Book Description

One of the classic Little Critter picture book titles by MercerMayer, this simple story shows our preschool hero resisting his father's effortsto get him ready for bed. By the end of the book Little Critter's understandingfather has finally succeeded in moving his energetic, imaginative son throughbathtime and pyjamatime into sleeptime. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Little Critter nuzzled his way to my heart
Little Critter relates to children everywere in this heart-warming book when Lttle critter keeps trying to put of bed time by playing space cadet, and bunny rabbit. A spectacular, charming book for everyone.

Just go to bed
This book was about a little boy critter that is told to go to go to bed, but won't listen to his parents. The lesson of this book is to listen to your parents when they tell you to do something. The age level of this book about from ages 5-7. I liked this book because I think it would help parents out with having their children listening to them.

Just Go To Bed
This book is about the little critter who pretends to be different things and have different jobs. After that he has a snack and then pretends to be a bunny his mom told him he had to go to bed but he said bunnys don't sleep in bed so he just layed there. After a while the little critter told his mom he would sleep in his bed just once.

I would recommend this book to ages 3-12, because its a fun book to read.

This book teaches that you liten to your parents and try to behave them. You should go to bed whn you are asked to go to bed.

Just Go To Bed
Just Go To Bed is about a little critter he is a cowboy and he rounds up cows. But his dad says "It's time for the cowboy to come inside and get ready for bed." Then the little critter becomes a general and he has to stop the enemy army with his tank. But his dad says, "It's time for the general to take a bath." Next critter becomes a space cadet and he zooms to the moon and captures the robot with his ray gun. Dad says, "This giant robot has captured the space cadet and is going to put him in the bathtub right now." Little Critter next is a sea monster attacking a ship. Dad says," It's time for the sea monster to have a snack." Well Critter goes down stairs to the kitchen and he is now a zookeeper feeding his animals. But he needs to put his pajamas on. And then the little critter goes up-stairs.

Just Go to Bed
This book is about a little critter who pretends to be different things and have different jobs. After that he has a snack and pretends he is a bunny. He said bunnies don't sleep in beds, so he just layed there. Then he decided he could make an exception and he said maybe they can just this once and then he went to bed. The lesson this book teaches is to listen to your parents, and try your best to behave. This is an overall good book and I recommend it for kids 4-8. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

One Morning In Maine Review
I love the book One Mornign In Maine! I was read this book my my mother many times as a child and still love reading it today! The illustrations are excellent, they portray exactly what a moring in Maine could look like. You fall in love with Sal after the first page. Her adventures through the book are so exciting! Having a loose tooth to clamming with her father and getting ice cream with her little sister make us want to be there with her. Even though she is disappointed by the fact that she doesn't get to put her tooth under her pillow for the tooth fairy she learns that life goes on and she will loose other teeth. Also by being a big girl now makes up for that. This book is great for every child. Whether it's read to them by a parent or teacher it offers meaning either way. Also it is a great book to start off a unit being taught about Maine

Toothsome Adventures!
This book continues the story of Sal (from Blueberries for Sal) by introducing her father and younger sister, Jane. The book was a Caldecott Honoree as one of the best illustrated children's books in 1953.

Sal wakes up on a beautiful Maine morning. She realizes that "today is the day I am going to Buck's Harbor with my father." She is very excited. But first, she helps her little sister brush her teeth. While doing this, Sal notices that one of her front teeth felt loose. She is concerned.

Her mother reassures Sal in a very nice way that this meant that Sal is becoming a big girl. Sal also learns that she could put the tooth under her pillow when it comes out and make a wish. But she should not tell anyone what the wish is, or it would not come true. She makes her wish.

In the meantime, she needs to help her father dig for clams before they can take the boat to Buck's Harbor. Along the way, she sees many birds and animals and wonders about their teeth.

Finally reaching her father, she helps him dig. She finds a small clam, which has to be put back. Her father tells her that clams and birds do not have teeth, but seals do.

Suddenly, Sal realizes her tooth is gone. It's not in her mouth and it's not anywhere around! They look all through the mud, but have no luck. Eventually, they have to give up if they want to get to Buck's Harbor. So they head back with the clams for her mother. Sal picks up a gull's feather.

Once her father and sister and she are in the boat, they discover that the engine won't run. So her father has to row. Along the way, they talk about how a new feather will grow in to replace the feather Sal has. Sal wonders if the feather has a wish still in it to be used. She helps her sister make a wish on it.

When they get to town, her father discovers at the garage that the engine needs to have its spark plug replaced. So here's another thing that needs changing.

At the store, they discuss the lost tooth and the kindly owner gives Sal and Jane each an ice cream cone, just what they had each wished for! Jane decides she wants another one, but Sal admonishes her. "Remember, Jane, two ice-cream cones would ruin your appetite. When we get home we're going to have CLAM CHOWDER FOR LUNCH!"

This is the best book I have ever seen for taking the potential upset out of losing a first tooth. Many children do eventually lose a tooth without being able to find it. The book wisely deals with that issue as well. Anyone can do an outstanding job of handling the tooth crisis by having read this book to her or his child in advance.

The family life portrayed is very idyllic. Everyone is kind, thoughtful, and happy (even when things go wrong). For many children, this image will be a good contrast with whatever tiny domestic disturbances may occur in your household. As such, it will help any child relax before sleeping.

I admired the black-and-white pencil sketches very much. They build the mood wonderfully, even more than the words do. You will feel like you are away on vacation on a small island in Maine in the summer. Now, what could be nicer?

After you read this book, you should obviously share your own tooth loss experiences and let your child inspect your adult teeth. You can also add stories about animals that molt their skin and the trees that lose their leaves. Just emphasize that this is all progress.

Also, ask your child what activities she or he would most like to do with you and his or her other parent. You may be surprised! Be sure to allocate more time to do these things together.

See the potential for improvement in every change!

Wonderful book! Charming, satisfying, heartwarming, amusing
I just think that this book is one of the most wonderful and beautiful children's books I have ever seen! One thing that sets this book apart from most other fictional children's books is that the main characters in the book are, in reality, the author himself and his family --- his wife, Peggy, and his two daughters, who actually are named Sarah ("Sal") and Jane --- and as far as I know, the author drew them as they really looked at the time! (I especially got a kick out of the drawings of lively tousle-haired little Jane, who, if you notice, is always shown in a different cute or amusing pose in every picture she appears in! And Jane's facial features and expression in the story are particularly amusing to me, too... her father was amazingly accurate in depicting them. I should know --- I have met Jane McCloskey personally, and though she is hardly a "little girl" anymore, that is still how she looks at you!) The other characters and places in the book actually existed, also, and their real names are used, just as they are in "A Time Of Wonder". So one can sort of "relate" to this story in a closer, more personal way. I also admired how pleasantly all the characters treat each other in the story. Highly recommended!!!

A Great Story for Little Girls
My three year old daughter loves this book. She's carried this book along with Blueberries for Sal everywhere she went until they were dog-eared with pages falling out (after only two weeks!!). I think she identifies with Sal who also has a little sister. The story is sweet without being syrupy, and the illustrations are stunning.

I now need to replace the paperback with hardcover editions so the books may be shared with our younger girl later.

My Dad Loves to Share this Book with the Grandchildren
My father, originally a New Yorker, who has relocated to Maine about five times in his life because he could never leave it for long, loves to share this book with his grandchildren. If one of them loves the book, it is a happy day for Dad. First of all, the simple but beautiful illustrations really look like Maine. Much of Maine does look like a pen-and-ink sketch, and McCloskey captures that beautifully. Even the scenes that take place indoors look like Maine! Since I haven't lived in Maine myself for many, many years, I find these lovely drawings very nostalgic. And how fun is it to know that Condon's store and Condon's garage were real places? I believe Robert McCloskey even gave his characters some very authentic Maine personalities. Mainers are great -- not sugary sweet and very reserved, but lovely just the same, and that's how the various adults in this story are presented. But you don't have to have a Maine connection to love this book. It is a wonderful way to introduce very little kids to the fact that they will lose a tooth when they are five or six, and a reading of this book is a fun way to celebrate a lost tooth. Anyone can enjoy the illustrations, which are simplistic and highly detailed at the same time, and it is a nice family tale with a father-daughter theme. Our youngest son loves for his Poppy George to read it whenever they are together, and they often top off a reading with a visit to a restaurant to order a bowl of clam chowder (a food that his mentioned on the last page of this book). My poor father actually dislikes clam chowder, but our son eats it in his honor because of this story, and it is a way for them to bond thanks to One Morning in Maine. Hey, if a book can make one of my kids Grandchild No. 1, I have to give it five stars. ... Read more

Book Description

Little Critter and his grandmother spend the day at the beach inthis funny-and-true picture book about Mercer Mayer's popular character. LittleCritter is a good helper, even at the beach. When his grandmother's hot dogfalls in the sand, he washes it off in the ocean. He promises to blow up theinflatable seahorse but needs a little help in the end. The joys and mishaps ofa special summer day with Grandma are all brightened by Little Critter's sunnydisposition. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Just Grandma and Me
This CD has a delightful story of a day at the beach with Grandma and grandson. The text comes in English, German, Spanish and French. All text can be re-read by clicking on the chosen sentence. There are stickers for each page to click and drag including the word read aloud for each sticker plus animated responses when the sticker is correctly placed. There is a great sandcastle at the end that allows for individual creativity and a few starter castles. The music and animation are enchanting. My grandson enjoys it for hours at a time.

Just grandma and me
Just grandma and me is about this little kid that wants to have a fun time with his grandma at the beach. They go to the beach and try to have a fun time. The little kid does stuff that end up beginning well but ending bad. The lesson it teaches is that you can be having a good day or a bad day but you will still be grandma little grandson and you will always be in her heart. Yes it was a good book. The age level is pretty much around 1st and 2nd grade.

A review!
Just Grandma and me was a great book I liked reading when I was growing up. It wasn't to hard and it wasn't to easy. Most kids in first grade could most likely read it. They will love it if they like spending time with there grandma. It reminded me in some ways because I know I love spending time with my grandma. In the story Critter and his grandma spend time together at the beach. They do stuff together like me and my grandma do. It is a good book for beginners.

Great for beginning readers!!
My first grade daughter really enjoyed reading this book. There were many words that were repeated which really helps out first time readers. In addition, there were enough new words to keep it challenging for her. The book was just long enough, not too short and not too long. I highly recommend this book for beginning readers. A plus for us, this book was on her AR list.

Just Grandma and Me
This book is about a little boy who was spending time with his grandma down at the beach. They went snorkeling, swimming, and played in the sand.
I like this book because it reminds me of stuff I used to do with my Grandma when I was younger. I also liked this book because it shows little kids that hanging out with your grandma isn't bad and its fun. I think all little kids should read this book, and all the books by Mercer Mayer. Especially this one, with your grandma. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Creator and engineer of the elegant Color Surprises and Black Cat, White Cat: A Pop-Up Book of Opposites, Chuck Murphy has also crafted an amazingly simple yet beautiful counting book, One to Ten: Pop-Up Surprises! This counting book doesn't mess around with fancy rhymes or cutesy sheep--open the first spread and you'll see a bold, fat number one--white on black--right next to a bold black number two on a white page. Pull the number one down, and one tropical spotted frog swims off the page! Lift and turn the number two to the right, and two toucans pop out from a leafy nest. Three colorful beetles crawl out of the number three with the slide of a tab. You get the idea--Murphy's almost breathtaking pop-up surprises take readers all the way to the number ten. Pop-up book collectors and budding bean counters alike will revel in this instructive, interactive masterpiece. (Ages 4 and older) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Another Fanastic, Entertaining and Educational Book
Chuck Murphy has that special talent to keep children occupied with entertaining and educational books. Although I find these books wear out fast, they are well worth the price. The colorful pop-outs and designs are excellent. Our son is two and a half years old and just doesn't quite yet posses the ability push and pull all of the props without tearing them.

a delightful introduction to numbers for young and old
How lucky for children and adults that Chuck Murphy puts his considerable creative talents to the service of young children. All of his books are quiet little masterpieces, and One to Ten Pop-Up Surprises is one of the best.

Stark black and white numbers are lifted to reveal colorful frogs and birds, bugs and butterflies, cats, dogs, seashells and even little boys and girls. Three of the ten manipulatives are tabs, which are more difficult for young children, but any adult would be eager to help out with this beautiful book.

Our two-year old eagerly yells out each number and then counts the revealed objects. With this gorgeous teaching aid, learning is not only painless, but a pleasure.

Bought it 2 times
My son is visually impaired and just loves this book. He actually learned how to crawl by his father and i sitting at opposite ends of the room and "reading" the book. He would crawl between us. I could get him to stop anything he was doing and crawl to the book. Then he wants you to read and read and read it. We read it so much in his first year, we had to buy it again. Yes it is not durable, but I don't think there is much to be done about that.

incredible and appealing to babies and up
My son has loved these since he was about 8 mo, and now he is a pre-schooler. Well, as with all pop-ups, I always supervise, but this series has fairly simple engineering, so an over enthusisastic tug or rip is fairly easy to cellotape. Our four books have lots of tape, but they still work after three years of frequent use. The pop-ups and presentation are so appealing, you will never regret this purchase. An absolute classic for your childs library.

Mind Ticklers for Children as Well as Adults
Chuck Murphy's creative way to stimulate and educate a child. The book consists of 10 colorful pop-ups which encourage children to ask questions about the things they are seeing in the pop-ups as well as to count.
Our two young boys, ages 2 and 4, take these books everywhere with them. During long automobile voyages or flights each book keeps the child's mind entertained for at least 30 minutes but not more than 1 hour and 20 minutes during any given trip.
We have already purchased the above book three times since it has sustained a lot of wear and tear from the mountains to the beaches. Chuck Murphy's books are tops with our kids. ... Read more

Book Description

An author and artist who has continually stripped away the
mystique of architectural structures that have long fascinated
modern people, David Macaulay here reveals the methods and
materials used to design and construct a mosque in late-sixteenth-
century Turkey. Through the fictional story and Macaulay"s distinctive full-color illustrations, readers will learn not only how such monumental structures were built but also how they functioned in relation to the society they served.
As always, Macaulay has given a great deal of attention to the
relationship between pictures and text, creating another brilliant
celebration of an architectural wonder. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Macaulay tops himself
A very informative book about the building of a mosque in the Middle Ages that can be appreciated by anyone from teenagers on up (anyone younger might not get the full benefit of the text, unless they are intellectually gifted). Macaulay focuses on the architectural and social aspects surrounding these holy structures, so that even those with no knowledge of Islam can appreciate the significance that these buildings have in Muslim culture. Not only that, the author's drawing style has improved greatly from his books of the mid-70s, bringing more vividness to the subject and doing justice to the intricacies and beauty of the artwork within the mosque. As always with Macaulay's books, a treat for the eye and the mind.

Richie's Picks: MOSQUE
When I take such pleasure in reading about Paul Edward Logan's accomplished woodworking skills in THE LAND, when I become so attached to Alex and Morris Rose's old house and unique towers in THE OUTCASTS OF 19 SCHUYLER PLACE, and when I delight in telling middle school audiences about Duncan's toilet-stealing scene in ACCELERATION, it is within the context of those beloved childhood memories: Days breathing sawdust and trying to keep my hands warm through a gray autumn Saturday as I did a man's work on my dad's construction jobs and created something lasting.

Thus, I can imagine being one of Huseyin Bey's nine sons. Huseyin is hired to serve as the superintendent of building for the fictitious, late-1500s construction feat that is chronicled in David Macaulay's MOSQUE. To read David's dedication, "For my children and their children's children" is to get but an inkling of the temporal scale we must learn to think in when discussing the subject matter. This is a book which can quite handily serve as the front step for a comprehensive study of the Islamic religion, or of the Ottoman empire, or of what is going on today. And while the impeccable work of David Macaulay is no secret to any of us, this focus on the magnificent vision, the mathematical beauty, and detailed craftsmanship inherent in these structures sacred to a large part of the world, is a wonderful way to begin educating children (and their parents) about that which most of the West is so ignorant. (I am sad to say that as I read MOSQUE during half-time at a freshman basketball game yesterday, someone's parent leaned over and muttered, "Yeah, mosques, that's where they hide the weapons of mass destruction.")

Throughout the book we're treated to those illustrations for which David Macaulay is so well known and loved: from large overviews of the overall project as it rises from the ground, down to detailed views of creating stained glass windows, bricks, forged iron grilles, perfectly rounded arches, and the Muezzins' balcony.

The what?

Yes, that's another great thing about MOSQUE. We are provided with a whole series of new "languages," involving architecture and the Islamic culture. And not only do we see how the project is laid out so that the worshippers are facing Mecca when they pray, but we also get to see the balconies, the bakeries, the bathrooms and the bath house.

Not a picture book for little kids, MOSQUE is an entertaining and info-packed illustrated introduction to a world different from our own--temporally, geographically, and culturally--which we learn is not all so different as some would want us to think.

Yet Another Fine David Macaulay Book
* I'm something of a fan of David Macaulay -- author of THE WAY THINGS WORK,
CASTLE, CATHEDRAL, BUILDING BIG, and other books for adolescents -- who
always does a very neat job of describing how various constructions are put
together. (BUILDING BIG was also a PBS TV series, and showed that Mr.
Macaulay is also an articulate and enthusiastic lecturer.) Anyway, when I
ran across his latest work, MOSQUE, I had to pick it up and go through it.

MOSQUE details the construction of a mosque in Istambul at the end of the
16th century, when the Ottoman Empire was at its peak. The story of the
construction of this particular mosque was fictional, but the building's
design follows principles established by Sinan, the chief architect of the
Ottoman court for fifty years during the 16th century, and the details of
actual construction were carefully researched. No doubt Mr. Macauley did not
want to have to go through the extremely difficult job of trying to
authenticate the personnel and chronology of a specific construction project,
which would have greatly increased his effort without any real benefit to the
reader.

In any case, the story begins in 1595, when a wealthy and powerful Ottoman
admiral decided to create a charitable foundation to establish a mosque in
Istambul as his legacy. Actually, the admiral wanted to build more than just
a mosque; he wanted to establish a "kulliye", a complex of buildings centered
around the mosque but including a seminary (madrese), a bathhouse (hamam), a
soup kitched (imaret), a public fountain (cesme), and his tomb (turbe).

Construction began in the spring of 1596 on a burned out section of the city.
Planning details of the effort were pretty much what they are for a big
construction project today, involving estimating materials and costs, lining
up suppliers and subcontractors, and keeping work on a prearranged schedule.
Some of the considerations were surprisingly elaborate, such as ordering the
fabrication of stained-glass panels from Venice.

The buildings were constructed of stone and brick. The mosque itself was a
two-story stone box with a brick dome and a minaret, with the building laid
out so the faithful would face Mecca, and with a front courtyard with a
fountain for washing (a "sadirvan") before prayers. The other buildings were
single-floor structures, with a set of rooms, each with its own small brick
dome, ringing a courtyard. The complex was completed in 1600 and dedicated
in July of that year.

The admiral died soon after and was laid to rest in the turbe. However, his
favorite wife then funded the construction of two more buildings for the
kulliye: a combination office / shop and hotel building (han) and an
overnight lodge for caravans (caravanserai). They followed similar design
principles to the other buildings in the kulliye and were completed in 1602.

MOSQUE maintains the same standards of quality as Mr. Macaulay has set in
books like PYRAMID and CATHEDRAL, and in fact MOSQUE follows the exact same
format, with very tidy drawings of even small details of construction and Mr.
Macaulay's friendly, clear prose. Although targeted at adolescents, this
book meets the standard that any good book for young people should meet: a
adult can read it and find it perfectly entertaining and informative.
Recommended, if you can get into construction projects.

Good book... for adults
Macaulay draws as well as any architect, and his lengthy explanations of the architectural intricacies of a mosque's construction are clear. Unfortunately, it would be a rare child who would possibly interested in any such thing, and this verbose, detailed picture book is not likely to draw them in. His books are more popular with the New York Times set who thinks children's books ought to be aimed at adults. However, this book may prove useful for kids in the 4th grade and up who need to do a report on mosques.

Fascinating Fictional History
As the author has shown in numerous award-winning books-Cathedral, Pyramid and City, to name a few-his unique gift is the ability to show how monumental historical creations have been fabricated through wonderfully complex sequences of logical steps. This book fits neatly into that lineage, which could seem formulaic by now if each book were anything less than fascinating. Though the mosque, architect and patron in his story are all fictional, the book is set in Istanbul between 1540 and 1580, during the life-time of Sinan, the most renowned architect of the Ottoman Empire. The author remains faithful to that history, and imparts genuine awe at the resulting beauty. DD ... Read more

Book Description

This fun-filled 4-book set helps your child learn, discover, and understand while having tons of seek and slide fun.The set includes four board books in a handy slipcase, each one featuring easy-to-slide pullout panels to reveal fun picture surprises.With Colors, Counting, Shapes, and Opposites, these little books for little hands are sure to please! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Books for Toddlers!
I have never written a review of anything before, but these books merit a thumbs up! My mom gave our now-20 month old son some of these books when he was 10 months old. The "Opposites" book helped him learn those concepts quickly and with "Colors", he began to say "purple" and "yellow" immediately. Unfortunately, he did manage to rip the sliding pages out - he's very strong. But I have purchased new ones, and he is old enough now to just slide them out and not dismantle the book. I highly recommend this series for little ones.

Gotta Have It
I bought this series to keep my 21 mo. daughter busy on an airplane ride. WOW - this is a great series of books. They actually have parts that slide out that a toddler won't destroy (with a little help from Mom). The concepts are kept simple and include; Oppoosites, Counting, Shapes & Colors. I wish this author had other books made the same way - I would buy them all. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In all likelihood, your mother or father read you these poems and remember theirparents reading the same. This collection of poetry by the creator of Winnie the Pooh was firstpublished in 1924. With its companion volume Now We Are Six, the little books becametwo of the biggest bestsellers in publishing history. Children all over the world have heard aboutchanging the guard at Buckingham Palace; James James Morrison Morrison Weather by GeorgeDupree; the three little foxes who kept their handkerchiefs in cardboard boxes; and, of course,Christopher Robin, named for A.A. Milne's son. Adults and older children will enjoy Milne'spoems too, as some of his humor is subtly directed at a more sophisticated audience. But youngerchildren are the ones who love the naughty Mary Jane (lovely rice pudding again?) and the bearson the corners of London's streets. Read these poems aloud and pass along (or start) a familytradition. (Ages 5 to 9) ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great poems for our smallest bookworms
Re-reading the poems in this volume takes me back to when I was very young, and fast-forwards to me reading them to my son when he was three or four. A.A. Milne's timeless verses stay with us long after other childhood books have been forgotten. Every child has his or her own favorites; I remember my son especially loved listening to "James James Morrison Morrison Weatherby George Dupree", "The King's Breakfast" (The King asked the Queen and the Queen asked the Dairymaid: "Could we have some butter for the Royal slice of bread?"), and Emmeline, who slipped off in a snit when someone told her her hands weren't clean. Ernest Shepard's simple pen and ink drawings are a nice compliment to the poems. Reading these poems to your youngsters is sure to be the start (or the continuation) of a family tradition.

Perfect poems for small children
When I was a little boy, my father would read these poems to me. I still have my heavily-battered copy, and every time I look through it, I am overwhelmed with fond memories. The poems in this book are often very simple, but all are very sweet, and Ernest Shepard's illustrations perfectly complement the poems. Every child should have a copy of this book.

poems for childhood remembered
Forget the smoke-filled coffee shop, the microphone on the podium and the beatnicks huddled around their coffees. The real test of a reader's poetic prowess is A.A. Milne, the living room couch and a handful of kids waiting for your renderings of growling bears and timelessl human characters.

It takes an extraordinary book to capture children's attention on the strength of words alone.

It's not that there are no illustrations here, just that each poem has just one or two small, original ink drawings; delightful, but bowing appropriately to the genius of words that can hold children spellbound. For instance, Milne takes a subject like sidewalks and transforms it into the stuff of playacting in Lines and Squares - an irresistible cadence to chant on a walk (or a lumbering gait):

And the masses of bears
Who wait at the corners all ready to eat the sillies who tread on the lines of the street
And I say to them, "BEARS.....
Just look how I'm walking in ALL of the squares!"

As I read I can now recall the precise inflection and finger-shaking combination from Disobedience that it took to elicit giggles from my sisters and me, now working its comedy on my four-year-old son:

James James SAID to his mother, "Mother", he said, said he;
"You Must Never Go Down To The End Of Town If You Don't Go Down With ME!"

When We Were Very Young is a collection of poems for children, about childhood, and for those who wish to remember its special magic view on the world. This book is a beloved tradition in my family, starting with those cozy evenings on my Grandmother's couch as we all snuggled up to hear about the brownie that lives behind the curtain, Jonathan Jo (who had a mouth like an O), the three foxes and Christopher Robin, who couldn't stop his hoppity hop. Your family is sure to find its own traditions in reading these poems to each other, young and old alike.

It reminds me of Dad
My father died 10 years ago when I was nineteen. I know he used to read "when we were very young" to me when I was a child, but it wasn't until I began to read the poems as bedtime stories to my 2 year old, that I began to remember my dad's emphasis and inflections. As I read my favourites to my son, I can almost hear Dad reading them to me.

I am thrilled that my son asks for Christopher Robin as his bedtime stories and "Hoppity" and "Market Square" have become his favourites too. He is an avid reader and I am just beginning to introduce him to poetry, what better way than A A Milne - It makes me feel like a child again and connects a grandson and a grandfather who never met each other.

Like "A Child's Garden of Verses"
Like "A Child's Garden of Verses," the Robert Louis Stevenson classic, A.A. Milnes' "When We Were Very Young," collects and reminds us of childhood bliss. However, unlike Stevenson, Milne has the whimsy of Edward Lear's limericks and verse. Milne captures the joy and gentleness of youth.

For example, Milne has a poem with a refrain, "Jonathon Jo/has a mouth like an 'O'" It is fun to say, and it almost means something. Another poem talks about halfway up and down the stairs, getting a child to see the difference and sameness of the situation, great for critical thinking.

If you want pure silly humor, go buy Silverstein, but for great writing and solid bedtime reading to teach your child wit and poetry, buy this tiny book. There's a good chance you will like it as well. ... Read more

Book Description

Text and detailed drawings follow the planning and construction of a magnificent Gothic cathedral in the imaginary French town of Chutreaux during the thirteenth century. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A fascinating way to learn more about architecture
I began reading David Macaulay's books when I was about eight or nine years old. But his style is so addictive, it's really ideal for all ages. In addition to "Cathedral," he has similar books entitled "Castle," "Pyramid," "City" and more.

"Cathedral" introduces a fictional 12th century French village named Chutreaux, whose church was destroyed when it was struck by lightning. The citizens decide to have a new one built, which will be the largest, tallest and widest in the world. And this is where the story begins.

Like Macaulay's other books, it describes in great detail the process involved in the planning and construction of such a structure. In addition to the informative, entertaining text, nearly every page is filled with massive, detailed illustrations. Although the town and cathedral of Chutreaux is fictional, it is typical of its respective time.

Reading this book, you will find yourself immersed in the lives of Chutreaux's citizens, not to mention trying to grasp the enormity of the construction project (since it takes nearly a century to complete, those who started the project will not live to see it finished).

All of Macaulay's books in this series are fascinating. But this is my favorite.

Chapeau Monsieur David Macaulay!
We bought two copies of this book. One for us, and one as a present for appreciation month of our pastor. We may even buy one more for a Christmas present! The author did not bind the book to the Catholic religion. It can be read an enjoyed by everybody. I read this book for the first time in 1988 and I always felt it was very detailed and as close to the truth as possible. Being (born) French and raised in France I lived by this type of cathedrals all my life. The writer was able to keep the mood of the medieval times as well as keeping it enjoyable and modern enough that even our American children (11 and 13 year old) love this book. People who have visited European (French) cathedrals can feel even more in this book the effort accomplished during the construction of a cathedral by medieval people. This book is good for children and for adults. This book is better understood if you traveled in France. From Provence in the South of France to the beaches of Bretagne you will find cathedrals that can fit the description of the building process described in this book. Great family entertainment but it is also a very good introduction to medieval buildings! Chapeau Monsieur David Macaulay! from A French expatriated now American citizen :O) living in Gurley Alabama Webmaster of the Gurley Community & Town History web site

A wonderful introduction to architecture and the Middle Ages
Having just finished a great book called "Great Cathedrals", filled with 400 pages of jaw-dropping photographs, I kept wondering how in the world they could have built such marvelous edifices with rudimentary implements over 800 years ago. David Macaulay's "Cathedral" is a book ostensibly written for children but which will fascinate readers of all ages. In scarcely 80 pages, Macaulay takes us back in time to the year 1252 in the fictional French village of Chutreaux where the people decide to build the "longest, widest, highest and most beautiful cathedral in all of France" for the glory of God. Macaulay's text is minimal, but his exquisite black and white line drawings say it all: the step-by-step stages in the building's construction, the craftsmen and the tools they used, and the dedication that kept this project going for 80 years until its completion. We feel a sense of awe at the dedication of the original architects and craftsmen and builders who knew that they would be long dead before the cathedral was finally finished. Macaulay's glossary at the end of the book helps us to understand the major elements of the Gothic cathedral, and his cross-sections and diagrams provide clear illustration of just how the cathedral rose from its foundations. At the end of this volume, we share the awe and pride the townspeople felt at having shared a goal for over 80 years and making it a reality. Macaulay's "Cathedral" is a marvelous creation in more ways than one.

not only for children
It is indeed a book that can be read easily in a couple of hours. However, if you read "between the drawings", if I may say so, you will discover a very deep knowledge of structural design. In fact, I had the chance to read first John Fitchen's The Construction of Gothic Cathedrals, and I can assure that I enjoyed Mr. Macaulay's work much more. Perhaps "Cathedral. The Story of Its Construction" falls short in words and should have been beefed up with more text. Still, I recommend this book. It is hard to find another book with drawings so detailed showing perhaps the most accurate construction means used by the medieval builders, from the very beginning of the construction of these espiritual and community gothic buildings to the end.

Great introduction to how cathedrals were built
Having seen a number of European cathedrals, it is mind boggling to try to imagine how they were constructed by medieval people. This book uses beautifully detailed pen and ink drawings to show how it was done. The book goes step-by-step through the over 80 year process by which successive generations of the local citizens built a fictious French cathedral. All of the key aspects of the procedure are depicted, including designing the structure, obtaining materials, digging the foundation, building walls and flying buttresses for a ceiling over 100 feet high, casting and hoisting bells, and creating huge stained glass windows. This book is really not for children under about 10 years old--although people assume it is because it is illustrated and has text which can be read in under one hour. Given the complexity of the topic, it was just much easier to describe the process using drawings. If you are interested in how cathedrals were built, this is a great introduction. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

an excellent story about overcoming fear
In this Mercer Mayer classic, children are enthralled to find a little boy who insists that there is an alligator living under his bed. My kindergarten students love the child's antics as he tries to catch the alligator. When I teach facts about alligators, I use this book to help the children understand the difference between facts and fantasy. Also, by listing the foods that the child uses for alligator bait in the story, children can make a nice salad. This book gets imagination running and enthusiasm in high gear!

Alligators Rule!!
I've been reading this to children ever since I started teaching preschool back when it came out in 1987. Boy how time flys and I'm still reading this book to each new group of children year after year. This is a story that children say "read it again, read it again!" Even though the writing is simple and great for toddlers to preschoolers, it also keeps the attention of the older children. Mercer Mayer has many other books out and are all worth getting. His style in writing is timeless and the illustrations are enjoyed by young and old. Try using an alligator puppet to extend the story, be silly and have fun with it. Great for language development and keeping us all young at heart. Have fun!

Taming 2's and 3's
Storytime, as you can imaging, in a preschool can be a bit challenging to say the least. If we are have a crazy day, I just pull out "There's An Alligatior Under My Bed" and the classroom goes silent as a room full of preschoolers sit and listen quietly mesmerized by this story. What more can I say. I love this book!

Alligator Problems
Alligator problems dont happen often, but when it did it just happen to be under a little kid's bed, he had no name in the story. I think this is a cute story about responsibility.
Instead of depending on his parent the little kid takes care of it on his own by thinking of a plan. The plan was wise enough, I thought it was humerous how it was some what possible. The little kid maid a trail to the garage and closed the door. What was really cute was the note he left, being concerned about his dad, saying: " Dear Dad There is an alligator in the garage if you need help wake me up."
Personally I thought the whole concept of the plan was lesson learning for a kid, ages maybe 4-8, about problem soving. In and all that was a interesting book.

Theres an Alligator under my Bed
This book is about a boy who has an alligator under his bed and he is the only one who sees it. His parents don't believe him so he has to get it out for himself. So he goes down to the kitchen and gets some Alligator bait and makes a trail from his bed to the Garage and waits for the alligator to come out. He follows him down the stairs and to the garage. When the alligator gets to the garage he hurries up and shuts the door and goes back to bed. But then he realizes what if his dad can't get the car out of the garage because the alligator is in the way. So he leaves his dad a little note telling him that there is an alligator in the garage and if he needs help getting it out to call him.
I like this book because it is cute and funny. I used to love to read this book when I was a little kid in elementary school. I think a lot of kids did well at my school. I also liked this book because it is short and easy for little kids to read. I recommend this for little kids in elementary school. ... Read more

Book Description

Text and black and white illustrations show how the Romans planned and constructed their cities for the people who lived within them. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

another great resource from Macaulay
David Macaulay's works are always entertaining, educational and literate, and this is no exception. A multitude of black-and-white line drawings illustrate the story of Roman urban planners as they design and construct a new city on the Roman empire's frontier. Every stage is explained thoroughly using text, illustrations and charts, from developing a master plan through construction. Tools are explained, cross-sections are used to good effect and specific projects such as a house, a road, a bridge and aqueduct, the forum and central market, public baths, the sewer system and an amphitheater and theater are represented. The book ends with a one-page glossary. If you or a student you know is interested in Roman engineering, this would be a marvelous book to read.

Excellent resource
As a teacher I constantly seek new resources for the classroom. I teach high school and find this resources reaches all levels. My own college student sat down and devoured this book. You will not be dissappointed as Mr. MacAulay once again dissects the difficult and dry and produces an interesting and accesible resource on Rome.

A "must read" for anyone planning to visit Roman ruins
I read this book before going to Pompeii and Herculeum, and it greatly enriched my appreciation for and understanding of those sites. Guidebooks may help you develop a general idea as to the use of a particular building, usually help you find that building, and may give you an idea as to what that building looked like 2000 years ago. This book gives you a brief, easily accessible account of what life was like in these places and helps you identify and understand little details that you otherwise would have either missed or puzzled over. It will greatly increase your appreciation for the Romans as engineers and urban planners!

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Rome...
How did they do it? Build an empire, erect bathhouses and apartment buildings, provide running water and sub-floor heating... MacAuley begins with the emperial surveyors laying out the streets of the city they will build: town planning with fine attention to the details that are a hallmark in this stunning and valuable series. The book reveals the work in progress... a Sim City in a book. This treasure provides links in many directions: to The Gladiator and Asterix, to Roman studies and literature, and to architecture and engineering in all its modern carnations. Enjoy! I add this series to my list of "1000 books I would give to any child".

Facinating insite into Roman engineering
If you're an adult who still has youthful curiousity but doesn't have the time for scholarly works, these books by Macaulay are delightful discoveries. This Roman City book is a particular delight explaining how locations were selected and how cities were organized around roman social order and plain common sense. It knocks down the "arrogance of the modern" to realize how clever our ancestors were. Oh yeah, and kids who love to build with Legos will love this book to. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Black and White is an interesting title for a book that aims to prove there's no such thing as black and white. But read on and you will see that irony and playful deception are running themes in this multidimensional, nonlinear picture story, which was awarded the 1991 Caldecott Medal. In it, a normal-looking cow contains a robber literally pointing at one of the plot's various possible outcomes, which remain tentative as long as they are formulated by young readers. Seeing new angles and clues every time they open the book, these readers will probably astound adult onlookers with their excitement and ease at navigating the unknown in a literary medium akin to interactive multimedia. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great for younger, advanced readers
This book is a great book for kids to read by themselves. It's a series of seemingly four separate, odd stories (two stories on each page). One story is about a boy on a train, the other about kids and their parents' routine, the third is about passengers waiting for a train, and the fourth is about Holstein cows. They're all very odd stories; the parents come home wearing newspaper, Holstein cows are difficult to see, and there are pieces of newspaper flying in the air like snow.

Kids will enjoy this book because each time you read the stories, a different meaning occurs. The writing is creative and arranged imaginatively according to the words. There are some larger vocabulary words that may need to be looked up, such as avalanche, embankment, and udder. Because of the four stories and strange situations, this book would probably be more appropriate for more advanced readers in 2nd and 3rd grade. I even had to read it four times to figure out the stories and how they're related.

Particularly lovely
I enjoyed this book. Not knowing what to expect, my husband and I read each of the four stories individually. After finishing one we'd start over and begin with another. Macauley should be lauded for the different modes of art he employs, if nothing else. The watercolor illustrations of a boy on a train differ nicely from the pen and ink drawings of the two kids and their crazy parents. Most enjoyable, perhaps, is the series of train station commuters, waiting for the train and slowly going mad. Kids will enjoy following the escaped criminal (complete with black mask and black & white striped shirt) as he runs from story to story throughout the book. This would not read especially well to a large group of children, seeing as how the pictures are particularly small and difficult to follow from a distance. Also some of these stories lack words altogether. But individual children will enjoy finding new and different details in each of the four tales. Altogether, a fascinating book.

A Brilliant Example of Why a Picture Is Worth 1000 Words
This book clearly deserves more than five stars for its brilliant plot, fascinating design, terrific illustrations, and thought-provoking premise. This book will stretch the imagination and thinking of anyone who sees it, no matter of what age or intellect. And the process of doing the thinking will be enormous good fun.

The book starts with a warning. "This book appears to contain a number of stories that do not necessarily occur at the same time." Then you get hints. It might contain more than one story, or it might be four stories, or then again, four parts of one story. "Careful inspection of both words and pictures is recommended." You will be a story detective, not unlike someone trying to solve a crime after the fact.

Each page is divided into four stories, each of which generally takes up one-fourth of the page. They are located in the same position relative to one another so you can keep the story thread you are following straight. Each has a title.

"Seeing Things" is about a boy taking his first train trip alone. After a long, mysterious delay, he arrives at a large station to be greeted by his parents. His mother sympathizes with his difficult journey.

"Problem Parents" relates how perfectly normal, hard-working parents return from commuting to work one night wearing costumes made out of newspapers. Soon, they have their children costumed this way too.

"A Waiting Game" shows a crowd of adults waiting for the commuter train on an outdoor platform. Pretty soon they get bored, and the fun begins.

"Udder Chaos" starts with a cow licking a man in a convict suit, and shows how cattle provide camouflage for themselves and everything around them.

An occasional element from one of the stories crosses over, and shows up in another story. From these tiny steps, you can begin to unravel the tangled plot.

The book earned the Caldecott Medal for the best illustrated children's book in 1991. I think this is outstandingly illustrated, even for a Caldecott winner. The images carry the story much more than the occasional words do. Without the fascinating visual display of the book's concept, there would be no story here that you could unravel.

Upon rereading, you and your child will grasp additional meaning in the images and words. This will give you a lot to talk and think about. As such, you will welcome this over all of the books where you read the same story in the same way, over ... and ... over ... and ... over ... again.

One of the most difficult things for a child to learn is how subjective perception is. I think this book is terrific for making that point, and helping to create an appreciation for clear communication. I suggest that every family with children purchase and regularly read this book.

After you have enjoyed this book many times, I suggest that you think about where else a partial story is presented. For example, you and your child might go to a train station or airport and watch the people. You could make up stories about what you see. Then, I suggest that you go up and interview the people to hear what they think their story is.

Find the harmony, under the muddied surface of subjective, unfocused perception!

One of the most fascinating books I have read
I got this book because of the Caldecott award, however, when I read it, I was amazed. I loved the four different stories, and how they were intertwined. It makes you realize; one small incident can impact so much.

Oustanding Book For All Ages
I found this book to be good for all ages. I bought the book for my two young children and found out that my oldest at 13 also enjoyed reading the book. He found it interesting trying to figure out of the story all tied together. My youngest also enjoyed putting words of her own into the story because she is not yet able to read. It is a great book for all ages. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

the dog who wouldn't be
i am reading this book with my dad and having a fun time.mutt,comes to this family for only a penny but brings a millon laughs.he did not think he was a dog so he did not ACT like a dog.when he didn't want to do something he pretented not to hear it.he would put on an expression that said,''i'm sorry,were you speaking to MOI? my two favorite parts are when the dad turns mutt blue and when the dad shot his gun and fell into the dich.you will have to read the book to find out the rest.

Good, but with serious reservations
I must speak a dissenting voice to all the glowing reviews of this book. Mowat is, no doubt, an excellent naturalist, and many of the adventures described in the book are very entertaining. However, I am very disturbed that, although the author is ready to defend HIS pets with his shotgun against other animals, he pretty much gave his own animals not just free rein but also encouragement to kill the pets of others. Mutt the dog is deliberately set on a woman's cats, and the "secret cemetery" of neighborhood cats filled by his pet owl is described with almost pride.

Also disturbing to me is the author's attitude toward women. Any complaining woman is described as "spinsterish." The "Cat Lady" whose cats the author set his dog on to attack and kill was described as harboring "yearning hope" for a male intruder to come and presumably do things to her that I don't want to refer to in a review that children may read -- the implication is pretty strong, with a reference also to the Sabine women.

I may get flamed for this review, but I feel that these are very poor attitudes to be subtly or unsubtly conveying to children. I find it very unfortunate because I endorse the author's work as a naturalist.

Beloved dog, lost times
This is a tale that couldn't happen today. Dogs don't have the lifestyle they did in the 1920's and 1930's in remote Canada, and sadly, boys don't either.

Mutt is a fascinating mutt with a mind of his own; halfway through the book I realised he must be part Siberian Husky with his deafness, his love of roaming and chasing and need to attend to his own desires.

Farley's mother demonstrated an act of faith- as well as the desire to save [money amount]- when she purchased Mutt as a puppy from a starving duck seller. Farley's dad wanted a hunting dog; Farley's mom didn't want to spend a lot of money on a dog during the Dust Bowl years, living in Saskatoon.

Dogs roamed free, boys roamed free. Boys weren't sent off to summer camp to keep busy- there was enough to do with their own imaginations, their friends and their animal companions. Attitudes towards cats were cavalier; some parts are very hard to read if you appreciate cats. Thankfully that attitude has changed over time.

The stories of the father's boating attempts are hilarious. I don't like boats, but am inspired to read "the boat that wouldn't float" by the same author. I live in the western US and have a vague understanding of how difficult it would be to navigate some of these rivers so I appreciated the delusional voyage of The Coot.

Farley paints his parents as people who had their own interests and needs, but also understood the needs of their son and his dog. They understood that living in a city wouldn't work for them, after several years living in the sparse western provinces. Farley's imagination was clearly nurtured and allowed him to become the prolific writer he became. Even the car (Eardlie, a Model A) has a character and idiosycrasies that add to the story.

My dog, too, is geriatric so I read the final chapter sadly. Mutt's demise will give fuel to the arguments of people who believe completely in leash laws.

Yes, this is a fantastic story of a dog, but it is also a wonderful story of life in a more free time, for children. Farley skips over most of the drawbacks of that time and paints a wonderful portrait of childhood.

The Dog Who Wouldn't Be
The Dog Who Wouldn't Be
By: Farley Mowat
Reviewed by: Catherine Li

This book describes the life of a boy (Farley) with a dog named Mutt. Mutt was adopted by the author's mother when he was a puppy and was found by a boy who was selling baby ducks. Mutt was a very unique dog because he had excellent hunting skills. He could dive really deep to catch ducks under the water. Whenever the author's Dad fired his gun to hunt birds, Mutt could always retrieve a bird back even if the author's Dad missed his shot. Besides his hunting skills, he had ability to walk on fences, ladders, and trees - just like a cat! The first time he tried to walk on a fence he fell, but he kept trying until he was able to master his balancing skills on a narrow fence. Mutt was a very determined dog.
I really enjoyed reading this book because the writing describes a lot of details. The writing is very descriptive, and I could picture all the events in my mind. I love the huge vocabularies the author uses to make the sentences complex. "A swirl of muddy water marked his passing, and in the center of the swirl thee was a whitish blob that twisted back and forth lethargically." The author writes lengthy and quite difficult sentences. I remember when I tried reading this book a year ago, there was at least five to ten words I did not understand.
The author described the hunting skills and tricks Mutt could do in very expressive writing. Each chapter was extremely long, however I never got bored and kept reading. The events the author chose very amusing and thrilling. For instance, "The last jump took him well into deep water, and he began churning forward like an old-fashioned stern-wheeler." This book is so descriptive that it make the readers feel like they were really living in the Canadian plains.
I found this book very fascinating, especially when Mutt learns how to climb ladders, trees, and fences. My favorite section of this book is when Mutt climbed on top of a tree and there was a group of firefighters surrounding the tree. This section of the book is amusing because everyone thought it was a huge monster in the tree. Two people were holding guns and they called the firefighters to this event. It is a book worth reading. It has humorous stories and touching events. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Wonderful Children's Book
I read this book in 4th grade as a follow-up to Owls in the Family - even if you read it just to find out what happens, it's worth it. But the tales of Mowat and his companion are hilarious and even inspire some thought provoking discussions in a classroom setting. A good read for the 10-and-under crowd. ... Read more

Book Description

Twenty years ago, Robin McKinley dazzled readers with the power of her novel Beauty. Now this extraordinarily gifted novelist returns to the story of Beauty and the Beast with a fresh perspective, ingenuity, and mature insight.With Rose Daughter, she presents her finest and most deeply felt work--a compelling, richly imagined, and haunting exploration of the transformative power of love. ... Read more

Reviews (127)

Beautiful!
I love Robin McKinley's books!! I wasn't sure if I wanted to read Rose Daughter at first, because I loved Beauty so much, and I didn't want Rose Daughter to change my perception of the story. One thing, though, that you realize while reading this is that Beauty and Rose Daughter are different stories that don't need to be always compared. The writing style in this book is so beautiful it brought me to tears. It's almost beyond this earth. I love Lionheart and Jeweltongue! They are the greatest sisters in literature! They are so funny and wonderful and so completely different from eachother! Beauty is also unique. She has such a kinship with the earth and the creatures of the earth. Her character fits so well with the Beast. I loved the way this Beast had a different story behind him than in the traditional fairy tale. Robin McKinley has a way of bring you into her stories that makes you feel like you have shared the experiences of her characters. Reading this book I could almost smell the scent of rose!

McKinley tells the Beauty and the Beast legend one more time
McKinley's book, "Beauty", ranks as one of my top ten favorite books, so when I heard that she had written another book on the same topic, I thought, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" I decided to read it anyway and was I glad I did! Although it didn't grab my attention at first (those Pilgrim's Progress-type names threw me off and I kept comparing it to "Beauty"), it gradually sucked me in, and by the end, I was rooting for Beauty to stay with the Beast. I didn't care for certain characters (Master Jack, as one example) and was confused by the differing accounts of the curse/legend/story attached to the Rose Cottage, but overall, I enjoyed it. It did not have the dark, almost evil, overtones of McKinley's "Deerskin", which I was half-expecting, since other reviews have compared it to Donna Jo Napoli's "Zel", but it did have a few. I still like "Beauty" better, but it was well worth the read and I will now be buying my own copy for periodic rereading. However, I recommend to all readers that they find a copy of "Beauty" and read it, too, if they never have. Read them both!

Perfect
This was an amazing book of great literary merit. While it was not a book with much action it was wonderfully inspirational and leaves the reader with a sense of otherworldliness. It has a great twist ending and the description is such that the reader feels transported to a seprate place where anything at all is possible.

Really good!
I don't quite understand why everyone is giving this good book a bad review. I loved it...the names were a little weird, as someone commented, but what do names really matter. The characters were great, the plot was good and it kept me reading.

Boring...Hated the Ending
I wanted to read this book since it was by McKinley and I had read BEAUTY (which I loved and love to reread over and over). I had expected this book to be just as good as BEAUTY, if not better since it was longer and looked more interesting. I think it started out pretty well...but then just got worse and worse. I found parts of the book confusing...I wasn't able to picture what was going on as I am usually able to do while reading McKinley's books. I absolutely hated the ending...I know Beauty is supposed to love the Beast for who he is...but I can't even imagine a human girl marrying a huge beast. The fairy-tale ending with the beast changing into a human is much better. ... Read more

Book Description

Ms. Piggle-Wiggle's left her upside-down town house and has moved to a farm in the country. With the help of her cows and pigs and horses, she's still curing girls and boys of their bad habits. So whatever the problem-from pet forgetter-itis to fraidycat-ness-the parents all exclaim, "Better call Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle!"

Reviews (3)

Read this!
This is the last of the four Mrs Piggle-Wiggle books, but it was probably my favourite when I was little - I loved horses as a little girl, and these stories include a pony. My parents read the Mrs Piggle-Wiggle books when they were kids, and these books have been a family tradition.

The stories aren't coy about the fact that they set out to show how kids ought to behave, but they're so much fun that I don't think anyone minds that they teach a lesson. After all, who minds when Mrs. Piggle Wiggle is the teacher? These stories, unlike those in the other 3 books, are set on a farm, and teach kids about responsibilty, self-reliance, and trust. Read them if you have kids, read them if you don't have kids. Just read them!

A children's classic
I grew up reading the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle series. I loved every single story and I still remember them vividly. They may be a little dated but the lessons are still current and they are still very amusing.

Excellent book. I'm ordering them for my daughter!
I remember sitting in the library when I was little reading Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books over and over again. I loved everyone one of her "cures" and now that I have a daughter of my own I want her to have her own copies of these classics from my childhood. ... Read more

Reviews (66)

The Best "Boarding School" Book I've Read!
This book was fantastic! It has the best qualities of a science fiction book, and it has nothing that one could argue with reasonably. The plot is this: Menolly, a young girl, has at last been recognized as a wonderful musician, and is sent immediately to the Harper Hall of Pern. There, she encounters all sorts of surprises, such as that the instrument she picks as the best of a roomful for herself was once the Masterharper's, or that there is so little everyone knows about fire lizards, intelligent flying reptiles of which Menolly has nine. She makes friends in Camo, a dimwitted kitchen assistant who loves her fire lizards, and Piemur, a fellow student. Over the time she spends at the Harper Hall, Menolly grows into a masterful musician, and earns the right to become a Journeyman. This book is good because there is no magic, so it won't offend any church. It has marvelous plot dexterity and, well, rhythm. I would recommend this book for searchers of books beyond Harry Potter, SF lovers, or anyone who enjoys a good read.

One of My All Time Favorites!
Dragonsinger is the second book in the Harper Hall Trilogy and is the sequel to Dragonsong. It starts right after the previous book ends, with Menolly arriving in Harper Hall a-dragonback. There she begins her musical education with the masters of music. Menolly always thought that harpers would be different and that she would fit in among them, but she finds that people are the same wherever you go. All of the other girls are jealous of her musical talents and do not want her living in their cottage. The boys insist that she has no place with them and her nine fire lizards make her stand out even more. Still, she is Masterharper Robinton's special apprentice and he seems to believe in her and to love her new songs. As Menolly struggles to find her place among the harpers of Pern she will discover much about herself, as well as the remarkable secrets about fire lizards and eventually find an honored place among the Harpers of Pern.

Even though I have enjoyed all of McCaffrey's books, the Harper Hall trilogy has always been my favorite. I first read this book when I was in junior high school and simply loved it. I have read my copy time and time again. McCaffrey has a nice, smooth writing style with great descriptions so readers will have no trouble visualizing the life on Pern. She also does a nice job of throwing in little recaps so that those who have not read Dragonflight and Dragonquest can still understand what is going on. I simply loved the world of the Harpers and think that any reader of fantasy will enjoy this enchanting series.

Menolly Finds Her Place
DRAGONSINGER is the continuing story of Menolly, the heroine of DRAGONSONG. In this book, Menolly, now revealed as Petiron's lost apprentice, comes to the Harper Hall. This center of musical learning is more, and less, than Menolly thought it would be. She is forced to face opposition and prejudice from the music masters and her fellow students. However, the care and understanding the MasterHarper,