Book Description

‘Gruffness and anger is passed along from person to person until a little dog starts a chain of happiness that reverses the trend. [A] pleasant picture book [that touches on] emotional maturity.’ —ALA Children’s Services Division.

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Reviews (1)

a wonderful children's book
This book was a frequent bedtime reading for me as a kid, and it was one of my mother's favorites, too. As a middle child in a loving, but often frazzled family, I easily understood and sympathized with the quarrels of this family. Zolotow paints a picture of a very loving and typical family that makes all of us who bicker from time to time realize how normal we are. More importantly, it reminds everyone that their grumpiness toward others only spurs on more bad feelings, but, thankfully, a little kindness goes a long way, too. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Gorgeous Snails
What unique characters Lionni chooses! My boys loved the pastel colored illustrations of the snails and their "houses." We also get to see an example of oral tradition: the title fable is really a story within a story. When one little snail expresses his wish to build a really big house, an older snail tells him the story about the consequences of having such an enormity for a house. Later, much older, the little snail is asked why his house is so small, and he answers by telling the tale. Not terribly exciting, but enjoyable; and the illustrations are, as usual, gorgeous, especially that amazing and huge snail house.

The Biggest House in the World
This is another great story from Leo Lionni! In this book, a snail wishes that his house would be the biggest house in the world, but he finds out that there are consequences to having the biggest house. The moral of the story is "be careful what you wish for, it might come true." A great read! ... Read more

Book Description

Stolen from his family, a dog named Buck must quickly learn the harsh law of survival among the men and dogs of the goldcrazed North. With an introduction by award-winning author, Avi. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Betsy, Tacy, and Tib are twelve--old enough to do lots of things...even go downtown on their own. There they see their first horseless carriage, discover the joys of the public library, and see a real play at the Opera House. They even find themselves acting in one! Best of all, they help a lonely new friend feel at home in Deep Valley--the most wonderful place in the world to grow up. Ever since their first publication in the 1940s, the Betsy-Tacy stories have been loved by each generation of young readers.

Reviews (7)

Another sweet tale of Deep Valley
If you're a fan of Betsy Ray and Tacy Kelly, then you will definitely enjoy this tale of the two girls as they go on their first solo adventures in Deep Valley, Minnesota. This book is a lighthearted chronicle steeped in the innocence of youth in the early 1900's. I read it as a child and enjoyed it again at age 30. Filled with humor and warmth, it's easy to relate to these young heroines and their everyday adventures.

Great Book!
I'm a ten year old girl and I thought this book was Great. It's an older book but the characters are fun. an A+++ book. It's great because the way that they have so much fun and adventures makes me want to be their friend!

This book brings back great memories!
I recently came across a new edition of this book. I owned it as a child back in the sixties. The first thing that came back to me was that every year, after Thanksgiving, I would read the chapter in this book about Betsy, Tacy & Tib's Christmas, starting with the shopping trip up through Christmas day. To me, this seemed to describe a perfect holiday, before it became so commercialized. It always got me in the Christmas spirit. So, when this book came into our library, I took it home & re-read it, especially the Christmas part. And you know what, it still works! If you want to feel the true spirit of a magical Christmas, read this book!

This goes for all the "Betsy" books
When Maud Hart Lovelace first wrote the "Betsy-Tacy" series, did she know how much so many people, from children to adults, would love them? The series has at least one book that anyone of any age can relate to. 10-year-olds will love "Over the big Hill," high-schoolers will love the books about when Betsy was attending Deep Valley High, etc. And it doesn't end there! Even if you're not the age that Betsy was in one of the books, you can still love all of them! Maud has a way of capturing real feelings and experiences--even bad ones--and turning them into works of art. The "Betsy-Tacy" series really is a work of art, even if it was painted with a pen, not a paintbrush.

An endearing gem of a book for little girls (and big ones).
This book (and all the books in the Betsy-Tacy series) is a delightful look at the life of Betsy Ray and her best friends Tacy Kelly and Tib Muller in the early 1900s in Deep Valley, Minnesota. Based on the author's own childhood, this book takes the reader through the trials and joys of being 12 years old, growing up, becoming interested in boys, going to the theatre, and learning about the importance of family ties. Don't let Betsy pass you by! ... Read more

Reviews (25)

A CHILDHOOD FAVORITE
I read this book when I was in elementary school. I am now an adult, and have not read it since; however, I feel quite confident in giving it an excellent review. Somehow, I was surprised that the reading level is so low...despite the fact that I was so young when I read it, it still appeals to me, so I feel like it ought to be a grown-up book that my extremely mature ten-year-old self just happened to read. Regardless, it's a marvelous book which makes the reader want to live in the forest with the bands of thieves and be just like Ronia (or, for boys, her forbidden friend, whose name escapes me). A great read!

Ronia, one of my childhood's best books
I was about eight when I first got this book as a Christmas present from my parents. The story tells of a young girl born into a band of robbers during 'a dark and stormy night.' The robbers, whose leader Ronia's father is, live in a castle that was split in half by lighting the night Ronia was born. The other half of the castle is inhabited by a rival group of robbers whose leader has a son the same age as Ronia. One summer Ronia meets Birk, her counterpart, in the woods, and the children start a secret friendship.

Filled with wholesome adventures in the woods, interesting creatures (none of them TOO scary), and a conflict of families that gets solved in the end, the book is a delight. This book remains one of my favorite books from childhood, one that I read many times and always looked forward to reading again.

I love this story!
Growing up, this was my favorite of the Astrid Lindgren stories, with the number two spot held by "Mio my Mio". I hadn't read it in translation before, and while I still think the original Swedish was better, this translation keeps the wonders of the book intact. Great and interesting creatures, fantastic characters, and a great and complex story. A lot of fun to read and highly recommended.

A masterpiece
Astrid Lindgren has written so many fantastic books, it is impossible to name them all. But Ronia, the Robber's Daughter is among the best ones.

Ronia is born among a clan of robbers, and grows up surronded by love. But as she grows up she will discover that her small world is threatened from the outside. We are taken into a tale of strong friendship and love, a world where you are strong only because people love you, and you love other people. This is not a sweet love story, but a story where every child and grown up can learn important things about life. About forgiveness. About fright. And most of all about love.

Ronia, and her friend Birk are strong children. But at the same time they can cry and they can show their weakness. Lindgren is a master in showing the whole specter of human feelings. And it is very easy to believe in her characters, believe that they are real, cause they show real human feelings.

Many children must go through hard times, and feelings can be almost impossible to talk about. Lindgren's books are of great help. And best and most important of all, Ronia is a book about love, love as the strongest feeling. With love you can overcome.

Britt Arnhild Lindland

Lost in the woods
This is an extraordinary story.The descriptions of the forests and the creatures are so alive that you can almost touch it.The characters are very much alive and it's easy to relate their personalities to people in your surroundings. It's a sad and humouristic story and many serious issues of life are brought to the surface, such as death, love and what it's like to grow up. I saw the movie ( not released in the U.S) when I was a child and as a grown up I've read the book several times. Ronja is highly recommended to those of you who haven't read it! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A classic that makes children think outside the box.
I grew up with Hugh Lofting's books and wanted my children to read them. As Dr. Dolittle learns to communicate with animals, we begin to think about feelings and habits of individuals very different from ourselves.

Dr. Dolittle did not fit in with many of the stuffier aspects of British society. Thus, he was a miserable failure as a human doctor. His animals recognized his caring spirit and taught him to become an outstanding animal doctor. The stories contain suspense and adventure but there is little explicit violence. The animal characters, Jip the dog, Gub Gub the pig, Polinesia the parrot each have their own personalities and become friends with the reader.

Hugh Lofting was an Englishman of the early 20th century. As such, he used some troubling phrases that might be considered racist. Much of this seems to have been deleted or modified in the current version of this book.

I wanted my children to read all of the other Dr. Dolittle books. Unfortunately most of them are out of print. Thank goodness,I was able to find a number of the other titles in the Amazon.com used book section.

The Story of Doctor Dolittle
The Story of Doctor Dolittle
By: Hugh Lofting
Reviewed by: R Bhatt
Period 6

This book is about the life of an ordinary doctor named John Dolittle. He is a doctor for people but later on becomes one for animals. Dr. Dolittle possesses one unusual gift. It is the ability to talk to animals. He helps many different animals. He journeys to Africa to treat a sickness that is killing many monkeys. There he has many adventures.
I really liked this book because it is all make believe and adventure. I really like adventure books. They are very exciting to read. They never let you get bored reading them. It is also funny in some parts of the story too. This makes you not want to stop.
I also like the characters. They come to life in this book. They also become a part of you when you are reading. My favorite character was Jip the dog. He was a main character and sometimes he is really funny. I also like Polynesia the parrot because she helps the doctor many times in the book.
My favorite part is when the Barbary pirates are stuck on the old sinking ship. That part is really funny and exciting to read. Ben Ali the leader wants to kill Dr. Dolittle but doesn't succeed. He and his pirates have to become birdseed farmers on the Canary island. This I like this part because the animals help doctor Dolittle out. They are very nice to him because he is their friend.

You may WANT the "adulterated" edition
As you read these reviews, be aware that the "non-PC" material in the original includes an African begging Dr. Dolittle to make him white, since being black makes him unattractive. While Lofting didn't mean to be hurtful and was simply a product of the world in which he lived, you may feel that you can do better for your children than to send them off into today's world with the notion that white people are more attractive and that black people all wish they were white. If nothing else, the fact that they identify Eddie Murphy with the good doctor may render the "unadulterated" version of the book quite strange to them!

A SUPER GREAT BOOK!
It was so neat how Dr. Doolittle was able to talk to animals! The push-me pull-yu is very funny because it has 2 heads. I loved the way the doctor figured out how to help all the monkeys! It was also cool how the animals helped the doctor too - like when Jip the dog helped figure out where the boy's uncle was.

I can't wait to read the next book (VOYAGES OF DOCTOR DOOLITTLE) and see the movie. I've only seen the one with Eddie Murphy so far and this is different!

(My mom loved reading this book with me too and she wants me to say that it's also lots of fun for grownups!)

Beware, this edition is adulterated
Dr. Doolittle fell afoul of the PC police, before they were so named. This edition has been adulterated to maintain political correctness and there is no indication of this unless you read the afterword. Great story, bad edition. ... Read more

Book Description

To be a slave.To be owned by another person, as a car, house, or a table is owned. To live as a piece of property that could be sold...

This book is about how it felt. The words of black men and women who had themselves been slaves are here, accompanied by Julius Lester's historical commentary and Tom Feelings's powerful and muted paintings, To Be a Slave has been a touchstone in children's literature for over thirty years.

"It is rare to find a book that enables children to identify as compellingly with slaves as this one does." -Publishers Weekly

"From history-and for our time-there's nothing better than To Be a Slave." -The New York Times Book Review

Awards:

A 1969 Newbery Honor Book
An ALA Notable Book
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Smithsonian Magazine Best Book of the Year ... Read more

Reviews (7)

"I was here in slavery times. I was here."
This small collection of slaves memories and stories offers a vivid, heartfelt look into the often horrific lives these people once led. The pain and suffering, the sacrifices and dedication of this amazing race make for an equally amazing book that opens the soul and teaches, without preaching or purpose, to love and respect every race. A perfect collection of facts and stories.

Sobering, simple collection of accounts by former slaves
The purpose of this book was to document the lives of former slaves, grouping together areas of similar experiences. The full gamut of the horrors of American slavery are described, whether it was being beaten, raped, or having your family split apart for different masters to take away. The living conditions and variety in their treatment also are discussed, making this book, while simple enough to be read by middle schoolers, powerful enough to be read by anyone seeking a true account of slavery prior to the Civil War.

Powerful!
I had to read this book for a college class, and I was really moved by it. It's such a powerful read. This book will give the reader a first hand experience of what it was like to be a slave. What makes this book so good is that it's the words of the slave. It's their stories and their words. The reader will learn how they were beaten and how their families were split up...sometimes for life. If you have a interest in reading about slavery, then you must add this to your collection.

The Best Way to make a book.
A Great Book sums it up. The book is made by shorts exerts from other books or from people in the Library of Congress. It is hard to read, to see what our forfathers did to the blacks. It really is. I have read other books about slaves but nothing as far in as this. Its saddening. It tells you how the slaves were sold by fellow africans so the whites who crammed them onto small boats. They made it so that the slaves could only sit. One person was quoted on saying that they couldn't stand up again until 2 weeks after they go off the boat. After getting off the boats, there were sold to their masters on the auction block. Then it told how the slaves revolted. They did it a bit at a time in different ways. Some rebelled by acting as stupid people as their masters thought they were. Then as the Civil War came, many slaves were freed and other ran away. As the emancipation came, all slaves were freed. The slaves didn't know what to do though. Like how to plant, farm, anything. As the book said, "Negroes were bit by two snakes, One that pointed south that bit slavery, the other faced north and bit freedom. They both hurt the negroes."

To Be A Slave
My recommendtion for my book is for people that want to learn something new. I think that my book, TO BE A SLAVE, was full of interesting facts that happened to the slaves. They had a rough life and they went through alot of misery. They were beaten if they did anything wrong or said anything wrong. I recommened this book to anybody that is interested in history. I read the book every moment that I had because Icouldn't wait to see what would happen next. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Our favorite nightime story book
We really like to use this book to read to our son (2 year old) because it contains a little story, it's short enough that he can follow it, there is plenty of pictures to keep him interested with as many occasion to teach him some new vocabulary.
We would also recommend very much Mr Small little Farm. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Reading award-winning author Madeleine L'Engle's Meet the Austins is like taking a vacation with the warm, compassionate Austins--an extraordinary family who takes a little girl named Maggy Hamilton under its wing when her father is killed in a plane accident. Adjusting to a new household member is not easy, as the 12-year-old narrator, Vicky, will testify. Maggy is spoiled, "ubiquitous," laughs in a "horrid, screechy way," and appears to be a child of an entirely different species from the thoughtful, intelligent, kind, yet not cloyingly so, Austin kids. Still, Vicky and her other siblings (Rob, Suzy, and John) grit their collective teeth and struggle to understand her, which becomes easier and easier as the loving family seems to rub off on the newly orphaned Maggy.

The Austins are beyond question a charming family, but their path is by no means rock-free: Vicky sneaks off to a friend's house and severely injures herself in a bike accident, they all get the measles, John is beat up after his guest sermon in church, and they almost lose little Rob. Despite ordinary family setbacks, there's no use pretending this is a run-of-the-mill family. When Vicky is sick, her older brother, John, comes into her room and soothes her with a discussion of the solar system, our atomic composition, and the relativity of size. Family dinner-table talk includes the ethics of meat eating, and a chat with Grandfather ends up with a discussion of whether Einstein believed in God. As in all of L'Engle's novels, she asks the big questions: What is the meaning of life, and how does death fit into that? Are there different kinds of intelligence? What happens when you remove a screw from a radiator? This strangely comforting novel, first published in 1960, is an ALA Notable Book, and was followed by four other books featuring the Austin Family: The Moon by Night, The Young Unicorns, A Ring of Endless Light (a Newbery Honor Book), and Troubling a Star. (Ages 9 to 12) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (17)

The Perfect Family
When an orphan named Maggy Hamilton comes to live with the Austin family, their lives are turned upside down. Especially Vicky's, since she feels out of place with the new girl being there. Vicky is upset, because she doesn't sympathize with Maggy's tragic loss. She also feels useless. Like she can't possibly help with anything, when that's far from the truth. But when it begins to look as if Maggy won't be leaving the Austin family anytime soon, Vicky tries to look on the bright side, and pray that happy times are waiting in the future.

This was an excellent book, featuring one of my favorite families, the Austins. Madeleine L'Engle writes with such poetic grace, and makes you feel like you are right there with the Austins, sharing their pain. A must-have book for everyone. Young and old.

Erika Sorocco

I loved MEET THE AUSTINS
This is the best book by Madeleine L'Engle I ever read! I got it when I was eleven, I'm now thirteen, and sinse then I've probably read it ten or so times over. It's a grrrreaat family story, the characters are incredibly REAL, and the theme is just marvy. I wish I had the new version that has some new chapters that weren't in the book my grandmother gave me.

fabulous
this book is awesome. it remains one of my favorites. despite the fact that it was written in the 60s, it is still completely relevant to teenagers and families today. in fact, it seems to promote the "simpler" life of love and family that we all still want, without being at all saccharine or pushy. i love how the narrator, vicky, describes her family's life and events in such a matter-of-fact way, as if she was just talking to someone about what was going on... you know how sometimes someone can say a few words or describe a scene and you know exactly the feeling they mean? thats what happens thru out this book. it gives a warm and fuzzy feeling and the only problem is that you have to remind yourself the characters arent real. but it has great ethics, fun and 3d characters, and the Austin family is wonderful. also something ir eally liked: the Austins' family clearly includes some of their close friends (for example, the character of Aunt Elena)... its not about a birth thing, and it never gets addressed but its just so natural that their extremely loving and tightknit family should include friends just as easily.

i really, really recommend this book to anyone. its both an easy read and thoughtprovoking, and encouraging, anddddd just awesome!!!! :-)

A book for adults as well as for kids!
Twelve-year-old Vicky Austin has a secure and happy home with her physician father, homemaker mother, older brother John, and younger siblings Suzy and Rob, in their big house outside a small American town. The Austins practice an unpretentious but fully committed brand of Christianity, and despite normal squabbling and adolescent angst their elder daughter knows she is surrounded by love and treasures it.

Then Maggy Hamilton, ten years old and newly orphaned, lands in their midst and does her best to change everything. For a time this little girl who has never known a real home before does a good job of disrupting the Austins' lives. To Maggy, toys are for breaking (her rich grandfather will replace them on demand, so why not?) and so are rules. Yet like all children, Maggy desperately wants to be loved. Can the Austins love her in spite of her obnoxious behavior? Or will her presence tear their happy family apart?

The answer to that question may be predictable, but the way it happens isn't predictable at all. Vicky as narrator has a sweet but decidedly not saccharine voice, and an outlook on life as a budding woman that when this story was first published (copyright 1960) was positively revolutionary. I particularly love the way L'Engle imbues this and many of her other books with a matter-of-fact yet profound spiritual dimension, by depicting Christians who live their faith as if that were the most natural thing in the world.

I'm surprised I didn't find this book when I was at the age level for which it was written, since in 1960 I was 8 years old. However, all really fine children's literature can also be enjoyed by adult readers; and that's especially true of Madeleine L'Engle's work. I look forward now to reading the rest of the Austin series.

Not Good at All...
I first started readed L'Engle's books because I saw they were making a movie on the Disney Channel based on "A Ring of Endless Light." I read that book and I fell in love with Vicky and the Austin family. When I learned that there were other books about them I immediately checked them out from the library. The first one I read was this one. I was VERY disappointed. It lacked a central message or point and seemed quite disorganized. I put it down one day, almost done with the thing and never picked it back up except to return it to the library.
"A Ring of Endless Light" was so smooth and perfect. I guess it was because L'Engle had become a much better writer by the time she wrote that one... ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Little by Little
I really enjoyed this book because it was obviously a stuggle for Jean Little, but she still kept on going. She had many goals in her life and most of them was to do something in order to be normal. I think the most important parts of the story is when she gets her different pieces of writing published and actually gets money for it. She has loved books ever since she grew up. I noticed that many books that she has written has connections with her life. Most of them have a disabled person as a character. I think she writes all her books by using her life as a base, but altering many things.

poignant and inspirational
I have loved Jean Little's books about children facing special challenges for many years, but only found out recently that she has had her own disabilities to cope with. In this book, she talks about her childhood in China and then Canada, the difficulties she faced going through school with severely impaired vision, and the love and support of her family that enabled her to persevere.

With insight and humor but without self-pity, she tells of the challenges she faced at school, including bullying, as well as the relief when she was put in a sight-savers class and at last found a place where she was "normal" - like the other children in her class - and had teachers who understood her needs.

Against all odds, Little decided to go to university. The book ends as she works as a teacher and writes her first book - one inspired by the need of her disabled students to read realistic stories about children like themselves. After reading this book, I know understand how she writes so knowingly - it's because she has lived many of her stories.

Build Some Confidence
I find this such an amazing book. I loved it so much. I am using this book for a book report and I find that it will be the best.I am doing a bookseller's day and I will try to sell this book. I feel that it will be successful for me because this book is so interesting. Sometimes it is so touching it can make you cry. Jean Little is such a brave girl and into such a talented young lady and to a real grown up person. I feel that this book will teach you a great lesson by having someone sharing their past with you and everyone around. Everything in the book is so real because all those things have probably happened in some school. People getting bullied. But the thing is, no one ever stands up for themselves and I find Jean Little such a spectacular person.

Little By Little
If you like sad but happy or a lesson to learn in a book you will like Little By Little. Jean has one of the most popular books help you in life. The genre of this story is autobiography. It will change your point of veiw as a reader and as a person because you know the things she goes through really happen. I like this book because when you get into the story it's hard to get out. The story is about how Jean, little by little, succeeds in different things like reading, school and many more. For example, when she's trying to learn to read, she didn't give up. She went through stages during lerning to make new frieds,and getting through school. Jean uses very interesting words to make you feel like you're there. For instance when it's her first day at school she explains how she felt and what she felt like doing. This book taught me that it's hard to live a normal life if you have a disability.

Little by Little: A Writers Education
Jean Little's book Little by Little was absolutly amazing! While autobiographies and biographies usually bore me this one was so great I had trouble putting it down. Jean is such a great role modle for those who are crippled or have critical conditions. Even though she was partially blind and cross-eyed she commited herself to working hard and fullfilling her dreams of becoming a writer and poet. I would suggest reading this 5 star book to anyone because Jean Little is an absoulutly amazing woman that influences me greatly in achieving what I want to achieve in my life! ... Read more

Book Description

Sonny Bear, the Tomahawk Kid, is on a fast downhill slide with the heavyweight championship at stake. He hardly knows who he is anymore, or why he should keep on fighting.

Then the first e-mail arrives.

Do not lose heart. I come on a Mission from the Creator to save you.

The Warrior Angel might be just what Sonny Bear needs -- but will Sonny be prepared to save him, too?

Reviews (180)

A Ring of Endless Light--life and the process of living
This novel begins and ends with death, but Vicky Austin celebrates life. L'Engle's sensitive portrayal of adolescence struggling to accept death rings true. Vicky is, as always, an open and honest narrator. This novel probably shows us more of her development as a character than do L'Engle's other novels, and we are also treated to a lovely setting. Vicky finds joy even in the midst of great pain, in the last summer she knows she'll have with her grandfather, and she teaches us by example a productive and mature method of dealing with death. L'Engle's drawing of the grandfather is exquisite, and as always, her characterization of the Austins gives me supreme faith in humans' ability to form close, wonderful bonds. Note: I read A Ring of Endless Light just after my own grandfather passed away and after I got engaged; this book helps me grieve and gives me hope. Plus, L'Engle's science has always intrigued me (Arm of the Starfish, Charles Wallace's mitochondria and farandolae), and the dolphins are fabulous.

Finished the book just an hour before the movie premiered.
I had started this book on a Monday in the middle of August. Less than five days later, I finished it completely! I have been so enthralled with the book because it has helped me greatly to deal with some of the most personal and painful losses in my family. Vicky Austin is basically surrounded by death all summer long, yet she has the luck of being chased by three boys. She's basically one teenager dealing with a number of issues thrusted upon her all at once. I can identify with Vicky, especially the close relationship she shares with her grandfather. By a strange stroke of luck, less than an hour after I finished the book, the movie came on the Disney Channel.

Now, if you haven't seen the Disney Channel's version of the book, it's not very faithful (as if any movie could be). However, I would still recommend the movie and the book together because they both deal with the same issues of life and death. No matter how many times I see the movie or read the book, I will always cry when I see Vicky with her grandfather. I will always be reminded of the close relationship I had with my late father.

a lyrical, beautiful story
This book is unquestionably my favourite in the Austin series. The other books in the series are The Twenty-Four Days Before Christmas, Meet the Austins, The Anti-Muffins, The Moon by Night, The Young Unicorns, and Troubling a Star. A Ring of Endless Light contains some of my favourite poetry, as well as being written in clear, natural, effortless prose. The issues it deals with, such as faith, life and death, and the nature of God, are never oversimplified, and there is a refreshing absence of a narrow, didactic viewpoint. This book clearly deserved its Newbery Honor Book status. Ever since I finished reading this book, I have wanted to swim with a dolphin, and was encouraged to read Henry Vaughan's poetry for the first time.

One thing I really wish is that Disney hadn't ruined this story by turning it into a 'save the dolphins' teen flick, totally changing the themes and content of the story. If you have seen the t.v series please read the book as well before making up your mind about the story.

WARNING WARNING WARNING
DO NOT I repeat DO NOT read this book if you are NOT a girl under 16 years old. I am a 35 year old man and I read this book and thought it was a parody but it isn't. If you are some kind of sicko and like books marketed to the secret adolescent sensuality of girls in the school of things like unicorns and horses, then buy all means, read this book and then seek professional help. Otherwise take my advice and stay far far away.

A Beautifuly Written Book
I first read this book when I was in middle school, and recently re-read it for a 400-level college course on children's literature. When I read this book for the first time, I wasn't overly enthralled with it, but I loved Vicky and felt the pain that she was going through with all the death around her.

When I re-read this book, I was astonished at how moving it was. The writing style is superb and the language is like poetry. The pace of the book, while it may be a little slow to younger readers, truly makes you lose yourself in the story. I believe this is a must-read for any age. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Helping children process
A few months ago my son was terrified of an imaginary being (imaginary to me, maybe there was something really there that only he could see). This scary being had fire all around it and my son was truly terrified of it. I finally said, "maybe it's hungry. I think if we offer it some food he will go away." So we did this and thankfully the being did go away, verified by my son. But, the next day this fire being was back. So we fed it again and it went away.

The Tomten and the Fox was recommended to me by a friend. Ever since we bought the book the fire being hasn't been back.

More About the Kindly Tomten
This book was originally published in 1966 and maintains all of its original charm. It is the simple story of the friendly house spirit called the Tomten that keeps watch over a Swedish farm homestead, its animals and people. We have met this Tomten before in another wonderful book by Astrid Lindgren called The Tomten. In this story, which takes place around Christmas time, we find a hungry fox faring out on a cold and snowy winter night in search of food. The illustrations are so beautiful and they really transport you to a cold, quiet winter night with snow crunching underfoot and stars sparkling overhead. The characters of the Tomten and the fox are very engaging and are sure to be well-loved by children. The text is very simple but has a lyrical quality that is the perfect compliment to the homey and comforting artwork.

wonderful
Hi, my mom read this book to me when I was very little and I am buying it now so I can read it to me kids. It is a wonderful story about a hungry fox and a kind tomten who watches a farm and he feeds the fox, it will really touch you and your children ... Read more

Book Description

Mr. Small does it all!

In this adventure, Engineer Small drives his little train from Tinytown to the city-and back. Along the way, the little train passes tunnels and stops at stations to pick up cargo and passengers.

Presented in full color for the first time, Lois Lenski's The Little Train will delight a whole new generation of readers as they learn all about the ins and outs of a working train. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

choo-choo CHOO-CHOO!
I have twin babies, 21 months old, a boy and a girl, who adore this book. They had never seen trains before, but after two days being read this book, they point to it and say "choo-choo", and anytime a train comes up on one of their videos, they identify it. Furthermore, there are lovely incidental details on every page which they can point to upon questioning (where's the horse? Where's the bridge?), which is a positive thing for intellectual growth at this age. A perfect toddler classic.

The Little Train by Lois Lenski
I like trains a lot and this book tells about how you run trains, especially steam ones. Engineer Small and Conductor Little are really nice as they take you on a tour of the train and then on a journey. The pictures are fun and neat plus are detailed and name parts of the engine. There are even good safety ideas! I think any little boy or girl would like this book like I do! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sent from her native Scotland to live in the court of her futurefather-in-law, King Henry II of France, young Mary, Queen of Scots, spends hertime attending balls, hunting and hawking, learning Latin and fractions andmusic, and playing with her future husband, Francis. In Kathryn Lasky'sfictionalized diary of the 11-year-old queen, readers will get a piquant tasteof 16th-century life in Europe. Mary is quite aware of her role as the betrothedto France's royal family. Playing chess together one day, Francis comments toMary, "Did it ever strike you, Mary, that we are not so much children and sonsand daughters of parents as we are pieces on a gigantic chessboard calledEurope? You are given to me to help checkmate England." As with the other titlesin the Royal Diaries series (Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House ofTudor, etc.), a fact-packed historical note, epilogue, paintings, andfamily tree provide just enough additional information to whet the appetites ofreaders for more about the ill-fated queen of Scotland and France. (Ages 9 to14) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Mary, Queen of Scots - Girl and Queen away from home
1553, Mary Stuart, aka Mary, Queen of Scots resides in France at age eleven. She describes to her journal, the details of the French court with her four Marys, her close friends from Scotland. She details encounters with the stern Queen Catherine de Medici, the beautiful Diane de Poitiers, her friend, the sickly Dauphn who is to be her future husband, Francis, and many others. She finds conflicts with the Queen Catherine and believes that "there is no room in one country for two Queens". She misses her mother and native land of Scotland dearly. An eleven year old girl who is at times, a queen and a child. Some things conflict but she takes them introspectively. She is truly growing up as a Queen away from home.

Kathryn Lasky did a great job in this portryal of the young Scottish Queen. It was very believable and convincing. She was able to weave cameos of people like Nostradamus and important historical details of things happening in England at that time. This is another great book to add to the series but I thought many details were left out in the Historical Notes and Epilogue which can be researched in more detail though. Overall, Mary, Queen of Scots, is an asute, lonely and brave young Queen in this addition to the Royal Diary Series. An enjoyable read.

Mary Queen of Scots is best princess ever!
I read this book back when it first came out but I cans till remember it well. Mary is the daughter of the Scottish king who died when she was less than a week old. When she was 6, her mother sent her to be educated in France, where she would also marry the French dauphin Francis. Now, she is 9, and has been living in the French court for years with her only real friends, her four Marys from Scotland. But the French court isn't everything it came out to be. Catherine de Medici hates Mary, and will stop at nothing to destroy her. Mary befriends the king's true lover, Diane de Poitiers, and Mary even gets visits from her mother eveyr once and a while! However, amny deaths come and many mysteries are solevd in this book. It is my favorite from the Royal Diaries series and I hope you enjoy it too. Kathryn Lasky brings Mary to life, although Mary seems older than 9 in her speech and knowledge, and the research shows in this book. Almsot everything is real and researched and nothing is made up. Nostramadus even makes a guest appearance in this book! I recommend this boys and girls of all ages.

I liked this book.
Thirteen-year-old Mary has been Queen of Scotland ever since she was nine months old. She used to live in Scotland with her mother, but when King Henry II of France decides she should marry his son, Francis, Mary is sent to live in France. She joins her four sisters and one brother in the King's palace, and that's when her new life begins.

In 16th century France, the royal family is very wealthy and they love to have parties and go to fancy balls all the time. Mary also attends the parties, and learns how to hunt, speak Latin and play musical instruments.

But Queen Catherine, wife of King Henry, is a mean queen. She hates most people and doesn't care about their feelings. Catherine is also expecting a baby and is very jealous of the other Royal children. The story takes you through Mary's childhood and gives you a picture of the trouble that's to come for this young queen later in life.

I liked this book because I like to learn about how people lived in different countries during different time periods. If I would have been Mary, I would have tried to find my mother, but stay in the same country with my family.

--- (...)

Positively Wonderful!
This has got to be one of the best Royal Diary books ever written. It's smashing!

It's about Mary, Queen of Scots, who is living in France with the King so she can be educated. Court life, however, is filled with mysteries and disasters. And when Mary thinks that someone is spying on her, what will she do? Read this marvelous book to find out.

I loved the way Mary was strong, despite turmoil all around her. She never gave up! Now that is a real role model!

THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER!!!
I started reading The Royal Diaries when I was ten. Then first one I read was Elizabeth I (which is funny because she was a cousin to Mary Queen of Scots). I read this book on the way to Florida one year. I finished it within a matter of hours. I wish there could have been more about her in the diary. Kathryn Lasky is a very good author. I really enjoy reading her books. Well, I guess I am getting off the subject of Mary Queen of Scots. This book is very good and you can learn alot about other cultures and people by reading The Royal Diaries... ... Read more

Reviews (2)

enduring pleasure
as a young girl i loved the "betsy" books and it was a pleasure to pass them along to my daughter. only last night we discussed the books - she's introducing her fourth grade daughter to them this spring. the series is timeless and i love every book !

Special Collection for young girls
As a child growing up, I was an avid reader. I began reading the "Betsy-Tacy" books when the school librarian introduced me to the series. This is a wonderful series showing the life of the main chracter, Betsy. I can remember devouring each of the books. Now that I am a teacher and a mother, I can't wait to find and purchase the books for my daughter and my classroom library. In today's society of technology and media, this is a wonderful collection of old fashioned, classic stories. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Classic!
This is my two and a half year old son's ABSOLUTE favorite book. He asks to read "Fireman Small" every day at naptime and at bedtime too. ( we usually read it several times each sitting!) He has had this book since he was 12 months old and it was an instant hit with him. His favorite part is when fireman small saves the little girl and her kitten, he throws his arms up and yells Hooray! It is a great book about an everyday hero (fireman small). The classic illustrations are wonderful and a breath of fresh air in this computer generated age. I would highly reccomend this book for any toddler.

This Book Sends The Wrong Message
Fireman Small rushes to a house that is on fire with smoke coming out all the windows and doors. Nevertheless, there is a picture and text "The family carry sofa, lamps, tables, and chairs out of the house." And yet, they still manage to leave a girl child and her pet cat upstairs.

What kind of message is this? Aren't you supposed to grab your family and get out of the house if there is a fire? What's all this about moving all of your furniture and leaving your kid and cat behind?

the classic, the best firefighter picture book
Lois Lenski's _The Little Fire Engine_ was first published in the 1940s. The pictures look a little bit dated and corny. Don't let that fool you. This is the best firefighter picture book; it's the standard by which all others have since been measured.

In the story, Fireman Small races with the other firefighters to the scene of a fire, where they save a girl and her cat, locate the blaze, and extinguish it. They return to the firehouse. The story is so incredibly simple, but the author has laid everything out so that a child can learn so much from this book. Questions are answered, and children who know a lot about firefighters will have their curiosity piqued by everything in this book, from the "nang, nang, nang, nang goes the bell" to Fireman Small chopping a hole in the roof.

My son and I have looked through lots of firefighting picture books, and I think _The Little Fire Engine_ is simply the best I've seen.

ken32

little fire engine
Fabulous to see the Lois Lenski books reprinted. They have been a favorite of mine since I was a child and now my children enjoy them tremendously. Informative, wholesome, and terrific stories that have lasted the test of time. Don't miss out on these! ... Read more