Book Description

No need to knock, just step right in. You're just in time to two-step with Grandfather Robinson and his dancing frog band. Cousin Laszlo is demonstrating his new antigravity device. And Uncle Art's flying saucer is parked out back.

It seems like all the Robinson relatives are here, so be prepared. And keep your head down...Uncle Gaston is testing out the family cannon.

Reviews (3)

Doesn't get much better
I first got this book from thr library to read to my children but I purchased it for myself. It is that entertaining. It has an inventive story line based on a visit with an average but somewhat unusual family. The illistrations are high quality, full of surprises, and reminicent of the Art-Deco world and Buc Rogers. Pictures and text each support one another and provide a new discovery with each read.

A very imaginative display of how every family is different.
If you like Chewandswallow, you'll love Wilbur Robinson's family. Eclectic 90's techno family unique as the Adams Family and The Jetsons. The wacky way of life at the Robinson's and illustrations appeal to children while the moral of the story and outstanding imagination and wit appeals to the adults.

Need a break? Head to the Robinsons!
A book for young and old, laced with fantasy and whimsical delight. What other children's books have brain enhancers, dancing frogs, spaceships, and a rousing chorus of "Yes, We Have No Bananas?" Wilbur Robinson and his family are the coolest. ... Read more

Book Description

Here are ‘shoes to skate in, shoes to skip in, shoes to turn a double flip in ’ . . . all worn by four tousle-headed active young children. ‘Illustrations keep all the action with the skippers, divers, and doers. Story hour groups will be checking out each other’s footwear after hearing this rollicking rhyming paean to shoes.’ —SLJ.

A Reading Rainbow Selection
Children's Books of 1986 (Library of Congress) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Shoes is a wonderful read aloud book for youngsters.
As a media specialist, I have thoroughly enjoyed using SHOES with my first graders and kindergarteners. The children love to take off their shoes and wiggle those toes. They also enjoy anticipating the next page. This book is a must for any elementary library and for the home. ... Read more

Book Description

Redwall fans will love the ghostly side of Brian Jacques!

Filled with humor, adventure, and imagination, these seven short stories go from the lighthearted to the bizarre. From a teenager who drives a museum curator to mummify him for signing Phantom Snake (an anagram of his name) all over his exhibits, to a boy who's dared to visit the tomb of a vampire at midnight only to discover that the vampire boy he meets has a mother who nags just like his own, the eerie and chilling settings and characters will captivate readers.

"Well crafted and smoothly written...While suitable for reading aloud, the tales are even better under the covers with a flashlight." --Booklist, starred review

"Brian Jacques, author of the Redwall books, proves to have a surprising gift for amusing, sometimes horrifying, sometimes quite poignant ghost stories....An excellent choice for reading aloud." --The Horn Book ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Strange, but not Ghostly
I will admit that I was looking for a book to keep me up all night, but instead I found a slightly eerie, yet funny book about ghosts and vampires.
The best story is "The Fate of Thomas P. Kanne".
Bottom line:
It was good, but I've read scarier.

Brian Jacques, an awesome author
This a totally cool book. perfect for campfires. all of these stories are eery, spooky, or hilarious. In my opinion, his other books also rock the house. I've read every one. if you don't buy this, you should check it out of the library and take the time to read it. I especially praise "Jamie and the Vampire". Hillariously funny! I also liked "Thomas P. Kanne". This scared the crap out of me! If you can't get hold of this book then buy it.Definetly your loss if you don't read it.

Bad things happen to bad people
Having enjoyed reading the Redwall series of books by the same author, I started this book with high expectations. While the seven stories all have interesting and unexpected twists and an odd sense of humor, I ultimately found the book unsatisfying. The Redwall books are stories about good triumphing over evil. In Seven Strange and Ghostly Tales, the best you could say about the stories is that bad things happen to bad people. The characters are either bad people, or good people who are victimized by the bad people. For this reason, I found it hard to relate to any of the characters. And unlike Jacques' other books, there are no heroic figures fighting on the side of good. If this book is meant to help instill positive values in younger readers, it would be by frightening them with supernatural consequences of being bad, rather than providing positive role models.

More interesting than scary
If you're looking for something to keep you awake all night in fright, look elsewhere. This is not a shock and scream book. However, if you're looking for suspenseful stories that are well-written, thought provoking, and can double as cautionary tales, this is the collection for you. The poetry before each story and the word play within in are good enough to merit special note. This is a book people of any age can enjoy.

B.J.'s Ghost stories are a hidden gem
Brian Jacques is best known for his Redwall series, but surprisingly enough, Seven Strange and Ghostly Tales is an undescovered gem. This book is intended for kids 9-14, but unlike Goosebumps or other stories for the age range, this book has rich writing bursting with original ideas. Take, for example, a story where a boy fools the Devil himself. Read this book, you won't be dissapointed ... Read more

Book Description

"The Trial of the Stone" is a humorous folk tale in which a stone is accused of a crime and the villagers at the trial must learn to take the judicial system seriously.

A young boy named Matt is off to visit his grandfather in a faraway village.He has been on the road all day, and when dusk falls, Matt finds a place to sleep near a big rock. He hides the few pennies he has for the next day's breakfast safely under a stone.A scoundrel in a red shirt watches Matt settle in and sees him hide his money.When the boy is fast asleep, the man tiptoes over, steals the few pennies and runs away.

In the morning, the boy wakes to find his breakfast money gone.He looks everywhere - but no pennies.In his distress, he raises such a ruckus that the people from a nearby village come running.The constable takes charge and inquires what is wrong.Matt tells his sad story.The village chief then orders the constable to carry the stone to the village to stand trial for theft.The villagers trail along to see what will happen.

In the trial, the stone is accused of stealing Matt's money.The rock remains silent, but the crowd giggles. They are warned to keep quiet, as this is a serious matter. The rock refuses to answer any further questions and is finally charged with contempt of court.This causes the crowd to laugh out loud.As their laughter continues and they further annoy the court, they all end up being charged one penny for the disturbance.The chief awards the pennies to the boy.And it is the man in the red shirt who is ordered to carry the disobedient rock back where it belongs.With his new money, Matt buys his breakfast and goes happily on his way.

"The Trial of the Stone" is based on an old folk tale that appears in various forms throughout Africa, Asia and South America. ... Read more

Book Description

This tall tale from Redwall creator Brian Jacques features a brand new hero: Urso Brunov, the Little Father of All Bears. The strongest, wisest, bravest bear in the world, he is also the smallest, no bigger than the size of your thumb. Other animals of the forest stand in awe of him-except one: a mustached monster who captures four of Urso's bears and puts them in his zoo, but who learns all too soon that the Little Father is truly a force to be reckoned with. On his way to rescue the lost bears, Urso Brunov matches wits with a tribe of boars, teaches manners to a billygoat, skims across the Deep River on a wooden flute, and finally confronts the Lord of All Sands. He'll get those bears back, never fear-believe him, for he is Urso Brunov! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book
It's similar to redwall series, but for smaller audiences. Great read. Highly recommended for bored redwall fans. ... Read more

Book Description

Hannah loves to make collections. Whether it’s new barrettes for her hair or seashells from the shore, she likes to gather things and sort them by size, shape, and color.

But now she is facing a dilemma. The children in her class have been invited to bring their favorite collection to school. How can she possibly pick a favorite?

Once again, Hannah’s boundless imagination wins the day. She finds a way to show off all of her collections in a surprising new way.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Inspiring Young Children
My 4 year old daughter loved this book. It really inspired her to start her own collections. It does spark creativity and looking at what could be mundane items as something interesting unto themselves. The book is done in an unusual montage illustration style, combining cut paper illustrations and photos of real objects. The story is about Hannah, a little girl who is supposed to bring in a collection for show and tell at school. She has so many collections, she can't choose which one to bring. It is a cute book for 4-5 year olds. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Following the "life" of a wooden doll may seem like a strangely passive way of learning American history, but it turns out to be a remarkably gripping approach. In the course of her first hundred years, the peddler-carved doll Hitty travels from Boston to India, is abandoned for years in an attic, is shipwrecked in the South Seas, meets President Abe Lincoln, and at one point lives with a snake charmer. Seen through her hand-painted eyes, the 19th-century world is a miraculous and usually wonderful place, with some mysteries never to be fathomed. Rachel Fields wrote this Newbery Medal-winner in 1929; 70 years later Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers did what to some is the unthinkable: they adapted the classic. In their defense, they did a gorgeous job and did in fact give Hitty a much-needed new lease on life. As Wells says in her note to the reader, "no one I spoke to had actually read Hitty in at least thirty years, and that seemed a real shame."

Of course, as in any adaptation, something of the original is lost. Wells even makes a few significant changes to the story. But purists take note: Wells has the utmost respect for the importance of Hitty, and Susan Jeffers's richly imagined illustrations are definitely worthy of this classic. Don't let another hundred years slip by without reading this gem! (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (23)

A stunning classic
My mother passed her copy onto me and now it has passed to my daughter. I buy copies for all my nieces. It's a real treasure. The text is marvelous and the illustrations are never to be forgotten. I understand there's a new version out, but I can't imagine it holding a candle to the original (I haven't heard good things). I have so many wonderful memories of that book: Hitty stuck in the horsehair couch, life with the little Quaker girl, weeks spent in a crow's nest. It brought my own traditional dolls (not Barbie!) alive for me. It also presents a vivid historical portrait of the lives of American girls. Don't let this one go out of print!

Hitty is still loved by many
Hitty Her First Hundred Years was inspired by a real doll. This doll is currently displayed in the Stockbridge Mass. Library Museum. Many readers have wished they could have their own special doll like Hitty. From 1830 til today doll artists have attempted to make their version of this doll. Some of the most famous names in doll making have attempted to capture her spirit.

I have a photo of this orinial Hitty doll posted on my wood doll web page:

If you compare the original doll with the illustrations in the book, you must note how well Dorothy Lathrop captured the sweet, Mona Lisa type smile of this doll.

Unthinkable
I am a thirteen year old reader who is simply outraged. Having not read this book, I suppose that I shouldn't be writing this, but I hope you read it anyway. To rewrite such a marvelous book as Hitty is simply scandalous. There is absolutely no point in destroying a masterpiece. The oringinal book is so rich with character. Why should we need to "update" a book about a doll that was already old-fasioned from the original publishing date?
On principle, I would never read this book.

A contemporary appeal, to a vintaged story...
I've heard pros and cons, and I respect all and agree with various points from each comment. But I guess I was drawn to this revised version because I feel it has brought another element to a classic story that might otherwise be missed. I also own the original, first edition, Hitty. As a collector of vintaged children's books, especially those with doll/toy genres, and being an author/illustrator as well, I am all too familiar with the way children grow into appreciating books/stories. It is never an easy task to tackle a classic and re-dress it to appeal to a more modern and sophisticated audience...yet keep the integrity of what originally made the book a classic. I believe both Wells and Jeffers did a wonderful job, modifiying just enough to give us a beautifully made continuation of a story worth re-introducing into a new generation of imaginations.

If the author knew Hitty...
If the author really understood the character of Hitty, a real doll for whom Rachael Field wrote imaginary adventures, perhaps she would have written her book with more respect for the original story. The changes she made: (adding an elephant (?) to Phoebe and Hitty's coral beads, making the antique shop where the story ended into a pawn shop, etc. did not make the story easier to understand or more relevant. Any child who can read the adaptation could read the original. The illustrator certainly had never seen the real Hitty, as her doll bent in ways the real Hitty could not. It boils down, in my opinion, to frivolous changes to a story and pictures that need no changes. I would not have objected to a real picture book, with few words, if pictures and words had been faithful to the original and made the book appealing to pre-reading children. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great book for quelling fears of the dark night
Really the title should have been "here is the dark" as this is the repetitive line on every page that is such a great line!

The book starts off in the bedroom of a little boy whose mother is telling him of what is happening in the darkness. She talks of the darkness in the room. Then they move out into the hall and outside, each step along the way she is pointing out what is in the darkness (the same things as were there when it was light). When they go outdoors they see both wild animals and farm animals and they see what they are doing in the dark. In the beginning the rhyme points to one item, then goes up to ten as the pages are turned. The last page summarizes that all the animals are "safe and still and warm, deep in the dark and free from harm, in the dark of the midnight farm".

The text does not say so but it is apparent that the little boy was afraid of the dark and that this is the mothers' creative way to show him what is happening in the dark and that "life goes on" in the dark and that everyone and everything is safe in the dark. The last image is of the boy sleeping in his bedroom alone while mother looks over him.

The illustrations are beautiful. My children and I loved the rhyme and the repetitive nature, along with the counting up from one to ten.

Despite the publisher's age range, I feel this is fine for two year old's.

Beautiful story, beautifully told
This lovely story is so soft and lyrical, it is a joy to read and a pleasure to listen to. As night falls, a mother and child visit all of the animals on the farm, settling down for the night.

Perfect Cadences for Bedtime
This book was a favorite of my son many years ago (he's now 12) and is now a favorite of my daughter (2). Both love/d the idea of the mother taking her child out of bed to visit everything in the dark -- the dog sleeping in the chair, the geese milling outside the barn, the horses dozing in their stalls, the mice sleeping in the old stone wall, etc. Miss Lindbergh's prose is comforting and lulling: "Here is the dark of the midnight farm, safe and still and full and warm, deep in the dark and free from harm, in the dark of the midnight farm..." A great book. ... Read more

Book Description

Meet a fox who delivers mice instead of pizza, and a bumbling crew of animal friends who make a mess out of home improvement! Includes five stories and three poems, featuring James Marshall,William Joyce, Dav Pilkey, Mark Teague, X. J. Kennedy, Colin McNaughton, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Silly Stories to Tickle Your Funny Bone
My 5 year old was thrilled to find a book he could read ( with some help) that had several stories from all of our favorite authors! James Marshall, Dav Pilkey and six others! ... Read more

Amazon.com

What wonders a snowy day can bring! Rolie Polie Olie, a cute littlearthropodish robot, often wishes for snow in his frost-free land. One day hisdream comes true--the sun blows a bulb and snow begins to fall. Olie and hissister Zowie decide to build a buddy--named Mr. Snowie! As with the legendaryFrosty the Snowman, all is well until the sun returns to its bright, warm state,then suddenly Mr. Snowie is in danger. "What to do? What to do? They had afriend they couldn't keep cool!" There's only one solution. It's time to rocketto Chillsville where they encounter scores of frosty friends for Mr. Snowie,including one very familiar looking jolly fellow with a white beard and a bellylike a bowl full of jelly.

William Joyce, author-illustrator of Rolie Polie Olie, Rolie Polie Olie: A Little Spot ofColor, and many other popular picture books, delights young readers withhis quirky computer-generated characters and lighthearted adventures. Vividcolors, jaunty shapes, and playful, simple text are trademarks of Joyce'sunique, contemporary style. (Ages 2 to 6) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Rolie Polie Playful!!!!
My 2 year old son loves anything with Rolie Polie Olie. William Joyce's hardbound picture books are the best of the collection. The other board books are cute, and tough, but the picture books truly show off the great technique used to illustrate the books. This one uses fun language as well, and a friendship message to tell the story. I love the way names of things are changed, like "Klanky Klaus" for Santa... it makes reading these books aloud a lot of fun. I highly recommend Sleepytime Olie and the original Rolie Polie Olie picture books as well.

Not as good as the first
My kids love Rolie Polie Olie and the first book is a household favorite and when I saw Snowie Rolie right before Christmas I just had to get it. I didn't read it until later, after my daughter had opened it. The illustrations are as charming as ever and the plot is cute enough but the text is definitely lacking. There is no rhyme, no flow, no beat. It just is not enjoyable to read, if it didn't have such great illustrations it would be a total loss. Sigh. Please tell Mr. Joyce we want the rhymes back!

A Fun Book For Children
The book "Snowie Rolie" by William Joyce is a very creative book for children. It sets there imagination off. The set is very aesthetic setting with cute characters. The rhyming and fun use of words, I think, captures the childrens attention and makes them like the book even more. I didnt have Rolie Polie Olie as a kid but my niece loves it. I think its a wonderful book for children.

Help Mr. Snowie!
If you have a kid that is 5 or 6 this is the book for him or her.
They would like how the sun burns out and if your child has an imagination then its perfect. I liked it because it proves that the author has a really good imagination.

Sloppy transcription of a TV show?
I made the mistake of buying this book for my son and my nephew without reading it first. What a disappointment. My son has loved the original Rolie book from the start. It was a must-read every night for close to a year. But he never chooses Snowie Rolie from his stack of Christmas books- I think he's had me read it a total of 2-3 times.

If Joyce wrote this book, then I won't be buying his future works. I guess he sold his reputation and his soul for the big dollars- shame on him! Actually, I don't think anybody "wrote" it at all-I suspect this book is a sloppy adaptation of a Christmas TV episode.

Much time was spent on the graphics, which are as cute as those in the original "Rolie" book. But there was no attention paid at all to the language, or even the story line. It's very disjointed- events on one page don't even flow to the next. The story seems almost random. I have to conclude that they selected specific pretty or memorable frames from a TV production and then tried to tie them together with some text. An unimaginative person sat there and probably said "we need an analog to the "rolie polie rhumba dance" and then spat out "they did the chilly cha cha". Totally uninspired. I really have the impression that the text was edited for grammar and typesetting errors and that nobody ever sat and wondered if the story was good or whether it even made sense.

For years we have loved the original "Rolie" book: the language is wonderful, the illustrations enchanting, and the moralistic story is perfect too. The original Rolie Polie Olie book certainly qualifies as a great piece of children's literature- but don't be confused by this pale imitation. ... Read more

Book Description

Norton Juster's timeless, best-selling novel will reach an even wider readership with this outstanding Spanish translation. Milo thinks that just about everything is a big waste of time--when he even bothers to think at all. But he starts to see life in a whole new way after a mysterious gift transports him to the Lands Beyond. Accompanied by the ticking watchdog Tock and the boastful Humbug, Milo embarks on an unforgettable quest to rescue Princesses Rhyme and Reason and restore common sense to the Kingdom of Wisdom. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of the best horse books
Even before horses had captured me in their enthralling spell, I loved this book. Now I'm 12, and I still love it. Susan Jeffer's wonderful art allows the little girl and the various horses, to be tranformed into my pony and I, dancing across flowers...

My dreams held in a book
My sister who is 12 years older than me used to read this book to me all the time even times when she did not want to. This book is for every little girl who dreamed of owning a horse or pony. I recently found an original issue from 1974 in mint condition and it still makes me smile just like a little girl. Thanks for reading my review.

Memorial
This book is beautiful, every little girl should have this book read to them. My parents used read this book to me often before I went to sleep. My dreams were peaceful safe. I have wonderful memories of this book! ... Read more

Book Description

The creatures of Redwall-the abbeymice and hares, otters and moles-are planning a surprise feast in their dear Abbot's honor. There is cake to be baked, marchpane to be rolled. Stirring and sifting, smoothing and brewing. Can everything be finished in time?And how can the Redwallers keep such a grand feast from their Abbot's keen eyes? Fans of Brian Jacques's beloved Redwall books will delight in seeing their old friends, brought to life by Christopher Denise's witty, cozy art.

"Spirited and humorous... Denise's affectionate, detailed watercolors bring all the action to life." -Kirkus Reviews ... Read more

Reviews (19)

A beautifully illustrated children's classic
This is a great book for Redwall fans of any age. The pictures are wonderful and detailed. Jacques does a superb job in crafting rymes then weaving them together in the form of a story. I am 14 and I loved this book. I read it to my sister who is ten and she loved it. This is one book that simply must be glanced over by any Redwall fan

The Beginner's Redwall Reader
A masterpiece! The children's poem book by our heroMr. Jacques, and the third book revolving around the latest AbbeyChampion, Matthias, The Great Redwall Feast is a light-hearted trip back into Mossflower. The Abbey is preparing for a surprise feast for the Abbot, and food keeps disappearing at the claws of Bungo, a baby mole! Can the Redwallers stop Bungo from devouring the feast before Matthias and the Abbot return? A wonderful story with a signature twist ending! (Historian's Note: Takes place between Redwall and Mattimeo) Definitely worth it!!

flawless illustrations and a loooong poem
Fabulous illustrations occupy most of the page in this 64-page poem of 101 six-lined stanzas with an AACBBC rhyming scheme. The story incorporates many of the series' favorite characters, including Matthias and Cornflower, and depicts not only the preparations of a wonderful Redwall feast by hares and mice and otters, but includes a riddle as well.

This book is really beautiful and should be read aloud.

Great Read-Aloud
My older children read this book to themselves and were not impressed, BUT when I read it outloud with a british accent they were mesmerized. It's now one of our favorites. The pictures are delightful. Now my five year old is a Redwall fan too!

Wonderful introduction to Redwall!
I bought this book because my oldest son (5 years old) saw a part of the Redwall series on PBS. He loved it but the book series is too old for him yet. This book is a great introduction! The pictures are gorgeous and the language and imagery are exquisite. I highly recommend this book and I hope there will be more like it! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Always a joy! To be savored over and over!
Hiawatha is a beautiful, richly detailed poem of Native Americans before the treahery of the white man overwhelmed their way of life. Susan Jeffers took each verse and created a breathtaking, artist's view of the young Hiawatha. Each verse becomes vibrantly alive with her delicate rendiions."By the shores of ..." and Nokomis fill the readers souls with new images because of the renderings made by the talented Susan Jeffers.

A captivating, emotional charge. Beautiful!
Susan Jeffers' drawings exemplify the clarity and imagination of Longfellow's epic poem to a tee. A must have for every child's library, hopefully to be read over and over again.

A childhood classic comes alive
I have this poem memorized because my father recited it to me so many times as a child. This illustrated version has beautiful pictures that capture the fact that this is the story of child and embody the lyric quality of Longfellows poem. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Feudel vassel Alberic learns it is alright to fail
The story was originally written in 1965 but has been reissued in 1992 accompanied by some wonderful paintings by Leonard Baskin that are, indeed, reminiscent of Barry Moser (both of whom, interestingly enough, founded their own private presses). In this day and age, children are basically taught that success is everything and the only thing. This book tells a remarkably different tale: it is alright to fail, as Alberic learns repeatedly. Alberic does not wallow in his failure, he picks up and moves on to new chapters of his life. Ultimately, he learns he is a success by being thought wise, yet he remains uncomfortable in the trappings of success. Why, because he has learned that life is lived best by continual striving, that it is a process, a journey wherein "the freedom and the joy [is felt by] not knowing where each new step would take him." An altogether wonderful lesson for children and wonderful paintings. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Gather round for an Extraordinary Adventure, circa Christmas 1908, Abilene, Texas. The players are a boy named Art (devoted to "the making of inventions, the quest for adventure, and the fighting and smashing of crime"); his best friend, a Comanche boy named Spaulding; and Art's scorned little sister, Esther. One dusty December day, they find a huge wooden crate accompanied by a note that says, "Open the box. Assemble the contents. Come NORTH. Yours, S.C." The next thing you know, the intrepid trio sets off for the North Pole in the freshly assembled Yuletide Flyer, at Santa's cryptic request.Let the swashbuckling adventure begin! Santa's home is the glittering metropolis of Toyland, described as "the best of the old, the best of the new, and the best that is yet to be." But what's this? Dark Elves and their evil Queen? No one bargained for danger in the North Pole. After a dashing display of heroic and ingenious maneuvering, however, the three children are delivered back home in time for Christmas. But why did Santa call in the first place? He tells them, "Some secrets are best left unsolved." The real secret of this rollicking Christmas tale lies in two facsimile letters attached at the end of the book--Esther's touching note to Santa and his reply. Beloved illustrator William Joyce, creator of George Shrinks and Dinosaur Bob, has managed an unusual feat: an original Christmas story, breathtaking artwork, and adventure tale all rolled into one. (Ages 5 to 9) ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Lavish illustrations accent this truly classic tale
In the weird and wonderful world of William Joyce, everything looks like a Little Nemo cartoon, and "Santa Calls" is no exception. You have to experience Joyce's illustrations to appreciate their lush intricacy, but even they aren't as good as this book's warm story, the tone of which perfectly captures the "Boy's Life" fiction of the American West, circa 1908.

Spunky Art Atchison, along with Spaulding his pal and Esther his little sister have a thrilling adventure after Santa calls them all North. They battle dark elves and evil queens with gee-whiz pluck (and a candy-bomb of Art's own design). But even THAT isn't the big hug in the book---it's the very end that makes this gem a keeper. Few read those two letters and go away untouched.

Every year several gooey Christmas books come out, both religious and secular, and very few are worth much. But years after purchasing this one, we still pull it out and comb the rich pictures for new details. Forget the "Ages 5-9" recommendation for this: "Santa Calls" is for everybody!

One Of Our Favorites!
To not give this book a shot is truly a shame! I have been reading this book to my daughter for the last 3 Christmas seasons and she just loves it. When I first read it, I cried at the ending. A very heartfelt, touching story to enjoy year after year. In my mind...a classic. Right up there with The Polar Expess.

lovely tale for kids ready for longer stories
William Joyce, the author and illustrator of George Shrinks, Rolie Polie Olie and other popular children's books, has a distinctive voice and style, and Santa Calls is consistent with his other works. Set in 1908 Abilene, it is the story of orphan Art Atchinson Aimesworth, his friend Spaulding Littlefeets and his sister Esther. One Christmas Eve Art receives a mysterious box and a summons to come to the North Pole -- signed "S.C." Intrigued (to say the least!), Art and his cohorts construct the machine inside the box and fly off to visit Santa, where adventures await them, Mr. and Mrs. Claus greet them, and Art renews his love for his sister. There is a surprise ending that lets us know that Santa and Esther have been in cahoots all along.

This is a story that will appeal to children of all ages because there is mystery and adventure (and Santa!), and as they get older they will appreciate more of the story. The illustrations are colorful and full of details, so they will stand up under multipe viewings and repeated scrutiny, and the vision of Toyland is uniquely Joyce and reminiscent of pre-modern children's illustrations.

A fun and heart-warming story.

This is one of the best books
I don't understand why certain reviewers thought this book wasn't in the holiday spirit. I wonder if they ever finished the book or just put it down after reading about an evil queen and her elves. Well, I am sorry, but life isn't sugar plums, it has good and bad aspects, just like everything else, including Santa Claus and the north pole! However, if you are like me, you can see how clear the message is in this book! It is full of friendship, bravery, family, and, most importantly, love. What about that isn't in the Christmas spirit?
I had my first encounter with this book in elementary school, when a parent came in to read to us. By the time she had finished the first page, i was already entranced in it. And by the end, I had fallen in love with it. It was magic and the VERY end just cemented it into my brain. What child, who believes in christmas, has never written to Santa asking for his/her deepest desire. What child has never dreamed of going to the north pole and meeting the elves and the reindeer and Santa and Mrs. Claus? For two years after hearing the story, I searched every store I went into to find this book, and finally I found it! And after begging my mother to get it, even though it was pretty expensive, I found a square, flat present under the christmas tree soon afterwards.
By far it was one of the best christmas presents I have ever received. Now that I am older, I look forward to reading Santa Calls to my children and grandchildren on Christmas Eve.

I wish Santa would call for me!
Santa Calls is a beautifully drawn and written story! When you discover the reason Santa sends for these special children you will be truly touched! I particularly like the part that seems to suggests the elves are behaving badly due to too much candy. ... Read more