Reviews (4)

The Original Edition Is Better
This review concerns the original 1941 edition and the revised 1971 edition, the one commonly found in book stores. In the original edition, Mr. Drew has Nancy help him track down a missing heiress and Nancy, Bess and George stumble upon a mysterious moss-covered mansion. They later hear that someone was murdered near the mansion and they repeatedly hear strange noises coming from inside the mansion. I really enjoyed the first 100 or so pages of this book, but I found that after that I was gradually losing interest in the story. Any of the chapter endings toward the end of the book that had even the smallest bit of interest were quickly resolved in the next chapter. The end of the book was rather bad as the two best things about the book, the murder and the mansion, were resolved with dull explanations. Most of this book is worth reading and I rate it 3 stars. In the revised edition, Nancy, George, Bess, Mr. Drew and Hannah travel to Florida when a friend of Mr. Drew is accused of trying to sabotage the space program by sending a truck of explosive oranges to the Space Center complex at Cape Kennedy. When you finally stop laughing over how lame this plot sounds and actually read the book, it; unfortunately, isn't any better. There is not much action in the book, the mystery isn't very exciting and the writing style is vastly inferior to the original edition. I didn't enjoy the revised edition of this book at all and I'd give it a 1 1/2 star rating.

Best Nancy Drew Book Ever
Nancy Drew: The Case of the Moss-Covered Mansion was one of the best Nancy Drew books I have ever read. It had more action than some other Nancy Drew books. Nancy Drew was working three different cases at the same time. She saw tigers two feet away and dangerous things happen to her and her friends, Bess and George. In the last four or so chapters, I couldn't put down the book. I like the way that the author describes the scenes where Nancy and her friends are at. It was one of the best, most intense, Nancy Drew endings ever.

The Best Nancy Drew Book Besides Whispering Statue
I love Nancy Drew Do You? I'm In 3rd Grade And I Love Nancy Drew Books.My Friend Susanah W. Got Me In To Nancy Drew Books. I've Read About 7 Nancy Drew Books And Im Only 8 years Old. Nancy Drew Isnt JUST For Girls Is It. Because Im A Boy And I Love Nancy Drew.In The Story Nancy Goes To Florida And Has To Find Out Who Deliverd Explosive Oranges To The Kennedy Space Center After That She Finds Out That She's Closer To A Black Lepord Than She Ever Will Be!

The book is about the Kennedy space center, and other places
The Mystery Of The Moss-coverd Mansion is a great book. There is a lot of really exiting parts, and some parts that are funny. I am 12 years old and I am planning on reading all of the other Nancy Drew Books. I have so far read 28 of them and enjoied them all. I think it is a great book!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Six kids. One shipwreck. One deserted island.After their ship sinks, Luke, Ian, JJ, Sharla, Will, and Lyssa must find a way to survive. They have no food and very few supplies. They think they¹re all alone‹but they¹re not. And that¹s even worse. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The thrilling second book in the Island trilogy.
Ian, Luke, Charla, and Will have survived a terrible shipwreck and one week on the open seas with no food and scarce water. Now, they have landed on a tropical island in the middle of nowhere. Will is suffering from amnesia, and the kids don't even know if J.J. and Lyssa are still alive. The only human beings on this lonely island, they must make a fire, build a shelter, and gather food and water to sustain them, in addition to searching for Will, who has run off into the jungle. When a plane lands on the island, the kids hope to be rescued, but instead, they find themselves in the middle of some very dangerous and illegal dealings. Now the kids have a far bigger problem than simple survival. They have to hide all traces of their existence, or they won't have any hope at all of making it out of this alive. Gordon Korman continues his thrilling Island trilogy with book two, which picks up right where book one left off. I can't wait to read the third book and find out if the kids survive and make it off the island.

The thrilling second book in the Island trilogy.
Ian, Luke, Charla, and Will have survived a terrible shipwreck and one week on the open seas with no food and scarce water. Now, they have landed on a tropical island in the middle of nowhere. Will is suffering from amnesia, and the kids don't even know if J.J. and Lyssa are still alive. The only human beings on this lonely island, they must make a fire, build a shelter, and gather food and water to sustain them, in addition to searching for Will, who has run off into the jungle. When a plane lands on the island, the kids hope to be rescued, but instead, they find themselves in the middle of some very dangerous and illegal dealings. Now the kids have a far bigger problem than simple survival. They have to hide all traces of their existence, or they won't have any hope at all of making it out of this alive. Gordon Korman continues his thrilling Island trilogy with book two, which picks up right where book one left off. I can't wait to read the third book and find out if !the kids survive and make it off the island.

5-star Book(Island2survival)
Im here to tell you about a book i read. My book is called Island2survival. It is one book out of a series of three. This book ihas 138 pages. The author of this book is Gorden Korman. He also wirtes other three series books.
The genre of this book is realistic fiction and adventure. It is realistic fiction becauseit could happen in real life. It is adventure becausethe kids have to survive ont he island.
The setting of this story is: on an uncharted island over the summer. The plot is that six kids get shipwrecked on an uncharted island. They have to find food and build shelter to survive. Later on in the book they find out there are smugglers on the island that sell illegal animal parts. Whenever they hear the plane, they have to put out the fire and take all the food and supplies off the beach, and take them into the jungle where the smugglers cant see them.
There are some reasons i like this book. They are:The kids were trapped ont he island alone, they are on an island that has a big jungle,and because they have to be careful because there are smugglers on the island.
The reccomended age group i would think is nine years old and up,because it has some scenesthat younger kids wouldnt understand and it has one killing part in it.
This was a great book. Iwould reccomend you to read it.
GOOD-Bye

Island book#2
With the captain dead and Radford gone the passengers of the
Phoenix are castaways on a desert island.But they aren`t the
only ones on the island there are smugglers their too.The
smugglers trad illegal animal parts.

A great read
My favorite book is the second book in a series called Island. It's entitled Survival, and it's by Gordon Korman. One thing I like about this book is the nonstop action in the fight for the ultimate prize, survival. Wild boars, mosquitoes, and killers that use the island for illegally selling endangered animal parts and elephant ivory are only the beginning of the six shipwrecked kids' worries. If one of the kids doesn't see a doctor, it means certain death. Another reason I absolutely love this book is because it is so real. From the way Gordon Korman describes all of the kids' hardships to the setting on an invisible island that is not on any map, it makes me feel as if everything is really happening. Yet another reason I adore this book is the constant suspense. For example, I kept on asking myself, " What's going to happen next?" When the story looked as if it would turn out one way, it turned out to be something totally different than what I had thought. With the combination the kids worries, problems, overcome obstacles, and their everlasting hope, this book is the best I've ever read. ... Read more

Book Description

Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife to two kings, mother to two others, has been waiting in Heaven a long time -- eight centuries, more or less -- to be reunited with her second husband, Henry II of England. Finally, the day has come when Henry will be judged for admission. While Eleanor, never a patient woman in life or afterlife, waits, three people, each of whom was close to Eleanor during a time of her life, join her. Their reminiscences do far more than help distract Eleanor -- they also paint a rich portrait of an extraordinary woman who was front and center in a remarkable period in history and whose accomplishments have had an important influence on society through the ages. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Magnificent intro to one of history's most powerful women
I first read this book at least 15 years ago and have never forgotten it. This book and The Daughter of Time launched my ongoing love affair with British history. After reading this book, I was so inspired that I dressed as Eleanor of Aquitaine for Halloween; I was shocked and astonished to discover that she was far from a household name and I spent my entire evening of trick-or-treating explaining my costume. If more books for children were as historically accurate and entertaining as is Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver, I think more people would have recognized and appreciated my costume. E.L. Konigsburg writes some of the best children's books I've ever read and they stand the test of time- I enjoy reading them now as much as I did then. By writing about an often ignored yet fascinating woman, Konisburg opened my eyes to a range of historical characters usually excluded in traditional history books. I highly recommend this book for any child, but especially for young girls who are looking for more female characters to shape their understanding of world history.

A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver
"...Louis was too thickheaded to use this valuable tool, this queen, this restless beauty, this Eleanor." So begins the wonderful saga of the spirited Eleanor of Aquitaine, her husbands, sons and daughters. From her marriage with Louis of France to that of King Henry II of England, Eleanor shows through wit and compassion, abruptness and anger, readers learn the unforgettable story of this heroine, and exactly why she has earned her place in history. Told from the view points of Abbot Suger of St. Denis, the Matilda Empress, and King Henry's most faithful knight, William the Marshall, A Proud Taste for Charlotte and Miniver is not a book to be forgotten

Fantastic book about a prominent figure
A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver is a wonderful book about the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. This book shows all stages of her life: her childhood in France, her first marriage to Louis VII, her second marriage to Henry II, every important stage of Eleanor's life.

Eleanor and her fellow story-tellers Abbot Suger, Matilda-Empress, and William the Marshal are well-portrayed, as are the people who made an impact on Eleanor's life. Everything that happened to her is drawn in deftly to the story; you barely realise that you are actually waiting for Henry's judgement.

This is a great introduction to an important figure in French and English history. If you're looking for a light read or a brief glance into the time period Eleanor lived in, this is the perfect book. It is great for the youngest children to the most interested historian. This is a definitely something to check out as soon as you can!

A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver
In 'A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver', a teen named Eleanor of Aquitaine is married to Prince Louis of France. They live happily until the crusade, where she disobeys her husband, now King, and is very unpleasant after that. So Eleanor leaves that marriage behind, and marries King Henry. She feels that she has never met a person so devious and sharp-witted like herself, and becomes very pleasurable around him. She gives birth to three sons and one daughter, but they all disagree with each other. And to make it worse, King Henry is becoming more and more angry at both his sons and Eleanor. SO she lives in Aquitaine. But what will he do to Eleanor? Read this book!

Im not sure that I liked this book, because it was pretty hard to follow. It was an interesting read, and I would reccomend it to people that like medieval tales, but NOT anything like science fiction, like me. Only if you like fantasy and are willing to cope with a broken-up story, from several characters' points of view. Read something else instead.

Amazing book
I love Eleanor very much. She was beautiful both inside and outside. She loved poetry, music, and art. She was strong and always fought bravely. She was a pioneer feminist.
I love the beautiful illustrations by E.L.Konigsburg, too. Great! ... Read more

Book Description

From the day she was born, Lil had a book in her hand . . . so it's no surprise when she grows up to become a librarian herself. She even manages to turn the people of Chesterville-who are couch potatoes-into readers. But then Bust-'em-up Bill roars into town with his motorcycle gang. Just mention reading to him and you're toast. Has Lil finally met her match?This original tall tale by a real-life librarian, combined with Steven Kellogg's trademark humor, is better than any TV show!

"A librarian's favorite fantasy . . . The silliness of both story and pictures are perfectly matched . . . A winner for storytimes anywhere."
-School Library Journal, starred review

"This love story about books is enough to make anyone wish for a permanent TV blackout!"
-Children's Literature ... Read more

Reviews (4)

"Library Lil" visits Machias Elementary School
The author of "Library Lil," Suzanne Williams, just finished her author visit at Machias Elementary School, where I am the libararian. In preparation for her visit, I took a chance and read this delightfully illustrated (by Steven Kellogg) picture book to every class, Kindergarten through grade 6. To my delight, I discovered that this modern "tall tale" had appeal for all ages. Although one review said this book was overly didactic, I would say that the message that reading is better than television (or video games, etc.) is one that can't be stressed too much. And with this title, "a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down."

Suzanne Williams did two assemblies for us. For primary grades she entertained the students with another of her titles, "Mommy Doesn't Know My Name." With the older students, she talked about the writing/publishing process in a manner that kept everyone's attention. I think Williams' alter ego is "Library Lil!"

No good book goes unread when Lil's around!
Library Lil, a champion reader, champions the cause of reading through ingenuity, perseverance and brute physical strength. The best thing about this book is that at storytime, the 3rd grade boys were as engrossed in the story as the girls!

Library LiL is an excellent and fun book for 2nd- 4th grades
What a character Library Lil is! Library Lil is a wonderful addition to the town's reading program. However, she has to work at getting them away from their televisions. Once she does, Lil is quite busy. The fun starts when some rough guys come to town and she must convince them to read, too. This book is a modern day tall tale and can be used to illustrate and model those characteristics. Lil is very, very strong and this helps her cope with those out of town fellows who make fun of the readers. This book is lots of fun for students, teachers, and librarians alike.

Excellent
Great book for librarians...and anyone who loves libraries. Lil is a fantastic character who will try anything to turn everyone into a reader...and she succeeds ... Read more

Reviews (13)

One Of The Best Nancy Drew Books
This review concerns the original 1931 edition and the revised 1961 edition, which tells a story similar to the original, but it is shorter. While on a shopping trip, Nancy, Bess and George meet a young girl named Millie (Joanne in the revised edition) who lives at Red Gate Farm with her grandmother. Millie/Joanne and her grandmother may be forced to sell their farm because they don't have enough money, so they decide to take in boarders. Nancy, George and Bess go to the farm to spend some time with their new friend and she tells them about a weird nature cult that rents part of their land and performs strange rituals at night. Nancy; however, suspects that the cult is not quite what it seems. To find out if she is right you'll have to read the book. I really enjoyed this book. I found the mystery intriguing and the writing was very good (at least with the original edition, which was the one I read). I'd recommend reading the original edition, if possible, but either way, this is a very good story that fans of the series would enjoy.

Great Book
I loved reading this book. It was very interesting and made me analyze all the characters to figure out who the counterfeiters were. I was amazed at the twists and turns of this mystery story. This book is about a group of people who make false money and try to pass it off as real money. Nancy, Bess, George, and Joan help uncover the group and stop the production of the fake money. There is a strong climax when Nancy and her friends are trapped in a cave and a caught. Basically, this was one of the best books I have read. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a great mystery.

A pretty good book!
I read the 1931 version. As usual with the original Nancy Drew books, the writing was good. But this particular volume stands out as being one of the better Nancy Drew books. While the whole book is good, the ending at the cave is really exciting.

Kindness Personified
I read this book not too long ago after a long break from reading the hardcovers. I forgot how much I liked it!
In this book, Nancy and the gang helps out a girl and her granny at their farm, and becomes entangled in solving a mystery involving counterfeiting, greed, and a KKK-like "clan."
What really stood out in this book was Nancy's eagerness to help others, and her generosity. I love how Nancy shows so much concern for Joanne. She drove Joanne to different towns in search of a job, and went to her farm to be a paying boarder just so they wouldn't have to sell the place. You don't read about that sort of thing in the paperbacks nowadays. I haven't read a YSPC in a really long time, so it was a treat to read something so refreshing and different! You really lose sight of the real Nancy when you start reading paperbacks. I've never really realized how different Nancy had become since the 50s, or the 30s, for that matter, until now.
This book is the quintessential example of Nancy Drew being a great role model.

S.J.

Excellent, ONE OF THE BEST NACY DREW BOOKS EVER!
This is one of the most thrilling Nancy Drew books EVER published. I would encourage ANYONE to read this book(the original version of course) ... Read more

Book Description

This is the inspiring true story of the John J. Harvey-a retired New York City fireboat reinstated on September 11, 2001. Originally launched in 1931, the Harvey was the most powerful fireboat of her time. After the September 11 attacks, with fire hydrants at Ground Zero inoperable and the Hudson River's water supply critical to fighting the blaze, the fire department called on the Harvey for help. There were adjustments-forcing water into hoses by jamming soda bottles and wood into nozzles with a sledgehammer-and then the fireboat's volunteer crew pumped much-needed water to the disaster site. The John J. Harvey proved she was still one of New York's Bravest!

Maira Kalman brings a New York City icon to life, celebrating the energy, vitality and hope of a place and its people. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Terrific Book - No Excuses!
I guess I'm somewhat taken aback by some of the reviewers who apparently read the book to their children, or got partway through it, without having looked it over themselves first. Sorry, that's just irresponsible. The book is a fabulous treatment of a terrible subject that your children ARE aware of, and this helps explain how ordinary people became heroes that awful day.

My 6-year old first fell in love with this book when he was 4, and he knows enough about 9/11 to know it was a horrible event. His dad (me) was next door to the WTC that morning, so he and his brother lived through waiting to hear from me with his mom.

The book is sensitive and touching. It's a great book and I highly recommend it. If you think your child might have a problem with ANY book, you should always read it yourself first.

Surprised, but pleased
I picked this book up at the library without looking through it. I intended it for my 3 year old son. I was as surprised as another reviewer that it was about September 11th. However, once I realized it, I read it privately and showed it to my husband. He and I both agreed that it was a beautiful book that dealt with a enormous, important event sensitively. I decided to buy it for our own collection. The illustrations are very colorful, and the text simple. My son loves the book. Clearly, he doesn't understand the whole story. But I remember holding my son tightly on that day and think this story memorializes the day and the heroes of the John. J. Harvey well. I recommend it.

Can't read this without sobbing
A beautiful book about how the tradgedy of 9/11 brought out the best in New Yorkers. Of course we want to shelter our young children from awful events like this, but if they are elementary school age, they will hear about 9/11. Better to discuss it with them in a sensitive way. I have read this to my 6 year old about 5 times. I sob every time. Guess I'm teaching empathy.

This book is highly recommended
This book is highly recommended for all to read, especially for young children. 9/11 happened, and while it might be all well and good to shelter your children from the events of that day, there are 10,000 children without a mom or dad that cannot be. So, be a responsible adult and screen everything but, do not lose an opportunity to educate your children no matter what their age. And, teach them about giving back to others, not about the terrors involved. You'd be surprised.

Wonderful!
This book handles the events of 9/11 in a wonderful way. The pictures are very tasteful. After seeing all the horrific images on the tv, the children will not be frighten by these pictures. This is a very well written book. Parents should always read a book before reading it to their child. Although I can't imagine why this book would be offensive. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great Book
I really enjoyed Can I Keep Him? It was funny. I highly recommend it for anyone who likes a good read. What will happen to the little tadpole Arnold's uncle sent to him? I will tell you one thing, it doesn't turn into a frog.

Looking for a friend? Try these ideas...
I've been a Steven Kellogg fan for nearly 20 years now. His work is original, engaging, and entertaining. He does his own illustrations which "make" his stories come to life for me.

In this book by Kellogg a lonely little boy is in search of a friend. In the natural course of events the little boy either brings home or asks his mother if he can bring home animal after animal for a pet. Thus the book's title, "Can I Keep Him?" His mother's responses are typical, but the translation of her responses in her son's head (shown in picures also done by Kellogg) are hilarious!

A definite hit with children and adults alike!

Give it a try.

Definitely 5 stars.

Alan Holyoak

Children love this book!
Arnold wants a pet and his imagination is off and running. Arnold's mother directs him gently in the right direction, but not before Arnold comes up with some wildly inappropriate choices. Steven Kellogg's illustrations are delicious. This is one of my children's favorite books. Now that they are older, they buy this book for every little kid they can think of. Don't miss it! ... Read more

Book Description

Fresh from his foray into Hollywood stardom, Babe gets a new cover for the

Knopf Paperbacks line."An animal fantasy which will inevitably be

compared to Charlotte's Web...Combines a robust pleasue in the smell and

feel of rural surroundings with a humorous affection for all living

creatures...a splendid book." The Horn Book, starred review


An ALA Notable Book


A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book


A Horn Book Fanfare Honor Book


An IRA/CBC Children's Choice


An NCTE Teachers' Choice




... Read more

Reviews (9)

Truly a classic animal tale
Babe captured my heart, as he was trying to save his own skin. This book is truly a classic animal tale, where the creatures take on believable and human emotions and personalities. We see intelligence, fear, hope, and love, in a heartwarming pig, and his other animal friends. The inter-species bond between Babe and his human farmer is delightful! I have read it several times, and each time, see another angle, in this Pig-Shepherd memoir. Should not be limited to any age group, because adults as well as children will be entertained.
Arlene Millman
author of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY
(The tale of a remarkable Boston Terrier)

The Best Sheep-pig Ever
When I read the book I thought it was great. I think that Babe set a good example because he never gave up.Babe is a pig that wants to be a sheep-dog.But since he is a pig he can't.But he still tried and his owner entered him in the sheep dog trials.I dont want to spoil the ending for youso that is all I have to say.

Babe the best pig
I had to read Babe in school. I didn't think I'd like it but I really did. I think Babe is very nice. He was always kind to others and never tried to be mean in any way. He got people (sheep) to obey him by just being kind. I think people in the whole world should read Babe and try to be like him.

A delightful book!
Dick King-Smith has written a real gem! He is a genius at characterization. We are immediately caught up in the contrasting characters of the farmer and his wife. She talks a blue streak with never a pause for breath and turns and twists at great length in long and convoluted sentences that take up half the page, question after question and answering most of them herself. One susinct word suffices her husband.

The animal characters are even more rich! The loving mother sheep-dog takes poor little piglet Babe under her "wing". Loving and kind though she may be to Babe, she is completely rude and disdainful towards the "stupid" sheep. Babe learns the power of truly respectful kindness, and totally surpasses the dog in being able to manage the sheep herd and bring out the best in them.

As a teacher, I believe this has a message for us. I've seen some "benevolent dictators" in my day, who treat students as simpletons and get as much. Kindness, respect, and assuming intelligence go a lot further!

Comparable to Charlotte's Web
It's impossible to not compare Babe to Charlotte's Web because it is also about a pig that is trying to save its neck. Babe really holds up well against the classic work. Babe (which is very much like the movie that came from it) tells a marvelous story and also contains a lot of depth. The short book tells the story of a pig who decides to become a sheep-dog (or sheep-pig). King-Smith relates humorous, exciting, and touching episodes of the pig's life until the novel reaches a splendid climax at the National Sheep-Dog Trials. The novel does have quite a bit to say about life. It speaks to overcoming traditional boundaries as Babe becomes a sheep-pig. The novel speaks to how fellow beings should be treated. Perhaps most importantly, Babe: The Gallant Pig speaks ... as Babe learns to treat the "stupid" animals (this is what they were known as prior to Babe) like sheep and ducks with politeness and friendship. Babe: The Gallant pig has a lot to say (particularly to children) and tells a great story. It certainly ranks among the top works of children's literature. ... Read more

Book Description

The incomparable Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle loves children good or bad and never scolds but has positive cures for Answer-Backers, Never-Want-to-Go-to-Bedders, and other boys and girls with strange habits. ‘[Now] in paperback . . . for a new generation of children to enjoy.’ —San Francisco Examiner Chronicle.

... Read more

Reviews (7)

memories of my childhood
I love the Piggle-Wiggle books! I was first introduced to the seres when my third grade teacher read them to the class. I have enjoyed reading them to my own students since then...Children love hearing about the different tales and adventures of the children who are friends of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle! The stories come alive for all people who hear these stories because it's so easy to relate to. I think we all can remember a time when we had trouble interrupting or not cleaning up after ourselves!!!! These stories are a true treasure!!

Mrs. Piggle Wiggle Magic
I am 35 years old and can still remember my mother reading us these story every night. No matter how many times we heard them over and over it was the best time we spent together. I now have a daugter of my own and can't wait to read the same storys to her. I loved all the funny things she would do the kids to get them to listen to their parents.

Very Funny
I have read this tory to students in my class ranging from kindergartners to third graders. All of my students have enjoyed the story and went on to read the other titles as well. The humor used in the book is very good. Children can relate to some of the problems Miss Piggly Wiggly cures. We even used her humor in class as we decided how some of our personalities fit with the children's in the story. I would highly recommend this story as a read aloud for younger children or independent reading for third grade and higher.

Delightful And Funny
This is a delightful and funny book for children. I read it a few years ago and thought to myself, this is a funny book, but adults shouldn't really read it because they might not like it like me. It's childish humor about an old lady who likes children. Buy this for your children.

Cute, humorous, but dated
I read the Ms. Piggle-Wiggle books in second & third grade & enjoyed them, but now as an adult & writer, I leafed through the books again recently & find them to be unrealistic & dated. You can tell the books are set WAY back in the olden days(1950's) where people were more ignorant in general & wanted to fantasize about "perfect" traditional WASP families where all the Mommies were happy housewives who never held a job & all the Daddies rushed off to work five mornings a week & divorce, sex, peer pressure, & poverty are unheard of. The magic parts are appealing to kids of any era. But then that magic was played out in the conservative fantasy of having the children cured of faults, creating "perfect" children who gave parents no trouble. Especially troubling is the story about the "crybaby". In the end when the girl was cured of crying so much, she promised her parents, "I'm never going to cry again. No matter what happens." That might give a wrong message to highly sensitive kids who cry easily. Mary Anne Spier of the BSC series & the biggest crier in Stoneybrook, Connecticut was lucky not to be around back then! So...parents: before you read these with your kids make sure they understand that these stories are influenced by the suburbia feminine mystique fantasies that plagued most of the US in the fifties. Another word of warning: spanking is presented as acceptable in these books. The books could be used as a catalyst of discussion in classrooms & families about how people idealized how life "should" be...then & today. ... Read more

Book Description

Now in paperback! From the award-winning author of Babe: The Gallant Pig comes the story of how the Loch Ness monster finds his home, thanks to the human family that raises him.

... Read more

Reviews (3)

Adorable...
A satisfying explanation of a well-known mystery--but I won't spoil it by telling you which one. All the main characters are charmingly written (my favorites are the grumpy old grandpa and Angus, the little boy who is always ready to eat) and I loved how King-Smith described what the water horse was thinking. This book leaves you with a good feeling.

P.S. If you're a Pokemon fan--I wonder if this is where they got the idea for Lapras?!?

Finish Now!!!!
I Liked This Book.Once You Open You'll Like It From The Very Beginning. Dick-King Smith Did Good.I Liked The Illistrations It Is Funny.So If Your A Good Reader Go To Your Local Library And Check Out The Water Horse

This is the best one yet!!!!!!!!!
When Kirstie finds an egg on the beach, she takes it home. It hatches in her bathtub. It turns out to be a kelpie or better known as the Water Horse. They keep it in a goldfish pond and feed it fish when it gets to big they move it to a big loch. When the Water Horse gets to big for the loch they don't know what to do!! what will happen to the Water Horse??!? Read this book to find out the rest of this fun, exciting story!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Laura Linney
approx. 3 hours
2 cassettes

Teenage detective nancy Drew uses her courage and powers of deduction to solve the mysterious happenings in an old stone mansion. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

The Hidden Staircase
This book is about a detective named Nancy Drew who likes to solve mysteries and solving problems. She is a 18-years-old girl who hangs out with her two friends and sometimes they both help Nancy to solve mysteries. This Nancy Drew book is about two people living in a house and start seeing weird things like: something at the window, something moving, house's ceiling shakes like it is falling, and other actions that had frighten the girls and the two people living in it. There was a hidden staircase in the house that leads to another house that the two people had not know about. But can you find out who the person is that is behind all the troubles that had happened?

For all the people who likes to read mystery books, this book might be good for you. Maybe some people might now like it, but I consider that you should read the book. I like to read this book. I like to read mystery books. So for those people who likes to read mystery books, you can start reading Nancy Drew books with her solving crimes, missing things, and other mysteries.

The Hidden Staircase
The Hidden Staircase was a great book. It was exciting and sad at the same time. It made you want to read it over and over again because it is so good. I do think that that could have been more action because there was a little to much talking in it. I'm not one to really enjoy mysteries and this book gave me a whole new perspective of these kinds of books. I gave it 4 stars, again for the lack of action (not that there wasnt any but it neede more). I fully believe that every girl should read the Nancy drew series, they are so good every time you read it you never want to put it down. Every word keeps you on the ege of your seat.

The Hidden Staircase
For you kids out there that don't know, the Nancy Drew series has been around since 1929. It was originally written by Mildred A. Wirt Benson, under the pseudonym 'Carolyn Keene'. The originals looked exactly like this- well, except they didn't have the gold sticker-thing.

But the terrible thing is that the originals were re-written, under the same name, but not by the same person, in the fifties. The books lost the spirit and fire that they had originally had, and, unless you were a frequenter (a LUCKY frequenter) of antique malls, you wouldn't be able to find the original text.

Until now.

These books are the originals, and I personally like them much more than the other, later editions. The stories are longer, the pictures are wonderful (they are) and the story itself is much better.

If you have a choice between a newer version and this one- there's no choice. Get this one.

One of the better Nancy Drew mysteries...
I read the 1930 version of this book. Although all the original Nancy Drew books are fairly well-written, this is one of the more interesting and exciting books of the series.

The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene
This story is about an 18 year old detective named Nancy Drew.Her aunt Rosemary owned a mansion.There had been some strange things happening that were frightening the people living there.It was up to Nancy to figure out who was frightening them and why. Nancy did every thing she could, such as looking for footprints.But she, at first, was unsuccessful.Nancy wanderd how a person could come in the mansion without leaving any signs.This stunned Nancy but did not stop her from solving the mystery.Eventually she found a hidden staircase leading to a nother mansion owned by someone else.Nancy's aunt knew nothing of this secret staircase.To find out how Nancy finds the hidden staircase and who was frightening them, you must read this book.I found that the story was at times to predictable because of the title of the book.I kept wondering when the hidden staircase would be found. I liked it however that Nancy had a friend to help figure out the mystery.Over all I enjoyed this book and would reccomend it to anyone. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. The Caldecott Medalist's powerful classic is now reissued in a handsome paperback edition, as well as a library edition. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

NIGHTLY
My 3 kids request I read this book every night. Its good enough that I don't MIND.

The Genius of Ezra Jack Keats!
Guess which is one of the books I'm using for Black History Month this year?

Illustrations and Words
Jessica Kruczynski English 385.04 Dr. Michelle H. Martin March 29, 2000

Keats, Ezra. John Henry: An American Legend. Toronto, Canada: Random House, Inc, 1965.

John Henry, written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats, tells the story of a fictitious American legend. Through the powerful illustrations, Keats portrays John Henry as a heroic man with much importance in society. Keats uses bold colors throughout the story, which help stimulate the reader's emotions. John Henry's importance is first revealed in the opening of the story. Unusual, marbalized paper illustrations accompany the words that tell of the night noises welcoming John Henry into the world. Even as a newborn child, he is the focus of the story, taking up an entire page in the book. When John Henry realizes his own strength, he makes the decision to leave his family and go out into the world. The illustration during this part of the story shows that a change is because of the bright colors and the image of waves rolling into the next page. When a storm strikes, John Henry's first act of bravery comes into play. Black and grey colors give a feeling that things are not quite right. The storm nearly causes a ship to sink, but John Henry is able to gain respect and admiration from others by bringing their ship to safety. John Henry, who was born with a hammer in his hand, feels called to go help build railroads. The illustration of him helping with the railroad tracks is much different thtn the other illustrations because John Henry is not the center of attention. Perhaps the reason for this is because helping build the railroad with a hammer in his hand is where John Henry belongs. Henry's next opportunity to be the hero occurrs when a lit fuse burns closely to dynamite in a cave, causing a very dangerous situation. Trying to put out the fuse, John Henry first trips and falls, but recovers by putting out the flame with his hammer. In this illustration, the hammer takes up and entire page! This shows that the hammer and John Henry are of equal importance; without his hammer, he is only an ordianry man. After proving himself to be a hero, John Henry develops a feeling of much confidence in himself. When told about an extremely powerful steam drill, John Henry states that he is more powerful and can drill more holes faster than six men combined. The illustrations of Henry's "race" with the machine are very effective in portraying motion. The hammer appears to be moving so fast that it becomes almost a blur. The pictures show how tired John Henry is becoming, and eventhough the steam drill is ahead of him at one point, he continues to work harder and faster. With much determination, John Henry picks up another hammer so that he can get twice as much done. In this illustration, John Henry and the two hammers take up two pages. Keats uses a bright orange color to offset Henry and the hammers. The bright color gives a feeling of excitement and makes the reader feel confident that John Henry can beat the steam machine. Througout John Henry's battle with the machine, people watch with admiration. John Henry continued to hammer, even after the steam machine collapsed. His goal was to break through the tunnel and when light began to shine through, everyone saw that his goal was reached. With hard work and determination, John Henry once again proved himself to be a hero. He died while walking out of the tunnel, carrying not one, but two hammers.

John Henry is a classic man vs. machine folktale.
I originally read this book when I was a boy and I remember how hauntingly beautiful I found the story. John Henry is still one of my favorite heroes and I collect everthing I can find on him. The book has burned itself into my soul!
I have no idea where my original book is, but when I recieved a new copy as a present I was a wash with memories. It's a very cool folktale and I can't wait to read it to my kids someday, like my mom did for me. ... Read more

Book Description

Speechless

Connor is sure his best friend, Branwell, couldn't have hurt Branwell's baby half sister, Nikki. But Nikki lies in a coma, and Branwell is in a juvenile behavioral center, suspected of a horrible crime and unable to utter the words to tell what really happened. Connor is the only one who might be able to break through Branwell's wall of silence. But how can he prove Branwell didn't commit the unspeakable act of which he's accused -- when Branwell can't speak for himself? ... Read more

Reviews (100)

My summary on Silent to the bone
Silent to the Bone is a great story. The book is about a boy whose name is Branwell and one day when he comes home from school he sees his half-baby sister breathing weird and he starts to yell "Vivi, come here. It's Nikki." The babysitter, Vivian, came into the room and abuses. She tells him to call 911 and he did. When the operator comes on the phone he is silent.

Nikki lies in a coma while they send Branwell him to the Juvenile Behavioral Center where everyday his best friend Connor comes and see him. Branwell stayed in the Behavioral Center for 20 days. 10 days went by and on the 11th he was making progress, like, he was touching the letters of the alphabet and spelling out words so that Connor could talk to these people.

On the 19th and 20th day he was talking and didn't want anyone to know that, only Connor and Margaret (Connor's big sister). He finally came out of the Behavioral Center and stayed at Margaret's house.

On New Year's Eve, Branwell's dad came to pick up Branwell. He came along with Tina (Branwell's new mom) and Nikki. For the first time that Nikki was ever born Tina gave Branwell Nikki to hold.

My Review; by a Frankford Student.
When I heard about the book "Silent to the Bone", I thought it sounded quite interesting, and decided to read it. This bok is for young adults. It is about a 13 year old boy named Branwell who is accused of seriously injuring his infant sister, Nikki. His best friend Connor is determined to help out his friend and figure out who really injured Nikki. There is only one problem, Branwell goes silent, and refuses to speak about what actually happened. Although, him and Connor still figure out a way of communicating. I believe the theme of this book is, silence is an art. Branwell was smart not to say anything and let Connor ask all the questions. He thought that if he didn't say anything at all, you can't say anything wrong. Overall, This book wasn't as exciting as I expected it to be, and it wasn't challenging to read at all. Although, there were some humorous characters such as Connor, and there were sad times as well. For example, when Branwell's father gets remarried he neglects Branwell. This book really kept me guessing the real criminal who injured Nikki was. I would reccomend this book to people who like books with suspense.

Rats. Obvious and cheap work from a good writer.
Who did it first, DiCamillo with Tale of Despereaux, or Konigsburg with this?

What I mean is, fine writers putting out silly, under edited cliches.

The bad guy was obvious by page three.

Konigsburg can write well without silly cliched sex subplots. (That niche is filled by Judy Blume.)

And, as another reviewer pointed out, gaping, unexplained holes in the main storyline. (Maybe if she hadn't had to put in the ham-handed subplot, she would have had time to make sense of the main one.)

MOTHERS - Stay Home With Your Children!!!!!!!!!
This book is very strange in that Here we have baby who is neglected and called a brat by the babysitter and then dropped on her head and nearly DIES.

We see no consequences come to Vivian except that she loses her job and any possibilities of working in childcare. And how could one Nanny agency provide that restriction. That's a police matter!

I thought it was so gross that Branwell did not tell his parents that Vivian was not taking good care of HIS sister.

We hear nothing of what should have been ULTRA guilt and ULTRA rage from the parents. How would a real mother feel if she handed over her responsibility to care for her child into the hands of someone who DID NOT care for her, didn't even change her diapers enough and who almost KILLED her. Personally I woudl almost feel like killing myself. WHY HAVE CHILDREN if you are going to pawn them off without a second look back?? Having children is not something you put on your "To Do" list and when they are born you go on to the next item.

Niki opening her eyes and smiling at her mother who said "Mother's here" is funny. Niki would hardly know who she was! They must have had extreme minimal time with her, coming home at 6:00 pm every eve. She would have thought Vivian was her mother and Branwell her dad.

Personally THEY neglected and abused their baby daughter for not caring enough to have quality care for her (which ideally is one of the parents)

I think that makes this story so weak and shallow and dangerous.
We see none of the remorse or reparations. In fact at the end they are getting another babysitter!!!! Makes me sick!

I liked the relationship between Margaret and Connor but that's about it.

Another Very Good book by a Very Good Author
Something has happened to Branwell Zamborska. This boy who loves not only words, and their power, but the sound of his own voice has gone mute. Accused of dropping his sister, Branwell, or Bran, has been taken into custody. Branwell's best friend Connor takes it upon himself to find out what happened on that fateful day, convinced that this will allow his friend to start talking again. Alternating between flashback and present day events Connor is a likable, but admittedly not perfect, narrator. Konigsburg does an excellent job of tackling some of the deep and powerful issues revolving around adolescence in a serious manner, but avoids making the book feel like a downer. Through his investigation Connor discovers as many things about himself as he does about Bran leading to a satisfying conclusion.

McGillin does an a mostly good job of giving each of the characters a distinct voice, and especially, and surprisingly so, with the female characters. His narration makes for easy listening and adds definite value to the already very good book. ... Read more

Book Description

"The anecdotes associated with Texas's fabled cowboy hero burst from the pages in rapid succession, Kellogg's robust illustrations enlarging and enriching the energetic text."--School Library Journal. "A read-aloud treat....One of Kellogg's best."--Booklist. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good Illustrations kept it going
A legend about a boy who falls out of his family wagon as they are crossing the country. He is forced to raise himself in the wide open west and learn how to protect his life.
This was an ok book from my point of view. The illustrations were amazing they really kept my attention. However, the writing was nothing too spectacular. The story of Pecos Bill is one of adventure and I just didn't feel like this version of the story captured the really adventure of the legend. This book sends the message of standing up for yourself and never giving up on your dream. I think it did a good job of getting the message across and my second graders knew what the message was as soon as a closed the book.

Bland, but the Pictures are Grand
This mild, but event-filled re-telling of the Pecos Bill story lacks the incorrigible air of tongue-in-cheek humour and bold-faced lies of the typical tall tale. However, and especially if your young`uns never heard a tall tale, the wonderful illustrations will partially make up for this. When we started to read this book, we thought those sweet-faced, round-eyed, snub-nosed cowboys looked a little familiar: this guy is the same feller who illustrated HOW MUCH IS A MILLION? which we like alot. My boys love the snake lasso, and we return many times to the fantastic "critter" that Bill wrassles into submission. But breaking-in "Widder-maker" is an let-down after that adventure, I am afraid. I recommend Adrien Stoutenburg`s AMERICAN TALL TALES for older children (9-12yrs) which has few illustrations but whose style is far better suited to the dramatic and poetic nature of the tall tale genre. My seven-year old loves to hear me read those aloud. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Delightful way to introduce children to rhyme
This book is a delightful way to teach young children about rhyme. The story is so simplistic that the focus is on the verse from the very start. The illustrations are colorful and interesting for the reader. This is a story children love to hear and memorize.

You'll love this one
The text almost reads like music. The children quickly begin reading along with its sing-songy pages. The pictures in this version are outstanding. I also have an older copy of the book with simple line drawings. This text can stand on its on, its so much fun. But you will love the artwork in this book. I save it for the first rainy day of school each year.

My four year old loved it!
We received this book last year from the Easter Bunny for our one year old son, James. My four year old loves the fact that it talks about a boy named James just like his little brother. He loves the rabbits and all the other animals that you can count during the rhyming story. Besides its funny to hear how the different animals play in the rain. Great choice!

James learns the rainy day games of an assortment of friends
This book has been a bed time favorite of both of our children. It combines counting, rhyming and repitition to create the adventure of James and his yellow rain coat as they find out the games that his animal friends play when it rains. This is an excellent book to use with four and five year olds to help introduce them to reading. The counting helps with math skills and there is a predictablility that allows children to feel they are really learning to read. I highly recommend this classic before it goes out of print!! ... Read more

Book Description

Originally published in 1939, Nancy solves the mystery of a lost love. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

An Average Book
This review concerns the original 1939 edition and the revised 1969 edition. Both books tell the story of a woman who owns many cats, of her long-lost love and of spooky tapping noises which she hears inside her house. However, each book tells the mystery in a different way so that they are basically two different stories. These were average books, not particularly exciting, but not boring either. The mystery isn't bad and there is a moderate amount of action. Personally, I thought that the revised edition was a little more interesting, but either one is worth reading. I'd give them both 3 stars.

THis Is Very Sly!
This book is bone-chilling, did you here me? I said REALLY bone-chilling! Not just bone-chilling! I mean really, really bone-chilling! I mean read this book. THanks!

PS Did I tell you this book is bone-chilling?

PSS Well if I didn't it is! Read it!

A good Nancy Drew mystery
Nancy and her friends Bess and George get involved in a mystery that involves an invalid woman, her prizewinning Persian cats, a long-lost neighbor, tapdancing and Nancy's starring role in a play in River Heights. Nancy wows everyone with her mystery-solving prowess, George gets exasperated a lot and Bess spoils her diet (again). Long live Nancy Drew!

A very good book
This book is probably one of the best ones. Nancy Bess and George fall upon a Mystery that is very unusual. But they usually are aren't they! I'd recomend this book because it's very entertaining and it keeps you in suspense. And if you like cats and tap dancing you'll love this book.

A Great Book to have on the Book Shelf
This book is a very good book if you like mysteries. This is a great book to have on the bookshelf. Int he beginning it is a little boring but it gets a lot better. Do not let the beginning stop you from reading it. ... Read more

Book Description

In this sumptuous volume, eight of Kipling's playful, inventive tales are brought to life by eight of today's most celebrated illustrators, from Peter Sis's elegantly graphic cetacean in "How the Whale Got His Throat" to Satoshi Kitamura's amusingly expressive characters in "The Cat That Walked by Himself."This collection of pourquoi tales is sure to please and delight curious children everywhere who wonder, "Why won't cats come when they're called?" and "How did the rhinoceros get his wrinkly skin?"First told aloud to his owndaughter, Rudyard Kipling's inspired answers to these and other burning questions draw from the fables he heard as a child in India and the folktales he gathered from around the world.

"How the Whale Got His Throat"

Illustrated by Peter Sis

"How the Camel Got His Hump"

Illustrated by Clare Melinsky

"How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin"

Illustrated by Christopher Corr

"How the Leopard Got His Spots"

Illustrated by Cathy Felstead

"The Elephant's Child"

Illustrated by Louise Voce

"The Sing-Song of Old Man Kangaroo"

Illustrated by Jeff Fisher

"The Beginning of the Armadillos"

Illustrated by Jane Ray

"The Cat That Walked by Himself"

Illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura ... Read more

Book Description

The samurai warriors of ancient Japan were taught to fight with their hearts and minds as well as with their swords. But even the best of training doesn't prepare a samurai for every situation...

• A lone samurai is attacked by two Ronin--can he keep his head and come out of it alive?

• Can a samurai with a reputation for being unlucky to defeat a ferocious dragon and regain his honor?

• A brave girl fights tradition to learn swordmanship, but can she master the arts of the samurai?

Reviews (2)

Sword of the Samurai
Sword of the Samurai is a great book. It is a series of several stories about samurais. Even though this book is fantasy it brings in life lessons that you can relate to in real life. Like when 3 samurai trick someone into a ride in their oxcart because they don't want to walk to a festival their journey ends up to be a misrable one. That is why you should not trick people into doing something for you because the samurai almost lost face. You'll have to read this book to find out why. This book brings out many journeys with weak and brave samurais but I think you will love every one. Each and every one has a different moral to it and it makes you think about real life situations. If you like action adventure and fictional books I think you should read Sword of the Samurai by Eric A. Kimmel.

Far better than Pokemon and Digimon
This collection of Samurai stories is written for a child to read themselves. The stories are short and entertaining - a head severed and reattached, a tea master frightening a swordsman, an unluckly samurai accidently finding the secret to destroy a dragon, a no-sword samurai master outwitting a braggart samurai, a female samurai ... all in all good fun for the right child.

The author has provided a very short introduction to each story to place the story culturally - this keeps the "Japanese" aspect from provided a cultural barrier to the reader's understanding. The author has used a few Japanese words and provide a glossary of them ... just enough to remind the reader these are samurai not knights. ... Read more

Book Description

The larger-than-life story of a true American hero--John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. Kellogg "is ideal as interpreter of this fascinating man....[His] color has never been so rich and luxuriant....An affectionate portrayal, enthusiastically accomplished."--Booklist. ... Read more

Reviews (1)