Book Description

When Helen Finney feeds alphabet soup to her dog, Martha, it goes straight up to her brain, and Martha begins to speak! But having a talking dog isn't always as much fun as it seems. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Loving this book!
I'm 30 years old, and BEG my nieces to let me read this to them over and over! I'm not only a dog lover, but I also appreciate the hysterical humor and illustrations. This book will please kids and adults alike! (Favorite line: "Martha, SHUT UP!" (It's funny when you read it!)

I've always wanted to talk to my pets
We love this book- what child wouldn't? Martha is a great character; someone I'd love even as a human or an ordinary dog, but as a talking dog, she's great! She has sufficient depth that I'm not left feeling that something important has been left out. The illustrations are wonderful as well- portly Martha ordering lots of meat from the butcher- very nice.

Speak, girl!
Warning: By reading this book to your children you may be inadvertently encouraging them to force-feed their puppies alphabet soup. Creating a book that is as much comic strip as it is enjoyable picture book, Susan Meddaugh's enjoyable 1992 creation follows the adventures and misadventures of Martha the talking pup. After being fed a bowl of delicious alphabet soup, Martha, the family pet, begins talking in complete grammatically correct sentences. For the family, this new occurrence is initially a boon. Martha is able to explain all kinds of doggish mysteries, hitherto unexplained to humans. She answers the door to the pizza delivery girl, much to family's amusement. She amazes both family and friends. Unfortunately, there are downsides to owning a talking dog. Martha, once she learns how to dial the phone, is prone to ordering large quantities of barbecue beef. She doesn't understand such social niceties as not commenting on someone's appearance loudly in pubic (especially if that someone is fat). And she talks constantly about nothing at all. When the family finally proclaims that Martha's talking is too much, the humbled doggie falls into a deep depression and refuses to devour anymore alphabet soup. Fortunately the appearance of a nasty burglar in the home gives Martha the opportunity to save the day and reinstate herself as the family's favorite talking dog.

The book's an original, no question. Martha's constant chatter appears as speech balloons over her head. If you get this edition in hardback, I highly recommend that you flip to the author's photo on the back inside cover to see a picture of a dog that looks very much as if it might have been the inspiration for Martha's cuddly form. The illustrations are sweet and inticing and Martha says everything you'd expect a dog to say (if neutered). The double page spread of her blowing away the family with an incredibly long speech is particularly impressive. I suspect that if you were to read this book to your little one they would insist that you read every single word that pops out of Martha's mouth. All things considered, this might take some time so prepare to set aside some 20 minutes for a full and unabridged reading of the delightful "Martha Speaks". As for the use of the term, "shut up", (which the family yells at Martha when they canst takes it no more) this is left entirely up to the reader's discretion. If you live in a home where the phrase is considered impolite, you may wish to read it aloud from the book in a silly way, or simply disguise it as the less controversial "Be Quiet" (which I do not, personally, endorse). If this phrase is not considered impolite in your home, let rip and let go.

This is altogether a fine book and an amusing story. This is an excellent choice for those children interested in the intricacies of canine yabbering.

Martha Speaks to Adults
The story of Martha Dog's development into speaking family member amused my 5-year-old daughter, but the hand-written words emanating from Martha's mouth confused her. No wonder: they're not designed for the same audience. The story was created for young readers, while Martha's monologues and asides are intended for adults.

Martha Speaks and so does her family
I purchased this book because my first graders LOVE dog stories and I was impressed by the awards listed. It is a fun and enjoyable story which is unfortunately deemed inappropriate for classroom use because of the huge SHUT UP page half way through the book. What a shame! In a read aloud situation, you can't really change the words when they take up an entire page. What was this author thinking????????????????? You may want to move on to Martha Calling instead. ... Read more

Book Description

Following the re-release of the first three books in this beloved series, here are the final three classic wordless tales in attractive, low-priced hardcover editions. A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog, the first book in this series, launched Mercer Mayer's distinguished career over twenty-five years ago, and also helped to create the wordless picture book genre. Full of warmhearted mischief and play, the books express the humorous trials and tribulations of friendship and the joy of summertime discovery. Readers will want to collect the entire set. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent wordless book
I love this book! While all of Mercer Mayer's wordless frog books are delightful, this is definitely my favorite. A picture is definitely worth a thousand words in this case. From beginning to end every characters' thoughts and emotions are perfectly clear. The illustrations are delightful and the characters' body language and facial expressions are wonderfully expressive. Even very young children can look at this book and understand what is going on. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A super version and now there's a music CD available for it!
This is a wonderful verison of Pilgrim's Progress. It reads beautifully and while it does not have all of the scriptural references it hits the mark enought o inspire most people. I know many people who have read this one and then gone on to read the original work.

There is also a music CD available with contemporary Christian songs that tie to the story line. ........

Enthralling version for children
I read John Bunyan's original work and found it wonderful, but I didn't feel it would entrance my children the way it did me with all of the heavy phraseology littered throughout the story. I normally detest "retellings" because they are usually literary trash not worthy of the time spent reading them.

This book was different. The story is extremely well written and maintains the rich flavor of the original story of Christian's journey of faith and his arrival in the Enchanted City. I read this version aloud to my four children, and they loved it. It is a chapter book, even though it looks like a simple "storybook." We took about a week with it at an approximately 20 minute per day rate. There are some alterations from the original, but nothing that changes the tone of the story.

The illustrations are exquisite, and I love how there are small paintings scattered throughout the text and not just large, page filling pictures. We checked it out from the library to read, and I enjoyed it so much I am planning to purchase a copy for our home collection.

Inspiring and moving
I have read the original Pilgrim's Progress a few times and portions of it many times. I have also read various versions and several of John Bunyan's other writings. I personally love the theology and consider it essential. Mr. Schmidt's version of the story is compelling for some important reasons. Though it does not contain the lengthy discussions of theology, it opens a door via the story line to share the story with someone else. He has added some This hopefully will raise questions and hopefully a healthy discussion of the things that John Bunyan was trying to communicate to his church members whom he wrote this story for. As I understand it, John Bynyan was using allegory (like Jesus used parables) to make important Biblically grounded truths understandable to his people. This retelling hopefully will be the springboard for many to share their faith. Those that believe already will find wonderful illustrations and a unique and encouraging way of seeing their own journey through this world to the Celestial City.

Allegorical Adventures
This retelling of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress is a journey through the back countries of one's mind. Pilgrim takes the reader along the stages, discoveries, and challenges each person faces in his or her life. Each time Pilgrim faces and makes a decision, it forces a look within. The author takes this classic tale and moves it into contemporary language and idioms familiar to modern readers. By translating the essence of traditional religion into secular experience, Schmidt captures the struggles and solutions which face every person daily. Moser's beautiful watercolors crystalize the experience without diminishing the broad range of responses to the story. A wide range of readers will find themselves absorbed in the journey. ... Read more

Book Description

This genuinely funny picture book is a classic -- one of thefirst that starred Mercer Mayer's popular Little Critter. In this title, youngreaders see Little Critter trying very hard to be a good helper. Unfortunately,something always seems to get in his way. When he tries to dry dishes for hismother, the dishes grow slippery. When he makes an effort not to splash waterout of the tub, a storm comes up. On and on it goes, with Little Critter and hisgood intentions making readers laugh with him from start to finish. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Just for you
The kid tried something for his mother and every time he did something for his mother he screwed up on it. The lesson is that you can't always be perfect but you can always be the greatest kid in front of your mother. The age level is 1st grade. Yes it was a good book.

An Absolute Delight To Read
This book absolutely enraptured me as a child back in the 70's, and now, with the anticipated birth of my own first child, this is one of the staple books with which I will start my baby's library. The gentle, sweet storyline combined with charmingly detailed drawings will entertain your little one time after time. There's always something new to discover with each reading, and they will help nurture that special close bond between you and your little one that only comes from sharing wonderful books together. This book is THE classic of Mercer Mayer books, and every child should have a copy of "Just For You", just for them.

This Is A Child Book
I think this book was a bore for me.It was not a good book.If I was 3 I might like it.This book is not my catagorie of reading.I don't like to read but I read this book because I thought it might be good, but it wasn't.

My all time favorite!
Mercer Mayer is great at childrens books. When I was a kid, I read my paperback version until the front and back covers fell off. Mayer communicates how children feel with his cute Little Critter characters. The end of each book puts a big smile on my face.

A Special Childhood Memory Returns
This book was a part of my childhood and just recently I was given it again (hardback) for my 25th birthday. After reading it for the first time in many, many years, it was just as I had remembered. Not only are the little critters adorable, but the stories are touching. This book has special meaning to me because as a child, my mother and I would read it together, and I was alot like the little critter in this book. Always trying to do something nice for mom, but somehow messing it up. This book teaches children it is not neccesarily how you do something, but why you did it that means the most! ... Read more

Book Description

Grandmas can do lots of things, like paint with you, take you on a picnic, and teach you how to dance. But what do they do best? The answer is made perfectly clear in this Irresistible celebration of grandparents and the everyday things they do.

Grandpas can do lots of things, like play hide-and-seek, help you build a sand castle, and sing you a lullaby. But what do they do best? The answer is made perfectly clear In this irresistible celebration of grandparents and the everyday things they do. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Grandma's review
Very good, I know my grandchildren would like it. We just spent a few weeks with them, and did most of those things, so they would especially appreciate this book. ... Read more

Book Description

The notorious Miss Swamp reappears at the Horace B. Smedley School, this time to shape up the football team and help them to win at least one game. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

I loved Miss Nelson Has a Field Day!!
I am eleven years old, and I love Miss Nelson Has a Field Day because it was funny and interesting. I liked it when Miss Viola Swamp called one boy, "Smarty". It made me laugh!! I think other kids should read this because it is a really good book. I think it is even better than the first two Miss Nelson books. All kids would love this book!!

Your kids will love the Miss Nelson series!!!!!
Miss Swamp reappears at the Horace B. Smedley School

The Horace B. Smedley School's football team is awful-and their big game with their major rival is on tap. Can anything be done to get the guys into shape in time for the game? Miss Nelson has a plan and, out of the blue, Miss Swamp is on the scene. But where is Miss Nelson??????

This is a truly delightful series that the whole family can enjoy. Good stories, great characters and the indomitable Miss Nelson all add up to great fun and great reading for kids.

Miss Nelson rides again
My daughter loved this book. She was not an avid reader a couple summers ago but this one was a favorite. She likes all the Miss Nelson books but she was able to write a summary on this one and have all the information correct so she was paying attention. If it is on your summer reading list for school, go for it, it's worth it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Another installment in Gerald McDermott's wise and whimsical tricksterseries, Jabutí the Tortoise tells the tale of the Amazon jungle'sshiny-shelled mischief-maker. Although Jabutí doesn't come across as themost clever trickster around in this particular retelling (he's duped by thatcrabby old Vulture and ends up getting bailed out by the King of Heaven), thecolorful pipe-player and his songs are clearly well loved. Well, by everybodybut his victims, that is: "Jaguar could remember when Jabutí tricked himinto chasing his own tail," and "Tapir could remember when Jabutí trickedhim into a tug-of-war with Whale." But we do get to learn how Tortoise's shellbecame cracked, and why Toucan, Macaw, and Hummingbird boast such brilliantcolors.

Not the most notable entry in this region-by-region series, but beautiful andboldly colored nonetheless. Kids who aren't immediately hooked byJabutí's story will likely still get drawn in by McDermott's vibrantcolors and straightforward compositions of simply shaped jungle creatures setagainst a bright pink dawn. (Ages 4 to 8) Paul Hughes ... Read more

Book Description

Lauretta's mother takes her to buy a new wheelchair, but Lauretta isn't satisfied with a regular 5-speed or 10-speed model. No, she insists on the 92-speed, silver and gold, dirt bike wheelchair! When she gets a speeding ticket during a one-day tryout, her parents insist that the wheelchair be returned to the store...until Lauretta's older brother has an accident and only one person can whisk him to the hospital on time--Lauretta, in her amazing wheelchair! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A story and a book worth passing down through generations.
My new wife and I recently moved into a new apartment in Seattle. While unpacking we came across a hard cover eddition of East of the Sun and West of The Moon. It is probably one of the most cherished books of my childhood and I can not wait to read it to children of my own. The illustrations are so unique and fantastic that we have decided to buy a paperback eddition so that I may frame some of the Illustrations. It is a shame to have such wonderful artwork confined by a cover, but a joy to flip through the pages in awe of each image.

Revisiting Mercer Mayer
This is one of my favorite children's books of all time. I first recieved East Of The Sun And West Of The Moon when I was eight years old. The elementary school I went to had "Author's Day" once a year, and that was the year I met Mercer Mayer and fell in love with his books.
East Of The Sun combines mesmerizing artwork with intriguing story-telling, making it a great book for children who don't like to read or get bored easily. Mayer creates a world that triggers the imagination. This book actually made me want to become an artist.
I hope my children and yours will enjoy it as much as I do

A Story for All
This is a telling of love and promises. You will be transported to a place of beauty and harsh reality. i read this story to my daughter for many years. The excellent drawings set a picture in the mind. I have told this story as a spoken tale to rapt audiences, at such diverse settings as an extended family thanksgiving dinner, to an on the job construction crew ( having to use a very loud voice ) none of whom ever would let me not finish the entire telling.
This story transcends the boundaries of child-adult prose.

My favorite read!
Hi! My name is Elizabeth. East of the sun and west of the moon is a very sad but wonderful book. THis book is about a faird maiden whom is so beautiful but yet so intellegent. All of the men would like to be wed to her. later on her life takes some sad twists and turns and now she must travel east of the sun and west of the moon. When she gets there she already knows that she will not find a warm welcome within. But soon everything changes and she meets the man of her dreams! And now any traveler wil know that " Eaast of the sun and west of the moon... where you will find a warm welcome within!"

One of my favorite childrens' books of all time!
I spent ages looking for this book and was thrilled when I finally found it. Mercer Meyer's East of the Sun West of the Moon remains on of my favorite childrens' books of all time, not only for it's beautiful illustrations, but also for the beauty of the simple tale. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

The best book by Alan Alexander Milne.By :ALBERTO RENGIFO
The book I just read is the best! When I read a Pooh book it was awesome! Really, first I though it would be a babyish book,but it's not. My favourite chracter is Pooh. He is always thinking of hunny, and funny po ems and songs. I also like the words that A.A.MILNE invented I though those words came from another planet. I hope to read all of A.A.milne's books soon. If you don't read it you don't know what you are missing. I have only read The House At Pooh Corner and, I am now reading Winnie-The-Pooh.

The 2nd Best
THis book is the Second best work of whinnie the pooh. Midn you second only to the self titeld Whinnie the pooh book! it's a lovely read a bit bothersome in language at times with strange words like Tiddly Pom and other such! but it's fun great and a wonderful children or ADULT book!

The One Book That Influenced Me the Most
I was participating in an on-line discussion on the subject of the single book that had influenced us each the most.

The book that first came to my mind was "The House at Pooh Corner". It seemed rather silly, but after considerable reflection I decided it was probably the correct answer after all.

The book was read to me by my Dad before I could read, and I still re-visit it occasionally fifty years later. In fact, I wouldn't be adverse to using it's ending as my epitath.

What richness, what grandeur is so easily captured? :)
This classic is listed under the age group of four to eight, and as a Poohphile I am quite appalled that it is. Winnie the Pooh books have such wit, wisdom, and humor that gets better every time I read them. Their not just for children, they are for everyone. Over the years, Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, Tigger, Kanga, and Roo have become some of my dearest chums. I once heard someone say, or perhaps I read it, that "books are like dear friends, and who has too many friends?" I am quite inclined to agree with that statement. This book is a dear friend of mine and I hope that you shall make it yours. :)

A Pleasant Discovery
Upon looking for reading materials for my fourth grade class I stumbled upon "A House At Pooh Corner" by A.A.Milne. I leafed through it and ...fell in love with it! I have become A Pooh Fan!
As I informed my students we were going to tead Winnie The Pooh they all whined thinking that it was a "baby book". Well they were immediately charmed by A.A.Milne's beautiful language, unique style and sophisticated humor. They read the book, demanded other works by the same author and completed a project about the book. We`re even celebrating Pooh's Birthday in our classroom and have become Pooh's, Eeyore's, Tigger's, Piglet's, Rabbit's,Kanga's, Roo's ,Owl's and Cristopher Robbin's eternal fans. Do Not Miss the chance of a close encounter with the finest literature. ... Read more

Book Description

Good Families Don't is Munsch's funniest book yet, about a risque subject that is guaranteed to have children--and adults--rolling in the aisles.

When Carmen tries to tell her parents that there is a big fart lying on her bed, they don't believe her."Good families like ours," they tell her, "do not have farts."But when they go upstairs to see, the fart attacks them--as it does the similarly disbelieving police when they arrive.Carmen is left to deal with the situation on her own, which she does with the help of a rose. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

OK, I hate to be a stick in the mud, but......
I bought this book because I love Robert Munsch's book I Love You Forever. I knew what I was ordering so it's my own fault, but I can't use this book. It's stuck up in my closet and I've never given it to the kids. I have a 6 year old and a 3 year old boy, and I have enough trouble with them talking about things that I'd rather they didn't, so I don't know why I ordered this book. I know they'd think it was funny, but the last thing I really want to do is get them talking about farts all day. I'm sorry, if your kids are more mature I'm sure it would be fine for them. But it definitly wasn't for my family.

Good Families Don't
This was a funny book, not one of Munsch best, but full of laughs. There's very few books that actually talk about "Farts", well this is one of them.

Hysterical
My 3 year old and I read constantly. I get really tired of the same old books. When we read this book (my husband , mother in law,son, and self) we all got sick to our stomachs from laughing so hard. I never get tired of it and everybody enjoys it. It is SOOO CREATIVE. I plan to purchase more copies to use as adult gifts! It is full of "potty humor" written in a tasteful manner!

Amazing!
I am amazed by the talent of a man who can write this great funny book on a taboo subject, and can also write the poignant "Love You Forever". Robert Munsch can be on my guest list any time!

Great book for a reluctant reader!
My daughter was in second grade and having difficulty reading. Her teacher suggested she read aloud, being a perfectionist this solution was less than suitable. I brought home this book and told her that she must read it to her father. She read the first page saw the "f" word and started to giggle. It broke the ice. Although the book didn't solve her reading problems, after reading it she was more willing to give other books a chance. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Our family LOVES this book
My husband made up a song to go with the words - this is one of our family's favorites! A very sing-songy read with made up words and a short but sweet narrative. Get this book and try to make up a tune to go with the poetry. This is not a counting book. If you like imagination and poetry, you'll love this.

Quite boring.
This book is neither interesting for my kids or for me. I thought it would make counting fun. But it doesn't. This book is quite dull.

A poem in words and pictures
This narrative was perhaps the first poem my children learned--and both they and I love it.

"Seventeen kings and fourty-two elephants

Going on a journey on a wild wet night"

meet all sorts of wonderful creatures in their travels through the lush jungle inhabitting these pages. There are white-toothed crocodiles, green-eyed dragons, small crabs, ponderous hippoptomums, dancing "to the music that the marchers made," not to mention tigers, cranes, pelicans, peacocks, and twangling trillicans. They go off into the night as raindrops glisten on the elephants' backs and the deep dark jungle devours their tracks. Altogether a delightful journey into word play and magical illustrations. Alyssa A. Lappen

Favorate Book to Read to Children
This book is musical in its use of language. The verse seems to mimic the marching of the elephants. Reading and listening to the book are equally delightful. The pictures are lush and beautiful. I'm on my second child, and this remains a favorite of my 3 and 6 year old sons. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Alligator Baby
I really liked this book, because it was funny. Kristen's parents kept bringing home animal babies from the zoo instead of a people baby. Kristen saved the day because she went to the zoo and got the right baby from the gorilla's cage. But it was funny at the end when all the mommy animals break into the house to get their babies back

Wonderful book when you're bringing home another baby.
We got this book as a shower gift when our son was born. We read this over and over to his older sister. I can't imagine a better, more entertaining book for a 3 year old who is welcoming home a new sibling.

A favourite
This is one of our favourite books. A humorous look at a new addition to the family. This was the perfect story for our two children when #3 child arrived, the humour takes away some of the stress and expectation for young children when a new baby is joining the family. Also a great gift.

Very Good
My son loves all the Robert Munsch books. He knows exactly what makes kids laugh and this book is an excellent example of this.

School Kids love Aligator Baby!
This is my fifth year with the elementary school, yet it is my first year in the library. The first book that I read to the children was 'Aligator Baby'. I believe what the children love the most about this book is that there is never a dull moment! All the children participate in what is going to happen next, and they enjoy finishing the sentences. This tells me that the children are focused, and they want me to read it over and over! It is fun to act out the parts as I read to the classes. (1st grade to 3rd grade.) I really do need more books like this one for the chidren. One of the specials that I have with the children is that each child can share a "favorite page" from a book they borrowed. The students always have something good to say about 'Aligatory Baby'. Thanks ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A hilarious story by Munsch
Benjamin picks his baby sister up out of her crib, puts her in his knapsack and takes her to school for show and tell. She then wakes up and begins to cry. It is hilarious to watch the flustered adults in charge all try to get her to be quiet. I read this to my kindergarten class, and we all laughed so hard we cried. (If you like Stephanie's Ponytail, you'll like this one, too!) Munsch's dialog is clever, and there is just the right amount of repetition in the story for kids to chime in as it is read aloud. This is a fun book for a child with a new baby at home, too. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Absolute must have!
This book is one of my favorites. My daughter and I love the pictures and story. A great book for all ages.

cbenton@sisna.com
An impowering tale of wit and determination about a very fearless little girl that takes charge of a number of animals that are attempting to take over her things. You will be delighted to find out how it all works out in the end. One I've read to all 9 of my own children ... Read more

Book Description

Jeremiah and Amanda are fighting over toys in their kindergarten class.The teacher tells them, "Now, look!This is Kindergarten.We share everything."When Jeremiah and Amanda take their teacher's advice, the whole class is in for a hilarious surprise! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A "MUST HAVE" in every KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM!
This book is a "must have" for any Kindergarten teacher or a kindergartener. My students love to hear this story about sharing...over and over and over! I usually introduce it the first week of school when I am reviewing class rules and expectations. It is humourous, age appropriate,and a class favorite!

Wrong Message!
I read this book to my son for the first time today, and it will be the last. He is 4 years old and has shown me he is greatly affected by what I read to him in books. He has imitated words as well as actions from stories we have read together. Therefore, I'm careful as to what I expose him to at this young age. Maybe when he's older, he'll understand more about the world and know enough to realize when an author is writing in jest - but for now...I can just see him taking his clothes off in school because he wants to "share" them with another classmate!!!

I can hear the call from the principal now, "Your son was stark naked in class today - trying to get Mary to try on his shirt - and thinking the whole thing was funny!"

He's going to pick up enough actions that aren't appropriate on his own without me giving him more ideas through story time.

I wouldn't recommend this book for a child age Kindergarten or younger.

Munsch is the best!
As always, Robert Munsch books are fantastic!! I always buy several for my friends who are having babies so they'll know who the great kid book authors are. He really gets kids and kid's humor. And, the messages couldn't be any better - for boys, girls, black, white, gay, straight, whomever.

Another wierd/inappropriate book by Robert Munsch
I was horrified when I read "I Love You Forever"- another children's book by Mr. Munsch that results in a mother using a ladder to break into the house of her adult son to rock him in his sleep. Because my daughter liked the book, I taped all the wierd pages together to save the better parts of the story. Now here is another story where two kindergarteners end up taking off their clothes in class and everyone thinks it is funny! What is up with this guy? Serious issues with boundaries and appropriate social behavior. I will not be reading his books to my children anymore.

We Share Everything
This book is about two kids, a boy named Jeremiah and a girl named Amanda. It's their first day of kindergarten. At first they did't share anything. My favorite part is when Jeremiah tried what worked on his little brother. He screamed so loud that he could break a window. My other favorite part is when Amanda tried what worked on her older brother. She kicked over Jeremiah's tower. I think other kids my age and younger will like this book because it has great illustrations and funny events. It also has very easy words. Read to find out if they share at the end of the book. ... Read more

Book Description

A boy and his dog go walking in the swamp.

They spot a frog in the water.

Can they use a net to catch him? ... Read more

Reviews (5)

very cute story
This totally wordless book has a very cute story. A boy and his dog go to the pond to try to catch a frog. Things go wrong and they can't catch him. Then a cute surprise ending. The only thing I don't like is that in the library version, the black & white drawings are very small and hard to see (at least for this middle-ager!). Maybe a different edition would be better. Larger pictures with some color would be nice. Overall, I love this little book.

Wonderful little book
My mother "read" this series to me when I was a kid, and I remember always reaching for this one for years afterwards. The illustrations are outstanding -- my mother and I would laugh over a different page every time we read it, because of the boy's expression, the frog's grin, or the way the dog sat. Simple things, but not only was I learning to enjoy books, I learned to use my words to tell stories, notice details, and just have fun with my parents. This isn't a passive "hear a story read to you" experience.

Perhaps needless to say, this book is one of the first gifts I give to nieces and friends at baby showers or birthdays. At showers, everyone has a good laugh over the pictures, and it's always a big hit. My own kids will have the complete set -- probably before they're even born!

Superb
When my little boy wanted to 'read' and still didn't know how, we went looking for wordless books. This was a great find. Even now that he's starting to read, this is one of his favorite books to 'read'. It is creative and the pictures are adorable. They are funny and they tell a story. But you can tell the story from several points of view and find new things to talk about every time. Very good.
Enjoy.

A great 'read' for young kids
I remember way back when I was in the 2nd grade, I saw the book, "A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog", in my school's library. We (the students) were all searching for a book to check out for that week just like we did every week of class. As I was skimming through "A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog", I saw that it wasn't like all the other books. The book has about 20 pages, and on each page is an illustrated picture, but no words.

I liked looking at the pictures and coming up with my own story from what I was looking at. That's what makes this book stand out. I was one of those kids that didn't like checking out real long books cause I didn't like to read a whole lot at the time, so "A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog" was perfect to check out for the week.

The pictures are all illustrated very well; it's easy to see and to make out the different emotions that the three characters (see title) have on their faces. While you're 'reading' the book, it will make you laugh, frown, and smile with the events that take place.

If you know of any kids that like to use their imagination to its fullest, "A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog" would be a great book to get for them. I enjoyed the book when I was a kid, my little brother and sister enjoyed it at one time, and I'm sure almost any young'en would like it right away.

Charming picture book
This is a delightful little picture book. It has no narraration and needs none. Through its pictures, it tells the story of a boy and a dog and a frog they try unsuccessfully to catch. The boy and the dog then go home to get cleaned up in the bath tub. The frog, who had enjoyed the little game of chase and is now a bit lonely, follows them and joins them in the tub. This is a great book to have your pre-schooler read to you ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (289)

The Call of the Wild is a wonderful novel despite some of th
I found that The Call of the Wild by Jack London is a very odd but unique classic liked and disliked by many. Personally I found the beginning drab and it did not seize my interests. Around the time when Francois and Perrault bought Buck is when the action started to rise and grasp my attention. The overall plot of this story was found unlikeable but I really liked the theme that was expressed. "And not only did he learn by experience, but instincts long dead became alive again." (London p.14) In this passage London symbolizes the digression from civility and the progression into the primitive by displaying how Buck's ancestorial behavior was awakened when he adapted to a new environment. There were many passages I enjoyed because they were filled with description. This quote is a wonderful example of descriptive writing: "Something wriggled under his feet. He sprang back, bristling and snarling, fearful of the unseen and unknkown...a whiff of warm air ascended to his nostrils..." (London p.11) I found the dogs' personalities were believable however, London lacked realism in the people- especially Mercedes, Hal, and Charles. I have come to the conclusion that The Call of the Wild is a wonderful novel despite some of the weak points. I would recommend this to anyone.

Call of the Wild - an Exciting Book
The exciting book, "Call of the Wild" by Jack London, is a call worth answering. This book is about a loveable dog named Buck who has to learn suddenly to defend himself in the wild. The different characters will undeniably delight you for hours. Buck has an interesting life and you will surely want to find out about it.

From the beginning, the narrator starts the story with Buck's happy life in California. Unfortunately, Buck the Husky is stolen and taken to Alaska, where he is sold! As a result of his change, he has to gain the respect from other dogs and becomes happy again. Buck is sold to many masters and has as unusual a life as a dog has ever had. Lives that you will have to read about in this fascinating book.

Truly, Mr. London has captured the essence of the hard and unusual life of the wild. The characters are all different; therefore; this book is for everyone. For instance, Buck the dog is loyal and tough, but one of his masters is ignorant and weak. There are many places in this book, so everyone will learn something. The main places are California and Alaska, which are as different as night and day. All in all, this book will take you on a wonderful adventure.

To sum it all up, "The Call of the Wild" is one of the best known and loved books. In this book, we see the incredible challenges that Buck faces. This book tops some of Mr. London's other great books such as: "White Fang" and "The Star Rover". More importantly, this book will teach everyone that with perseverance and a little courage, you can do anything.

Call of wild
This is really one of the finest books on the market. The Call of the Wild is about Buck, a German Sheperd, who is dagnapped from his home when word comes of a Goldrush up in the Canadian wilderness. From then on, Buck experiences adventure, companionship, and tragic, tragic losses. This all, however, is character-building to Buck, and he becomes one of the best sled-dogs ever, except for the fact that this is fiction.

That is the overall premise of this book. In case you didn't know, this book was written in the early 1900's by the world-reknowned author, Jack London. Jack London wrote many other books based around canine-human interaction, but none were as masterfully done as this one. The whole adventure that Buck has in this book is both tragic and woderful at the same time.

One of the things that makes this book so wonderful is the way that it is written. The description, the emotion, all of the writing is done is such a great fahion to the point that that this book is amazing on a grand scale. In short, the writing is really good.

Another great thing about this book is that it deals mostly with what is going on in Buck's head, and dialogue is kept to a minimum. This book is just so great in ss many ways, that I am entitled to give it a five out of five stars.

Call of the Wild
The title of this book, "Call of the Wild," by Jack London, shows how Buck straddles between two worlds, one as a domestic dog with the ability to be loved and trained, and the other as a primordial beast constantly having the instinct to return to his primitive ways. His journey takes him from being a pampered household pet to running with the wolf pack and surviving in a savage environment. Along the way he learns to fear some humans, to survive among savage dogs, and to love a master.

No words to describe
In this spell binding, compelling, truly amazing book, London grabs you and never lets you go. It follows the story of Buck, and dog who is yanked out of his lazy life by a cruel gardener and forced to travel to the Yukon to aid men (and women) in search of gold. He experiences intolerable cruelty; he gets beaten and whipped almost to death, he is almost starved by a set of owners, and he learns the basic rule of thumb; kill or be killed. He often fights with the other lead dog until he finally knocks him off. It isn't until he is taken care of and showed what real love means by John Thornton that he finally warms up to humans again. But his love is cut short when a group of Yee-hats kill his entire team; Thornton, the other dogs of the team, and Thornton's friends. He then becomes full of rage; he spies the Yee-hats some distance away and knocks off almost the entire pack. He wanders around, not quite conscious of what has happened until a wolf pack come along...then he finally recieves "the call"; hence "The Call of the Wild"
This is one of the best books I have ever read, but also the saddest I've ever read. It had a huge impact on me; I wasn't quite sure of it until I almost burst into tears when talking about it. It hits you on a highly personal level...so if you are the type of person who gets affected by things easily, I would make sure you can handle it before you read it. But I guess that's what makes a great author; one that can touch you so deeply that you remember it for the rest of your life. ... Read more