Book Description

Meet Rosa, the Bearded Lady! Charley, the Albino Boy! See them all foryourself at R. J. Walters' Museum of Earthly Astonishments!

In 1883, there is no better place in the world to see exotic attractions than Coney Island, New York. Josephine lives in a little dot of a town called Westley. But her parents still can charge a penny to any visitor who wants to gawk at her. They also can sell her for an even better price to the MacLaren Academy for Girls, where Josephine scrubs and fetches and withstands mocking torment from the fine young ladies of the school.

One day Josephine takes four gold dollars from the schoolmistress and runs away. But she trades her freedom to belong to the famous R. J. Walters' "Natural Curiosity" show on the Coney Island boardwalk. He gives her a new name and a new identity--Little JoJo of Bohemia--but the crowds and the newspaper articles can't satisfy the hunger she has for a real family and a real home. In this beautifully evoked, wonderfully readable adventure story, an incredibly versatile writer creates a marvelously believable heroine from a time and place filled with many wonders.

Publishers Weekly hailed Marthe Jocelyn's first book, The Invisible Day, a "surefire crowd-pleaser" in a starred review. She is also the author of The Invisible Harry and wrote and illustrated Hannah and the Seven Dresses. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Earthly Delight
My daughter and I read this book together and loved it. Kids can really identify with Josephine, the heroine, because she is so small. This book is beautifully written and a truly literate delight. We loved the idea that people who are "different" can take control of their lives, and lead fulfilling ones. The author obviously did a great deal of research for this book and it shows. Since we live in New York City, we loved reading about Coney Island and what it was like in the late 1800s. My daughter and I recommend this book highly to everyone. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Delightful story for Groundhog Day
This is another of Crockett Johnson's wonderful gems for younger readers.Groundhog appears from his burrow in the snowy meadow to look for his shadow and to make his annual prediction.All of the animals, except grouchy Pig, are thrilled with Groundhog's prediction, especially when Groundhog produces tangible evidence that spring has already arrived.When Pig attempts to eat the evidence and makes a prediction of his own, the results are hilarious.This book is out-of-print, but perhaps you'll be as lucky as we were to find a copy tucked away in our school library! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Too many riddles...
I have been reading Jacque's "redwall" books for almost a year, and I have been loving them. I eventually got tired of them, so I tried reading these series. The opening is exciting, with many scary and thrilling parts. Then the ending is boring, and there in no climax. On a scale of 1-10 compared to redwall books, I'd say 5. ... Read more

Book Description

Afterword by Peter Glassman. The autobiography of a horse--one of the best-loved animal stories of all time. Featuring 18 gorgeous full-color plates and 91 black-and-white drawings, this deluxe gift edition will delight readers of all ages. A Books of Wonder Classic. ... Read more

Reviews (103)

Black Beauty i s a Timeless Classic
"Black Beauty," written by author Anna Sewell, is one of the most famous horse books during the nineteenth century. Part of its achievement consists that the novel is a classic for people with many different characteristics. First published in 1877, "Black Beauty" continues to enjoy people for new generations of American citizens around the world. Anna Sewell's brilliant account of animal treatment became a historic breakthrough because it was the first book that described a horse's experience in England. "An autobiography of a young stallion," this book follows the life of Black Beauty. Throughout the novel, it is told in a creative first person form, as if Beauty was describing and narrating his life. Ms. Sewell chose to write this book from the "horses point of view," and she remarkably was able to succeed with her novel. Since Sewell intended on writing this novel in Beauty's point of view, the reader begins to understand the impact of good and treatment towards the horse and his loyal friends. Starter of the Humane Society, the author truly captivates readers with this autobiography of a beautiful, friendly, loving black stallion. In a letter to her friend, Sewell expresses that she hopes "Black Beauty will induce kindness, sympathy, and understanding treatment towards horses." From Beauty's happy, enjoyable youth to his pleasant retirement, Anna Sewell ingeniously wrote the book to remind the cruel treatment in the 1800's. Most importantly, Sewell wrote the book in a time where horses were not given the same respect today, and "Black Beauty" helped to open the eyes of many to the cruelty horses had to suffer. Although Anna Sewell's classic paints a clear picture of the society in London, England, its message is universal and timeless: animals were serve humans well if they are treated with consideration and kindness.

Black Beauty has became a Timeless Classic
"Black Beauty," written by author Anna Sewell, is one of the most famous horse books during the nineteenth century. Part of its achievement consists that the novel is a classic for people with many different characteristics. First published in 1877, "Black Beauty" continues to enjoy people for new generations of American citizens around the world. Anna Sewell's brilliant account of animal treatment became a historic breakthrough because it was the first book that described a horse's experience in England. "An autobiography of a young stallion," this book follows the life of Black Beauty. Throughout the novel, it is told in a creative first person form, as if Beauty was describing and narrating his life. Ms. Sewell chose to write this book from the "horses point of view," and she remarkably was able to succeed with her novel. Since Sewell intended on writing this novel in Beauty's point of view, the reader begins to understand the impact of good and treatment towards the horse and his loyal friends. Starter of the Humane Society, the author truly captivates readers with this autobiography of a beautiful, friendly, loving black stallion. In a letter to her friend, Sewell expresses that she hopes "Black Beauty will induce kindness, sympathy, and understanding treatment towards horses." From Beauty's happy, enjoyable youth to his pleasant retirement, Anna Sewell ingeniously wrote the book to remind the cruel treatment in the 1800's. Most importantly, Sewell wrote the book in a time where horses were not given the same respect today, and "Black Beauty" helped to open the eyes of many to the cruelty horses had to suffer. Although Anna Sewell's classic paints a clear picture of the society in London, England, its message is universal and timeless: animals will serve humans well if they are treated with consideration and kindness.

I didnt like this audio book
The reason I dint like this book was because I think that they should have had more exhiting moments in the book and that they shouldnt have just kept on selling the horse as it got older and in the worst conditions, it was abused and tortured with the many familys it went through. Even though this wasnt a good book for me, just because horses arnt my favorite animals doesnt mean people that love horses shouldnt read this book.

a great book about a horses life
Black Beauty is a great book about a horse and his life. from good masters to bad, happy moments to sad, this book tells it all. I couldn't stop reading it!!! This is a fantastic book that all horse lovers will like.

A Memorable Children's Novel with Important Values
We often talk about teaching children values, but in most cases children's literature is insipid and of no lasting value. BLACK BEAUTY, however, is both valuable as art and valuable for the virtues it teaches: kindness, common sense, and helping those who cannot help themselves. The book is well written in clean prose. It does not over reach the "reading child," nor does it talk down to him. And although it is touching and occasionally sad, it is not in the least sentimental.

The story, of course, is about Black Beauty, a handsome horse who is born and raised in happy circumstances. But in Victorian England horses were used much as we use cars today: they were things to be bought and sold and then gotten rid of when they were no longer useful. Black Beauty is first sold to a good home, but as time passes he is sold again and again--and not always to people who treat him kindly or even to those who give him common care.

There are adventures aplenty, like a stable fire and a dangerous bridge; there are many memorable characters, like the horse Ginger and the kind cabbie Jerry. All of them are seen from Black Beauty's point of view, and beautifully, perfectly described. My mother read this book to me, and as soon as I could I was anxious to read it myself; now, some thirty years later I have stumbled once more upon it. And I can honestly say that it lives up to my memory: it is a fine book, and one that every parent should place in the hands of their children. Strongly recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer ... Read more

Book Description

Eugene, Winifred, and baby Bun Bun are off to visit their uncle who lives in a Great Big Apartment building called Castle Apartments. Could it be a real castle? When Bun Bun, who’s just learned to walk, toddles into the elevator alone, big sister Winifred comes to the rescue. As they go up and up and up in the modern-day tower, they meet a scary monster, a witch, and even a beautiful princess. Or do they? ... Read more

Book Description

When a young lad named Simon is tricked by a greedy, arrogant princess into giving up three very special gifts, he must use all his wits to win them back again.

Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom, three brothers receive unusual legacies from their father. The youngest, Simon, is kind but naive. He proudly puts his gift, an old leather belt, around his waist. In a moment of foolishness he wishes to see the beautiful princess in the castle over the mountains. His brothers warn that she is as mean and greedy as she is beautiful, but the magic belt whisks him straight to the palace.

In no time at all, the princess tricks Simon into surrendering his belt and her guards chase him from the castle. Returning home days later, tired and hungry, Simon is welcomed back by his brothers. The eldest offers his sack of gold to help regain the belt but cautions Simon to be careful when dealing with the princess. Simon again sets out for the castle.

Once more the greedy princess outsmarts him and Simon is sent from the castle, this time with no gold and no belt. When he returns home, Simon's second brother decides to help him this time. He lends Simon his 10,000 soldiers and the magical horn to summon them. He warns Simon to keep his wits about him.

Unfortunately, Simon is still no match for the princess. After losing the horn and the soldiers to her, he wanders into a magical orchard of apples and plums. Simon discovers that one fruit makes your nose grow large while the other shrinks it back to regular size. Before long he has a brilliant, naughty idea - a clever plan to trick the Princess into returning all his family's special gifts.

As for the Princess? is based on a traditional Quebec folk tale, La Princesse au grand nez, which can be found in the recent Mille ans de contes Québec by Cécile Gagnon. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Source of legend and lyric, reference and conjecture, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is for most children pure pleasure in prose. While adults try to decipher Lewis Carroll's putative use of complex mathematical codes in the text, or debate his alleged use of opium, young readers simply dive with Alice through the rabbit hole, pursuing "The dream-child moving through a land / Of wonders wild and new." There they encounter the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts, the Mock Turtle, and the Mad Hatter, among a multitude of other characters--extinct, fantastical, and commonplace creatures. Alice journeys through this Wonderland, trying to fathom the meaning of her strange experiences. But they turn out to be "curiouser and curiouser," seemingly without moral or sense.

For more than 130 years, children have reveled in the delightfully non-moralistic, non-educational virtues of this classic. In fact, at every turn, Alice's new companions scoff at her traditional education. The Mock Turtle, for example, remarks that he took the "regular course" in school: Reeling, Writhing, and branches of Arithmetic-Ambition, Distraction, Uglification, and Derision. Carroll believed John Tenniel's illustrations were as important as his text. Naturally, Carroll's instincts were good; the masterful drawings are inextricably tied to the well-loved story. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (179)

A Great Alice
This production of Alice in Wonderland is pretty fabulous.I loved it as a child.It has a lovely mix of classic stars (Sammy Davis Junior, Imogene Coca) and flavors-of-the-month from the mid-80s (Pat Morita, John Stamos).It would make a great DVD set.

One of my favorite movies of all time!!!!!
Back in the 80's when I was about 7 or 8 years old, this 2 part movie came on TV and we recorded it, of course it was on Beta back then.I totally fell in love with this movie.After I only saw it once or twice, I wasn't able to see it again for the longest time because my family lost the tape and TV never showed it.So I was wanting it for years and finally in the late 90's, like 98 or 99, I just happened to look in the Disney store and saw both Alice In Wonderland (1985) and Alice Through The Looking Glass (1985) and I bought them right away.They were on VHS but it doesn't really matter because I love them so much.To this day, at 26 years old, I still love this 2 part film and never get bored of it.

I have watched many other versions of Alice In Wonderland and no other version has had an Alice as good as Natalie Gregory or a white rabbit as good as Red Buttons.Even Ringo Starr is in this version.I totally love that rabbit costume and back in the 80's, you can tell, or at least I can tell how much work the director put into this film.Since 1985, other versions haven't shown as much detail and work like this version has.Even the roses in the rose garden looks real.I do hope one day, they will release this 2 part masterpiece on DVD because my tapes have gotten a lot of use in the last 5 or 6 years.If you own any Alice In Wonderland, own this 2 part one because this one puts every other version to shame!!!

Best Alice Mini-Series
I loved this mini-series when it aired years ago.I have never seen a better live version of Alice in Wonderland.It told the story to tell the story, not to have every almost no name actor make a little comeback.The little girl that plays Alice is a good actress and plays the part very well.All the songs in the story are fun or lesson oriented, lets face it the whole story is lesson oriented, but it is really fun too.
I would never subject a person to the other "versions".This one is the BEST!

Happy to have this movie back in my life!
Like so many others I saw this version on tv in 1985.My grandparents taped it for me and before it was lost, I watched it relentlessly.Which I will begin to do again...immediately!If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing this movie or its mini-series counterpart, Through the Looking Glass, I highly recommend both.They will instantly become a favorite.

THERE'S ONLY ALICE-Or How To Become An Alice Collector
They say the most translated books along with Alice In Wonderland are the Bible and Shakespeare,one of which is a catalogue of death and murder the other closer to Pornography. Both are of course excrucuatingly boring.
Alice was always about Fun right from Day 1.Its led to endless parodies for one thing which all emphasize the fun factor and yet its also an academic thing.
Its author was a Genius but by the time the book was published it had had a catalyst in Alice Liddell,one of the children who heard the story and begged Carroll to write it down for her.
At this time there was no thought of offering the manuscript too a publisher,that again had another catalyst in author George McDonald whose daughter read the rough draft and liked it herself.
Over 100 years on the World is full of Alice Experts and there are Societies in the UK,North America,Japan and New Zealand to spread the Word According To Lewis Carroll
Nowadays you can find a months worth of reading on the Internet which means you can become an Alice Expert of sorts.The most obvious route to this is to become a Collector but here you have to specialize when an average of one new book a week appears.Or if not books there's over 100 CDs somewhere of Alice associated and inspired music.
You don't though even need to read the book in the physical sense when its on line or available as a Talking Book(with at least 50 different readers) so you can easily get someone else to read it out to you
What's become the Alice Industry is fuelled by endless merchandizing on line or via mail order and retail shops which specialise in Alice.
Here in England you become aware of more American than British involvement,every week bringing something new ... Read more

Book Description

With every turn of the page, children will love lifting the colorful, large flaps to help Rolie find his beloved dog, Spot. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Entertaining!
Another great Rolie Polie Olie book. The bright colors are terrific! Each page has flaps that your child lifts to see if he can find Rolie's dog, Spot. While Spot cannot be found under polka dots on every page (and "it is not fun to look where Spot is not and not and not..."), Spot DOES appear on every page, peeking out from behind one of the dots. The search for Spot is a terrific game. The only down side of this book is that there have been days when my son has required that I read it about 50 times. Yikes! But, he LOVES it and just can't get enough of it.

My 9 mo. old loves this book!
My 9 mo. has been fascinated with Rolie Polie Olie
since she was about 5 mo. old. When I saw this book
at [the store], I showed it to my daughter. She was so
excited and immediately started her baby talk. I bought
the book and now she wants me to read it over and over and over... She loves flipping the polka dot flaps to look for the
family dog, Spot. I agree with the review that said it is short. I guess we will just have to buy more Olie Books.

My eight month old loved it!
After the first read through, my eight month old cried until we read it to him again. We ended up reading it to him 5 times the first night. It's still his favorite! He loves the bright colors and the lift up flaps. He giggles every time we find spot on the last page! We haven't had this kind of a reaction to any other book - and he has quite a few!

Where's Spot?
That's what you find out when you open all the flaps in the book to help Olie look for Spot. My 19-month old son loves this book!

14-month old loves this book
My son loves this book! Unfortunately, it's a bit short, so he keeps asking us to read it over and over and over again. As with all the other 'Olie' books, Joyce's illustrations are excellent. A great book to read to an infant/toddler. ... Read more

Book Description

What do you do when your enemy turns invisible and only you know what's happened to her? That's the predicament Billie Stoner faces when her arch rival, Alyssa, steals Billie's backpack and accidentally uses the magic vanishing powder hidden inside.

Will Billie take pity on Alyssa and try to find a cure, or will she let Alyssa stay vanished forever? In this spirited sequel to The Invisible Day and The Invisible Harry, Billie discovers that an invisible enemy is much more trouble than a visible one! ... Read more

Book Description

It's late night in the city. From his father's shoulder, a sleepless baby watches the snow drift down from the sky onto the busy street below. What are all those noises? What are all those lights? His tired but patient father explains everything, from the bustle of taxis swishing through the slush to the grinding and slamming of the early-morning garbage trucks. Teddy Jam's lyrical prose and Eric Beddows's detailed illustrations cast Night Cars in that magical light between sleep and waking. A warm and witty tale for a cold winter's night. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Our son loved this book.
I don't know where this crummy horn reviewer is coming from, but our son loved this book and heard it read to him (willingly! eagerly!) about a zillion times. It is just a sweet little gem of a bedtime book, and the illustrations are wonderful - very evocative of urban/residential streetlife and what you see from your two-flat window. Highly recommended (and muchly missed - our son's doing his own "bedtime reading" now....).

Don't believe Horn Books
This book is a WONDERFUL bedtime book.One of the best around.The reviewer from Horn Books (who said that the book has badly rhymed verse) clearly has no appreciation for any but the most trivial and obvious rhymes(e.g. night and light).It's all in how you read it.In aBritish/Canadian vernacular (the author is from Canada), "green"and "again" nearly rhyme in "engines roar, light turnsgreen, night cars on their way again".The text of this book ishypnotic and delightful (AND our child loves to hear it again and again).

Also, the illustrations are far from unexceptional.The artist EricBeddows has a wonderful sense of detail and weaves visual themes throughoutthe book.

It's as good or better than "Train Song" by DianeSiebert and Mike Wimmer (Illustrator).

My kids all love it, a fantastic bedtime story!
Horn Book is under the gross misimpression that poetry which doesnot rhyme is necessarily bad.Night Cars is an endearing story, with a wonderfully sonorous meter.The illustrations hold a toddler's attention.It's a perfect bedtime story for bad sleepers and their parents. ... Read more

Book Description

Un día mientras McDuff descansaba en su rincón favorito en el jardín vio algo que nunca había visto: ¡Un conejo! Y lo persiguió por jardines y colinas hasta que el conejo desapareció y McDuff se perdió... ... Read more