Reviews (6)

One Of The Best Of The Series
This review concerns the original 1944 edition and the revised 1970 edition which closely follows the plot of the original, with a few small changes. Elderly Mr. March approachs Nancy seeking her help to find his deceased son's unpublished sheet music. Mr. March desperately needs the money to care for his granddaughter, Susan. Unfortunately, a thief has been secretly entering the March house and stealing whatever songs that he can find and publishing them himself. I really enjoyed this book. In my opinion, it is the second or third best of the series (I can't decide between it and The Bungalow Mystery; The Hidden Staircase is my #1). I found it to be well-written, highly descriptive, and had quite a bit of action. The climax of the book, when Nancy finally finds the music and is confronted by the thief, is perhaps the best scene of the series for its originality, excitement and suspense. The only thing that I did not like about this book, was how the thief was caught because Nancy had pretty much nothing to do with actually capturing him.

you'll relish this one
As a child I delighted in the Nancy Drew stories, and I've re-read them at various times since. "The Secret in the Old Attic" is a well-plotted, satisfying thriller in which Nancy finds the manuscripts for some songs which will help to restore the fortunes of her elderly friend, Mr. March, and his young granddaughter. Nancy's chums, plump and frilly Bess and her tomboyish cousin, George, help Nancy in her investigations. Hannah Gruen is on hand to provide cocoa and comfort. Nancy sits down at the piano and plays some of the songs, demonstrating yet another of her fine abilities.

All-American girl Nancy shines as she solves the mystery and brings the criminals to justice. Young readers will be entranced. Highly recommended.

A Great Book
I read a great book called Nancy Drew and the Mystery In the Old Attic by Carolyn Keene. My favorite part of the 180-page book was when Nancy Drew and her friends came so close to finding the thief. If you want to learn more about this wonderful book then go to your local library. Nancy Drew and the Mystery in The Old Attic was really a very good book! There are many great surprises.

IF YOU LIKE NANCY DREW YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!!
this is one of my favorite nancy drew books it was a on going suspensful book!!read it

This is an EXELLENT book. 10 stars!!!!!!!!!!
Nancy Drew books are very good. I have read a lot of them andthis is one of my favorites I've read it twice and I know I'll read itagain. My mom read these books as a child and now I'm reading them! This book will keep you wondering into the last pages. You must read this book!! It's a mind challenger and a thriller. There are times when you will feel baffled and times when you will feel scared. Nancy will stop at nothing to help a person in need, and in this case to find Phillip March's unpublished music which is hidden somewhere in his fathers home Pleasant Hedges. Nancy must find the music and stop the man who is stealing from getting any more. At the same time, figure out the intruder's secret means of getting in the mansion! I think this is one of the best books I've ever read. And I read A LOT!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Steven Kellogg's award-winning picture book The MysteriousTadpole, first published in 1977, is back with wonderful new illustrationsand additional "nuances of character, sequence, and plot" in this fabulous25th-anniversary edition. The story begins when Uncle McAllister brings a "weebit of Scotland"--a tadpole to be precise--to Louis for his birthday. Delighted,Louis names him Alphonse and brings him to school for show-and-tell. A diet ofcheeseburgers allows the creature to grow by leaps and bounds, and he soonoutgrows his jar, the kitchen sink, and the bathtub. Finally, when the highschool swim team learns of Alphonse's presence in their pool the hard way, UncleMcAllister gets a call: "'Oh, the wee tadpole?' he said. 'Why, he came from thelake nearby. It's the one folks call Loch Ness.'" Louis's ingenuity (he takes ona paper route to pay for his pet's burgers, and that of his friend the librarian(she thinks they can use the aquatic Alphonse to find pirate treasure and usethe money to build him his own swimming pool) are heartwarming and hilarious.Children who are attached to a pet will completely relate to Louis's devotion tohis unusual new friend. Kellogg's luminous illustrations of the ever-expandingmonster and bewildered townspeople are expressive, often hysterical, and full oftiny details that demand many rereadings. A treat! (Ages 4 to 8) --KarinSnelson ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A monster mash
Everyone in my generation has (or should have) a favorite Steven Kellogg book. I think the kind of Kellogg book you love says a lot about the kind of person you are. For example, I'd probably have my doubts about being stuck in an elevator with anyone who professes a love for Kellogg's "How Much is a Million" books. And as for the person who gravitates towards the "Pinkerton" series, that's the kind of human being I'd be comfortable sharing a cup of cocoa with. Now myself, I'm torn. The vote really falls between Kellogg's fascinating "Island of the Skog" and "The Mysterious Tadpole". Both books are fabulous forgotten classics. But "The Mysterious Tadpole" is better known and perhaps deservedly so.

Louis has just had a birthday, and his eccentric Uncle McAlister has sent him the best present ever. A small lovable tadpole arrives in the mail, and Louis sets about making his new pet at home. Contrary to expectations, however, the tadpole (named, curiously, Alphonse) grows by leaps and bounds. When Louis's parents protest that Alphonse is too large to keep in the home, Louis improvises by placing his pet in the Junior High's swimming pool. But when even that clever plan goes awry, it's up to Louise and the local librarian Miss Seevers to concoct a plan to keep Alphonse happy and free.

Perhaps it was this book, read to me countless times in my youth, that is responsible for me becoming the librarian I am today. Miss Seevers isn't your frumpy hair in a bun, glasses on her nose, shushing librarian either. She's a smart witty woman who helps Louis to save the day. In fact all the characters in this book are imbued with a certain amount of pep and verve. Louis is just the kind of kid who wants to keep his tadpole/loch ness monster safe. And Alphonse, though he never says a word, is a child's ideal pet. Imagine it. A big friendly adorable brown-eyed monster that would like nothing more than to eat some cheeseburgers, romp, and play fetch. As for the story itself, it's got it all. A funny plot, a memorable solution, and a sly surprise ending with a whole different story suggested. The book is also filled with Kellogg's wry understatements. In this book, Louis's teacher Mrs. Shelbert has asked him to bring Alphonse in continually so that the class could see how a tadpole becomes a frog. Soon enough Alphonse is romping around the room, roughly five children on his back and more clammering to climb aboard, paper airplanes flying, and desks askew. As a disapproving teacher looks on, the text merely says, "One day Mrs. Shelbert decided that Alphonse was not turning into an ordinary frog. She asked Louis to stop bringing him to school". Understatement at its finest.

Kellogg's illustrations really give this book the extra little nudge it needed to cross over from "merely good" to "fantastic". Alphonse, for one, could not be cuter. Those big brown puppy dog eyes would inspire you to buy him a million hamburgers, if you could. Kellogg is also adept at filling each scene in the book with tiny amusing details. For example, when Louis smuggles Alphonse into the Junior High, you can see the name of the school is the "Jesse James Junior High School". Two masked and armed statues hold their guns on either side of the entrance. At another point, Louis thinks horribly of his pet being placed in a zoo, while a dreaming Alphonse pictures himself as tiny next to the largest cheeseburger in the world. The book is filled with delights such as these. My personal favorite is perhaps the most controversial section of the book. When Miss Seevers proposes locating some sunken pirate treasure sunk in the city's harbor, there is an image of Miss Seevers and Louis imagining the sinking of the ship. A huge ship (named the Poison Prune) sinks in the harbor, filled with nasty evil pirates. The cause of the sinkage? A single Native American, smiling, shoots arrows into the hull. I love it. The Native American is obviously in command of the situation while the pirates, for all their guns and nasty looks, are bound for the briny deep. It's a great moment, though I've no doubt there's the possibility that people might find the scene offensive. Frankly, it's not, but you'll just have to take my word on this one until you read the book yourself.

So there you have it. One of the world's best books written by one of the world's best author/illustrators and virtually forgotten today. If you can get your hands on a copy of this book, do so immediately. It's a fine piece of well wrought literature, enough to make you wish there had been a sequel. If this book had been written today, I've no doubt that there would have been. As it stands, however, this book is the one and only. And it's well worth any price you could pay.

The Tadpole which didn't become a frog!
This story was a favorite of mine as a child, and now I have the oppourtunity to read it to my own kids.

Louis recives a tadpole in a jar for his birthday one year from his eccentric uncle in Scotland, who happens to live near Loch Ness. Louis named his tadpole Alphonse, fed him cheeseburgers, taught him to fetch, do other tricks, and Alphonse becomes a great pet. However, he has grown too big for the apartment in which Louis and his parents live and Louis must think of something to help Alphonse have a place to live or he'll have to go to the zoo!

With the help of the local librarian, and Alphonse, Louis comes up with a plan to raise money to buy the parking lot near his building for a big swiming pool for Alphonse, and all the neighborhood kids to swim and play in.

A happy ending, just in time for Louis's next birthday, and another mysterious present from Uncle McAlister! Great for kids ages four to seven.

Happy Birthday, Alphonse.....
Louis' Uncle McAllister lives in Scotland and every year sends Louis the best birthday present. And this year was no different, a tadpole, Louis names Alphonse. But it soon becomes apparent that Alphonse is not your normal, everyday tadpole and definitely not turning into a frog. He soon outgrows his jar, then the kitchen sink, and bathtub. Louis sneaks him into the school swimming pool during summer vacation, and that works out just fine until fall when school opens. In a panic Louis consults Miss Seevers, the librarian. Librarians always have all the answers, and Miss Seevers doesn't let him down. With a phone call to Scotland, a little research, and a lot of ingenuity, Louis and Miss Severs find a clever solution and happily-ever-after ending to their problem..... First published twenty-five years ago, Steven Kellogg's creative classic, The Mysterious Tadpole, is as fresh and entertaining today as it was back in 1977. Mr Kellogg has given his new illustrations a bold and bright facelift, and tweaked the text a bit, but the engaging and fun-filled story with its hilarious twist at the end, is still sure to capture the imagination and warm your heart. Perfect for youngsters 3-7, The Mysterious Tadpole is a timeless treasure to share with friends and family now, and future generations in the years to come.

My favorite Steven Kellogg book..
I've been a Steven Kellogg fan for a long time, and this is one of the books that won me over.

Imagine being a small boy, say 6 or 7, and having an uncle from Scotland bring you an unusual tadpole for your birthday...then it doesn't turn into a frog!

The Mysterious Tadpole is a fun romp through life with a pet that grows and grows and keeps on growing.

The story is engaging, the illustrations are brilliant, and children and adults both love reading this book.

Give is a try!

5 stars all the way!

Alan Holyoak

A Big hit with boys!
The Mysterious tadpole is a book at our preschool and it is checked out so often it is diffult to get your hands on it. Boys just love this story of friendship and problem solving. As a mom, I like the values of Louie, who won't give up on his beloved pet / friend Alphonse. I would recommend it to all boys and gils of all ages. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great book
I loved this book when I was little. I read it about ten times. This is a great kids series and suggest it to child who likes to read short novels.

Books by Carlon Keene are interesting
I think it was a good book,I like when they figger out who does the crimes in all the Nancy Drew books I've read.Each book I've read by Carlon Keene has been interesting. ... Read more

Book Description

ISLAND is a thrilling trilogy of stories. Luke, Charla, Will, Lyssa, J.J., and Ian aren¹t alone on their desert island. They¹ve survived so far, but now their enemies are closing in. They have only one chance to escape. Will they make it? ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Island
I really enjoyed reading these books mostly bcuz the author makes it seem so real by dating back to WW2.
The books are about 6 kids, Luke, Charla, Ian, Will, Lyssa, and J.J. that get sent on CNC for a punishment and the boat they are on (the phoniex) sinks and they lose the adults. after floating in the ocean on a cabin roof for about a week. They arrive on a deserted island or so they thought, until a group or smugglers appear in their airplanes trading goods like animal tusks and teeth. The castaways live off the fruit and fish from what the island supplies them with. I'm not gonna tell you any more so if you wanna know more then read the books. for anyone who likes reading these are great books even if they are for ages 9-12 so what I'm 13 and I loved them so try reading them!

Book 3 - Escape
Things were bad enough when Luke, Lyssa, Will, J.J., Ian, and Charla were stuck alone on the island. But now they have company-real bad company. Plus, Will is seriously injured and needs help immediatly. Before, escape was something the kids could only hope for. Now it's a matter of life and death. - I recently bought all 3 of the "Island" books and could not put them down. (Read all 3 in 2 day) I highly suggest them to all readers!

This book sucks!
This book sucks. Don't read it! It has no meaning. This book is more for boys. It only talks about some kids stuck on an island trying to survive, and they find out that they are not alone. The only I read it is because my class had to read and write a letter to your partners (mine were Arabia and Steph) talking about what you thought about the book. So I had no other choice but to read it. Some of the kids in my class couldn't put it down and others (like me) couldn't pick it up. No offence to the autho r, but this book sucks!

Great for Boys!!!
If your looking for books that will hook boys into reading, then this is the one! As a teacher I know that getting boys interested in novels has become increasingly difficult. Boys are great with informational books or comics, but it is harder to catch their interest in chapter books. This book is the third book in a series of the "Island" books. It is highly interesting for its audience. It is about 6 chidlren (4 boys, 2 girls) that get sent on a boat as a punishment and a storm shipwrecks them on an island.
On this island the children learn to work together and take care of one another (developing life skills). They discover some smugglers and even "Junior" which is a left over atomic bomb from World War II. It is a wonderful series for boys that will appeal to their need for adventure and everyone of all ages. It is a different story line and has many real challenges that you see these characters go through that may help you in your everyday life. I suggest this book for any child around third grade and up.

What Is This?
First of all I never read children's books, but I so happened to find this in my cousin's shelf while visiting him during Christmas. Curiosity took over and I decided to read it since it was short and had to do with an island. All I have to say is that this was not worth a second of my time. Maybe I should have read Island 1 and 2 before this, but if they're anything like this then I think I'll pass. ... Read more

Book Description

Now in Knopf Paperback from a master storyteller--the adventures of Wolfgang Amadeus Mouse (Wolf for short), a little mouse with a big name and talent to match!The world's first singing mouse, Wolf sings his way into the heart of Mrs. Honeybee, his music-loving, human housemate, and even helps save her life. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A CHARMING MUSICAL MOUSE
A Mouse Called Wolf comes from the inventive mind of Dick King-Smith who gave us Babe: The Gallant Pig.

After watching his friends race across piano keys, wee Wolfgang Amadeus Mouse throws back his head and sings. Eventually he uses his voice to rescue the lady of the house. Wolf's antics are ably illustrated by Jon Goodell.

Warm hearts
Dick King-Smith writes another fabulous book. This wonderful story of friendship and heroes is an inspiration to people of all ages. It speaks about friendship, family and aspiring to do your best. As always the characters come to life and become the readers new best friend.

A charming children's story about music and aging
I read "A Mouse Called Wolf" after several students in the elementary school where I am the librarian urged me to read it. They told me I'd love it and they were right!

This is a charming story about a mouse who discovers he can sing, in the process saving his sibling mice from the cat in the house and becoming the companion of elderly Mrs. Honeybee who teaches Wolf new songs on her piano.

It's a simple and appealing story line, but I applaud Dick King-Smith for tackling two subjects not usually found in children's literature. On the one hand he skillfully interweaves musical terms and concepts, and on the other hand he paints a sympathetic portrait of the life of an elderly widow living alone.

This delightful tale should be welcome in the home of musical families or where children need a glimpse into the life of a lonely senior citizen. The adult readers of this story will have many private chuckles over the tunes Mrs. Honeybee chooses to teach her singing mouse: everything from the Beatles' "Help!" to showtunes such as "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'."

Lookng for A Mouse Called Wolf
A Mouse Called Wolf By: Dick King - Smith

A Mouse Called Wolf is a great story! Wolf's real name is Wolfgang Amadeus. Wolf lives with his mother and twelve other children in a mouse hole in the house of Mrs. Honeybee. In the book he learns how to sing, the songs are really cute. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes animal stories and funny stories. In the book Wolf composes a song. The book is easy to read. I really liked reading this book! By: Laura

A Darling of a book
Wolfgang Amadeus Mouse is a character you instantly fall in love with. Dick King-Smith has created a charming book that children and parents alike will enjoy. If you liked the movie Babe (Dick King-Smith wrote the book of which the movie was based), you'll adore this heart-warming tale. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

The Secret Of Shadow Ranch
This book is about Nancy Drew who was taking a vacation at Phonix, Arizona and has a to solve the mystery of Shadow Ranch. This book has a little of everything. It has mystery, adventure, romance, and much more.
I really enjoyed reading this book by Carolyn Keene, she's one of my favorite writers. I give this book five stars. Hope you enjoy it.

Kind of boring, but not completely bad...
I read the 1931 version. This book is signifigant because it introduces Bess and George, but otherwise it's sort of boring. It was written more like the western adventure books that were being written at the time rather than Nancy Drew mystery story for the most part, but it was still okay, and well written, at least.

The Secret of Shadow Ranch
When you first read, Boy, by Roald Daul you will notice that it is an autobiography. You will read about life history, persistence and risk taking.
Roald Daul was born in 1916 in Norway. He was brought up by his mother with 5 other brothers and sisters. Roald was a very persistent and risky person. He loves to have fun and is always stirring up trouble.
There were many incidents in Roalds life. There are just a few that were important. One mid-spring day Roald and a few friends found a loose board in their school classroom. They opened the board and found a dead mouse. They decided to play a wretched trick on the candy storeowner Mrs. Prattchett. So they brought the mouse in to the store and snuck it into a candy jar and left. The next day they walked passed and it was closed with the candy jar broken on the floor. After that they raced to school and were told to go outside. All of a sudden Mrs. Prattchett was on her way to find the boys who played the joke. She found them and they were brought to be smacked on the butt for doing that awful trick.
Another life event was when Roald almost lost his nose. His family had just gotten a new car and his sister had been practicing to drive. Now you have to know that back then, you didn't have to have your driver's license because not very many people had cars. So, his sister was driving the whole family out in the country when all of a sudden there was a sharp turn. Well, she had practiced turns so they went flying into the bushes. After they had stopped Roald sat up and his nose was half way off. Everyone started to panic. They finally turned around and rushed to the doctor's house. When they got there he told them to go home and he'd be there in and hour. When he got there the doctor put Roald under anesthesia and sewed him up.
Through Roalds life he was move to several public and private English schools. When he was about to go into college but decided not to go to college. So what did he do with his life, you'll have to read the book and find out. If you like funny life stories and autobiographies Boy, by Roald Daul This is the perfect book for you.

The Secret of Shadow Ranch
This book is about 18-year-old girl named Nancy Drew who likes to solve mysteries. She usually solves her mysteries with her two best friends, Bess Marvin and George Fayne.

Nancy was taking a vacation to Pheonix, Arizona and found herself a new mystery for her to solve. It takes place on Shadow Ranch. People say that the ranch is haunted by a phantom horse and an unknown enemy that always appears sometimes at night. People think that the unknown enemy and the phantom horse is a curse of Dirk Valentine, a man who was killed many years ago at Shadow Ranch. Finally, Nancy finds out that it's not a curse. She also found out that a man was causing all the trouble. The man used a special kind of paint to paint the horse and himself, so people think he is a ghost. Now that Nancy had solve the problem, the man was never seen at Shadow Ranch again.

BEST BOOK!
This book is great! The best book of the Nancy Drew Book. I think it has Romance because of the story of why is the ghostly horse that has been appearing. Well this book has Action at the end. And is very mysterious. The characters are awesome also. Well hope you readers like this book alot, because is the best. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (6)

The Coolest Mystery
Rebecca Ramirez is having a slumber party. Her parents allow her only to invite eight guests. The next day she loses her party invitations and some more very important items for the party. Nancy, her friend, was willing to help her, along with Bess and George too. Some sneaky things go on before the party and during it.
Usually first books are not as good as the rest of a series, but this one seems to be very good. Actually it is the best one I read so far.

THE BEST CHAPTER BOOKS FOR AGES 5+ !...
If your daughter likes chapter books and solving puzzles; then this is a great book for her. The characters come to life and have separate personalities. The stories are simple and fun. I finish one and my daughter immediately wants another book. If I get through all the ones I order online then she wants me to re-read them. They have about 8 chapters so I make it last a week with 2 chapters on the last night. I started my daughter out when she was 3, on the old Raggedy Ann and Andy chapter books which are in reprint now. She had a little bit of a hard time going from a book with all pictures to a book where you imagine most of it. The Nancy Drew stories were a little hard to get started on because her complaint was that the pictures (1 or 2 per chapter) are all black and white drawings. I told her that she can look at the cover to see the color picture. Once she heard the first chapter, she didn't care if it had pictures or not. She was hooked. You know I liked these books so well I just bought my daughter's school a set of 10 for their library. They are really good. If you want your child to start early on reading get them started on this series. I hope that one day my daughter will be reading them to me. :o) Enjoy!

Enjoyed it!
If you like mysteries, you will like this book. It's adventerous, a little scary and fun as Nancy tries to figure out who stole the party invitations from Rebecca.

GREAT READ
This is an excellent childrens book. I read them when I was little. My little cousin Anna just loves them. This is a series that never fails to please the childs mind. It's good for kids who have just started reading short novels.

Fantastic
My daughter is a second grader and I am trying to help her fall in love with reading. This book series is fantastic. I have finally found enjoyable reading at her level that keeps her attention the whole time. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

One Wise Cat
"There was once a daimyo, a powerful lord, whose castle was occupied by a savage rat," begins Three Samurai Cats. The daimyo seeks help from a distant shrine that is famous for its fighting cats who are tough, skilled fighters. Eric Kimmel's adaptation of a Zen story is a strange and entertaining tale where the wisest cat allows his enemy to defeat himself.

Will utterly fascinate and thoroughly delight young readers
Three Samurai Cats: A Story From Japan is a folktale from Japan retold for young readers by Eric A. Kimmel and impressively illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein. After a rat takes over his castle, a canine lord knows that he needs the help of a samurai cat. The first one arrives, draws his sword, charges the rat -- and is soundly defeated. The next samurai cat arrives in full armor -- but is also defeated. Then an old, toothless, ragged-tailed cat limps to the castle -- but how can such a one succeed where other younger, stronger, sword wielding samurai felines have failed? Three Samurai Cats is a elegantly wonderful picture book story that will utterly fascinate and thoroughly delight young readers. ... Read more

Book Description

Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind was the toughest living creature in all the old frontier. On the day she was born she could out-talk, out-grin, out-scream, out-swim, and out-run any baby in Kentucky, and soon she was more than a match for bears, rattlers, alligators -- even the mighty Mike Fink. But when Sally Ann rescued Davy Crockett, even her hornet's-nest bonnet and skunk perfume didn't stop him from proposing marriage. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett: A Tall Tall
Steven Kellogg is wonderful telling the story of Sally Ann from her birth, her running, and the bear battle, to meeting and marrying Davey Crockett. Very strong woman. This folklore tale has excellent color illustrations. I would highly recommend this one for reading to and by the K through the 8th grade, along with a recommendation for teachers and parents, also.

one of my favorite chidren's books!
This was a great book especially for young girls. It tells the story of a female hero and all her adventures. Even after marrying Davy Crockett, one of the most famous folk hero's, Sally Ann remains independent and the greatest hero in the book. I highly recomend it to anyone, especially those interested in folk tales. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Eloise gets more outlandish with each book in Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight's popular 1950s series. First published in 1951--when cold war sentiments were heating up--Eloise in Moscow showcases the highly undiplomatic exploits of our favorite precocious 6-year-old as she paints the town red with her beloved Nanny. Adults will relish this glimpse behind the Iron Curtain, complete with a foldout spread of the Kremlin that is positively suitable for framing ("Here's what they/ have in the Kremlin/ armor Easter eggs/ icons/ and clocks," "Ivan is terrible/ and is watching in this tower"). The usual pink, black, and white color scheme is absent here--Knight's pen-and-ink drawings are instead accented with a rich goldenrod, and in the foldout Kremlin, even oranges and greens.

After a three-week stay in Moscow with her colleague Hilary Knight, Kay Thompson had plenty of fodder for her distinctly Eloisian travelogue: the food ("It is difficult to know what to eat in Moscow/ There is no melon in season/ Nichevo"); the stilted English of their tour guide ("That house is Chekhov/ That house is Stanislavsky if you want to see it/ Noyou cannot it is reconstruction"); national security ("Our telephone had quite a bit of static/ so we talked about General de Gaulle/ to throw them off track/ Everybody listens to everything in Moscow"); and even the water ("The water is Russian so I brushed my teeth/ with/ pear lemonade and apple lemonade/ Actually I preferred/ the pear").

Children will be fascinated by the intricate, delicately skritched details of this 72-page picture book, but adults will surely be the most amused. Fortunately, in the wake of Eloise's Russian junket, the Kremlin wall is left standing, and there are no international repercussions. But is she, as she haughtily declares, an "absolutely darling little sweetnik"? Definitely nyet. And that's the way we like her. If your Eloise library is incomplete, which would be sad, be sure to investigate Eloise in Paris; Eloise at Christmastime; The Absolutely Essential Eloise (complete with historical scrapbook); or the original recipe, Eloise. (Best for grownups--or as a read-aloud for ages 7 and older) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Lite history of the Cold War
My girls and I love the Eloise series, this one included. The age group to understand this book is a bit older than the others, say 11 or 12. All the cold war references led to interesting discussions of the cold war and the failure of Communism.

On the light side this book reads very well out loud. It helps if you have a deep voice to say as the intra tourist guide "IS POSSIBLE TO SEE BOOK REVIEWS HERE." "IS NOT POSSIBLE TO HOLD BOOKS, BOOKS ARE SENT AFTER BOUGHT" (While not a quote from the book, it reads like it.)

The book's view of the world does feel dated. It's like reading a Cowboys vs Indian's book and having to explain that perhaps not all is as it appears. Russia is not what it was, but it's not the west yet.

The quality of the paper and the binding are excellent, it feels like it will last for multiple reading. There is a nice foldout of the Kremlin. Like all the Eloise books, the drawings are inked in one color, this one uses yellow to great effect. The paper jacket is an exact copy of the hard cover underneath which is great as the text on it is wonderful.

If you like the other Eloise books, you'll like this one.

Do I recommend this book? "Oh Definitely Da."
Get out your woolies and fur hats, Eloise is going to Moscow! In the funniest of Eloise's many escapades, she travels to the Russia of the 1950s with Nanny, Winnie, and Skipperdee in tow. Apart from her usual hotel antics, including spying on the other guests and dinning on black caviar from the Caspian Sea, Eloise has many mischievous adventures at the Bolshoi Ballet, Red Square, and inside the Kremlin. While young children will not understand all the humor in this and other Eloise books, they certainly still love the outrageous heroine Eloise, who's expressions and intentions are so vividly portrayed by Hilary Knight's illustrations. Eloise in Moscow continues Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight's tradition of hilarious books for precocious grown-ups.

Eloise Is Back
Eloise is back and more mischevious than ever. This time Eloise, Nanny, Weenie (her dog who looks like a cat), and Skipperdee (her turtle) are in Moscow. Eloise visits the ballet, and has a tour guide, but thinks someone is spying on her. "As you know there's no privacy in Moscow."

This is a must have for anyone's Eloise collection. So buy a copy, and charge it please.

Moscow relived
As an Ex-Pat living in Moscow during 2001, I wanted a book to share with the little ones we know in the United States. This book is not only funny bit accurate. The middle pull out of the Kremlin is supurb and everyone who has received it from us has loved it. I have a copy of one myself so I can look back on my experiences living here and laugh at some of the same ones Eloise and I have had.

Historical fun!
Children will love the comical adventures of everyone's favorite six-year-old in Soviet Moscow.

Adults will appreciate the look into American-Soviet relations forty years ago, and Hilary Knight's wonderful drawings of it.

Why not five stars? Maybe by this fourth Eloise book, the whimsy is a little predictable by now. ... Read more

Book Description

Generations of children have read, re-read, and loved Ezra Jack Keats's award-winning, classic stories about Peter and his neighborhood friends. Now, for the first time, Peter's Chair, A Letter to Amy, and Goggles! are available in paperback exclusively from Puffin.A well-loved character, a familiar childhood situation, and an urban setting are the components of this winning picture book, one of Keats's best. -- BooklistEzra Jack Keats (19161983) was the beloved author and/or illustrator of over eighty-five books for children. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Grew up with this book!
As a tyke in the 70's, I remember reading "Goggles!" many times and always finding myself emerced in the story. I now have twin boys that I can read it to and show them what their dad grew up with. Great book.

Goggles
This is a very good book. It is about two boys who live in the ghetto. When they were in a junkyard playing around, Henry stumbled upon a pair of motorcycle goggles. They looked great on him. One the walk home two bullies want to take the goggles. The punk pushes henry down and the goggles fall out. Everyone looks at them, Then the dog runs off with them. The boys split up and go to the secret hideout. The dog gos slowly after. They run though a pipe and give the goggles to henry.

Well hope you enjoy reading this book. It is written by Ezra Jack Keats. It is one of the many books she has written, hope you get a chance to read them all.

Goggles!
I enjoyed reading the book Rich Cat, Poor Cat! It was about these two cats one is a street cat and is poor, scubby, dirty, no one pays attention to him, and he has to find his own way to live, his own shelter, food, and the other cat is a indoor cat that lives with a very rich family that cleans, feeds, give shelter, and takes care of him! Yes, I think this book is great for kids because it makes you think about all the cats out there that don't have homes! I think children would like to read this book because it teaches you things about cats and you should take care of every pet you own!

more good stuff from Willie's creator
My two year old loves _Whistle for Willie_, so I showed him a copy of _Goggles_.

The plot: Our friends Peter and Willie, with Peter's younger, bespectacled friend Archie, find a pair of motorcycle goggles. Peter and Willie are spotted by some rather dangerous looking "older boys." One of the older boys demands the goggles. After some uncertain and rather scary moments, the boys and dog outwit the older boys and escape to the safety of Archie's front porch.

The story has dark, gritty illustrations. I didn't live in an American ghetto in the 1960's, so I can only guess that Keats is accurately evoking the scene with his trademark colorful semi-abstract imagery. He uses collages and all the devices from Whistle for Willie to create a book that, for all the simplicity, looks like a movie. It reminds me of TV shows like Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids.

The book might be a bit "old" for the 2-year olds, considering the implied threat of violence in the plot, but my son just loves it.

If you're looking for another title by the author of Whistle for Willie, this is a good one!

...

Goggles is great and has beautiful, dark-color illustrations
Goggles teaches a lesson that anyone can win at any given time. It's a true story about the author running away. All the big boys were trying to get Peter, the character in the book. They were fighting over goggles. It's one of my favorite books by this author, Ezra Jack Keats. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Where are the clues?
In this Nancy Drew book Nancy is the detective along with her friends George and Bess. A mystery develops as the team is researching a class project on ice cream. While the girls are doing the research they discover that someone is trying to sabotage the towns new ice cream shop, the Double Dip. The story is told from Nancy's point of view, she does not tell the reader about the clues that she discovers during the mystery. This book did not give the reader the feeling of suspense, there were no cliffhangers or motivation to continue reading. Each chapter ends with a dull ordeal that is solved in the first few sentences of the following chapter. There are better choices for a mystery available.

Wonderful book for young kids, extremly action packed
In this episode, the young Nancy Drew has to do a report on ice cream. After asking around, she ends up taking "lessons" from two ice cream parlors. One of the parlors is an old fashion one, and the bright, new popular one is threatening to put it out of business. But then strange things start happening to this new parlor. Can Nancy catch the criminal and set them in the honest direction? ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Laura Linney
approx. 3 hours
2 cassettes

Nancy finds herself in danger when she tries to solve the mystery of the old inn, believed to be jinxed. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Mystery at Lilac Inn Book Review
I chose to read this book because it looked like an interesting and fascinating book to read. I thought it was going to be about a haunted house filled with ghosts. The book wasn't really what I expected it to be. Now that I have read this book I think that it was a lot more exciting than what I thought it would have been. The main characters are Nancy, Helen, Emily, and John. The story is about Emily getting ready for her wedding in a couple of days. She invites Nancy and Helen to be the bridesmaids and asks them to come to Lilac Inn, which she owns. When they got there strange things began to happen at the inn. They believed that it is haunted. Nancy discovers there is an impersonator using her identification. All these mysterious things are happening and Nancy is trying to get to the bottom of it. As she tries to solve this case she gathers more clues and with the help of her friends she solves the mystery. This Nancy Drew book is the fourth book Carolyn Keene has written. Carolyn Keene is a great author and makes her stories fun and exciting to read. She is a great writer and makes this story easy to follow and understand. I like this book very much because it was thrilling and very exciting. It grabbed my attention right away. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I didn't want to ever put the book down. It made me eager to read more. I personally like mysteries and this book was one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time. I think you should read this book because it is well written and it will keep you guessing about what will happen next. I think this book is appropriate for ages ten and up. I give this book a rating of five, five being the greatest. This book is about Nancy Drew trying to solve the haunting mystery case at Lilac Inn.

Nancy Drew's Great adventure at Lilac Inn
I chose to read this book because it looked like an interesting and fascinating book to read. I thought it was going to be about a haunted house filled with ghosts. The book wasn't really what I expected it to be. Now that I have read this book I think that it was a lot more exciting than what I thought it would have been. The main characters are Nancy, Helen, Emily, and John. The story is about Emily getting ready for her wedding in a couple of days. She invites Nancy and Helen to be the bridesmaids and asks them to come to Lilac Inn, which she owns. When they got there strange things began to happen at the inn. They believed that it is haunted. Nancy discovers there is an impersonator using her identification. All these mysterious things are happening and Nancy is trying to get to the bottom of it. As she tries to solve this case she gathers more clues and with the help of her friends she solves the mystery. This Nancy Drew book is the fourth book Carolyn Keene has written. Carolyn Keene is a great author and makes her stories fun and exciting to read. She is a great writer and makes this story easy to follow and understand. I like this book very much because it was thrilling and very exciting. It grabbed my attention right away. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I didn't want to ever put the book down. It made me eager to read more. I personally like mysteries and this book was one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time. I think you should read this book because it is well written and it will keep you guessing about what will happen next. I think this book is appropriate for ages ten and up. I give this book a rating of five, five being the greatest. This book is about Nancy Drew trying to solve the haunting mystery case at Lilac Inn.

I found it a bit boring...
I read the 1930 version. The book was well written, but never managed to hold my intrest for some reason. I just found it boring.

A Suspencful Mystery
I like the book The Mystery at Lilac Inn because it not only holds adventure but it holds drama and suspense. When you start reading this book you will never be able to put it down. For anybody who likes a mystery and adventure stories I highly recommend this book it will have you jumping out of your chair and your hairs sticking straight up. Nancy and her friend Helen go to help out a dear friend but along the way stuff begains to happen so Nancy goes to try to figure out what was going on! Will Nancy ever find out this mystery? What's going to happen next? You read the book and tell me what you think!

Both Editions Are Great
This review concerns both the original 1930 edition and the revised 1961 edition, which is the one commonly found in new book stores. Both editions involve the theft of valuable jewels which belong to Nancy's friend Emily from a place called Lilac Inn; however, that is pretty much where similarity between the two books ends. In the original edition, Lilac Inn is a restaurant where Emily's guardian, Mrs. Willoughby, goes to have lunch while in possession of Emily's jewels. After the jewels are stolen from Mrs. Willoughby, the police begin to suspect that she was involved in the theft. Nancy and Emily believe in Mrs. Willoughby's innocence and Nancy sets out to find the real thief. With the revised edition, Lilac Inn is an inn owned by Emily and her fiance. The jewels are stolen during a dinner party where Mrs. Willoughby (who is Emily's aunt in this edition) was going to present Emily with the jewels. Also Nancy has a look-a-like who is going around town causing all sorts of trouble. Both editions are excellent books and because they are both distinct stories, you could read them both and not feel like you know exactly how the second one will turn out. Both books had plenty of action and had good endings. Personally, I prefered the original, but they are both interesting books. Read them both if you can, you won't be disappointed with either one. ... Read more

Book Description

Welcome to a lush meadow bustling with activity, where one turtle digs, two fish swim, three bluebirds sing, and so on to ten fireflies that shine in the night. Keats's collage-style illustrations perfectly complement this classic Appalachian counting rhyme, which is also a popular song for toddlers. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Book for Babies, Kids and Adults to Share!
We love this book! I hope it never ever goes out of print. We started reading it with our son when he was about 11 months old. He loved the rhythms and we all loved the illustrations. It is beautiful to look at while you read. Now our son is almost two and I find that this book just gets better and better for us to read. We all have it memorized (my son chimes in at the end of each line). We are trying to teach him to count and he loves animals, both of which are so wonderfully illustated by Keats. A true classic! A "must have" for kids! I am buying it now for a friend who is pregnant and, like me, loves nature.

An excellent rendition!
From the award winner Ezra Jack Keats comes another masterpiece of a picture book. Based on the original by Olive Wadsworth, Keats's animals come alive on the page as the babies perform their mothers' commands. Keats uses bright colors and simple lines to make this a good book for sharing with a large group or single child. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

For 2 Year olds
All those childish scenes trying to get points!

Gordon Korman is running out of ideas
While there are a few inspired moments in this Gordon Korman book, it doesn't come close to his masterpieces such as The War with Mr. Wizzle, I Want to Go Home! or Who is Bugs Potter? While Korman can write for younger readers, this story doesn't have the necessary flair to keep even the most beginning reader's attention. Very predictable and lacking the creative humor of Korman's other works. ... Read more

Book Description

Everyone is talking about the neighborhood pet show, and Archie can't wait. His friends are bringing dogs and birds, and he is going to enter the cat who lives near by. But when it's time to go, the cat is nowhere to be found. The contest is about to start. What can Archie do?

"The succinct, satisfying story is illustrated with vibrant, brilliantly colored paintings." (Booklist) ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Archie, charming as ever
It's the day of the neighborhood pet show, and Archie plans to take his cat. But where IS the cat? Archie can't find it, so Peter, Roberto, and Susie reluctantly go to the pet show without him.

Ensuring that each contestant is a winner, the judges give out blue ribbons to everyone, creating categories on the fly, such as "cat with the longest whiskers," "friendliest fish," etc. Archie finally arrives, but an old woman shows up just as Archie is displaying his hasty last-second entry (a jar, containing a germ). Beside the old woman is Archie's cat. The old woman is given the blue ribbon for displaying the cat.

Archie displays good humor and grace. The old woman offers the blue ribbon to Archie, but he insists that she keep it. Archie and his friends all enjoy themselves.

Like most of Ezra Jack Keats' books, _Pet Show_ is populated with children and adults of several ethnicities, but primarily African-American. The book design is marvelous. Basically the book looks like _A Letter To Amy_ and _Whistle for Willie_.

My son and I read this one all the time. He's almost 2 1/2 years old, and while I expect that most children are enjoying this at age 4 and age 5, my son thoroughly loves it. When we reach the section where Archie is late for the pet show, he almost can't contain himself until he sees Archie's silhouette racing along, jar in hand, and he belts out "Here Goes Archie!"-- _Pet Show_ is a winner.

Ken32

Pet Show - Cute Even For the Moms and Dads Who Read It :)
Poor Archie. In the previous EJK book "Hi Cat," a darn alley cat follows him home after wreaking havoc with his day. Now, in "Pet Show," Archie is ready to enter the contest with said cat -- but cat has vanished. Archie ultimately displays cleverness as well as kindness, a wonderful lesson for little ones. EJK's books are always visually gorgeous, with colors and textures that delight readers. But even the grownup who reads this book will appreciate clever little Archie and the reminder that sometimes, tough situations require a little ingenuity and a helping of grace.

Great children's book and what pictures!!
I liked this book because of its colorful illustrations that enliven the story. The stories that Ezra Jack Keats write are so good to use for children to relate to. I recomend his books to teachers to use in bibliotherapy and for just anyone to read. I also have read "Peter's Chair" and again just as in all his other books you find real life situations in relation to life. Then there's his wonderfull illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

I Took My Frog to the Library
The book I Took My Frog to the Library is a wonderful story. It is intresting because little children love to read about animals and edventures and this book has all. It explains how a little girl named Bridgett takes all different sorts of her pets to the library every day. Her pets make such a disturbance or mess they are asked to leave. She was to come by her self and leave all the animals there. But luckily her pet elephant knows how to read so he reads to the other animals while she is away. If children read this book they will probally be excited about going to the library. It is enjoyable

Paired with a tour of the school library, it's a big hit!
What a fun book! I am the library aide in a K-2 elementary school and this book was recommeded to me by a friend. I brought beanbag babies of the different animals in the book into school and read the story to each class. As we encountered each animal in the book, I looked for a good listening helper to hold that particular animal. When the book was done. We all walked around the library looking for each item, and placed the appropriate animal on the item. Then to reinforce it, I asked for volunteers to find the animal that was on each item ex. card catalog, picture books and place it back in my bag for the next class. What a big hit!

Animals In The Library!
I Took My Frog To The Library was an enjoyable book for my second graders last year. So much so, I am ordering my own copy to keep in my class this year and another to raffle off. It's a wonderful book to springboard ideas of what type of pet or animal a child would take on his/her own to the library. It's a great introduction to focus on animal facts and habits because the animals' actions in the libray have to be true to what these animals can really do in their own habitats. I think children of any elementary age would enjoy the thought of being able to bring an animal into the library. What a great book to even start a chat about what the library is like to begin with! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Complete And Utter Garbage
Nancy helps Mr. Drew with his case concerning a rare bird farm that is scheduled to be torn down to make way for a high-rise apartment building. The owners of the farm are being frightened with jinx signs and other symbols of bad luck. Ooooooh! That's so scary. Yawwwwwwn. This book is absolutely horrible. The writing is terrible, the action is missing and there really isn't any mystery. It's not like Nancy is trying to find something or even capture a gang of unknown criminals. When you start the book you know that the people building the high-rise are the bad people. Lots of suspense there. This book features Nancy at her worst as she stoops so low as to use little children to get what she wants. This is an awful book that doesn't even deserve a 1 star rating.

Wonderful, action packed book!
In this exciting episode, Nancy and Ned try to solve a haunting mystery. But first Ned, then Nancy, come down with a mysterious disease. Can they get well in time to solve this mystery? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Eloise has always had a rather festive air about her, but when Christmastime rolls around, well, it's "Fa la la la fa la la la lolly ting tingledy here and there," of course. The bunchy-bloused, spindly-legged scamp is speaking in rhyme this time, and in typical Eloise fashion, the verse simply can't be perfectly metered, for what would be the point? She rushes around New York's Plaza Hotel on Christmas Eve, jingling, spreading Christmas cheer, tying tassels on the thermostats, and writing "Merry Christmas" on all the walls. And of course there are gifts to be delivered and wrapped:

For Weenie a roastbeef bone deluxe
For Skipperdee raisin milk
I'm giving the valet a beehive of course
made of safety pins and silk

Her asides, printed in red, are as priceless as ever: "Sometimes there is so much to do that/ I get sort of a headache around the sides and partially under it." Or in a rare vulnerable moment, "For when you are a child of six/ it's difficult to know/ if you deserve a present or not/ at Christmastime/ or so." But enough of that. "We sang Noel for 506/ Silent Night for 507/ We didn't sing for 509/ at the request of 511."

Hilary Knight's pen and ink pink-and-black illustrations are perfect--particularly of the "sugar plums" dancing in Eloise's head on Christmas Eve, complete with crazed elves, Nanny-as-angel, reindeer with glasses, and of course Santa's sleigh with one giant package in it... for Eloise. Kay Thompson's Eloise at Christmastime, first published in 1958 with a different cover, joins Eloise in Paris and The Absolutely Essential Eloise (with additional historical scrapbook) as a much welcomed reissue of the original. And there's always just Eloise. (Ages 5 to 105)--Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Christmas at the Plaza
I think that this is the strangest of all the Eloise books! I remember that the first time I read it, I'd scratch my head and go, "huh?" when I saw all the weird holiday ideas and gibberish words. Sometimes it makes me wonder what in the heck Kay Thompson was taking at the time! Needless to say, even though it is very good, it's not my favorite Eloise book. I've read all the Eloise books... they provide great maxims for daily living, such as "getting bored is not allowed" (the first book, "Eloise"). I repeat this to my friends a lot of the time. Anybody, whether child or grownup, can learn a lot from Eloise.

good book
I am..... years old and I still like Eloise book. She's my favorite 6 year old! it has nice pictures on each page and of couse one pull out page like the original Eloise book. there are some lyrics on some of the pages of the book to Eloise's favorite christmas song, "Trinkles and Drinkles." When she(Kay Thompson) tells about Eloise Christmas dream it is all in rhyme. I hoghly reccomend it to kids of all ages.

Not a read out loud book. Good for a child that can read.
At the risk of having millions of Eloise fans hate me I'm giving this book one star. At my request my
5 1/2 yr old daughter received three Eloise books for Christmas, this title included along with In Moscow,
and in Paris. She had seen Eloise in Christmas several times on TV & we both enjoyed the character. The
books however are another story. They are *completely* syncopated. Hardly a story line, just Eloise blabbing
and talking off the top of her head. No rhyme or reason, just blurts & outbursts of talk. I always thought Eloise
was the character that caused fun 6 year old havoc at the Plaza, but no that is the tiniest part of these stories.
Again just lines & lines of incomplete thoughts without a single plot other than the girl lives at the Plaza.
I found myself deleting lines and reading ones I made up my self to help make sense to my child. Picture your 5 year old high on a 1 pound bag of sugar, bouncing off the walls....that is Eloise times 1000. If you don't believe me, please go look at the book before you buy it. I have the feeling the author was blessed with accolades from something like the Emperors new cloths syndrome...it's wonderful, it's marvelous, but really there's nothing there at all.

ELOISE AT CHRISTMASTIME: AN AWSOME GIFT FOR THE HOLDIAYS
Eloise is at Christmastime, at the plaza,
and is spreding X-mas cheer. It's jolly it's happy, and Emily had a pidegon on Christmas day, a slight twist on Twas the Night before Christmas, with the ryhmes and all that, but, Eloise has visions of Sugar Plums in her head. It's Jolly.
FA LA LA LA LA LA
Tis the season to be jolly!

From,
Sean Pollock

Grade: A+
Other reviews:
Eloise
Eloise in Paris
Eloise in Moscow
Eloise takes a bawth