Book Description

It's hard to be five.
Just yelled at my brother.
My mind says do one thing.
My mouth says another.

It's fun to be five!
Big changes are here!
My body's my car,
and I'm licensed to steer.

Learning not to hit? Having to wait your turn? Sitting still? It's definitely hard to be five. But Jamie Lee Curtis's encouraging text and Laura Cornell's playful illustrations make the struggles of self-control a little bit easier and a lot more fun!

This is the sixth inspired book from the #1 New York Times best-selling team of Today I Feel Silly: & Other Moods That Make My Day and I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self Esteem.

Amazon.com

If you haven't already read Tikki Tikki Tembo, you've probably heard at least someone recite the deliriously long name of its protagonist: Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo, by now a famous refrain in most nursery schools. In this beautiful edition--complete with line and wash illustrations by artist Blair Lent--Arlene Mosel retells an old Chinese folktale about how the people of China came to give their children short names after traditionally giving their "first and honored" sons grand, long names. Tikki tikki tembo (which means "the most wonderful thing in the whole wide world") and his brother Chang (which means "little or nothing")get into trouble with a well, are saved by the Old Man with the Ladder, and change history while they're at it. Tikki Tikki Tembo is a perfect book to read aloud, but don't be surprised if you find yourself joining the ranks of its chanting followers. (Picture book) ... Read more

Reviews (54)

Not to be confused with Rikki tikki tavi
If you, like my pretty self, grew up reading (or being read) the tale of Tikki Tikki Tembo, then you already know exactly the correct cadences and tones to use when pronouncing his name. Come on, everybody! Say it along with me... Tikki Tikki Tembo-No Sa Rembo-Chari Bari Ruchi-Pip Peri Pembo. Whew! It's a mouthful, which is of course the point. In this book (originally published, I kid you not, in 1968) we learn about the dangers of over-monikering one's own offspring.

Two boys live with their mother near an old well. The eldest is considered the more important of the two, and his is the extraordinarily long name. His younger brother is named Chang. Chang and Tikki love one another, and when Chang falls into the well his brother rushes off to save him. Tikki fetches the old man with the ladder, who rescues the sodden boy. Later (not the same day, thankfully) the boys play around the well again and this time it's Tikki who has fallen in. When Chang attempts to tell his mother what has happened, it's all he can do to spout out that enormous mouthful of a name. When his mother finally understands, he too is sent to the old man with the ladder and a very similar scene occurs. In the end Tikki is rescued, though his prolonged well-exposure leaves him sick for a little while. Hence (according to this tale and, yes yes, not historically accurate in the least), "the Chinese have always thought it wise to give all their children little, short names instead of great long names".

When I was read this book as a kid I remember disliking small sections of it (whilst enjoying the entire thing as a whole). I felt bad for Chang, a boy whose name translated roughly to "little or nothing". Yet Chang and Tikki don't engage in any sibling rivalry or bad feelings. They play together as happily as can be. And though their mother does refer to Tikki with such names as "my first and honored son, heir of all I possess", the final shot of the book is Chang seated snugly on his mother's lap as they speak with the bed-ridden Tikki. So is the book racist? I dunno. Not to my eyes, though I've already admitted that having been read this book while a child, I'm biased towards it. I really don't think there's anything in here to seriously offend someone, unless becoming offended is their goal. Yes, we can all agree that the clothing is Japanese while the characters are Chinese. Confusing, certainly. And the last line in the story is a bit odd, but personally I don't feel it will turn your children into raving-mad racists. It's just an amusing story told with a great deal of zip and verve. Author Arlene Mosel has told it in such a way that the reader really enjoys repeated passages that say things like, "He pumped the water out of him and pushed the air into him, and pumped the water out of him and pushed the air into him". Blair Lent's illustrations are just as amusing and fun. Though a book of limited colors, it almost seems to the reader as if there are millions of subtle variations on the blues and greens shown throughout the story.

The fact of the matter is, this is just a great book. Top drawer. If you've an ability to tell a tale well, then it is a crime and shame that you are not reading this book to a little one right now. For as long as children enjoy hearing rhymes and syncopated rhythms, this book will remain a popular item.

Good book for a read aloud and discussion
This is a retelling of an old Chinese folk tale about unnecessary and overly grandiose events. The initial premise is that the firstborn son is given a grand name, in this case Tikki Tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo, which means "the most wonderful thing in the world." However, all subsequent sons are given short names, so the second son is called Chang, which means "little or nothing."
The tale begins with Chang falling into a well. Tikki Tikki Tembo runs for help and has no difficulty in telling the adults what happened. An old man uses a ladder to rescue Chang and after some brief treatment, he recovers. Later in the story, Tikki Tikki Tembo falls into the well and Chang runs for help. However, because of the length of the name, he has difficulty explaining what is wrong and help is delayed. While Tikki Tikki Tembo is rescued, it takes him a long time to recover. As a consequence of this event, the Chinese change their custom so that now all of their children are given short names.
The artwork of this book is excellent and the moral of the story a good one for children. I strongly recommend it for read-aloud sessions that end in a discussion.

Wonderful
I haven't read this book in...ten years or so, but as soon as I read the title 'TIKKI TIKKI TEMBO, I LOVE THAT BOOK'. That pretty much covers it. It's wonderful, I wish the kids I am around would be patient enough to listen to it. :) WONDERFUL WONDERFUL BOOK!

Fun, but inaccurate
Tikki Tikki Tembo has a beautiful and fun name to say. However, that is where my praise of the book ends. The illustrations are lacking, not to mention inaccurate. A seemingly uncaring mother obviously favoring one son over the other is the main thing that stands out in my mind after having read this book. Perhaps my biggest problem with this text is the sweeping generalization it ends with, "from that day to this, the Chinese have always thought it wise to give their children little, short names, instead of great long names." I believe it is important to eduate and expose children to cultures outside of their own. However, we must do so in a way that promotes their curiousity and an accurate understanding. Multicultural literature can be a wonderful tool in the classroom as well as the home, when used properly; Tikki Tikki Tembo will be left out of my toolbox.

A name that'll stick in your mind for years
I don't understand why people are looking at this book like it's some sort of historical text. I doubt many 5-year-olds are going to read this book and say, "Well, it was OK, but it was full of historical inaccuracies and perpetuated stereotypes harmful to the Chinese community." It's a story, nothing more. It's not meant to teach any life-changing moral. Stop searching for offensive material and enjoy the book the way a child would.

A child will enjoy this, by the way. I know I did, when I first read it perhaps 25 years ago. It may not (as I said above) provide profound revelations, but it does encourage children to do the right thing whether people treat them with respect or not.

Lighten up, enjoy the rhythm of the name, watch kids try to say it all in one breath, and years from now you'll still remember Tikki Tikki Tembo and his helpful brother. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Mistress Mary is quite contrary until she helps her garden grow. Along the way, she manages to cure her sickly cousin Colin, who is every bit as imperious as she. These two are sullen little peas in a pod, closed up in a gloomy old manor on the Yorkshire moors of England, until a locked-up garden captures their imaginations and puts the blush of a wild rose in their cheeks; "It was the sweetest, most mysterious-looking place any one could imagine. The high walls which shut it in were covered with the leafless stems of roses which were so thick, that they matted together.... 'No wonder it is still,' Mary whispered. 'I am the first person who has spoken here for ten years.'" As new life sprouts from the earth, Mary and Colin's sour natures begin to sweeten. For anyone who has ever felt afraid to live and love, The Secret Garden's portrayal of reawakening spirits will thrill and rejuvenate. Frances Hodgson Burnett creates characters so strong and distinct, young readers continue to identify with them even 85 years after they were conceived. (Ages 9 to 12) ... Read more

Reviews (165)

The Secret Garden a review by super-girl
The Secret Garden

Have you ever discovered a place that has bee locked up for a long time? If so, then you can relate to The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Mary Lennox, the protagonist, moves from India to Misselthwaite, England because her parents die of cholera. She lives with her cousin Colin Craven, who thinks he's a cripple and believes he is never going to walk. Mary tries to convince him that he's not a cripple. The children meet Dickon, a local boy who they call the animal charmer. Together they find a magical world inside a garden.

Mary, Dickon, and Colin find the garden left alone and locked. They find a key with the help of Robin and then start to garden without anyone knowing it. Mary and Colin are very frail like a toothpick, but then they grow because the fresh air makes them well. Dickon is a teacher because he shows them how to garden.

Then, on a rainy day, Mary and Colin go into rooms in the house that are locked up and they learn about their ancestors. In Colin's room Mary sees a portrait hidden under a tarpaulin, she opens it and sees picture of Colin's Mother (Mrs. Craven). Mary asks Colin why it is covered and he tells her that he doesn't want to see her because she reminds him of his Father and how he is mad at him because he will be a hunchback. Finally, Mary and Colin learn to overcome their tantrums and the fears of never seeing their parents again. When the children are in the garden, they were caught by one of the gardeners, however he said that he wouldn't tell because he himself had been inside the garden.

Read to find out if the children ever get caught in the garden again, or if Colin ever walks. Ladies and gentlemen, I invite and encourage you to read The Secret Garden.

One of my childhood favorites -- and I still love it!
I can't count how many times I read this book in elementary school -- dozens, I'm sure. I still read it occasionally and listen to the musical.

Here's a brief synopsis: Mary Lennox is a bitter child whose parents live in India during the very early 1900s (approximately). Her mother and father pay no attention to her, and she is spoiled, selfish and temperamental. When cholera kills her parents, she is sent to live with her uncle -- a hunchback who lives in a huge mansion on the Yorkshire moors.

Slowly and with the help of the maid, the maid's brother, and the gardener, Mary becomes a normal, happy child. But her uncle never sees her and is rarely there. He was devastated by his wife's untimely death years earlier and cannot bear to be in the house where they lived together.

Mary also hears a mysterious crying that no one else seems to. She investigates and discovers it is her cousin, Colin, who refuses to see anyone, believing he is crippled. His father can't bear to look at him because his mother died in childbirth. Mary and Colin discover his mother's garden, long neglected, and eventually Colin realizes he is perfectly healthy and learns to walk again.

This is one of those books every little girl should read. It will stay in your heart forever.

A Classic
I think that this is FHB's best book. Although I certainly enjoy the romatic ideas of diamond mines, life-size dolls, and (completly platonic) secret admirers (as all appear in "A Little Princess") nothing beats the spunky nature and burgeonng independance of Mary, Colin and Dickon.

After her parents die of Cholera, spoiled brat Mary is sent to live with her uncle in Yorshire. She is shocked, absolutely shocked, to find a world that is the complete opposite of India. Not just the weather: gone is the fully staffed nursery which completely revolved around her every whim (and she had a lot of them) and in its place is a local maid who brings her breakfast and that's about it. Mary doesn't even know how to dress herself.

Appalled at first by the notion of having to look after herself, Mary discovers that it's really not so bad. Especially when she discovers a secret garden that has been locked for ten years. Together with her cousin, a boy as bratty and obnoxious as she is, and Dickon, a local boy with a way with living things, she sets about to bring the garden back to life. Mary and Colin, who have been raised with fairly good intentions and plenty of material possesions but no real love, learn what love is as they care for and nurture the garden.

Burnett really has an ear for children's dialogue, and she brings a real sympathy to Colin and Mary even when they are at their most obnoxious. In addition, their transformation is believable, complete with little relapses into their self-absorbed natures.

This is a book that is perfect for people of all ages.

Anything is possible
AThe Secret Garden had an inspirational effect on me. Frances Hodgson Burnett was able to show you that no matter how rough life gets, you always have a single ray of hope. Through realistic characters, she was able to show the value of life. Each character was so detailed and developed it was as if you were watching it all happen. Whether you believe in magic or not, it feels as if something is with you while you are reading. This story has been made into a movie. However, the book has a warmer nature as opposed to the movie.
Mary was an unloved unwanted child with everything she could ever want except for a family. Due to the fact that her mother didn't want her around, her nanny would do anything for her to keep her happy. After her mother's death the only person left to keep her was her uncle in England. Coming from India, the people in England didn't expect Mary to be so picky. She finds that in order to stay amused she must overcome her selfish nature and do things on her own. This leads her to find her cousin, Colin. In time, they both learn to appreciate life and the only way to make it is to stop worrying and start believing. Mr. Craven, Mary's uncle, locked up parts of the manor and a special garden after his wife's death 10 years earlier. So, when it is found it is to be kept a secret between six new friends, until it can be revealed to Colin's father, which could or could not happen.
I would rate this book a 4 because, there were s things I didn't agree with. Some of the less important characters were too developed and it is a long story. I did like that it gave me a warm feeling, as if anything is possible. I'm still thinking about how I can change someone's day the same way they did for each other. The only way to enjoy the miracle is to read it yourself.

The Secret Garden
I liked the book alot because it had alot of excitment and talked about Mary finding a room that was her aun'ts room. I liked the part where she found a key that opened the gate to the secret garden. ... Read more

Book Description

For Every Dog An angel is a light, magical little book that honors the timeless connection between people and their canine companions.Written from the heart after the unexpected loss of her "forever dog" Martha, this charming book will bring comfort to anyone who has ever had to say goodbye to their best four-legged friend.For Every Dog An Angel is also a heart-felt way to welcome a new puppy or to celebrate a much-loved doggie friend. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Uplifting and gentle in a time of grief!
This book is a favorite condolence 'gift' to everyone I know who has lost a dog. Recipients tell me it has brought them much comfort and is very uplifting to them. Some who swore they would never get another pet, decide, after reading the book, to get a new dog. The book is beautiful illustrated and worded. I like to have several on hand to give as needed and have given it to friend to give to people they know who have lost pets. It's hardly more than the cost of a card.

"Forever pets" and their "forever people" will reunite

The author wrote this God-blessed little book after having a wonderful vision of her beloved dog Martha in the arms of an angel; it turned her bereavement into inspiration. It should lift the heart and spirit of anyone who reads it.

I would like to make several recommendations here since there is no category as of yet specifically on animal afterlife, on-line (or in any other lists for that matter).

Because of this and the fact that there are so few books written on this subject, those in grief over the loss of a pet often find themselves desperately searching, and miss out. I would therefore like to list all the books that I know of dealing with afterlife of animals. Amazon.com has sites on all of them. You can visit each site to learn more on each respective title.

"Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates".Excellently done:inspired compassionate, fully-Biblical

"The Soul of Your Pet". Convincing, credible evidence regarding animals' existing after death.Interactions with pets that have passed on. Will defy skeptics.

"Will I See Fido in Heaven?". Solidly Christian, inspired,loving.

"For Every Dog an Angel". Angel stays with pup from birth, on. Written for children, adults will love even more. Wonderful!

"Dog Heaven". For children; adults will enjoy as well

"Cat Heaven" Children/adults

"All Dogs Go to Heaven". Well-known, has a story-line.

This book has a special meaning to young and old
As a 60-something physician I first read this book. I have recommended it to many of my adult patients who have lost a pet as one of the most valuable sources of comfort that is available to help them get through their grief period. This not just a children's book. It's text should be considered gentle, not juvenile.
Christine Davis has provided a valuable service by writing this book. I was happy to see that a companion piece for cats has also been published. Thank you, Christine, for helping us cope with the profound loss of a companion.

If you need to read this book, I'm so sorry
Oh my! This is ABSOLUTELY the most comforting book I have ever read. My "forever dog", Molson, died of leukemia, and we read this book together on a daily basis until I had the strength to release him. No books, no websites; no friends, no other could have helped us transition more then this book. I now keep at least three copies available at home to give to others who experience the absolute, inconsolable loss of a dear friend and companion. Like everything, it can't obliterate the hurt, but it can SURELY raise the hope. BRAVO! and Thank You!

For kids only - not adults
This is a wonderful book for kids. I am an adult over 50 and was very disappointed with this book. It brought me no comfort over the loss of my dog, it took a dog's passing too lighthearted. It is definitely recommended reading for children to understand the loss of their pet. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Popular books for a reason!!
Oh my goodness. Some people take these books far too seriously. The books are meant to be made from a child's point of view. While we may not like children using these words, they are going to hear it from classmates regardless. If these books interest a child and they are actually reading because they like the books, I don't see a problem. Now, as a parent there are lessons to be taught with books that use words such as "hate." Ask them about the books. "Why do you think Junie B. says the word hate and stupid?" "What other words could Junie B. say that would be better?" While asking your child these questions you can really form a bond over these books and teach lessons. They like it because the point of view seems true to life and you'll like it because you have the opportunity to let your child know what to do when they read or hear these words in school. I like Junie B.'s adventures and the kids do too!

First Grader, Toothless Wonder
I LOVE Junie B Jones. My daughter LOVES Junie B Jones. She is 6 and took a liking to Junie B. when she was 5 years old. She is reading them to me and enjoying every minute of it. She laughs and giggles and rolls her eyes at some of the things Junie B. will say. And for that some reviews have bashed the grammar but that is what gives the books their charm. All parents know that a 1st grader is not going to speak correctly all the time. It is our duty as a parent to make sure they learn to speak correctly and not get their grammar lesson from a book that is meant to be enjoyed. I enjoy hearing my daughter read these well writtn books to me. She thinks they are wonderful and can't wait to finish one just so she can pick up another one to read.

Junie B.
I have all four of these books and have read them about five times.

Yucky Blucky Fruitcake: Junie B's the bestest winner in the world! It's Carnival Night, and Lucille has already won a box of fluffy cupcakes with sprinkles on them. But when Junie B. wins the Cake Walk, she chooses the bestest cake of all - the one wrapped in sparkly alluminum foil. (The cake she picked was a fruitcake!)
That Meanie Jim's Birthday: Guess who's not invited? That meanie Jim has invited everyone in Room Nine to his birthday party on Saturday - except Junie B.! Should she have her own birthday party six months early and not invite Jim? Or should she move to It's a Small World After All in Disneyland?
Loves Handsome Warren: There's a new boy in kindergarten, and guess what? He's the handsomest guy Junie B. has ever seen! She and Lucille and that Grace all want him for a boyfriend. Only he thinks Junie B. is a nutball. Just cause she couldn't stop laughing and rolling. So how is she supposed to get that boy to love her?
Has a Monster Under Her Bed: There's no such things as monsters. Mother and Daddy even said so. But then why is there monster drool on Junie B's pillow? Oh, no! What if Paulie Allen Puffer is right - what if she really does have a monster under her bed? If Junie B goes to sleep, the monster might see her feet hanging down. And he might think her piggy toes are yummy little wiener sausages!

You get all four books with this set.

Cute stories, but they make it hard on parents
I've got nothing against Junie. Her stories are cute and they are our daughter's favorites. But the grammar is so bad, it has had a noticeably negative impact on our daughter's speech. I have to explain over and over that "bestest" and "hided" are not words. No matter how amusing the stories may be, I recommend that parents do not buy these books. There are plenty of fun books out there that don't teach bad grammar habits.

Junie B. Jones
I must say after reading some of the negative reviews of these books, you would think that they were written by Hugh Heffner or something. While the written language is not "picture perfect",the books are fun. I have a soon-to-be 8 year old son who, until he began reading Junie B. Jones, had absolutely no interest in reading what-so-ever. Now, he carries the book around and wants to read because he loves it so much. I say, that as long as he is reading(age appropriate material) I am happy. I am attempting to bring up reading lover and this is the beginning of that. Additionally, I do not worry about what he will pick up from these books or anything else because I have instilled values in him that can not be shaken. Children know and understand more than we want to beleive. We need to give them credit for that. While yes, she does have much attitude I am sure there are some Junie B's in ALL of your children's schools. How do you deal with that??? ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Excellent prose but illustrations make this book
There is something in Kyle Stone's style that takes one aback at first. It is like looking at a picture you might've drawn once, when you were a child, or dreamed about drawing anyway, before you put your crayon to the paper and finished yet another square house with smoke coming from the chimney.
Stone's illustrations are like that; they come directly, seemingly unvarnished, from the mind of a child, and like the best of childhood they are wild and not altogether safe and just a little bit magical. The fact that Stone could find that place within himself and recover these images is a worthy feat. That he could then execute on these images with such perfect technique is remarkable. There is mastery here; not perhaps fully realized, but certainly in development.
J. Patrick Lewis must be delighted. With Stone's illustrations his words take on a depth and resonance he could hardly have imagined possible.
But in the end it comes down to the children, and after all a child will know instantly if you've got it right. If the children of my acquaintance are any indication, this is a special book. My highest recommendation.

Must-have for your classroom!
With regard to Please Bury Me in the Library, the consensus among the teachers here at the Oasis is: This is one of our top ten all-time-favorite books. After reading it, each of us immediately went to the bookstore to buy a copy for her or his classroom.

What is so wonderful, you ask? Everything! The poems are gems, full of witty word-play and humor and an occasional serious moment.

As you might imagine from the title, the poems are about books and reading and words. In "The Big-Word Girl" we meet Elaine who "could not unglue her eyes/ From Webster's Dictionary" (even though she is sits at a horror show-Godzilla Meets Tooth Fairy-with a green monster at her side).

In "Flea-ting Fame" we meet Otto the flea, a "fly-by-night," who is writing by firefly light his "Ottobiography."

Although this is a picture book, it offers something for word lovers of all ages. In "Three Haiku," for example, we read:

Epitaph for a
Devoted Lifelong Reader-
Thank you for the plot

and

Late at night, reading
Frankenstein . . . and suddenly
a pain in the neck.

Kyle M. Stone was the perfect choice as illustrator. The acrylic paintings and mixed media illustrations are as clever and beguiling as the poems they accompany. "What if Books Had Different Names," for example, sits next to a painting of an endearing thin bodied, lobster-bibbed lamb waiting to tuck into a plate of green eggs and spam.

Classroom Uses: Suitable for read-alouds, independent reading, and even middle school classrooms. You may access a teacher's guide from the publisher here.

We took the book into an eighth-grade language arts classroom where it was extremely popular. The students were especially enamored with the illustrations. After reading the poem "Necessary Gardens" (an acrostic spelling out the word "Language'), we had the students write an acrostic about their favorite person, place, or thing and then illustrate their poem.

Highly recommended. Suitable for district-wide purchase.
... Read more

Book Description

When a close friend or family member dies, it can be difficult for children to express their feelings. This book helps boys and girls understand that death is a natural complement to life, and that grief and a sense of loss are normal feelings for them to have following a loved one's death. Titles in this sensitively presented series explore the dynamics of various relationships experienced by children of preschool through early school age. Kids are encouraged to understand personal feelings and social problems as a first step in dealing with them. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas, these books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers. The story lines are simple and direct--easily accessible to younger children. There are full-color illustrations on every page. (Ages 4-7) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This IS the book for answering kids questions!!
This book covers much more than things live and then they die. It talks about how you feel and invites the child to tell how they are feeling. Besides talking about death it explains funerals and what the purpose is. The thing I liked best about this book was how it explained the after life. No matter what your religious beliefs their explanation of after life is perfect and doesn't limit it's self to any specific belief. It goes on to discuss this in terms a child can understand "sometimes it helps if you think of a soul as a single rain drop, joining a great big ocean". We got a few books to help us explain and answer our 4 ½ year olds questions but this one covers everything, it's the only one we would have needed.

GREAT!
I bought this book for my 5 year old when his grandmother died. My son was dealing with some serious grief. We were searching for any way that we could to help him. He loves this book. It has questions to go over with your child that really open up the communication and help children deal with the emotions that they are feeling. This book is a favorite in our house that we read every night and have great happy memories of our loved one. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a love song devoted to that special relationship between grandparents and grandchild. The kitchen window at Nanna and Poppy's house is, for one little girl, a magic gateway. Everything important happens near it, through it, or beyond it. Told in her voice, her story is both a voyage of discovery and a celebration of the commonplace wonders that define childhood, expressed as a joyful fusion of text with evocative and exuberant illustrations.The world for this little girl will soon grow larger and more complex, but never more enchanting or deeply felt. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

When it comes time to tell the class what she did on her vacation,Olivia isn't at all nervous. In fact, she remembers it quite clearly--she wentto the circus, you see. "But when we got there, all the circus people were outsick with ear infections." What are the odds? But the show must go on!Fortunately, Olivia jumps right in to help out--riding elephants, posing as theTattooed Lady (she draws on the pictures with a marker), taming lions, walkingtightropes, juggling, clowning around, and more. In a marvelous fold-out,four-panel spread, our porcine heroine even reigns supreme as the Queen of theTrampoline. "And that's how I saved the circus. And now I am famous." Olivialooks proud. Her teacher looks mad. Ian Falconer shines in this dryly hilarioussequel to his 2001 Caldecott Honor Book Olivia. The charcoal andgouache illustrations perfectly capture Olivia's earnest expressions. Beprepared to be charmed anew! (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Olivia...You've Gotta Love Her.....
It's Olivia's turn to tell the class about her vacation, and she can't wait. "Olivia always blossoms in front of an audience." And so our feisty little pig begins the story about her day at the circus. Of course, all the performers were out sick with ear infections, but "luckily I knew how to do everything." She tames lions and walks tightropes, performs on stilts, juggles, and even rides a unicycle. Then she clowns, swings high on the trapeze, and is Queen of the Trampoline. Finally, she ends her show as Madame Olivia and her trained dogs. "And that's how I saved the circus. And now I am famous." Olivia is very proud. Her teacher is exasperated. "True?", she asks again and again. "Yes, to the best of my recollection", answers Olivia..... Ian Falconer has bettered last year's, Olivia, debut, and fans won't be able to get enough of this adorable and precocious little pig with her queen-size imagination. His witty, yet simple text is kept to a minimum and really captures the preschool mind. But it's his charming and clever charcoal artwork, with just a creative splash of color here and there to highlight his scenes, that really makes this book stand out. Both children and adults will laugh out loud at the antics of this delightful little heroine. Perfect for youngsters 3-7, Olivia Saves the Circus is a must for home libraries and a picture book kids will beg to read again and again. Olivia is back and better than ever!

Call me a fuddy duddy, but...
Yes, okay, we parents can appreciate the humor, and yes, the drawings are pretty adorable and the pig is cute and it's a smart, snappy tale - but - but -
BUT
Has anyone bothered to notice that Olivia is basically miserable? That she is sarcastic and lonely? That her relationship with her mother is disconnected at best? (My wife, when reading the part where Olivia comes home from school and answers her mother's clearly rote question of how was school with the rote answer 'fine,' invariably adds, for the sake of our 2 and a half year old - 'but of course we don't do that, we tell Mommy all about our day, whatever happened, good or bad.' or words to that effect....)
I'm all for stories about sad people (or pigs), but it would help if we knew they were sad, not just given a lot of pop cultural whip-smarts and irony and cleverness and told that that is happiness. It isn't. If you read this book to your child, please: make it clear to them how isolated Olivia is. If you don't, you're liable to create your own miserable little clown - amusing now, but there will be hell to pay in later years....

Lying is okay?
The book is funny, but it advocates lying. It makes lying 'cute' and does not explain the consequences of lying. I will not want my daughter to read it and think that lying done right is acceptable.

Original is MUCH better
This book teaches lying. It is not as good as the first.

We will keep it because we like Olivia in general. But, like another reviewer, I feel as though I need to explain many of Olivia's behaviors to my child. ("Right now Olivia is pretending", "She should have told the teacher the truth" and "Olivia and her Mommy need to spend some time together talking") I wish Mr.Falconer had been able to make these explinations for me...

We are still holding out hope for the Olivia and Missing Toy.

There are better spunky imaginative kid stories
On a first, not-so-critical read, the story was enjoyable. The pictures, in black and white accessorized with red (see cover for example), are charming, serene and elegant. The poster of Eleanor Roosevelt in Olivia's bedroom can actually make it worth reading and is definitely a five star detail. The spotlighting of a different circus act on each page was great for my 2 1/2 year old who loves the circus. Olivia is a spunky and imaginative child. She is also spoiled and obnoxious with a badly stereotyped mother (passive) and female teacher (presumably anti-imagination and -fun). There is definitely a need for positive assertive and independent creative female protaginists in children's stories but there is no need to assume that the only alternatives are passive or killjoy older females. The pejorative portrayl of the teacher is enough to make this book a definite do not read. Given the problems with education and the images that children already receive, the last thing we need to do is unnecessarily make it worse by propogating more negative stereotypes about school. Olivia's attitude in responding to her teacher and her mother is unfortunately too realistic - there's no need to assume that such obnoxious behavior is admirable as long as one can be clever and individualistic. Adults need to take responsibility for the character traits that we are willing to validate as admirable and provide "people" in books and other media that we want children to emulate. For truly more admirable spunky and creative girls, try Pippi Longstocking, Amelia Bedelia, Pirate Pink, or Treva ("Trouble with Trolls"). The Caldecott Award is given to honor artists/illustrators, which also happens to be a key component to books for very young children. And this book is beautifully and uniquely illustrated. But given the nature of our society and the problems that parents and children must face, we need to be more diligent in what we expose our children to and that means being willing to take a stand and say no to books that don't remove the pejorative stereotypes and negative values. There are literally 1000s of books out there for young children. It's actually very easy to find really good stories-- with beautiful illustrations - so there's no need to have to settle for this story. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A cup, a compass, a key: the magic tree house has brought siblings Annieand Jack to Camelot, where they embark on a mysterious mission to find theseenigmatic gifts. In this special hardcover addition to the bestselling MagicTree House series, the young adventurers must travel to the Otherworld, an"ancient, enchanted land beyond the edge of the Earth, the place where all magicbegan" to save Camelot from dark wizard Mordred's evil spell. If they fail,Camelot will be forgotten forever. Fans of the beloved, highly readable seriesby Mary Pope Osborne will rise to the challenge of this longer, more complexcompanion to her other titles, which include Earthquake in the Early Morningand Twister on Tuesday.As in every story in the sequence, Jack and Annie bravely plunge into theirquest, learning about a culture and time very far removed from their own, andprove once again that children can make a difference. (Ages 6 to 9)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Christmas in Camelot was Great!
I thought Christmas in Camelot was great because it took place around Christmas time and I read the book around Christmas time. It was also the longest book I ever read in my life and my favorite book in my life (so far). It taught me about Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table and I thought it was really good.

If You Like Winter, Read This Five Star Book!
Do you want to know what Jack and Annie do in The Magic Tree House In Christmas? This maybe their last adventure! This book is about two kids named Jack and Annie who go to a magic tree house to live an adventure in a book. And the pictures are really good but they only have a few pictures. I give it two thumbs up! If you want to see what adventure they have, read Christmas in Camelot by Mary Pope Osborne.

Best Book Ever!!!
I liked this book a lot because it was interesting and it was an absoloute page turner!I recommend this book to people who like adventure books and a little bit of magic!

GREAT BOOK!!!
I LOVE to read but this book has open my reading up even more I am a A+ in reading I love this book!!!!I really do!!...Thanks

Would you have christmas at Camelot
This book is about Christmas in Camelot. There are two kids name Jack an Annie. They see this dove flying so they follow it and see the Tree House and go in they find this that said come to Camelot and Annie said, "I wish we could go there". They go around and around and they see Morgan and an evil knight who puts a spell on them. ... Read more

Amazon.com

For anyone who ever doubted it, Todd Parr is here to tell us all thatit's okay to be different. With his signature artistic style, featuring brightlycolored, childlike figures outlined in heavy black, Parr shows readers over andover that just about anything goes. From the sensitive ("It's okay to beadopted"--the accompanying illustration shows a kangaroo with a puppy in herpouch) to the downright silly ("It's okay to eat macaroni and cheese in thebathtub"), kids of every shape, size, color, family makeup, and background willfeel included in this gentle, witty book. In this simple, playful celebration ofdiversity, Parr doesn't need to hammer readers over the head with his message.

Parr is well known for his funky feel-good titles, including Things That Make You Feel Good/ThingsThat Make You Feel Bad, Underwear Do's and Don'ts, andThis Is My Hair. (Ages 3to 6) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (10)

I agree, It IS OKAY TO READ THIS BOOK! ..and to be you...
Maybe some people's kids like reading old stuff like aesops fables..stuff that doesn't relate to the REAL WORLD. BUT MOST kids in TODAY'S WORLD have issues. Issues like- why do I have freckles and why do I have curly hair and why do I wear glasses and why can't I be like her... or him ...or them! That's why this book is SO WONDERFUL..it teaches a wonderful lesson - IT'S OKAY..TO BE DIFFERENT, IT'S OKAY TO BE YOU! This is certainly an enriching book for any child - it builds self esteem, self confidence, and shows kids how everyone can be different, but that's what makes us special!...

Wonderful book about different types of diversity
This book has quickly been added to my story time collection. The illustrations are bright, colorful and charming for reading aloud or simply browsing. Children are reminded that it's okay to be different, no matter what their differences or similarities. While tolerance of others is one of the themes, self-acceptance is the most important message. This is a great book for showing that differences are perfectly fine and acceptable. The book does not reek of politically correct messages as much as it comforts us that being different is just fine. I, as an adult, liked myself a little better after I read it the first time. I think children will feel the same way.

A friend of mine took the book to read at her local children's hospital where it was a big hit with the patients who often feel very different. This is a must for any library, big or small.

A superficial idea of what it means to be
THIS IS A VERY BRIEF BOOK WRITTEN PRIMARILY FOR CHILDREN--UNHAPPY, DEPRESSED, "ABNORMAL" CHILDREN. THE GIST OF THE THING IS TO INSTILL IN THE KIDS THAT IT IS "OK" TO BE DIFFERENT. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY "ARE" DIFFERENT, BUT THAT'S "OK." OUR OUTWARD & INWARD DIFFERENCES ARE TO BE "CELEBRATED."
I AGREE, BUT...

DO YOU SEE ANYTHING WEIRD ABOUT THIS? IT'S SUCH A PARADOX, A CONUNDRUM OF THE BACK AGAINST THE WALL, WHAT CAN I DO TO FIT IN WITH THESE ADULTS AND OTHER CHILDREN VARIETY. I CAN'T GET MY MIND AROUND THIS CONCEPT (OR ACCEPT IT), SO HOW CAN ANYONE EXPECT "ABNORMAL CHILDREN" TO COMPREHEND WHAT IS BEING IMPLIED? THEY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH LIFE EXPERIENCE!

THE INTELLIGENT CHILDREN (AND MOST "WEIRD" KIDS ARE INTELLIGENT FOR SOME REASON) ARE LEFT TO INFER THAT FEELING GOOD HAPPENS WHEN YOU BEHAVE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.

THE BOOK DOES WORK ON ONE LEVEL AT LEAST; HOWEVER, AND THAT IS THAT CHILDREN SHOULD BE HAPPY, IF FOR JUST A MINUTE OCCASSIONALLY, THIS WORKBOOK-TYPE TOME IS FULL OF FUN ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEIR "STRANGE, UNHAPPY" LITTLE MINDS OCCUPIED.

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Read to ANY Child, regardless of Chronological Age
I was at Storytime today and this book leaped off the shelf and into my hands begging to be read. The first thing I thought was, this is SUCH simple, pure, rock solid truth that everyone should have a copy regardless of their age.

Whether you are 4 years + 36 or 4 years + 52 or 4 years + 2, this book has a message for you.

It's okay to be you!
This is probably the best book in the whole world. Kids especially like "it's okay to eat macaroni and cheese in the bathtub." This is the best approach to diversity I've ever seen, and it's cute and funny as well as having a serious undertone. Buy it for someone unique! ... Read more

Book Description

A Practical Guide
Everything you wanted to know about phonics but were afraid to ask! This practical handbook, written by an early reading specialist, will show you how to build engaging, effective phonics practice into your reading-writing program. Lots of ready-to-use lessons, word lists, games and learning center ideas. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Teach your child to read - and write
As a parent, you read to your children. But how do they learn to read? It's not one of those activities that is learned through observation. This book covers the steps that may seem transparent but are being assimilated through school, TV, etc. While the book is geared toward teachers, the instruction is clear, concise and reinforced by examples. Now I read for my child's instruction as well as enjoyment. I also create simple word games to play when we are away from home. As a result, I have seen a marked increase in my (3 year old) child's interest in and aptitude for both spelling and reading.

Great Resource
This book is very comprehensive. It includes wonderful ideas that can be applied in the classroom. In addition, it gives wonderful insight on the phonetic process. Assessments are included as well reading problems and possible solutions to these problems. This is a wonderful book to have in your personal reference library. I refer back to it at least once a month.

No other phonics book will ever be needed!
I did extensive research on phonics and took out numerous ones from the library to find the one I thought would be best for my simple, friendly teaching style. I was hoping to find 1 to meet the needs of an emergent reader and be able to carry us through to middle school. This one will do it for you! Awesome curriculum supplement to non-homeschooled kids!

Excellent resource for special education reading teachers
I teach reading in special education learning disabilities class and I found this book to be the most comprehensive and teacher-friendly phonics resource available. It covers all the really important information a teacher needs to know in order to teach phonics. I found it an invaluable tool for quickly finding word lists, sound explanations, lesson plans for teaching phonics, sound-letter expectancies, the latest research available on teaching phonics, phonemic awareness activities, phonemic awareness assessment... the list goes on and on... I would recommend this book to any reading teacher. Thanks Wiley for creating such a great teaching tool!

Finally! A book I can truly use with my class!
Mr. Blevins has written an easy to understand and use reference for primary level teachers! My copy is already becoming worn because I'm actually USING it! I use the large collections of lists of words quite often! I will be investigating this author's other works as his style and ideas are actually usable in a REAL classroom! ~"Educational jargon" free! ... Read more

Book Description

IMPOSSIBLE!

When De Witt Clinton, a young politician, first dreams of building a canal to connect the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, folks don't believe such a thing can be done. But eight long years after the first shovelful of earth is dug, Clinton realizes his vision at last. The longest uninterrupted canal in history has been built, and it is now possible to travel by water from the American prairie all the way to Europe!

Join Cheryl Harness on a fascinating and fun-filled trip as she depicts the amazing construction and workings of the Erie Canal. From the groundbreaking ceremony on the Fourth of July in 1817 to a triumphant journey down America's first superhighway, it's a trip you definitely don't want to miss. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Well done!
This educational story tells about the construction of the Erie Canal. Colorful illustrations project the happiness felt by many once the waterway was completed. Along with these illustrations are diagrams and captions provided on most pages. Such graphic aids help the reader understand many different aspects of the canal. Readers ten years and older will appreciate the additional information as it explains how the canal operated. I would recommend this book for readers at the fourth grade level and higher. It is an informative story with exceptional illustrations. Readers will find the history of the canal engaging and the graphic aids intriguing.

Brings history alive with a mix of pictures & text
This is an excellent expansion of the "picture book" format for more mature readers; the colorful pictures show action scenes while text elaborates historical details. Additional embedded illustration shows map details of regional sections as the story unfolds. Fascinating information helps us understand why this feat was so important to the country's development at that time. ... Read more

Book Description

In this introduction to polygons, a triangle convinces a shapeshifter to make him a quadrilateral and later a pentagon, but discovers that where angles and sides are concerned, more isn't always better. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

The Greedy Triangle: A Great Find
I am currently a student (...). I read The Greedy Triangle to a second grade class and they loved it! This book is great for elementary age students because it indroduces geometry in a fun way. The story begins with a triangle not being happy with himelf and wanting to change into another shape. The triangle then on each page gets another side which changes him into a different geometric shape. The book also gives the names of the different geometric shapes and associates the shapes with everyday items that kids can relate to. At the end of the story the triangle decides he was happy just being a triangle. This book gives a message to kids to be happy and proud of who they are. I would recommend this book for elementary school teachers, it was a great find!

The Greedy Triangle
I am a student at Pima College and recently had to read this book to a group of younger students. Let me tell you that the group of 3rd graders loved this book more than I did. It kept them focused and amused, and I don't even think they realized they were learning a little geometry. I think this book was easy to get the children involved in and ask them questions. I also think this book was perfect for 3rd graders, but could be used with younger or older students also. Not only does it help with math, but it sends out a valuable message to be happy with who you are.

MAT 146 Review
I am a Pima College student, majoring in Elementary Education. This book was a great book, to read to resource room class. Since there are so many different ages in the class everyone was able to enjoy and understand the book. This book also allowed the first graders in the class to participate along with the older students. I enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it for use in elementary classrooms.

The Greedy Triangle
I loved the Greedy Triangle, so did a tough group of 4th graders.I think it's an excellent tool to introduce Geometry in the classroom. It has a nice way of looking at everything as a shape and that shapes are Geometry, even though many students think they are just shapes. I would recommend this book to for all elementary grades.

Great book to help teach children shapes
I read this book to a group of second graders and they enjoyed it. This book is a wonderful book that teaches the names of shapes, points out different ways shapes are used and different places shapes can be found. When teaching children about shapes this is a good book to read to them. It could lead to a great discussion about shapes later.

It also has a good story line about being content with who you are and what you have. The Triangle changes shape several times in the story because he is unhappy and in the end he wants to go back to being a Triangle. He learned that he needed to be happy with who he his.

The pictures in this book were also very fun and colorful. It is nicely illustarted.

This is a great book to read with young children learning shapes and learning about growing a changing. I would recommend this book to anyone who has children or teaches children. ... Read more

Book Description

The important thing about The Important Book--is that you let your child tell you what is important about the sun and the moon and the wind and the rain and a bug and a bee and a chair and a table and a pencil and a bear and a rainbow and a cat (if he wants to). For the important thing about The Important Book is that the book goes on long after it is closed.What is most important about many familiar things—like rain and wind, apples and daisies—is suggested in rhythmic words and vivid pictures. ‘A perfect book . . . the text establishes a word game which tiny children will accept with glee.’ —K.

... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great book
I used this book at the beginning of the school year to get my special ed students to write about what was important to them or about why the things in the book are important. They all loved the activity and it was one of their favorite picks for reading time.

affirming perceptions
This thoughtfull Brown book methodically affirms a small child's growing ability to construct opinions about his or her world. Misunderstood as asserting objective classifications, Brown instead elaborates on the ellusive season of child development when subjective and objective information are indistinguishable:
"the important thing about a daisy is that it is white" and air is "the color of air".
Recommended if you want the child in your life to catch Brown's vision of personal discovery.

Great author - mediocre book
This short volume has failed to spark much interest within me and my children. It lacks the poetic lilt of "Goodnight Moon" and the quiet force of "Runaway Bunny." The illustrations, many in black and white, seem from another era. Yet, they are not timeless and fail to inspire.

Brown's muddled characterization of the essence of everyday objects seems neither accurate nor absurd, neither artistic nor banal. Why, for example, are we told that the important thing about a shoe is that "you put your foot in it" when so many more relevant characteristics could have been chosen? (protects your foot from harm, keeps your foot warm, makes a fashion statement, leaves footprints, gets mud on the carpet, etc.)

Teach the"Main Idea"
We use this selection to teach the concept of the main idea. I start the entire year off using this book. I read the book aloud to the students.We discuss each aspect of the important or the main idea of each subject.After completing the book we then write a page about ourselves. Example: The important thing about Ellis is that he is a toehead,he loves computer games , he plays with his trucks and he always wears Carharts,but the important thing about Ellis is that he is a toehead. Ellis is a student that has the whitest hair you have ever seen...everyone always says something to him about his "toehead". The children (usually third graders) each do their own page and we publish our book for the classroom. We try to have this completed by our open house. The parents really enjoy it and they get to know their childs classmates in a special way. Just a thought!

Great for the beginning of the school year!
I use this book at a "getting to know you" starter for the 1st day of school. After reading the book, the students start to see the pattern. I then have them write something about themselves using the same pattern in the book. "The most important thing about Sue is that she likes to read. Sue has 3 cats, plays soccer and can pitch like Nolan Ryan, but the most important thing about Sue is that she likes to read." I then have them illustrate these things on manilla paper or with the computer, then bind all of the pages into a class book. The kids love getting to know each other this way. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Foot Book is a delightful tribute to the diverse and multifaceted world of feet. Not merely a realm of ankles, arches, and toes--as this self-proclaimed "Wacky Book of Opposites" attests--the podiatry province welcomes all kinds: "Slow feet/Quick feet/Well feet/Sick feet." Dr. Seuss has put his best foot forward here, in a whimsical approach to showcasing opposites. Wet feet contrast dry feet, and low feet contrast high feet. Though hot feet and cold feet aren't specifically referenced, we get the sense that those are okay too. As usual, the rhymes are quick and quirky, and Seuss's illustrations will knock kids' socks off. (Baby to preschool) ... Read more

Reviews (37)

The Foot Book
The Foot Book, is a great book for little children. This book teaches begining readers easy words to read, and opposites. By the time you finish this book you will be able to tell your right foot from your left foot, morning from night, small from big, up from down, high from low, dry from wet, and slow from quick. Kids will read this book over and over again, because its a fun read, it rhymes, and its so easy that kids can read it themselves with out any help. I recommend The Foot Book to anyone who is just begining and wants an easy and fun book to read.

Sure to Please
A typical Dr. Suess book: Some wacky illustrations that are really fun, great rhyming and rythm, easy to read, and fun.

I enjoy reading this book with my almost three year old and my 15 month old. They enjoy the rythm of the words. The words and the text match which makes reading this book that much more enjoyable. The exaggerations are funny and makes my three year old laugh.

We read this book and then think of the things we can do with our feet- walk, hop etc. and act them out.

Enjoy.

Great first listening book....
I didn't know what to expect when I purchased this book. I should have known, having grown up with Dr. Seuss myself.
This book kept my daughter's attention on more than one occassion and as she got older she was able to read the book herself.
Just the words themselves: Left foot, left foot, right foot right.... are enough to keep any child happy.
My daughter, who is now a teenager, still puts this book at the top of her list of all time favorites. She loves to purchase this book for the little children that she baby sits, so that they can enjoy the book as much as she had.