Book Description

Reviews (6)

Daniel from Richview Middle School
If you like dogs then Lassie Come Home is the book for you. It is the story of a dog and its family who sell Lassie to the very rich duke of Rudling. No matter how many times Lassie tries to escape the Duke always catches her and puts her in very small pen. Finaly the Duke gets mad and moves to a very far away estate and Lassie is forced to travel thousands of miles to get home. This is a very good book especially for dog lovers. This book is a classic, I give this book a five star rating and hope that others like it to.

A good read
An excellent book for both dog and collie lovers. Suitable for any age. A heroic female dog.

A classic returned to print
If, like me, you read this book in childhood and have lamented the recent unavailability of any but abridged editions, rejoice--this is the Dell Yearling paperback many of you may remember, complete and uncut. Adults and children alike will love it (Knight originally published it in a short-story version in "The Saturday Evening Post," which, though a family journal, was aimed at a grown-up audience); even cat people (like me) can take great delight in it.

Everyone knows the story: the beautiful collie Lassie, beloved by the Yorkshire schoolboy Joe Carraclough, is sold by Joe's father to the local Duke because the coal mine in which he has labored has shut down and he needs the money to feed his family. But Lassie is linked to Joe by a love-bond that recognizes no barriers. Three times she escapes and returns to him. Then, taken to the Duke's property far in the northern regions of Scotland, she flees again, and sets out on an epic trek homeward. Some of the people she meets hinder or seek to harm her; others give her care and help so she can get on the way again; one, the unforgettable peddler Rowlie Palmer, she travels with as almost a partner, and repays by saving his life. And in the end her faithfulness brings good fortune upon the Carraclough home, and all is well.

Lyrically written and rich with the flavor of the English and scottish countryside, this book should be read aloud to every child in the land. (Then rent the video with young Roddy McDowell--the adaptation is excellent.)

Worthy classic
Still interesting, emotion-provoking and relevant for the 21st century's jaded youth. Recommended.

A Great Read!
I loved this book! Well Written. I highly recommed this book. Five stars all the way!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Sixteen-year-old Katie had just begun a year in Paris with her family when she died suddenly. Her family was devastated, but they drew comfort from Katie’s extensive e-mail correspondence to her many friends. In page after page, her family read how Katie explored the nature of friendship, her belief in God, and her desire to understand what constitutes real love among friends.

Award-winning author Julie Johnston has brought together Katie’s correspondence. The result is both a testament to a girl who had so much to offer – and more important, perhaps – a blueprint for real sisterhood. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

An excellent book... but sad
This is a wonderful book about friendship. A girl named Katie goes with her family to live in Paris for a year, but was going to return to Canada to graduate grade 12 with her friends. Katie and her friends; Ashley(who was her best friend), Maude and Heather kept in touch often through letters, e-mail or sometimes the phone. Katie always ended her letters with Ilove you, or Love you like a sister.(LYLAS) Ashley and Katie had just arranged for Ashley to visit w/ Katie, but then ... THIS BOOK ROCKED!!!

Love Ya Like A Sister
AFter I read this book I relized how much you need to savor your life and what friendship really means!Its really touching and will keep you reading until you finish this book!

Amazing Non Fiction
From page one I became enthralled with the charactors of this book. Amazingly enough is the fact that these are not charactors but real people. It is the true story of a girl's last moments dialogued in her emails and letters to her friends. It reminded me alot of myself and my friends. I feel that many will identify with Katie. This book is a reminder to all that life can change in an instant and we must cherish those that are placed in our lives!

Worth the Read!
From page one I became enthralled with the charactors of this book. Amazingly enough is the fact that these are not charactors but real people. It is the true story of a girls last moments dialogued in her emails and letters to her friends. It reminded me alot of myself and my friends. I feel that many will identify with Katie. I know I did.

A review from a first hand experience
This book is something that everyone can use as a reality check that whatever you think won't happen to you- can. I was romantically involved with Katie so I had many opportunities to share insights with this amazing human being and I still use this book to look at my own life to make sure I am on track and making the most of my life the way Katie did. You do not even need to know Katie to appreciate this book. With wisdom beyond her years, Katie has something to teach us all,whether it may be the sacredness of life or the importance of appreciating our family and friends while we can. A beautifully sad but real book about a wonderful and inspiring person. ... Read more

Book Description

One of the best loved of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales, this retelling of The Snow Queen is both delightful and accessible.

"The driver stood up, in a coat and hat of purest snow. She was a woman, tall and glittering. She was the Snow Queen." When splinters of glass enter Kai's eyes and heart, his world changes from beauty to ugliness. Kidnapped by the cruel Snow Queen, Kai seems lost forever. But when Gerda sets out on a thrilling quest to find her friend, she brings with her all the love Kai needs to thaw his heart. This Young Classics edition explores the real and the imaginary world of The Snow Queen. Photography sets the scene without intruding on the story, and brings The Snow Queen to life for a new generation of children. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST MEMORABLE FAIRY TALES
"The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen is one of the world's most memorable fairy tales. Gerda's journey to find her lost friend and her visit to the ice palace of the Snow Queen capture a child's imagiantion as few tales do.

Creatively dramatic illustrations make this a valuable addition to the annals of children's literature.

Enchanted Wintery Land
Hans Christian Andersen is one of the most famous writers of fairy tales. The Snow Queen is one of the longest tales and one of his best known. He would listen to folk and fairy tales as a child and when he grew up, he wrote some of these stories in his own words.

Anderson began writing The Snow Queen on December 5, 1844 and it was published sixteen days later in book form! His fairy tales made him famous and the stories have been translated into more than 100 languages and some have been made into films, like the Little Mermaid.

Nilesh Mistry is one of my favorite illustrators. He was born in Bombay and moved to London, England in 1975. His books include The Illustrated Book of Fairy Tales and Aladdin. I simply want to own every book he illustrates!

In the story of The Snow Queen, you will find illustrations and photography that shows the settings of the original book. This classic is again brought to life, yet never so beautifully as with Nilesh Mistry's art. Kai is whirled away by the icily beautiful Snow Queen. His playmate Gerda sets out to find him and encounters many adventures in his quest. This is a story I remember very well, yet I had to imagine the pictures in my own mind as a child.

In this book, she looks hauntingly similar to how I pictured her as a child. "The driver stood up, in a coat and hat of purest snow. She was a woman, tall and glittering. She was the Snow Queen."

The story begins with a story about the Devil who laughed at his own cleverness. He creates a mirror that sets people against one another by making people see the ugly side of things. If a splinter of glass from the mirror ever entered a person's eye, their heart would become a lump of solid ice. (quite a lesson there to be sure!)

When the "imps" decide to take the mirror up to the angels and try to make fun of them, it falls and shatteres into a hundred pieces. When "Kai" finds a grain of glass in his heart his entire attitude to life is changed. "Keep away from me!" he screeches at his friend Gerda.

Then one day he falls off his sled and sees the Snow Queen. She kisses him with her cold lips on his forehead and she takes him away through a cloud of darkness up into the sky. When Kai doesn't come home, Gerda goes looking for him. She sings to the river and drifts in a boat down a river to find Kai.

Gerda is a contrast to Kai and is loving and kind. Only when a spell is broken is evil defeated. After the story a page of where the event takes place helps make the story more interesting. Finally, we can explore the real and imaginary world of The Snow Queen.

Even as an adult, I am fascinated by fairy tales. They appeal to the child in us all and to something deep inside of us that knows, good will triumph over evil, in the end.

A superb "theatre of the mind" experience.
Family Classic Audio Books is a series of outstanding "theater of the mind" audiobook productions featuring a full cast performance. One of their latest offerings for young listeners (and their families) are Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairytale The Snow Queen adapted and with lyrics by Adrian Mitchell set to music by Richard Peaslee and wonderfully narrated by Jonathan Pryce. The Snow Queen follows young Gerda's quest (with help from some magical characters she meets en route) to rescue her friend Kai from the icy clutches of the Snow Queen.

This is a tremendous story for all ages.
The messages relating to lifes journey are wonderful. If you have never read this book as a child or as an adult, it is a must!

Mary Engelbreit's "Snow Queen" artwork is ENCHANTING!
If you're looking for a special book for any child, look no further; pick up Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen", illustrated by Mary Engelbreit. This delightful story will not only whisk your child away within it's beautiful artwork, it will mesmorize you as well! Mary Engelbreit does it again with her incredible talent, making this book, for our family, a book to be cherished and handed down for many years to come. Her wonderful artwork in this book will captivate whoever reads it and bring a smile to anyone's face! :-) (Also wonderful as a coffee table book!) ... Read more

Book Description

A moving story set in the twilight of childhood.

In the year 1904, Fred Dickinson teeters on the brinkof manhood. He is spending the last summer of his childhood at his grandfather’s family cottage onRideau Lake, the only place he feels truly alive. Shyand stuttering, Fred’s ambition is to make his livingon the water, mapping the lake for hidden shoals. His father however, has other plans. Believing Fred to lack character, his father is arranging for him to work inthe city to toughen him up.

Fred’s summer is one of love, adventure, and mystery.He falls in love and suffers heartache, discovers a long-buried secret about a rumoured murderer, and defies his father for the first time. Although he started the summer as an outcast, Fred eventually succeeds in finding his own place among his family and friends.

Using as a backdrop the actual 1904 diary of a young man, Julie Johnston invents a captivating tale of discovery, youthful passion, and intrigue, recapturing the atmosphere of a time less hectic, less sophisticated. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A series of emotional adventures and personal trials
A finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award and the Ruth Schwartz Children's Literature Award, The Only Outcast by playwright and novelist Julie Johnson is a compelling and entertaining novel for adolescent readers ages 11 through 18, and set at a lake front at the turn of the century. Fred is young man who is expected to "build his character" in a series of emotional adventures and personal trials in this most satisfying tale of growing up and coming of age. Highly recommended for school and community library historical fiction collections, Julie Johnston drew upon the actual diary of the real Fred Dickson to aptly recreate an memorable story of yesteryear in The Only Outcast.

Julie Johnston Does it Again!
Julie's books are always incredible and this one does not disappoint. It is a very sweet and well-told story. The main character, Fred, is a smart boy who is often underestimated because of his stutter. He's quite likeable, and the juxtaposition of his diary with what Julie Lawson"read between the lines" is often humourous. This could wellbe Fred's last year to spend the summer at the family cottage before hemust "grow up," and this is a perfect look at a boy who wants tohave the same fun as his younger relatives, but also to move forward andthink about his future."The Only Outcast" is much like thesummer it is set in -- a sweet adventure that you would like to haveforever, but then, far too soon, it is all over. ... Read more

Book Description

In Spite of Killer Bees is a novel about not giving in and not giving up. Aggie and her two sisters have had to move to the small village that had been their father’s childhood home. Their mother is long gone, and their father – who’d been in and out of prison – has died. Although the village holds little charm for the girls, they have hopes. It seems that their late grandfather has made them heiresses.

In the small, judgmental village, Aggie must fight to keep her diminishing family together.By refusing to abandon those she loves and comes to love, she risks more than her happiness. ... Read more

Book Description

An honest portrayal of a young girl's emotional journey amid family upheavals.

Nine-year-old Emily is trying to cope with her changing world. When her father and mother grow further apart, the family's piano -- Emily's link to the good times that once flooded her home -- is sold. She decides the key to the happiness her family used to share is the piano, and so she must find it.

Believing the instrument is most likely in a part of town where rich people live, Emily sets out on her search. She knocks on many doors without success, but carries on, determined to end the darkness that has descended on her home. Finally a piano teacher gives her a lead. Though the days pass slowly, she eventually receives the anticipated call. "Be there Sunday at 1 p.m. sharp," she's told.

It turns out the piano is now in a convent, where it sits in the middle of a room, like royalty. Sister Isabelle tells Emily she can come by any Sunday, and she can bring her mother too.

The first time Emily's mother sees the piano, she plays, sings, and cries. The darkness in their lives slowly tiptoes away as Emily and her mother rediscover happiness and the healing power music brings. ... Read more

Book Description

El famoso cuento de los Hermanos Grimm, en el que dos hermanos son abandonados en el bosque por su madrasta... ... Read more

Book Description

Billie Stoner has no privacy. Her mom watches her like a hawk, and she has to share a room with her nosy little sister. But everything changes the day Billie finds a mysterious cosmetic bag in Central Park. When she puts the makeup on, it makes her disappear! Being invisible is fun for a little while, but can Billie get back to normal before her mother notices she's missing?

"The fun of this whimsical, high-spirited novel comes in following Billie's great adventure and tasting her freedom from scrutiny." --Publishers Weekly

* A Puffin Novel
* Black-and-white illustrations
* 144 pages
* Ages 8-12 ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I like this book
I am in Grade 3. I like this because it's so funny. My favorite part was when Billie and Alyssa ate gum. ... Read more

Book Description

On the Vermont farm where young Berty lives, the year turns like a slow wheel, and new discoveries and old traditions grace each season. There is always time to explore, to watch the men cut ice on the pond, to savor Mama's hot cider, and to watch the stars come out. Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers vividly evoke a time gone by in this celebration of the American family.Rosemary Wells is the acclaimed author and/or illustrator of over fifty books for children, most of which she also illustrated. She lives in Westchester County, New York. Susan Jeffers's award-winning work includes Brother Eagle, Sister Sky, The Midnight Farm,and Hiawatha (all Dial). ... Read more

Book Description

Tiny Thumbelina has been stolen away from her safe home byan ugly old toad. Battling the cold of winter and many unpleasantcreatures, she sets off on an adventure where she meets mice, moles,beautiful birds--and a handsome little king! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A book about a small person doing extrodinary things.
Thumbelina is not normal girl she is about the size of your thumb, but don't let her height mistake you she can do alot of things other people can't do.Like she can fit into small spaces that you can't.So if you like books that are about people doing extremely different things that you don't think that can do then this is the book right for you to read.This book will amaze your eyes with the colorful pictures inside, and with the amazing things Thumbelina can do.

A Beautiful Little Tale
Hans Christian Andersen's story of Thumbeline is so endearing that it's no wonder that so many authors have written their own versions of it and so many illustrators have had a go at making tiny Thumbeline come to life.This version, translated by Anthea Bell and illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger is brimming with charm, rustic folk sensibilities, kindness and compassion spiked with just the right amount of perilous adventure to make it interesting, and a lovely magical feel. The story is well told in satisfyingly descriptive language.The illustrations are superb! Zwerger does a wonderful job with all of the animal characters that Thumbeline encounters and manages to infuse them with emotion and intelligence as well as country charm. Little red-haired Thumbeline is delicate and sweet in several lovely costumes with a peasant feel to them. You know the tale...a woman tells a witch that she wants a "tiny child" and the magic gives her exactly what she wishes for, a tiny child no bigger than her thumb.Thumbeline is born from the heart of a tulip. She's so beautiful and sweet that every small suitor in the neighborhood wants her hand in marriage, including a toad, a mole and a June beetle. They are not interested in the fact that she does not want to marry them!She gets help from other wee folk in the woodland community and makes a good friend when she saves the life of a swallow. The story ends happily for Thumbeline. It may be desirable to point out to your young ones that not every unattached female needs to find a husband, especially very young ones like Thumbeline, and that kidnapping and force are not true ways to get a girl to marry you!Children are smart enough to know that but it's still a good idea to talk over the odd concepts that a child may be thinking about after you read this story.I love this old-fashioned story and this re-telling adds beautifully to its charm and therefore justifies its conception.

A Little Gem
The familiar Hans Christian Andersen story of Thumbelina has received the royal treatment from Susan Jeffers. Her large, lovely pictures make this seem like you are stepping into the story for the first time. Thumbelina is so dainty and sweet that it's no wonder the toad wishes to marry her but poor Thumbelina has a harrowing time escaping from her warty suitor. Share a trumpet vine blossom with Thumbelina, a pair of hummingbirds and a fat bumble bee or take a ride with her on the back of a gallant swallow.This whole story is enchanting from start to finish and the pictures are a delight!

Superb illustrations radiate beauty and grace
Artist Arlene Graston has created for THUMBELINA breathtakingly beautiful illustrations full of gentle elegance and poignant sensitivity. The first illustration depicting the birth of Thumbelina within the petals of aflower, positively glows with radiance. Each succeeding painting makes thevenerable fairy tale come alive with a new freshness and beauty. Graston'sexquisite detail and gorgeous use of color, coupled with her magicalvision, majestically complements the text. This book is a favorite of myyoungest child. We have read and reread it many times, happily carried awayby its charm and magic. I whole- heartedly recomend this lovely book foreveryone, for your children and for the child within us all. I am gratefulto Ms. Graston for creating a work which connects us with the healing andtransporting joy of beauty.

One of the most beautiful children's books I've seen
I had to write this after reading the bizarre review from Kirkus that Amazon posted.I bought the book after it got a starred review in Publisher's Week and was absolutely bowled over.Arlene Graston paints with the kind of enchantment, mastery, and love as the great turn-of-the-century illustrators.Every parent should consider buying this book for their children to show them what beauty is all about. ... Read more