Theodoros, with their heavy accents, fiery tempers and tendency towards extreme violence, should be more central to any such critique. Herge also displays some sensitivity towards the native tribes of the area that is rather enlightened. If Tintin engaged in slurs or derogatory comments towards anyone, that would be something different, but our hero only thinks in terms of "good" and "bad," not "white" and "black". "The Broken Ear" is not a great Tintin Adventure, but you can see how the pieces are starting to come together with Herge's work.

Minor Tintin, but still great fun.
After the artistic, technical and emotional peak of 'The Blue Lotus', Herge wisely decided to take things down a gear, rather than attempt to somehow out-marvel that seminal book. So 'The Broken Ear' is Tintin in a minor key - the undeviating single narrative is shorn of sub-plots; the spaces of South America, compared to the intricate detail of Japan and China in 'Lotus', are comparitively broad.

A fetish originating with the Arumbaya tribe is stolen from the Museum of Ethnology, and replaced with a fake. Tintin knows it's bogus because the original had a broken ear, and discovers that two Spanish crooks are also interested in finding the thief. Heroes and villains end up in the small South American principality of San Theodoros where Tintin is set up and put in front of a firing squad. Saved by coup and counter-coup, Tintin is made Colonel and right-hand man of dictator General Alcazar, among whose officers appear those same two thieves.

'Ear' is full of typical Herge incident, from the comic pursuit of a splendidly abusive parakeet, to a suspenseful downriver kayak-trip in search of a mysterious, hostile tribe. Herge's satiric sense shows how the political instabilities of many South American countries, with their seemingly daily military coups, are fanned by greedy European and American arms manufacturers and oil companies. The European plunder of other civilisations, so memorably a feature of previous adventures, is once again shown to be disastrous, even fatal. There are some wondrous visual conceits, in particular the Arumbaya rainforest sequence, which, set against an abstract, gren backdrop, frames its physical movements (fights, chases etc.) into a mysterious Matissean dance. The representation of landscape and settlements, with the eye on revealing detail, is as resonant as ever.

All this is fine, but one can't help feeling the lack of density, the rather perfunctory nature of the whole.

Not my favorite, but I still love it
This is not one of the better Tintin books. The illustration makes it very apparent that this is one of the earlier books. I find the story line to be rather choppy. This book was also penned before the introduction of Captain Haddock or Professor Calculus; even the Thompson Twins do not have much depth to them. It is noteworthy that General Alcazar makes his first appearance in this adventure. This book should be read before Herge's final Tintin adventure, Tintin and the Picaros, which in some senses is a continuation of The Broken Ear.

When a wooden statue is stolen from the museum, Tintin is intent on tracking it down. His pursuit takes him through South America, from the fictional country of San Theodoros (in which Herge satirizes the fickleness of a dictatorship) through the jungles of the Amazon. Murder and mayhem accompany him every step of the way.

Despite this book's lackings, it is a Tintin book, a fact which makes it a worthy read in of itself. For collectors, it is a must have. For Tintin enthusiasts, it is an enjoyable tale. For anyone unfamiliar with Tintin, I must stress that the other books are even better.

A page turner from the beginning to the end!
Once you begin to read a Tintin book, you can't stop! I love how the author has so many ideas on how the plot can take twists and turns. ... Read more

Book Description

Caddie Woodlawn, which has been captivating young readers since 1935, was awarded the John Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.Now it is in a brand-new edition with lively illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman.In her new foreword, Carol Ryrie Brink lovingly recalls the real Caddie, who was her grandmother, and tells how she often "sat spellbound, listening, listening!" as Caddie told stories of her pioneer childhood. Children everywhere will love redheaded Caddie with her penchant for pranks.Scarcely out of one scrape before she is into another, she refuses to be a "lady," preferring instead to run the woods with her brothers.Whether she is crossing the lake on a raft, visiting an Indian camp, or listening to the tales of the circuit rider, Caddie's adventures provide an exciting and authentic picture of life on the Wisconsin frontier in the 1860s.And readers will discover, as Caddie learns what growing up truly means, that it is not so very different today. ... Read more

Reviews (75)

Caddie Woodlawn
The most remarkable thing about the book Caddie Woodlawn is that it is a true story! The real-live person named Caddie Woodlawn was 82 when her granddaughter published the book in 1935. By writing down the stories told to her as a child, Carol Ryrie Brink captures her grandmother's life as a girl growing up on the Wisconsin frontier in the 1860's.

Caddie Woodlawn is a tomboy who likes to go on adventures with her brothers Tom and Warren. She comes from a large pioneer family of seven children. Her older sister, Clara, always acts more lady-like than she, and her younger sister, Hetty, is always tattling on her.

We discover what life was like on the frontier as we go with Caddie to school, and on visits to the nearby Indian village. The book reveals the often-tense relations between Native Americans and the European settlers. The book tells the tense relations between Native Americans and the European settlers. Since Caddie is friends with Indian John, she is able to restore peace to her settlement by taking action before the white settlers attack the Indians.

At the end of the book, Caddie's sophisticated cousin Annabelle comes from Boston, and Caddie learns that maybe a few lady-like activities such as quilting aren't so bad after all, and this helps her to be happy about growing up.

An inspiring role model
While I get a little antsy reading frontier stories with their detailed descriptions of prairie life, the Woodlawn children's adventures and loving family provided a fairly interesting read. I enjoy Caddie's determination to be a tomboy, despite her mother's wishes, and I love that her father only encourages it. Caddie's bravery (when warning her Indian friends of a white men's attack), kindness (spending her entire silver dollar to cheer up on her motherless classmates), and eventual understanding (of her pesky little sister's loneliness and her own need to be a mature young lady in her own way) make this an inspiring book. I also like that the bully turns out to be not so bad, and that the Woodlawn boys learn "female" chores like quilting in order to spend time with Caddie when she decides to broaden her interests. I especially like Caddie's final thoughts: "How far I've come! I'm the same girl and yet not the same. I wonder if it's always like that? Folks keep growing from one person into another all their lives, and life is just a lot of everyday adventures. Well, whatever life is, I like it." The backdrop might be different, but the lessons and values portrayed in this book are just as applicable today.

Move Over Laura, Caddie is Pioneer Adventure at Its Best
Caddie Woodlawn is an oft-overlooked childhood adventure of rural American life (in Wisconsin) during the Civil War. These true stories were told within the family by Caddie herself until her own granddaughter compiled them into a best-selling book around 1930. Don't let the date set you off - this is a real page turner with something in it for everyone. It has stood the test of time remarkably well.

Caddie and her family grew up in Boston, but made the drastic change to rural life a few years before the story begins. While Caddie's mother encourages a high level of civility in the rough wilds of western Wisconsin, her father is permitted to allow Caddie to grow up running around with her brothers because of concerns of a sister who died of consumption. Caddie is quite the tom boy in her pre-teen years, but what a delight to see her world through these eyes... adventures with curious Indians, a mischievous uncle, loyal siblings, school bullies and a simpler life. Especially touching is Caddie's relationship with her understanding father, whose unusual past is revealed in a surprising fashion to the children.

Great for children and adults (like me) who missed it the first time around! By the way, you can visit Caddie Woodlawn's house when you're in the vicinity of Menomonie, Wisconsin. There's not a lot to see, buy our family really enjoyed the experience.

A great book.
If you love adventures and Wisconsin history then Caddie Woodlawn is the book you need. Caddie Woodlawn is a book about three children, Tom, William, and Caddie. This book is a great story for everyone to read!

Caddie Woodlawn
The one thing I really enjoyed most about this book is that it is a true story. The real Caddie Woodlawn was 82 when her granddaughter published the book in 1935. Carol Ryrie Brink writes about her grandmother's life as a girl growing up in Wisconsin in the 1860s.

Caddie Woodlawn is a tomboy who loves going on adventures with her brothers Tom and Warren. She is part of a large family of seven. Her older sister, Clara, is much more lady-like than she, and her younger sister, Hetty, is always tattling on her.

We find out what life was like on the frontier as we go with Caddie to school, and on visits to the nearby Indian village. The book portrays tense relations between the Indians and the European settlers, and since Caddie is friends with Indian John, she is able to restore peace to her homeland by taking action before the white settlers attack the Indians.

At the end of the book, Caddie's sophisticated cousin Annabelle comes from Boston, and Caddie learns that maybe some lady-like activities such as quilting aren't so bad after all, and this helps her to enjoy growing up. ... Read more

Book Description

Tintin goes to the Congo. Fascimile edition of the original. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The Adventures of Tintin in the Congo
This early example of a Tintin adventure is quite good in itself, although the artwork and narrative style are rather primitive and simple compared to the rest of the Tintin books. This is the early black & white version as first published in book form rather than the later color album version that is currently available only in French. "The Adventures of Tintin in Congo" will definitely be of great interest to devotees of Herge's works, and anyone who is a Snowy fan will love this one, as the little dog is quite prominent and has lots of comments.

There is a bit of controversy about this book concerning racism, but I frankly found it rather difficult to detect. Obviously the story reflected the typical attitude of Europeans towards Africans back in the 1930's, but there is nothing at all of a mean-spirited or disrespectful nature. The depiction of Africans is a little paternalistic, but completely benign. I honestly have to conclude that this book is offensive only to someone extremely sensitive to racial issues. Everyone else will enjoy it. There are also some concerns about Tintin hunting lots of animals, which doesn't offend me anymore than the beef or chicken industry.

I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to all Tintin fans.

Missing the Point
People who complain about the low quality of the illustrations in this book are missing the point. This is a reprint of the original strips that ran in the 1930's. Herge reworked most of his other stories from that period in the 50's and 60's to bring them up to the higher standard that most people associate with Tintin. However, an updated Tintin in the Congo was never released in English due to it's sunny portrayal of colonialism (which Herge later repudiated). This book is a wonderful time capsule of Herge's early work, but you have to keep in mind the time and place it comes from.

You have to put yourself in Herge's time ... It is OK
You need to put yourself in Herge's shoes, time and place before you can give an objective opinion on this book.
I had actually read all the Tintin's on the back cover of the original books before discovering this.
I quite enjoyed this book, and I do NOT think one must accuse herge of racism. He was reporting the popular idiom and practice of that time. I think the Tintin's make a remarkable comment on the thinking in Europe at the time.
But that's getting too serious. I liked this book.

This should never be your first Tintin book.
Deeply racist in the classic big-I imperialist sense, plus a terrible story; it belongs in the same category of "early and deeply flawed effort" as Tintin in the Land of the Bolsheviks. It is hard to swallow in our modern context. As an, er, 'unfortunate' adventure from the point of view of modern Tintin fans, it is yet, like the first Tintin book, a candid (and illuminating) insight into the popular mentality around the young author. Only slightly later, with the Blue Lotus, did Herge get Tintin's politics (somewhat) in line with modern sensibilities. Either way, all later works eclipse this. By a lot.

If you are sufficiently into Tintin-stuff to get it in F