Book Description

Learn about colors in a dazzlingly different way! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Color fun for one, again.
I am buying this book for the second time. My one year old daughter's first copy has been over 'loved' and some of the pages have stuck together after enjoying lunch along with her!

The shiny paper is fascinating for small fingers and large eyes. The colors theme focuses on the most logical use for the 'dazzle' effect and I'm not likely to buy the other books in this series. But I find this a simple and unfailingly attractive book, useful for learning the names of objects as well as colors. It also is the preferred 'distractor' when we go shopping!

A big favorite of my 20 month old
This book is a big hit in our home because it gives toddlers the chance to "do it myself." This colorful board book has pages with animal drawings that slide out. Each page has a color with a printed texture (e.g. a red page with darker red dots on it). At the top or side of the page is a solid tab that allows the child to pull out a picture of an animal with that same texture on it (e.g. the red page has a ladybug hidden in it like the one printed on the cover of the book).

This book is a favorite because the sliding mechanism is very well made, so my daughter is generally able to work the pages herself with little or no help from me. She recognizes the colors and textures on each page and names the animal before she pulls the picture out and then really enjoys demonstrating that she was right. All of the pages are very sturdy and well made, so it's hard for little fingers to damage it.

Excellent book!!

Fun & Learning
Purchased this book based on good reviews; and heartily agree. My daughter is now 2 and still enjoys the book; pulling out the sliding pages & naming the pictures and colors, not to mention the practicing of motor skills! An excellent addition to your bookshelf or as a gift.

Great Book but buy glue with it!
I love this book and so does my 14-month-old but if she doesn't pull the slider out straight but instead twists it a bit, the pages have a habit of coming apart and the slider slides all the way out. Oops! Very easy to fix (a little glue does the trick), but I've had to glue 2 pages back in in the month we've owned it. It is indeed a favorite book.

My 1 year old granddaughter LOVES this book!
I found this book through one of those "So you want to..." lists. After reading the reviews, I decided to add it to my granddaughter's gifts for her first birthday. She LOVES it! The combination of color and the sliding pages engage her fully and she will look at it over and over again. She takes it with her all of the time. I am very picky about children's books (English degree, don't you know:) and I just think this one is GREAT!! ... Read more

Book Description

The Stupids and their dog, Kitty, have a fun-filled day doing ridiculous things. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Stupids Step Out
My 7 year old recently brought this book home from his school library. I found it very offensive, because I think it teaches children that it's funny to call others "stupid". I cannot think of a circumstance in which it is appropriate for a child or an adult to use this word towards another person. I was so upset that I wrote a note to the school librarian.

The stupids step out

The stupid step, out Written by Harry Allad, was the funniest book I have ever read. Stanley Q Stupid had an idea. He called all stupid and said 'we are stepping out's they took a bath. Petunia asked way there wasn't water. The reason was that with water they would get their clothes wet. They got in the car and went to their grandparents house. The grandpa didn't know who they were. 'Where is grandma? Asked buster. In the closet, said grandpa. Then they left. They saw themselves in the mirror. 'Don't stare at those people, kids " they said. Then they went to eat and then they went home. They got ready for bed and thanked god for a nice day liked it because it was funny and it had a kid's sense of humor like when the dog drove the car. I recommend this book to people who like to laugh and be silly. You should read this book it is great!

Don't see a problem...
I have found that The Stupids isn't necessarily a BAD book. It really points out to children the things that shouldn't be done, and any sensible person will know to tell their children not to go around calling people names just because of the book. I would also say that this book should be read for age groups of no younger than 2nd grade...so that they can understand the nature of the story and the context in which to take The Stupids. I hope this helps people. :)

The Stupids are great!
I'm a teenager,(18) and my Mom read all the Stupids books to me when I was little. I loved them then, and I still do now. Mom thought they were as funny as I did! Now when I babysit I read them to the kids, who love them also! I think reading is very important to kids, and the Stupids can get them interested. Some people(adults) have a problem with the family being named the Stupids. I think it is a unjustified concern. Now a days there are many more insults kids could use that are a lot worse than just "Stupid". I explain to the kids I babysit that the books are just for fun, and it is'nt nice to go around calling people stupid, and they understand. Just in case, I also check with their parents before I read them to the kids, and have had no objections. The Stupids will always be my favorite children's books, and I can't wait to read them to my own children.

Stupid....is a bad word
The Stupid Family....I think that is a horrible title for a story about any family. It's bad enough that parents call people stupid in front of their children, stupid driver, stupid human, stupid people....but to further carry out STUPID in a child's book....oh gosh....doesn't make any sense to me! The word Stupid in itself is awful and shouldn't be used. My 5 year old who is in all day kindergarden had a project this week...to turn off the television and to read books. I took my daughter to the library today and we did a scavenger hunt of 8 authors....Harry Allard was one of those authors. Viola Swamp was easy to understand...but the Stupid Family isn't. How can people give praise to a story that makes fun of stupid people. Stupid is a very hateful word. Kids shoulnd'nt use the term STUPID at all. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (4)

Sweet Kitty!
Whether you're teaching your kids to tell time or not, this book is so charming! The illustrations are beautiful, and perfectly capture the lazy/hungry/cuddly nature of cats. It works as a picture book for younger children, with not too many words on a page, and I imagine it would be a good teaching tool as well.

Cat lovers delight
This pleasantly simple picturebook features a nicely illustrated cat who describes her day. A foldout moveable clock allows children to match the hands of the clock with the time of day being described by Mother Cat. The pictures are soothing and the work is both comforting and fun.

A cat lovers' book
We purchased this book for our two and three-year-old daughters as a way of introducing math concepts through literature. The concept of time passing is told firsthand by the cat as we travel with her throughout the day.

A delightful way for young children to learn about time
My children love this book especially because the story is very realistic and the moveable hands on the clock are wonderful tools for teaching children to tell time. ... Read more

Book Description

Little Bear meets Emily, a human girl, and her doll. ‘Once again Little Bear proves himself to be as wistful and tender a little creature as exists in the child’s library.’ —K.

... Read more

Reviews (3)

charming beginning reader
These stories about Little Bear and his friend Emily are a charming introduction to the world of reading for beginners. Little Bear is a sweet child to his mother and father and a good friend to Duck, Hen, Owl and Cat. Minarik's simple narrative will be easy enough for early readers, and Sendak's illustrations will hold their attention. The four stories are: Little Bear and Emily, about the friends' meeting; Duck, Baby Sitter; The Party at Owl's House, in which Lucy falls from a tree; and "Your Friend, Little Bear", about Little Bear's coping when Emily goes away for the school year.

A wonderful rediscovery!
I just found this book in a used book store recently and I am thrilled! I remember Little Bear so well from childhood. I bought the book and it proudly sits on my shelf waiting for the day when I have a child to share it with.

This book will give you warm fuzzys! Else has created a wonderfully warm, sweet and adorable book with cute characters.

You and your child will really enjoy it! Don't pass it up!

A childhood treasure waiting to be discovered
As a little girl in the early 1960's, Little Bear's Friend was one of my favorite books. What a joy to discover that this old friend is still available for my three year old daughter to enjoy! ... Read more

Book Description

Learning to read is lots of fun with the help of Little Critter® and his friends! This picture dictionary featuring mercer Mayer's Little Critter® is designed especially for children ages 4 to 7. With bright, colorful illustrations, it is the perfect starting point for beginning readers. Not only were the words chosen from age-appropriate vocabulary lists, the pages were designed to make this dictionary a complete learning guide. Young children can use it to make connections between the written word and it's meaning, while older children can use it as a handy reference book.

Amazon.com

David McPhail--award-winning author and illustrator of more than 40 books,including Santa's Book of Names--has created another delightful book aboutEdward, a voracious reader of anything he can get his hands on, even seed catalogs in apinch. One night, while reading a book about pirates, Edward finds himself surroundedby the salty sailors who think his book might tell them where their treasure is buried.They beg, threaten, and bribe him to no avail, but when Edward's father scares the pirateswith a shower of arrows, Edward feels sorry for them and relinquishes the book. As itturns out, the pirates can't read, so Edward reads the book aloud to them. Kids will lovethe big, dramatic paintings(moody acrylics on canvas) and the rollicking story of how,with a little imagination, a book can come to life. (Ages 4 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Wow Wow Wow
"Over the top" is a perfect description of this book. Like "Mole Music", it is impossible to describe how perfect this book is - you just have to read the story. The perfection of McPhail's books goes beyond the story. The story is exciting, the pictures good. But it's also in the values that are reflected throughout the book that are actually incidental to the storyline. A strong woman character and a positive mother image. An equally admirable father and together they present a positive image of family. A strong, responsible, compassionate and incredibly imaginative child. An adventerousome, smart, caring BOY who loves to read. The perfection of McPhail's books also lie in what you don't find in them - you don't find the sexist or stereotyped images of either females or males; you don't find senseless violence or use of physical force as the only form of adventure; you don't find negative/pejorative stereotypes of the adults such as parents, teachers and other community members, that children encounter in their lives. McPhail has the creativity to present good stories without having to use negative stereotypes to make himself amusing or engaging. Our 2 1/2 year old son loved this book and we felt good about reading it to him, and we enjoyed it ourselves. It is also a good book for those concerned about the violence that children are exposed to in tv, movies and books. This story provides children with a broader look at how these types of characters can be used in imaginative play and gives more depth to understanding the characters (so perhaps playing pirates doesn't have to only be taking a stick, pretending it's a sword and hitting your friend with it.) The mother is also a great alternative to the sexist and weak portrayl of most female characters.

Edward and the Pirates
This is an over the top children's book. The illustrations are wonderfully done and the dialogue between the characters is challenging but very readable. I have used this book as a read aloud to classes from 1st grade up to 3rd grade and all have loved it! Edward is an intelligent young boy who loves to read...my students are drawn to this and are inspired to become better readers themselves. Well done!

all-around great book about pirates and imagination
McPhail's picture book _Edward and the Pirates_ is about a young reader named Edward. Sometimes his imagination carries him away. Usually he gets involved in a book, and then he imagines himself in the plot, or imagines the plot coming to life. Then he goes to one of his favorite places, the library. He finds a book on pirates which begins "Some pirate treasure has never been found." Later, Edward takes the book home, begins to read, and then sometime during the night he imagines a pirate adventure which involves his library book, his parents, and a gang of ruthless-looking (but tame enough for a toddler) pirates.

The illustrations are very dark, yet this works to the book's advantage. My son has asked me to read _Edward and the Pirates_ to him a dozen times (my son is 3 1/2 years old), and he often finds new details amidst the dark illustrations.

The book sends a wonderful message about libraries (use them!) and reading (do it!) and imagination (use that too!), not to mention parents (they're the good guys!) and the imaginary episode is clearly written into the plot. Even my son realizes that there aren't really pirates in Edward's bedroom.

My son is intensely interested in pirates, and _Edward and the Pirates_ entertains him. The book sends wonderful messages while telling a strong story.

Highly recommended.

ken32

Edward and the Pirates
I was so excited to find this book, as my 3-year-old son is a swashbuckling pirate himself. I am a huge proponent of reading and this book sends such a great message about reading, while enthralling a child's imagination. I absolutely love the idea that Edward has checked his book out from the library and refuses to surrender it to the pirates. You must check out the two other books written about Edward and his reading adventures -"Edward in the Jungle" and "Santa's Book of Names". They are both incredible, especially the latter. I only hope the author continues to bring us more books about Edward.

Great illustrations but a little boring
My 3 and a half year old loves anything about pirates but I am afraid he finds Edward and the Pirates a bit boring. It was reccomended to me in the book store,the illustrations are quite lovely,and the idea is good but if you are looking for the excitement you might expect with pirates you might look elsewhere matey. Unfortunately it sits on the bookshelf rarely chosen for the night night story. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Such a sweet story!
My 3 year old got this book "for his grandpa" a year ago and we read it regularly. A very simple but sweet story with adorable pictures. A perfect bedtime read.

Just Grandpa and Me
This book like all little critter books was fun to read. It was about a grandpa taking his grandson to go get a new suit. They ride on the train, go through revolving doors, get lost from one anouther and go up and escalator. Then they find the right one he trys it on a perfect fit he says. After they go to a Chinese food place and eat with chopsticks. Then they go see a scary movie. They ride the train back and shows his mom the new suit but it is really dirty from all the fun they had. This is a great book for your children to read to there parents. Almost all kids and read it and will enjoy it. This book is written by Mercer Mayer i suggest you read all the books wrote by him.

Just Grandpa And Me
Just Grandpa And Me is an awesome story that even kids can read it. The Book is about a kid that goes to a store to get new clothes. The story is like a kid was writing it because he always says stuff like "I held grandpa's hand so he wouldn't get lost." He ended up buying a suit and a tie just like his grandpa. The illustrations are really good and the kids will love them. As you read the book you will find that there are a spider and a grasshopper on every page. This book is about kid's mentors. In this story the kid's mentor is his grandpa they go to the city and they take a bus there and the kid teaches his grandpa how to sing Ninety-nine bottles of pop on the wall. When they get to the store they run around in one of the revolving doors. They both watched a movie and he sat close to his Grandpa in the scary parts. Even though the illustrations show that the kid was the scared one. That is how the whole book is like the words say one thing and the illustrations show another that adds a really good and funny twist to the story. Kids can really relate to this story because this book is just like how they act! This teaches a kid how to do stuff when they get older and how to communicate with the world today. And go to the store and get food for them self's when they get older so they can take care if them self's. I have read a lot of Mercer Mayer books when I was younger and they helped me a lot and I loved them when I was little. I bet that your little youngster will lover this book too.

My thoughts on the book
I enjoyed reading the book Just Grandpa and Me. The story is about Little Critter and his grandpa who go shopping together for a new suit. Throughout their expedition, Little Critter shows his grandpa how to go up and down escalators, and even taught him how to use chopsticks at lunch. The illustations were my favorite part of the book. I have noticed that in each Little Critter book a spider and a grasshopper appear on almost each page. I thought that the book was geared to teach the child reader about self-confidence. Little Critter shows his confidence by helping his grandpa throughout their day. I loved the book and plan on reading more by Mercer Mayer!

What I Think About It
I think the book "Just Grandpa and Me," is a really cute book. I think it shows to little kids that you should be close to all your family. I think all of the little critter books are so cute, and are probably my favorite book. I think it tells little kids to be nice to everyone. The thing I like most about these books is that everyone of them have the little spider and the grasshopper. I also think that the pictures are well done too. ... Read more

Book Description

Learning the ABC's can be F-U-N when you can stack the letters to create clever poetry.Part alphabet book, part word book, animal book, and whimsical poetry Jennifer Belle's quirky yet accessible style blends the genres in an unforgettable way. Coupled with David McPhail's beautiful illustrations, this is a book that families will love reading together. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

A SOLDIER'S STORY
The journal of Scott pendleton Collins,is about a World WarII solider that goes to Normandy, France in 1944.The book begins with "He could see Omah Beach through the smoke and haze as his assult boat rocked in the choppy waters".I'm only 10 and I liked this book because it is about a real person in a real war and I like to read war stories.People should read this story because it is about history. The main character is Scott.The action parts in this book are the war parts and the scarry parts.

The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins
The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins, by Walter Dean Myers, is a great book about a World War 2 soldier, stuck in the middle of D-Day. He lands on Omaha Beach, and has to run for his life. He watches his friends die, but with a few lucky breaks, he survives the horror. Scott then must continue marching, to capture the German headquarters of St. Lo, and Vire. I deeply enjoyed the book because as it teaches you of the war, in particular D-Day, and of the horrors that the young soldiers had to go through. They had to survive through the death of friends, the death of family, 'Dear John' letters from their girlfriends, and the constant sound of death and explosions around them. They also lived like savages, without sanitation, or good food. The author of The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins, Walter Dean Myers, is a well known historical-fiction writer. He has another book out about the Vietnam War, entitled Fallen Angles. Fallen Angels is a book similar in style, also focusing on the hardships that the G.I.'s had to persevere through. I strongly recommend either of these books to anyone with an interest in war and/or historical-fiction. The are great books that can teach you many important things!

Very good--But Sad Read
This book is very good but it ends in such a sad way!
However, this was the first book I read by walter dean myers. I really enjoyed the jokes he put in and the way he described the characters was well done. I really enjoyed Scott, the main character. He was really good and very much so realistic.
I really liked this book and even though it IS Dear America, I think that only 13 & up should read it.

The journal of Scott P Collins
The main charater is ScotT P Collins.He is a ninteen year old boy who is eager to go fight the Germans in Eroupe.Ithought this book was good but it does take patience to read.It starts out very slow.The book takes on the outskiris of the front line during the Americans part of Operation Over Lord [D-Day] .The main conflict in this book is the Germans invasion of Poland,France,Russia and north Africa.
The authers style of writing is journal entries each chapter is a new entriy.This book is part of a large series of books called the Dear America.My recommendation for tis book is for some one with a lot of time on his or her hands.This book is historical fiction so it tought me a lot about World War Two.

The Journal Of Scott Pendleton Collins
The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins is a historical novel, a day by day journal about a young man, fresh out of high school, who joins the army during World War II. His nickname is Smoothie because he still does not have to shave yet. At his going away party, his uncle gave him a journal. The first entry in the journal is May 25, l944, from England.

This book is so well written that when he described the landing on Omaha Beach I can almost hear the sights and sounds of Private Ryan's landing on the beach like in the movie, Saving Private Ryan. I can almost feel all his feelings. He is saddened by the wounded and dead that he sees, but he is glad that he is still alive. He wants to be brave but he is scared and is ashamed of being scared. He is sick to the point where he vomits. He doesn't want to cry but he cries. He feels sure he is going to be killed.

He knows that he should not be keeping this journal as he is told to destroy all letters from home after they are read. He feels that it is the only thing he has to leave behind if something should happen to him. He has a message in the journal that if anyone should find it to please send it to his family and he gives the address. He often writes about being afraid of dying. This always seems to be on his mind.

This book was so well written that I almost feel as if I lived his war experience with him. The book also includes a lot of historical notes and also some pictures of the war. This author knows a lot about World War II. With this book he has given me a day to day feeling (2 months worth) of the horrors of war.

My great-grandfather McCormick (there was a McCormack in this book) served in the Army during World War II and my grandfather was in the army as a Military Policeman. In this book, Scotty's great-grandfather fought in the Civil War and his father in World War I and Scotty always wanted his picture on the wall with their pictures. Maybe some day my picture will be on my family's wall with my great-grandfather and my grandfather. I am certainly not the best of readers and don't feel qualified to review a writer's work but I can say that I really liked this book. It was a fast read, I almost didn't want to put it down, and it really held my interest.

This book really inspired me. The quality of the writing is great, the subject matter is great and I would definitely put it in the "great books" category. ... Read more

Book Description

Now children of all ages can take Pooh and his friends with them wherever they go with these collectible clip-on books. Each miniature book is die-cut into the shape of a favorite Pooh character, while the jaunty, word-per-page text provides a descriptive introduction to Gloomy Eeyore, Bouncy Tigger, Anxious Piglet, and, of course, Lovable Pooh. Affixed to the spine with a colorful ribbon is a sturdy, child-safe plastic clip that can be attached to strollers, backpacks, or belt loops so that Pooh fans will never have to leave home without Winnie-the-Pooh-the Best Bear in All the World. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Well done but a little short on text
This book is pictorially a success. I loved it and I'm too old to be a kid any more. I would like the editor to focus on better syntax in the English though; I really had to augment the text with more of my own comments for my daughter because what text is there is quite terse (short). I wonder if Warren Harding wrote the text???

A Honey of a Book
This is a wonderful book! My 19 month old son loves hearing this book over and over again. He can point to the pictures and name the characters. He is familiar with this story because is is part of one of Pooh's adventure videos. This pictures are wonderful to look at and remind me of the 'old fashioned Pooh'. The words are very large and make it easy for a child to follow and point to while 'reading' the story. Definitely a family favorite. ... Read more

Book Description

‘A child comes to terms with the fact that she and her family are leaving the prairie. . . . As she talks herself into acceptance, her Mama helps her let go, commenting that the baby will need someone to tell him where he came from. So the girl gathers mementoes—a bag of earth and a piece of cottonwood tree. . . .A novel hides in these few pages. As with Sarah, Plain and Tall, the subext vibrates. So much is told in each perfectly chosen phrase. The story is deep and specific, but the pain and denial of a child leaving a known and loved place is all too universal. Moser’s finely-wrought engravings, enhanced by moody tints, record the departure.’—SLJ.

1995 "Pick of the Lists" (ABA) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I haven't forgotten what I knew first
For any of you who have left home..what you knew first..this book will deeply touch you. As I read this in the bookstore, tears came to my eyes. It's a story of a little girl who struggles to understand why she and her family must leave the only place they know. Though change has its sadness,this book shows the sweetness of memories you take with you forever. This is a good book for a child going through such a change or for an adult who still recalls all those familiar things of home.

Sweet, beautiful story of a child facing change
I love this book for the way the illustrations and story compliment each other so well. The story narrated by a small child facing the prospect of moving to a new home is achingly beautiful. You can feel the child's pain and anxiety about moving to a new place and being afraid of forgetting the old place and the memories therein. The child tells about all the things she will miss and then devises a plan to stay and not go with her family and baby brother. It is a story for anyone who has ever had to face a painful change in his or her life. I could read it again and again. ... Read more

Book Description

A thought-provoking collection of twenty-five stories that reflect the wonder and glory of the origins of the world and humankind. With commentary by the author. “A must for mythology shelves.”--Booklist ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Hamliton rises to the challenge
In this collection of tales, creation stories from around the world are retold by Virginia Hamilton. The book is beautifully illustrated with explanations included (for adults) about the choice of creation stories, and the categories they fall into. Reading this reminded me of the books of Greek myths I once read as a child. However, nothing I've ever seen compares to the beauty found within this collection's pages. Easily concerned parents beware. These stories haven't been rendered politically correct, nor have they been altered for modern sensibilities. In many tales, women are usually the catalysts of any problems with the world and violence occurs with steady regularity. Do not let this put you off. Though different, this is a text that deserves to be seen by all children from all walks of life.

Mind-broadening!
I'm puzzled as to why IN THE BEGINNING is listed by Amazon as a children's book! Perhaps a child would enjoy the astounding pictures, but it would be only a very advanced child who could read or understand the impact of this examination of the religious beliefs of other cultures. It's the perfect book for cultural anthropology students or mythology buffs. It would certainly tweak the curiosity of readers who wonder about the origins of religion.
I found it a book that led me into more exploration into a fascinating field.

Great stories, great artwork!
This is the perfect book to introduce readers of all ages to the creation myths of different religons and cultures. In these days when the teaching of evolution and modern cosmology are controversial, this book provides valuable perspective on the way different people have accounted for the earth and its inhabitants. It should be required reading for all public school administrators, and would be a valuable addition to any school (or home) library. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Like all best friends, George and Martha do everything together--go to the movies, play at the beach, and just hang around not doing much of anything. No matter that they happen to be gigantic hippopotami, they learn the same lessons humans do about the ups and downs of true friendship. George and Martha teach each other (and adoring readers) that even in a close friendship, privacy is important, practical jokes can sometimes backfire, and among other things, pouring split pea soup into your loafers to spare the chef's feelings is not the best laid plan.

What's remarkable about the stories in this wonderful collection is the emotion James Marshall infuses into his understated, charming text and illustrations. Each brief tale is always humorous, never preachy, and his drawings--deceptively simple in appearance--are guaranteed to spark feelings of empathy, delight, and self-recognition. Maurice Sendak, in his foreword to this 25th anniversary compilation edition of all 35 stories, notes, "Those dear, ditzy, down-to-earth hippos bring serious pleasure to everybody, not only to children. They are time-capsule hippos who will always remind us of a paradise in publishing and--both seriously and comically--of the true, durable meaning of friendship under the best and worst conditions." (Ages 4 and up) ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Life Lessons
We started watching the George and Martha TV series while living in Australia. I don't know who is more enamoured with the series - my daughters, or myself. These stories, different from the tv show as far as I can tell, all teach a lesson in friendship. It's a fun way to let those lessons about being a good friend sink in with your child. George and Martha are hilarious, and we love following their adventures. It is a book that even an adult without children might enjoy reading. A real page turner and a well made, quality book!

The Best Book on Friendship Ever Written
Have you or anyone you know ever been troubled by the complexities of friendship? This endearing collection of vignettes in the lives of two very dear friends, models how to get through the peaks and troughs of human relations. I have had two best friends for over thirty years and I know friendships take a lot of work. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote wonderfully about friendship but James Marshall wrote these profoundly simple, almost poetic stories about two hippos who err, forgive, sacrifice, love, and put up with each other in a most charming and edifying fashion that everyone can understand. George and Martha books are adored by children and adults; they are well illustrated, in simple language and highly allegorical. I have given them as greeting cards to celebrate, apologize, teach, support, and grovel. I bought this full collection as a birthday present for a teenager who loved the stories as a child, and deeply appreciates the lessons as an emerging adult. (Frankly, I wanted to keep it for myself -- but that would have been too selfish, so I bought another.) Enjoy this book and benefits of dear friends.

Gently Playful Humor -- Great for beginning readers
Add my enthusiatic review to the many others for the George and Martha series. James Marshall has combined a simple text with delightful pictures to create short tales that are gently playful and sensitive. First rate material for beginning readers that will also give adults a few warm chuckles.

In one word...adorable
When I bought this book I couldn't imagine it would turn out to be one of my favorites! Everything in it is simply delightful: the drawings, the situations, the hippos (how lovely they are!)...but what catches me up more is the lack of judgement the author does, as we notice reading...it's a simple but highly intelligent book. I always read some of the stories when I need some cheering up. And I'm an adult. I recommend to anyone who has the sensitivity to understand the tenderness of the stories.

My Daughter Loves It
My daughter loved this book when she was 4 and still likes it years later. The stories are very funny and tell very important and subtle lessons without being condescending. It's really a great book for kids. ... Read more

Reviews (56)

Subversive Reading For Elementary Kids
Shortly before I made the jump from young adult books to adult novels and college texts, I read The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill and I've never been the same since. It was the late-60's/early-70's and I was attending elementary school in a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA. The area was politically to the right of moderate. This little volume was in the library of the school. I've never been able to get the story out of my head. People protesting perceived injustices. People destroying property to make a point. Sounds like monkeywrenching to me! The story of the war between the pushcarts and the trucks in NY City is as relevant now as it was 30 years ago. Lot's of elementary school kids around our fine nation would benefit from reading this fine book. Donate a copy to your local school library. Gift suggestion for a family that reads: get the pre-teens in the family a copy of The Pushcart War and get the adults a copy of Ed Abbey's The Monkeywrench Gang.

The Pushcarts Won't Be Pushed Around
I read Jean Merrill's The Pushcart War when I was in the fifth grade and loved it. I remember it as one of the books that started me to reading, and so, I wanted to reread it now, years later. It hasn't diminished a bit. In fact, I may like it more.

It's an absurd story, saturated with humor. The trucks have decided to take over the streets of New York, and the first target is the motley crew of pushcart drivers. The pushcarts won't be pushed around, though. These eccentrics such as General Anna, Morris the Florist, Frank the Flower, and Maxie Hammerman, the Pushcart King, fight back with every means possible with hilarious results.

The books is so entertaining, but there is some depth to it. At its base, it reveals the absurdity of humanity and our petty drives and acts of selfishness that escalate even into war. There is a lot here for adults. There is also a lot of lessonse to be learned by children. It's truly a book for everyone to laugh at and learn from.

yo
This book's setting is in New York. The book is about a bunch of pushcarts and their drivers. The relationship between the pushcart drivers is very close and the pushcart drivers get mad at the truckers for running over a flower pushcart driver and start ordering pins to puncture truck tiers so they can get back at the truck drivers for what they have done Business couldn't have been better because the trucks are blocking the way of traffic. The story didn't really make sense in some spots. I didn't really like it that much. It gets kinda lame after the first 56 pages because he keeps rambling on about something completely off the subject like truck sizes. But I will give it 3 out of 5 stars because that the author can put more action in to it, way more action, if you read this story, I think you will agree.

the pee shoter
In this book you met the pushcart war king.The story takes place in the 70'.Where a war has broken out on the streets. the war is with the pushcarts and truckes.The pushcarters use an old weapon.The peeshoter which pops the trucks tires.The bisness's called the trucker to do bisenss.I do not whant to give to much of this story.ok.Gust read it and see what happens to the people.

A humorous account
The Pushcart War offers a humorous account of a social and economic dispute in New York City. As a 6th grade teacher, I am going to use this book in my lessons. The story had good humor but also good facts. It takes a very casual tone with the reader. I couldn't put it down! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Cute as usual
This Little Critter book is a good reminder to small childrenof the power of the word "please." Very similar to all otherL.C. books so if you enjoyed those this will be no different. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Still great
I had all but forgotten about this gem from my childhood when I saw it sitting on the Halloween display at the library where I work.
That night when I read it to my daughter, the clever illustrations and the humor brought back a flood of memories from my own childhood. And when she told me that she wanted "the movie of Space Case" for her birthday, I knew it was one of those timeless treats that would carry on into her memories when she's a mother.
Marshall's subtle brand of humor, paired with the charming illstrations makes this a great non-spooky choice for Halloween reads.

What a treat!
This book is a real treat! The humor can appeal to the older kids, while the cute Halloween story can appeal to a younger age.

'It came from outerspace' begins the story and as this thing tries to make friends with cows and chickens and learns to trick or treat a cute story unfolds. The pictures are funny. I particularly like the father who lets them in the house after they have been out trick or treating (very funny) and the costumes that everyone wears are great!

It's adorable and it came from outerspace and it should be on your bookshelves.

Trick or Treat - this is a treat!
"It came from outer space." Luckily it arrived on Halloween. While most of the natives were unfriendly (a cow and a chicken), the thing manged to find some friendly aliens out trick or treating. Buddy McGee takes the thing home only to discover that it is from outer space. He quickly makes friends with the thing and takes him to school. Will the thing stay with Buddy forever?

Marshall has done it again with a wonderful story accompanied by droll illustrations. The beauty of this Halloween tale is its appeal to adults and children alike. This is a standard in my Halloween read aloud bag. It can be used from K to 5th grade with great results. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

my review of henry reed, inc.
Henry Harris Reed is a kid from Italy that comes to America to visit his aunt and uncle in NJ. The book is his journal of the works and experiences he has in America. In the book Henry starts a research center called Henry Reed Inc. He patched up his old barn and his mini property owned by his mother. He mostly keeps animals. The other main character in the story is a girl named Margaret Glass. The sign on the barn later reads Reed Glass Inc, but only after a long series of events.

When Margaret joined Henry Reed Inc, Margaret and Henry made a deal. The deal was to give Henry two rabbits for the business. The only problem was the second rabbit was missing and had been missing for the past 6 weeks. One-day Henry's beagle Agony saw the rabbit. The rabbit was white as the snow in Aspen. The dog dashed after the rabbit through the whole neighborhood. Eventually the chase led to the grouchy Mr. Apple's lawn and the stamped over a section of his grass. After everything was said and done Margaret and Henry was spying on Mr. Apple. They saw Mr. Apple planting new grass and treating it with much care. What could he be doing?

The Main Moral of the book is never judge a book by its cover. This is because Margaret and Henry thought Mr. Apple was a psycho or something, and really he was just protecting his invention. I really liked this story, i liked because it had alot of action. I gave this book 4 stars out of 5, its not the best book ever but i still would recomend it.

Henry Reed, Inc.
This is the first book in the Henry Reed series.

Henry Reed is a young teen living overseas because his father is an American diplomat. His parents decide to send him to rural New Jersey to spend the summer with his aunt and uncle. Henry fears boredom, but within the space of the first few days, he adopts a stray beagle and meets Midge Glass, who becomes his friend and business partner during this and subsequent summers.

Henry and Midge attempt to start a research company using his uncle's old barn and stray animals acquired along the way, but in what is to become a recurrent theme across the series, roadblocks, most of them humorous, result in anything but a routine venture.

This book, and the subsequent books in the series, are well-written, vivid in their imagery, and brimming with facts hidden in the context of a well-told story. The subject matter is appropriate for pre-teens and teens and there is no objectionable material for parents to be concerned about.

This and subsequent books suffer from an unavoidable culture clash between the period the books were written (this first one was in 1959), and today's faced-paced, electronic environment. Pre-teens and teens will have no trouble with the themes and concepts in the story, but may need to look up some antiquated things (presumably not many teens in today's Princeton, New Jersey know what a sickle bar is).

Highly recommended, but with a caution on the cultural relevance to today's children.

britt from richview middle school
The main characters of the story are Henry and Midge. Henry moved here from Naples,Italy. They tried to start a research business out of a old barn. To find out more you will have to read this book.

An Adventure Book
(Review by a nine-year-old third-grader, who read this book for a home school assignment)

Henry Reed's story starts out when, for vacation, Henry goes to the USA. He has all kinds of adventures. Henry starts a research business. Then he meets a girl named Midge who wants to be part of his business. She says that she will give him two rabbits if he lets her join, but she only has one.

One adventure happens when Midge and Henry make a balloon and their dog and the neighbor's cat and a dead pigeon go up in the balloon. The cat jumps on his owner's roof and stays there for about a day.

I liked this book because their adventures are very exciting.

Read Reed!
I loved the Henry Reed books so much as a little girl that I couldn't resist reading Henry Reed, Inc. again before I gave it to my nine-year-old nephew for Christmas. What a pleasure to read it again! My nephew laughs out loud at Keith Robertson's deadpan descriptions of the innocent but intricate adventures that Henry Reed attracts like a magnet. Henry and his audacious friend Midge provide encouraging role models for children interested in science. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Colorful and funny!
This story begins with young Brigid's desire to have markers like all of her friends. Her anxious mother frets that Brigid will color on walls, floors, and herself. Brigid's plea is victorious when she makes her point for water color markers.
"They wash off with just water...Get me some of those." She gets a box of 500 water color markers. Brigid soon grows bored and makes her case for getting markers that smell, and then finally a box of "super-indelible-never-come-off-till-you're-dead-and-maybe-even-later colouring markers." Then, bored with paper, she starts coloring her fingernails....Brigid is a colorful character who slips into coloring on herself, as many young children do. Adults may fret that this book may encourage children to draw on themselves, but this story is funny because of the unreal solution to the very real problem of children coloring on themselves. The children that I have read this to seem to get that this is the real point to this book. This book is for every child who has ever preferred markers to crayons or colored pencils, and then wandered away from their original purpose.

love munsch - hate this book
It was such a shame to read this book after enjoying so many other Munsch books! The shameful lack of manners the little girl shows each time she demands new markers is only exacerbated by the fact that the mother obiently goes out and purchases them for her time and time again. My husband will not read this book to the children --- I have agreed to do so but I insert "pleases and may I's and thank you's" wherever needed (quite often!). The book IS funny, it does capture childhood creativity and vulnerability to temptation. It is just too bad that the little girl had to be such a BRAT and that the mother had to be such a WIMP! Certainly not the message we need to be sending our children.

You can't go wrong with Robert Munsch books
... and this is no exception. My 4-year-old got burned out on "Where is Gah-ning?" (after a hundred readings or so) so I needed to find another book that could both enjoy as much. We're still going stong with this one. I love Munsch books as much as my daughter does - which makes them the best bedtime stories.

A childhood dream come true!
Purple Green and Yellow takes us all back to the days of coloring and expressing our creativity in both acceptable and unacceptable ways. When Brigid exhausts her acceptable forms of free expression and ventures out to the wild side, the reader holds his/her breath while saying "Do it! Do it!' Although the readers knows her becoming invisible then re-coloring herself with the flesh colored marker are fanciful, it is delightful to consider and wonder - "What if?' As with all of Munsch's books the language is engaging and unforgettable. Who does not feel right there when they read and "cow plops that smell exactly like cow plops?" When I read this book aloud to my students they wail with laughter during the story and are often heard using his language structures in conversations and in their own written stroies. Robert Munsch is a master storyteller. This book happens to be one of my favorites because I never had the courage to color on the walls, etc. as a child but probably ached to do so. Through Brigid, Robert Munsch afforded me that opportunity. I would highly recommend his books. They are delightful and best enjoyed when read aloud because of his gift with language and dialogue.

Pure entertainment for both you and your children!!!
I bought this book when I was in highschool... I just fell in love with it! Now five years later every night I read it to the children I babysit, they love it just as much as I do! ... Read more

Book Description

Taking a bath is a big job. Mercer Mayer's famous Little Critterworks hard to do it right in this funny picture book. Little Critter has amountain of tub toys to remember, stuffed animals to line up so they can watch,bubble bath to pour, a floor to flood, and so much more. What will LittleCritter find at the end of his huge effort?A dry and cozy finale. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Fun Book
'Just Me in the Tub' is a fun book for little ones. Told from a toddler's perspective gives it so much flare that even adults can't help but laugh. Join in the fun as Little Critter takes you on a tour of the "how to's" of bathtime. Finding the frog in each page adds even more enjoyment - so try to stay dry as you join in the adventure of bath time!

Mercer Mayer Books Rule!
How to get vital information into your kid in a painless, totally entertaining manner. Mayer covers all kinds of great topics like this book about taking a bath. Little Critter shows us how he does it and give you the chance to point out where he could perhaps be a little more careful. Almost any Mercer Mayer book is worth the money. Also check out "Just Lost" "Just Go To Bed" and "What A Bad Dream!". At around three bucks a pop these are a great value and teach great values without being cloying.

A good learner book
just me in the tub by Gina and Mercer Mayer is a good book that will teach kids things to and not to do in the bath tub, such as teachin them not to spill water and to pick up ther toys. In this book the character shows how to do things rite and keep it neat.

Great book! Reminds me of me when I was little!
This is a great book!It reminds me of when I was little and how i used to take everything I could in the bathtub with me. It's a funny book and could make anyone no matter what age laugh.

My five year old just said it's worth five stars...
My son says Just Me in the Tub is fun to read, adn I have to agree with him. Little Critter is a household favorite and this book puts him in his usual beleivable household situation, this time giving a play by play of his bathtime. It does not grow old after repeated reading and includes the colorful illustrations we have come to expect. ... Read more

Book Description

On John's visits to Grandpa's house, his blind grandfather shares with him the special way he sees and moves in the world. ‘In addition to showing readers how the blind develop alternatives to sight, the story also stands as a warm picture of old'young bonding and simple family sharing.' 'BL.

Notable 1980 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
A Reading Rainbow Selection ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Well-written, realistic story
This is a very nicely written story about a boy and his grandfather, who is blind. It portrays a close, loving relationship between the two, and explains in a very simple and positive way how the grandfather perceives the world without his visual sense. The accompanying drawings are simple and artistic. It is so difficult to find realistic, beautiful books for children, but this one is absolutely wonderful. I give it my highest recommendation.

A real lesson to be learned
This wonderful book about relying on your senses when you are blind demonstrates that blind people can lead a productive life. Grandpa shares his zest for life with his grandson, John. At first John does not understand how his grandpa is able to do all that he does. Grandpa shares his secret. As a preservice teacher I've used this book to talk about aging and its effects with my students. We also talk about what we can do to help others who have disabilities. This is an excellent book to allow children to examine their thoughts on older people and disabilities. ... Read more