Book Description

A fight for his people.

Sonny Bear, the Tomahawk Kid, has a championship left hook. But his boxing career's going nowhere, and he's ready to hang it up.

Then his manager, tough ex-cop Alfred Brooks, and his "writer," college boy Martin Malcolm Witherspoon, scheme Sonny into a glitzy Las Vegas match. Suddenly he's everybody's darling and headed for Hollywood stardom.

But fame isn't all it's cracked up to be, and Sonny needs to make the fight of his life to decide where he really belongs.

Reviews (6)

The Chief
The Chief

This book is about a guy named Sonny Bear who is a Cherokee Indian.He is a boxer who is struggling to get any good boxing matches after he cheated and was disqualified from a match that was for the championship.Ever since, he has been traveling all over the country with his manager/trainer Alfred, a guy named Jake who is a also a trainer and a guy named Martin Witherspoon looking for matches but are having a hard time finding any.Just when Sonny was about to quit Martin had an idea to go to Las Vegas and interrupt the championship match.
I didn't like this book because it was very hard to follow.Also boxing isn't one of my interest but if it is an interest to you then you will probably like this book.

i did this for you ms b.
I liked this book it was really interesting in that it told how Sonny Bearthe main character on his journey to the heavyweight championship.

Great book
I really liked robert Lypsyte's book The Chief. It really gave me a feel for the characters. It also made all of these emotions towards the characters surface, which I really like in a book. The author makes you have feelings for the characters. He makes you really want the characters to either succeed or fail, but there is not any room for an "I don't care" character. All in all I think everyone should read this book, because it is truly an example of great writing.

I thought that The Chief was a pretty good book.
Robert Lipsyte gets you interested in the characters and their journeytowards the heavyweight boxing championship. I also liked the book becauseSonny Bear, a young boxer, doesn't give up on his dream to become thechamp, despite being judged by his Indian heritage. One aspect of the bookthat I didn't like was that there were too many characters at some pointsin the book and it was hard to follow them all.

I thought that The Chief was a pretty good book.
Robert Lipsyte gets you interested in the characters and their journeytowards the heavyweight boxing championship. I also liked the book becauseSonny Bear, a young boxer, doesn't give up on his dream to become thechamp, despite being judged by his Indian heritage. One aspect of the bookthat I didn't like was that there were too many characters at some pointsin the book and it was hard to follow them all. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A BOOK TO CHERISH
This is a book I have loved since I was a little girl. The main character was a gentle, quiet, thoughtful child who lives in Canada. She moves from an apartment to a house in another part of the town where her boisterous cousins, John (7), James (5), Jean (4) and Ann (3) join her. John is her male counterpart in that he, too, is quiet and serious. James, the funloving mischief maker provides comic relief and he, too, appears to be the male counterpart to Kate, the protagonist's friend and classmate.

The characters are all richly drawn and realistic and this book will delight all ages. I still love it.

A Wonderful book!! I read it when I was 9 and still love it!
I would LOVE to have a copy of this book for my two girls. I read it only once and still remember how I felt when I read it. IT MADE A LASTING IMPRESSION!!! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Home from Far...
This was one of Jean Little's really creative books. I thoroughly enjoyed her book!

Jenny's younger brother was killed in a car accident, and Jenny has to come to grips with the fact that is gone. The car that had killed Michael, had thrown Jenny and her friend into the snowbank.Her mother and younger brothers were injured, but Michael was the only one who actually succumbed to his injuries.

Mr. and Mrs. McGregor went to the Adoption Center to adopt two younger children, one who was around Jenny's Age, and then one who was a little bit younger.Their names were Hilda and Michael Jackson.Ironically, Jenny's brother name was Michael, and she was a little bit touchy with the fact that he was able to get the use of all of Michael's stuff, and then the fact that the dog took an immediate liking to him, whereas the liking to her from the dog was not there!

If you would like to see how Hilda, Jenny, Michael, Malcolm and Alex interact with each other, please read the book Home From Far, and it won't be disappointing!

Home from Far...
This was one of Jean Little's really creative books. I thoroughly enjoyed her book!

Jenny's younger brother was killed in a car accident, and Jenny has to come to grips with the fact that is gone. The car that had killed Michael, had thrown Jenny and her friend into the snowbank.Her mother and younger brothers were injured, but Michael was the only one who actually succumbed to his injuries.

Mr. and Mrs. McGregor went to the Adoption Center to adopt two younger children, one who was around Jenny's Age, and then one who was a little bit younger.Their names were Hilda and Michael Jackson.Ironically, Jenny's brother name was Michael, and she was a little bit touchy with the fact that he was able to get the use of all of Michael's stuff, and then the fact that the dog took an immediate liking to him, whereas the liking to her from the dog was not there!

If you would like to see how Hilda, Jenny, Michael, Malcolm and Alex interact with each other, please read the book Home From Far, and it won't be disappointing!

Home from Far...
This was one of Jean Little's really creative books. I thoroughly enjoyed her book!

Jenny's younger brother was killed in a car accident, and Jenny has to come to grips with the fact that is gone. The car that had killed Michael, had thrown Jenny and her friend into the snowbank.Her mother and younger brothers were injured, but Michael was the only one who actually succumbed to his injuries.

Mr. and Mrs. McGregor went to the Adoption Center to adopt two younger children, one who was around Jenny's Age, and then one who was a little bit younger.Their names were Hilda and Michael Jackson.Ironically, Jenny's brother name was Michael, and she was a little bit touchy with the fact that he was able to get the use of all of Michael's stuff, and then the fact that the dog took an immediate liking to him, whereas the liking to her from the dog was not there!

If you would like to see how Hilda, Jenny, Michael, Malcolm and Alex interact with each other, please read the book Home From Far, and it won't be disappointing!

Home from Far...
This was one of Jean Little's really creative books. I thoroughly enjoyed her book!

Jenny's younger brother was killed in a car accident, and Jenny has to come to grips with the fact that is gone. The car that had killed Michael, had thrown Jenny and her friend into the snowbank.Her mother and younger brothers were injured, but Michael was the only one who actually succumbed to his injuries.

Mr. and Mrs. McGregor went to the Adoption Center to adopt two younger children, one who was around Jenny's Age, and then one who was a little bit younger.Their names were Hilda and Michael Jackson.Ironically, Jenny's brother name was Michael, and she was a little bit touchy with the fact that he was able to get the use of all of Michael's stuff, and then the fact that the dog took an immediate liking to him, whereas the liking to her from the dog was not there!

If you would like to see how Hilda, Jenny, Michael, Malcolm and Alex interact with each other, please read the book Home From Far, and it won't be disappointing!

Home from Far...
This was one of Jean Little's really creative books. I thoroughly enjoyed her book!

Jenny's younger brother was killed in a car accident, and Jenny has to come to grips with the fact that is gone. The car that had killed Michael, had thrown Jenny and her friend into the snowbank.Her mother and younger brothers were injured, but Michael was the only one who actually succumbed to his injuries.

Mr. and Mrs. McGregor went to the Adoption Center to adopt two younger children, one who was around Jenny's Age, and then one who was a little bit younger.Their names were Hilda and Michael Jackson.Ironically, Jenny's brother name was Michael, and she was a little bit touchy with the fact that he was able to get the use of all of Michael's stuff, and then the fact that the dog took an immediate liking to him, whereas the liking to her from the dog was not there!

If you would like to see how Hilda, Jenny, Michael, Malcolm and Alex interact with each other, please read the book Home From Far, and it won't be disappointing! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Slavery is a difficult concept to address with children, especially because many adults would prefer to forget that period of American history. In From Slave Ship to Freedom Road, award-winning author Julius Lester takes older children (and adults) on an intense, personal journey through the slave experience. As he gently explains the factual horrors of slave-ship conditions, auction blocks, plantation life, and the risks associated with escape, Lester consistently prods young readers with probing questions: "How would I feel if that happened to me?" "Would you risk going to jail to help someone you didn't know?" "You are free, but are you?" Lester also asks us to imagine the voices and feelings of the African Americans in the illustrations--another brilliant call for active participation.

Rod Brown's paintings are achingly vivid, so much so that a few may be too powerful for younger children. Certain depictions are difficult even for adults to bear: a lynched man with the bloody blows of a whip marking his back; slaves stacked seven-high in the hold of a ship, packed onto shelves with less room than the drawers of a morgue; and black bodies bobbing in the ocean. These are horrible images, but nonetheless historically accurate and important to remember. Brown took seven years to create these startling images, and his careful attention is reflected in the paintings' power and emotion. Children may be initially startled by From Slave Ship to Freedom Road, but they will also be engaged and enlightened. (Ages 10 to 13) ... Read more

Reviews (7)

I disagree with this book for young children
Don't be fooled by the looks of this book. It isn't for little kids. This powerful narrative asks students to step into the role of a middle passage slave, a master whipping a slave, an abolitionist, and a salve who has just been set free after the Civil War. For classroom use I would send small sections home with CAREFULLY selected students for them to practice reading as a homework assignment. By numbering their entries, students can circle in order to read their parts aloud in order. To be on the safe side, sending permission slips home to parents might be a good idea. This is powerful, expect to see emotions from your students. I would not use it with students any younger than 8th grade, and that might be pushing it.

Amazing is not strong enough
I am a college student that had this book read to me in one of my literacy classes. I have never seen a "children's" book so powerful. Most elementary social studies books give a less graphic approach to slavery. I think that this is a great book to use in the classroom. Many history books paint a more rosie picture of slavery. This book can open up the eyes of many students. I fear though that parents and administrators may be disapproving of this text. That probably is because they are afraid or ashamed of history. This book would work wonders for a social issues literacy discussion. Students are encouraged to reflect feelings of empathy not sympathy when reading this book. This is a wonderful book and I encourage teachers and parents everywhere to use it when dealing with the topic of slavery. It can open many people's eyes!!!!

A powerful exploration of African-American history
"From Slave Ship to Freedom Road" combines text by Julius Lester with the superb paintings of Rod Brown. Together they tell the story of African-American enslavement and freedom.

Brown's paintings are truly stunning. He creates images that are often disturbing and graphic: men chained together like cargo in a slave ship's hold, a slave's back bloody with fresh welts, etc. But he also renders the faces of people with great care and tenderness.

At times, I felt that Lester's text was a bit too racially charged (for example, he includes separate "Imagination Exercises" for black and white readers). But on the whole, this is a moving and educational book. Also, there is text and an illustration explaining how many whites risked their lives to help escaped slaves; this aspect of the book is an effective celebration of racial reconciliation.

This book is a "must read" for all children!
Julius Lester has an amazing way with words in this powerful book about the journey to America on the slaveship. The illustrator, Rod Brown, is phenomenal! The two of them together made this book a tool for empowering young people to understand the experiences of Africans coming to America against their will. Although some of the content is tear-jerking and painful, it is necessary reading for all upper elementary and higher grade students. Adults should read it too!

Never have words and pictures been more perfect together.
Even though the book is for children it will open the eyes and heart of anyone that reads it. It's like the painting was done as the story was written. I had a chance to meet Rod Brown and he does an excellent job of reviewing the book while displaying his art work. I was moved to tears. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Fantasy Village
I received this book from my parents for my 11th birthday (many years ago) and this past Christmas I bought one for my 7 year old son, whose favorite characters are Ninja Turtles and Pokemons. We have read this book together during quiet Christmas time and now he doesn't go to sleep without reading at least one chapter from it. He says: "It makes me feel warm inside, mommy, and I feel happy." The book shows how simple things in life (baking cookies, going to school, pulling tooth out...) can become extraordinary adventures for children. Moreover, each and every child can relate to the children from Noisy Village. Astrid Lindgren is a real writing magician. I cannot wait for her other books to be published.

Noisy Village is the Place to be!
The series of "Noisy Village" was the X'mas gift given to me 20 years ago. My dad picked up the books and signed with "To My Daughter of Noisy Village ... From Father in Quiet Village". I enjoyed all the stories. I enjoyed the beautiful illustrations too. Someday, I thought, I'd go visit this tiny village of three houses and a bunch of kids with my mom, dad and my baby sister. 20 years has passed and my parents still keep the books for me in their house - I wanted to take the books when I moved but my new place did not have any extra room - and everytime I come visit my parents I never forget to visit the Noisy Village too. ... Read more

Book Description

Lear's nonsense classic about the unlikely romance between a pussycat and an owl. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful illustrations
Some of my fondest memories are of reading this book to my daughter, Madeline, when she was four and five. The verses can be purchases in many different editions, but the illustrations are equally marvellous. It is a great loss that they are not currently available. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Safety Can Be Fun
This is a great book that teaches even the smallest child about using safety in different situations. It is hilarious yet helpful in teaching safety. Don't leave toys on the steps or you'll be a nit wit. Many other valuable lessons to learn!

Entertaining and very informative...
I read this book as a kid and it was probably the funniest book in the library. This book is basically a catalog of different kids who do unsafe things. Each one has a picture and a silly "NIT-WIT" name, like the Dare Dumb Nit-Wit who is about to jump off the top of the stairs. Munro Leaf does a great job of explaining why you don't want to do the things these kids do, so the book has lessons to learn while still being entertaining. The drawings (stick figures) are very simple, but are pretty funny for children to see. Years later, I still remember the drawings of the kids who got into the shower without checking how hot it was, pet a strange dog and got his arm stuck in the dog's mouth, who ran and fell with a lollipop in his mouth... the stick figures are not gory or violent, just kind of silly. ... Read more

Book Description

Farmer Small takes care of hungry cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and more—all in just one day! Throughout the year, he keeps his farm running smoothly by plowing the fields and selling fruits and vegetables. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Little Farm is Big on Cute
My two year old loves Lenski's books (So do I). They are simple and clear in their concepts and illustrations. It seems somewhat of a "beginner" reading book in its literacy level, but it still is just enough to hold my interest while reading it aloud to my two kids.

Lenski's books are more about providing factual information than giving character lessons or having an underlying meaning.

(Our favorite Lenski book so far that we've purchased is _Cowboy Small_. I give that one 5 stars!)

A Lovely Little Book
The sweetly illustrated, simply written story of Farmer Small's very busy day and the four seasons on his farm. My three year old finds the details of Farmer Small's life enormously interesting: the way he leaves the mail box open while he reads his mail, the apple that drops off the cart he is using to haul his apple harvest, the size of the tractor's wheels (you get many glimpses of this tractor, a big plus for the farm vehicle fan), the milk can he leaves for the dairy truck to pick up, the contents of his roadside stand. The text that accompanies these evocative illustrations is rhythmic and reassuring, and so this is an often-read bedtime and naptime book. One final terrific thing about the book: the hardcover edition is nicely produced, with good paper and clear bright pictures. When my son sits on my lap to hear the story, he always runs his fingers over the book's cover before I open it: maybe out of reverence for Farmer Small, who goes through farm life with apple-cheeked tranquility or maybe just because the cool, smooth cover is nice to touch. Either way, this would be a sweet gift for a two or three year old.
And that's all ... about Farmer Small. ... Read more

Book Description

"Seventeen-year-old Polly can accept her dying patron's lesbianism until Max, overcome by pain and alcohol, attempts to seduce her. While on a working trip to Greece and Cyprus, previously arranged by Max, Polly learns what forgiveness and love really are. Polly is a remarkable heroine." --Children's Book Review Service

"Compelling." --Starred, Booklist
... Read more

Reviews (29)

sensitive, thought provoking and brilliant!
This book is my favourite out of the Murry series. The other books in this series are A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, Many Waters, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, The Arm of the Starfish, Dragons in the Waters, and An Acceptable Time. A House Like a Lotus is probably also my favourite Madeleine L'Engle fiction book. I was especially impressed with the sensitive, compassionate treatment of a painful and controversial issue which this book offers. Polly is one of Madeleine L'Engle's deepest and most complex characters- I would love to know what she ends up doing when she grows up!

A sensitive, thought-provoking novel; absolutely brilliant!
This book is my favourite out of the Murry series. The other books in this series are A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, Many Waters, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, The Arm of the Starfish, Dragons in the Waters, and An Acceptable Time. A House Like a Lotus is probably also my favourite Madeleine L'Engle fiction book. I was especially impressed with the sensitive, compassionate treatment of a painful and controversial issue which this book offers. Polly is one of Madeleine L'Engle's deepest and most complex characters- I would love to know what she ends up doing when she grows up!

another gem!!
madeleine l'engle has always been a source of light to me and does not let me down in this book. she deals with delicate matters such as homosexuality, loss of virginity, and family relations so well i was astounded. the plot never got confusing despite it's many flashbacks. i would recommend this for any girl who is searching for answers but not for the weak of heart because this is an extremely emotional book. read on!!!

A house like a Lotus - for kids 14 and over.
I just finished reading "A House like a Lotus" and let me tell you that I agree with the other reviews written about this book. It does have some controversial issues in it like Homosexuality and of course the subject of sex, like when Zachary asks about Polly's virginity and when she actually loses it to Renny. This novel also for me was a bit diffricult to understand sometimes because of certain words I could not pronounce and also the sunject matter at hand. But all in all it was an okay book but for readers who are old enough to understand the mature subject matter.

Good book for teens 15 and over
As a very Christian 18 yr old girl, i really enjoyed this book. As others have stated, there are several controversial issues in this book, but I think l'engle dealt with them very well. Other reviewers have pretty much covered the plot. While I do not completely agree with everything L'engle has occur in the book, I do appreciate very much the message that she is sending a a Christian woman herself: You do not have to be perfect to be Christian. It is very comforting. The book is very well written and pulls you into the plot thoroughly. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of L'engle's other books, and especially to Christian teens who are not EXTREMELY conservative. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (7)

An Eerie, "Twilight Zone" style story hides "Literature"
I read this book as a teenager.At the time, I did not realize the protagonist was 20 years old.(I thought he was a young teen).I am a huge fan of books of the "character from our world goes to a magical other world" format.This books starts out like that model, but has an eerie quality, like "Tales from the Crypt" but more subtle.In the end, it becomes a bitter-sweet story about growing up that was very powerful (and which I would not have read if I had not been lured in by the fantasy elements).

Fantasy Book opens my eyes!
In this book, Hugh is the main character. He is a 20 yearold man who lives with his mom. His mom verbally abuses him. One day he gets mad and runs out and tumbles going through a gate. It transports him into another dimension. In the dimension, he learns what love is all about. He also finds a girl who is just like him. The girls world is in darkness and they need to kill a beast to help them. Will he survive or die trying? Read and find out.
I did like this book because it relates to other realms. I love fantasy and this book contains a lot. It's a very good book although I would only recommend this book to 9th graders and up, because it does contain some sexual contents.

Tembreabrezi people as Native Americans?
I received this book as a gift in 1991, when I was in middle school.Now that I am a sophomore in college, I am returning to this book to do a 10-page paper for my American Literature class.I was curious ... didanyone else see Irene and the people of Tembreabrezi as NativeAmerican-type characters?They are often mentioned to have "darkfaces" (p. 61, the Master's face was "dark as the embers of thefire") and "dark eyes", with "swarthy" skin (p.51).Did anyone else see this?Hugh's white skin is repeatedly mentioned,and he IS an intruder on the private stream.Any feedback would help mewith my paper.All in all, I love the book and will continue to rereadit!

Read it when you need to
When I read this as an adolescent, I felt like someone else knew how I felt.Adolescents hardly ever feel this way.This is a great book for anyone who just wants to get away from his life.The end surprises you byshowing you the only way to really escape.

fantastic read
I loved this book.We all have demons we need to slay before we can move on with our lives, this book tells the tale in beautiful symbolism.On the surface it's a simple tale of adventure and escapism, but upon reflectionit's about much more than just that.A great work of literature. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Doctor Dolittle--a 19th-century English physician--has never been one for worrying much. Even after his human patients desert him (when one too many sit on one of the doctor's unusual parlor pets), he manages to convert gracefully to animal medicine. Having mastered animal language along the way (with the help of his caustic yet amusing parrot, Polynesia), he has a good head start in his practice. Then, one cold, dark winter night, as the doctor and his pets sit around the fire, a message arrives, via sparrow, from Africa. A terrible epidemic has broken out among the monkeys, and Doctor Dolittle is the only one who can save them. The beneficent physician checks his money box--not a penny left. But the fate of Africa's ailing apes lays squarely on his shoulders.

And so begins the delightful, whimsical adventures that are still enthralling readers three quarters of a century after their original 1920 publication. Hugh Lofting, winner of the 1923 Newbery Medal for The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, has more than a knack for storytelling. His ability to imbue in his characters--human and animal--distinct, unique personalities is remarkable, and his respect for the rights of all who share the planet shines throughout. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Great read-aloud selection
I read this book to my two children, ages 7 and 3. Both children were completely mesmerized and could hardly wait for the next day's installment. A bit of editing was necessary while reading to tone down certain parts, especially those dealing with the pirates (who threatened to eat poor Gub-Gub the pig) and the leaving-behind of some of their favorite animal characters, Polynesia the parrot and Chee-Chee the monkey. The illustrations were especially well-received, and could easily be presented at the appropriate points in the story to illustrate exactly what was being read. All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed this book and are looking forward to purchasing the sequel, which is the one I remember from my own childhood, _The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle_.

THE STORY OF DOCTOR DOOLITTLE
I bought this for my son for his eighth birthday, he loves it so much that he is reading it to himself. This is the first book that he has ever carried around with him, actually reading while he is walking around. This was the first chapter book that my older son read. We had barrowed a paperback edition from a friend. I am so glad that I bought this edition, it's a great story, and the illustrations are wonderful! My younger son got a bike, game cube,and game boy games, for his birthday. But, this book is favorite gift... I think that says it all!

The Best Doctor Ever
The book The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting is a non-fictional chapter book. It has adventure, excitement, and a guy who really likes animals. It has excitement of every sort. So read on to find out more about The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting.

An amazing Doctor travels off to the far lands of Africa to cure the sick monkeys. Nobody else can figure out what is wrong, but the Doctor has learned the animal languages and can speak to the animals. If he cures the monkeys it will be up to you to find out. On his journey into the jungles and out of the jungles of Africa he will encounter many things that will hold him back. He will also say good-bye to some of his beloved animals.

I think this book is more aimed for children in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades but I am sure anybody would enjoy it. The book is not like the movie Doctor Dolittle, so you won't be reading something you already know about. So go and get The Story of Doctor Dolittle. I promise you will enjoy it.

THE BEST BOOK
I've read this book about a 100 times. The first time, my grandpa read it to me when I was about 5. My grandpa read it out of his book that he got when he was little. Now he past it down to me. I loved and love this book, all those grandpas out there read it to your grandkids.Girl or boy, young or old this is a really good for everyone.

The Adventures of Doctor Domuch
I would recommend this book to anyone who asked me for a book. It is action packed, funny,but most of all it is interesting. When I read it I felt like the narrator. The snail was my favorite character. The book is very long but when you get into it, you can't stop reading it. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (8)

interesting
I read this book when I was 10 and really enjoyed it. So now that I am 15 and had to do a book report for school I decided to read it again. Although I am now five years older it was still very interesting it dosen't seem like required reading because it is fun. It draws you in and lets you use your imagination.

An Exciting Page Turner
I enjoyed Shadows in the Water because it is such an imaginative novel but yet seems so real. The Starbuck Family is full of unusual features. Including two sets of twins, Liberty and July (feternal),Molly and Charly (identical), the Starbuck Family goes on many wild adventures.To make the story even more exciting, both sets of twins are telipathic. On this expidition,the twins are sent to the Florida Keys. Meeting up with some toxic waste dumpers, the children find that a beautiful dolphin's life is at risk. Being able to communicate with the dolphins using their telepathy, the children do the best they can to save this beautiful dolphin.
This book is very thrilling. If you decide to get it, I hope you enjoy it.

Book for all ages
This book might be one of my all time favorites, I've read it about 8 times now and it never gets old. I recently bought the book before it because I was so impressed with Shadows in the water. The writing is incredible and the story untouchable. The twins are so life like and you can almost hear the dolphin's voices in your own head. This book can be enjoyed by all ages

cool!
Shadows in the Water is an awesome book. I thought it was neat how July and Liberty could communicate with the dolphins, and i really liked the ending. I think it would be neat to live on a house boat, with a water slide right out my window.

Shadows in the Water: A Starbuck Family Adventure
This is an amzing book of the two sets of famous twins, July (a boy), Liberty, Molly, and Charly (girls). They go out with their father on his job to the Florida Keys to solve the ery of diploimystreyl, a toxic waste that was being dumped in the ocean. On one amzing night, dolphins came and told the older set of twins the whole story of how Moon Spirit became injured in the brain with that stuff. Now they try to find the toxic dumpers. Read to find out more about this story. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Celia Barker Lottridge knows that young children respond best to tales told with inviting rhythms, and better still when the stories have reassuring endings and embody simple truths. Here Lottridge has collected and retold ten remarkably fresh folk tales from Malaysia, Russia, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, China, Africa, and India. The stories, which promote cooperation and self-awareness, are complemented by serene pen-and-watercolor illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A new collection of childhood tales from around the world
The genesis for "Ten Small Tales: Stories From Around the World" came when Canadian author Celia Barker Lottridge decided the time had come to get beyond the familiar childhood stories of Little Red Riding Hood, Chicken Little, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. So she began a search of stories from various sources around the world that had the same magical properties as our traditional favorites. The rest are ten stories for children ages 2-8 that may one day become new nursery classics, illustrated by Joanne Fitzgerald.

The Ten Tales are: (1) "Four Legs, Four Arms, One Head," the tale of the strange creature a tiger encounters in the jungle in this tale from Malaysia; (2) "The Fox and the Walking Stick," a Russian/Ukrainian tale which explains why one fox does not have a tail; (3) "The Great Big Enormous Rock," based on an Indonesian children's rhyme that teaches the value of teamwork; (4) "The Old-Fashioned Bed," that comes from a variety of sources, all having to do with what it takes to put a little boy to sleep in a strange bed; (5) "The One-Turnip Garden," another Russian tale also involving a family working together; (6) "The Little Mouse and Her Grandmother," based on a Chinese traditional rhyme involving an encounter with a candlestick; (7) "Little Monkey and the Bananas," from central Africa; (8) "The Little Boy Who Turned Himself into a Peanut," and had quite an adventure, is from the Congo; (9) "The Journey of Tiny Mouse," a Khanti fairy tale; and (10) "The Magic Drum," an encounter between an old woman and a jackal, based on a version of a story from India.

One of the interesting things about this collection is how Lottridge and Fitzgerald try to make these universal stories, where it is the story that becomes more important than the culture. These tales might not become classic nursery tales, but they certainly reflect the universal elements of the best of that story form. Besides, when you tell a little kid a story for the first time, they do not know if it is a certified "classic" or not; they simply know whether or not they want to hear it again. Most of these "Ten Small Tales" they will want to hear again. And again. And again. And . . . ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

The stories from the Gospels about the life of Jesus are among the cornerstones of Western culture. Today, when religion is both omnipresent and strangely absent from children's lives, this version of the Gospels is presented to readers in its cultural context and as a narrative of interest both for the compelling quality of the life it reveals as well as for the deep, resonant role it has played for all who live in the Christian and post-Christian world. Celia Barker Lottridge brings her award-winning gifts of storytelling to The Life of Jesus. Jesus's life and his teachings and the parables are so freshly told that they seem new again. Their power shines throughout the book. Linda Wolfsgruber's rich illustrations are influenced by her childhood in the deeply Catholic Sud Tyrol (today Alto Adige), and her acquaintance with the iconographic roots of the stories has allowed her to bring historical significance into the illustrations. ... Read more