Reviews (11)

Pumped Up!
It's more than a book. It's more than a toy. It's a glimpse of our world at play. The inclusion of stunning photographs, from cultures and places that most readers have never visited, qualifies this as a "coffee table" book. We have all seen clowns who manipulate balloons into the shapes of dogs or other animals. But, hats? The authors of this book traveled around the world making "crowns" out of balloons, and photographing the people wearing them. Illustrated, step-by-step instructions are given that allow any person with a little creativity to make some fantastic designs. The Balloon Hat Kit provides hours of entertainment for ages 9 to 90. Readers are encouraged to participate in the art of making balloon hats because 30 balloons and a pump are included in the kit. The "Seven Reasons to Make Balloon Hats" will win over even the most doubtful. What I like most about this book is its promotion of the concept that all people of the world are more alike than different. The photos prove that the authors achieved their goal of uniting people across the global through laughter and a sense of fun.

Great
Hi all. You wouldn't believe this, I've met these people! At an Art camp. They came and showed us dozens and dozens of pictures likt the one in Thailand with a flower. It was a couple years back and they had planned to buy a book for us when it came back. They said they are going to go on Jay Leno and Rosie O'donnel. Well, I just got the book and I am advancing in balloon art. From crazy hats to a pup dog. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone! All ages!

Downright fun!
This is a great gift for any age. I got this book and kit for my 44th Birthday and did I have a ball with it. The book itself is beautifully photographed. It is amazing to see where the authors went and who they shared their wonderful, creative talents with. Even if you don't want to make balloon hats the book is a coffee table must. The kit part is loads of fun. The directions are easy to understand and within minutes we were making wonderful, goofy, silly hats, including my 5 year old son and his friends. A gift that will bring lightheartedness and lots of laughter and fun to all. I suggest buying extra balloons, once you get started you won't want to stop.

Great for beginers
This book has all the basics. What you learn in this book will help you make any kind of balloon hat you can think of!

The Inflatable Crown Balloon Hat Kit
I've order several balloon book but this is the best! The colorful balloon pictures are magnificant and the instructions are easy to follow. What really stands out in this book is how they have traveled all around the world to bring smiles to people faces with their creativate balloon hats that they have made. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fun for all ages!
This is a fun book for toddlers and up! Ed Emberley provides lots of ideas / directions for making flowers, insects, animals, borders etc. using only circles! To make it easier, we bought some circle punches in a variety of sizes. Add some paper and glue and you're set to make all sorts of pretty things! My 4 and 6 yr olds both love it. We also own Picture Pie 2, but find this is the easier book to use just because we can use punches instead of tracing and cutting. Lots of fun!

So simple, yet...
I bought this rather because I'm a bit of a completist: I have almost all of Emberly's other drawing books, and I really didn't see how something that seemed this simple could be of much interest.

As it turns out, it's amazing. It's not exactly a drawing book but more a book on how to assemble shapes into pictures. These are shapes you would cut out from colored paper. What that means is that even a =very= young child could use shapes that you cut out to assemble the pictures shown here. Older kids can cut out there own shapes, though you'll probably still need to give them the starting circles (pies) until they're confident.

This book is the most colorful of the collection, which itself adds some interest and excitement to the shapes. And because the shapes are simple, the designs could be used in a variety of other crafts. (Quilting, in particular strikes me as a likely candidate.)

I got Picture Pie 2 as well and it may be a better choice for those focussing on drawing skills: it comes with a stencil and is meant more for drawing.

Ed Emberley's Picture Pie: A Circle Drawing Book
My son had received this book as a gift when he was five and because his interest and draw developement I bought all the others Ed Emberley's books. Now, I need to buy the first one again because my younger daughter found the Circle Drawing Book and it is a little bit old ( too many trips to school and neighbours houses). My son still like to draw with Ed Emberley's books but this one has a special place on his heart. With this special book, he realized he can draw and now he is the best at school and at home too. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I used to read the series in elementary school...
Mike Venezia's books on the greatest artists of all time are off the chain! He make his books more interesting for kids under 10. This one about Italian Renaissance artist Di Vinci is probably one of his famous ones. (Since Di Vinci is famous for his painting called the "Mona Lisa" 1503-1506). This book contains famous paintings (some with details) from Di Vinci including the deteriation of the tempera "The Last Supper" (1498), from the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Each book includes back cover illustration of Venezia. His books are small steps to learn about each artist. The series also includes Venezia's comic illustrations. In high school art history, the reader will learn more detail about the artists that the author couldn't tell you (like I did).

da Vinci's realistic paintings makes art real for the young
"Leonardo used what he learned from nature and science to make his paintings look real", p 9

The young reader will learn about Leonardo's beginnings in Vinci, the time he spent in Florence learning more about painting, his painting years in Milan and his final years of painting in France.

Leonardo's depictions were noticeable more "alive" than his Renaissance contemporaries. His use of beautiful backgrounds behind the main object of attention makes this a good choice for the young. Their attention will initially be drawn to the main figure in the painting and then will be sustained by the natural settings in the background. His paintings almost appear that they are done while the person being painted in on vacation. The young will intuitively pick up on the relaxed composure of the main figures

Venezia's illustrations are humorous. His narrative is delightfully entertaining. His approach brings the artist within reach of the young. His illustration of some folks deciphering Leonardo's notes and their findings is cleverly presented.

The size of the book is perfect for smaller hands. It enables the young to have art within their grasp. Venezia gives the locations of the paintings and as result if the child lives near one of the museums or will be near one on vacation, she/he would be able to see the original.

This is the 4th in Venezia's "Getting to know the World's Greatest Artist" series. He also has a similar series on composers. Venezia's back cover illustration ties back to the subject. "Mike's portrait was painted by an artist who claims to be a direct descendant of ...".

The price of the book is well worth paying. The book contains the following: da Vinci's Paintings (10.5), Drawings (8) and Underpainings (2), Venezia's Illustrations - 7, Others' paintings - 1.5. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Fun with Faces
I love all of Emerbeley's books but this one was a particular favorite of mine. It goes into how to draw all sorts of faces from regular people to clowns, movie monsters, and animals.

Another classic!
If your child likes to draw, you can't beat Ed Emberley for his fun, creative, and best of all EASY drawing instructions. He provides simple, step-by-step pictorial guidelines which even young children can follow: if they can recognize and reproduce basic shapes, then they can draw the faces in this book. For each step of a particular drawing, there is a basic instruction such as "make a green triangle" or "add two squiggly lines." These instructions are accompanied by two sketches: a drawing of whatever it is to be added and a drawing of the face-in-progress as a whole, so children can easily see how the parts fit together. Not only does this book provide a fun play activity, but also it's great for helping school-aged kids to enhance book reports and other school projects. Even adults will appreciate both the ease at which this book helps them to produce a wide variety of silly faces and the author's humorous style. A great gift for pre-school and elementary school aged children.

WONDERFUL AND FUN!
Even tho these books are rated for ages 4-8 i think that is really a judgement call... My son is 10 and LOVES them. There is no set age for when a child learns to draw and anytime you can make a child feel good about something he creates... it is a good thing. I have found that even adults who didnt think they could draw are amazed at what they can do using the books... this is one of the easier drawing books but it is also fun because as kids get more comfortable they can use their imagination and make up their own faces!

Watch your children learn to draw!
The Ed Emberley series of books are excellent for teaching that drawing things can be easy when you look for the basic shapes that appear in the subject you are drawing. I use this book together with my preschoolers and my 7 year old, and their drawing abilities have noticably advanced. The pictures are rather small for the preschoolers to use on their own, but when we do it together they love it.

Great drawing book for kids!
My kids age 8 and 10 loved all the tricks for drawing fun little characters. Very easy tips!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of the best art books for children( older children too)
This book has so many terrific, easy to follow, and imaginative ideas. The eye popping illustrations help as a visual aid to see what the end result may look like.I use many of the ideas for teaching middle school students as well as elementary. A must have for any art teacher.

Wonderful Resource!
Like all the Usborne books, this book is a great tool for learning. As an elementary teacher, I bought this book just to have as a handy reference. I have also used it with my kids at home, and it is everything I learned in a semester of college art class all rolled up into this handy children's book. With all my experience with Usborne books, I just can't get enough of them. For more information on Usborne books, visit ...

must have for elementary teachers, parents and creative kids
This colorful art book, is full of great ideas for elementary aged children. The projects are easy to read and recreate. The color images are inviting. The art images serve as inspriation for young artists. As an elementary teacher I plan to use this book full of easy and creative art ideas as my school years art curriculum. I am so excited to have such a wonderful children's art resource book. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

a sweet, & educational tour of the masters of impressionism
For her birthday, Katie's grandmother takes her to the museum to see the impressionist paintings. At first, Katie thinks they look like dots, but her grandmother tells her to stand further back to see the flowers and the people. Katie has a rich imagination. She steps back and not only can she see the flowers, she can smell them. She closes her eyes and she finds herself within the painting itself, interacting with Jean Monet, son of Claude Monet, who is one of the subjects in the painting.

Katie picks flowers for her grandmother and enters one painting after another, meeting different artists and interacting with the various subjects. She is chased by bees that follow her into the museum, but her overall experience is one of adventure.

Katie and her grandmother are whimsical impressionistic drawings themselves, and in the museum are photos of the actual works of Monet, Renoir and Degas.

The book also tells readers the names and dates of the paintings and in what museums they are seen today.

This is not only a great book to introduce children into art, but also a great exercise for the imagination - picturing yourself escaping into a painting and meeting new people. It is a great book for parents to read to their kids or for children to read on their own.

Meet the Impressionists.....
It's Grandma's birthday and she's taken Katie to one of her favorite places, the art museum. As Katie looks at The Luncheon by Monet, it looks so real and inviting that she thinks she can actually smell the flowers. A bouquet would be nice for Grandma and so she steps over the frame into the picture..... James Mayhew has written a wonderfully imaginative story that will introduce youngsters to the impressionists. As Katie moves from picture to picture, meeting Renoir's Girl with a Watering Can, playing with Monet's son Jean in Field of Poppies and dancing with the ballerinas in The Blue Dancers, children will explore the beauty and magic of these and other paintings. His simple, gentle text is combined with creative, detailed illustrations that transport kids, along with Katie, right into the pictures. With an afterword about the artists and their pictures to expand lessons and discussions, it won't be long before you're taking a trip to the museum!

Katie Meets the Impressionists
We discovered this book at the D'Orsay Museum and our son immediately loved it. We also found that it was a wonderful tool to draw in a child such as our nephew that has learning difficulties & an attention deficit. Both children enjoyed the artwork and discussing museum etiquette. We were so impressed with this book that we purchased the other two in the series at the Lourve!

I want it!
I found this book at the Museum Shop in the Louvre. I stood there, flipping through the pages, laughing at the text and admiring the illustrations. I said I was buying it for my children but I really wanted it for myself.

Katie Meets the Impressionists is a fun story with beautiful illustrations, a great way to teach children about Monet!

A Beautiful Journey into the French Countryside and Cities
Young children will love the bright pictures of France in the 1800's as they journey with Katie. A wonderful way to teach little ones about the art of the Impressionists. The book is also a great way to teach a preschooler about historical customs and manners. The author has a unique artistic gift which he is able to share with children. ... Read more

Book Description

The only all-access AUTHORIZED behind-the-scenes look at the making of the smash TV show, with reflections and anecdotes that readers won't find anywhere else - from cast members, writers, and creator/executive producer J.J. Abrahams. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

You need this book!
"Alias: Declassified" is THE book you have to get if you're into "Alias" or want to get into the adventure that is "Alias". Between the cover, which contains amazing graphic work, you find the absolute coolest information on all things "Alias" :there are character dossiers, behind the scenes info on stunts, special effects, costumes, and so many wonderful pictures. Mark Cotta Vaz takes the reader on a totally unique journey behind the scenes and into the world of "Alias".

While this might seem only like a great read for a true fan of the show, we all know there are people out there who are interested in the show but a little bit put off by the Bristow family tree and Rambaldi's prophecies - now, in detail every plot line is uncovered, getting you fully informed. "Alias" is honestly too-good to miss, and with this book, you'll only feel like you are more and more a part of the wonderful mythology behind the most creative and well-written television show on primetime today.

So buy "Declassified" - between the excellent photography, the fast-paced facts and details, you'll more than get your moneys worth!!

Declassified - The Best
Well, I am a huge Alias fan, and when I find out there was a book, I definitely needed to get it. It is an AWESOME book. If you've missed out on episode reviews, then this book has it. If you want to find out behind the scenes from the show, this book has it! And plus, you get one awesome DVD. FOR FREE!! It's so awesome. Totally worth it. Anyone would enjoy it. 220+ plus of PURE enjoyment!

Alias review
This book was a great read. I think that all fans should have a copy! I couldn't put it down for hours!

Wow - Exciting, Interestering, and Fun to Read!
I am a huge Alias fan. I found this book to be a great addition to my Alias collection. The book is very interesting with details about the characters, actors, design sets, and just about everything. I was interested in how some of the actors and actresses have kind of created their own characters behind the "script". It was a very fun and exciting read. I would reccomend this to anyone who is a fan of alias. You will not be disappointed as this book is entertaining AND informative, which is quite hard to find these days. If you enjoy Alias, you will love this book.

A must for any Alias fan...
This is a great book for anyone that is hooked on the spy show, Alias. I didn't start watching until the second season, so I got it to give me background on the episodes, characters, and stories. There's lots of great behind the scenes info, and facts about the cast. It's a fun, must have book for everyone that's been sucked into the world of Alias! ... Read more

Amazon.com

From the creators of the wildly popular book, The Ultimate Book of KidConcoctions comes a second inventive collection of wild potions andcrazy crafts--all easily and inexpensively made from common household items.Kids should have a ball creating such wonders as an edible ocean (gummy fishsuspended in Jell-O) or a greenhouse grown in a plastic bag. Among the 78recipes are instructions for making such revolutionary new artistic mediums aswhipped cream finger paint, dryer lint clay, and toothpaste putty. Quite a fewof the concoctions are edible--chocolate bowls and fruity leather roll-ups soundparticularly delicious--while others make great party activities or simplegifts. Almost all the concoctions make a perfect diversion for a bored child ona rainy afternoon. The simple, well-organized instructions make the book easyfor kids ages 8 and up to use, though the authors call for adult supervision onall recipes. This is the kind of craft book that's bound to become a familyfavorite--in time, its large-format black and white pages should be covered withthe residue of many hours of messy fun. (Ages 8 to 12) --Marianne Painter ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Better than the original!
What a surprise! More innovate and creative than the first book. My kids are having a real blast tonight making the Splongee Flyers! A++

BETTER THAN THE 1st!!
What a surprise! The second book is better than the first. Jammed full of fresh new innovative ideas. I have been a crafter for over 37 years and thought I had seen it all. I guess I was wrong. My grandchildren love it!

Not as "different" as I had hoped but still good.
I was hoping for some really different ideas. Some were but others were common knowledge ideas. All in all, I don't really regret the purchase.

Great Book Series!
Kid Concoctions is our children's favorite book series. The second book is even fresher and more original than the first. We hope Book #3 isn't too far ahead in the future. Keep those concoctions coming!

Wow! Its Better Than The First Book!
Its very rare to find a book series where the second in the series is better than the first. But thats not the case with the new Kid Concoctions book. "The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions #2" was a hit the first time my children and I opened the book. Almost all of the projects are made from 3-4 common household ingredients. The projects seem to be even more original and innovative than the projects in the first book! Hats off to the authors for making a book that lives up to its name and out shines the original. A must have book for any parent or grandparent. ... Read more

Book Description

What simpler way could there be to express to children the beauty and the harmony in the world around them than through the lyrics of this song by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele, made famous by the great Louis Armstrong? And what better visual accompaniment than the bright colorful artwork by award-winning Ashley Bryan depicting children of many backgrounds (and Louis Armstrong himself) performing a puppet show that brings the lyrics to life. Here is a book of brightness, wonder, and hope to be shared by all. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

What a wonderful book!
This is a fantastic book! My six and three year old children are already on their second copy - we wore out the first! Both of my daughters love to read it - actually sing it - over, and over, and over. They're fascinated by the pictures as well.

Of course, once they learned to sing the song, it was so easy to introduce them to the music of Louis Armstrong. This book was the perfect bridge. Now my six year old asks me to play "Lewis" for her when we're in the car.

Ultimately soothing
I first saw this book being read/sung to the children in my preschooler's class. I purchased the book for my son and to my amazement,my 1 year old LOVED it as well. The illustrations are bright and captures my baby's attention, he'll sit and "read" the book for minutes! Now, whenever my kids are starting to "meltdown" all I have to do is start singing the song and they both immediately search out this book!

What a Wonderful World
The lyrics to the song, "What a Wonderful World" by David Weiss and Bob Thiele come to life as Ashley Bryan imagines a wonderful world and creates this image in the form of a puppet show. Through the puppet show and the bright colorful illustrations the young audience is captured and can easily relate. It is a great book for young children! It is a book of hope for children and the world!

Note to teachers: This book is great for teaching diversity. Use the book and set it to the music of Louis Armstrong. The children will love it and adults will be moved. Let your children create props for their own puppet show or let children illustrate the book and put together for a class book. Then use Louis Armstrong's music again with the children's class book.

Its colors and text burst with joy!
This book is a joyful, moving tribute to Louis Armstrong and our wonderful world. My kids loved it and it brought me to tears. The words explode with emotion in the colorful illustrations. It is almost as good as hearing Satchmo singing that song. And - like the song - when it's over, you think to yourself, "Isn't it great to be alive!" My only criticism: The book should come packaged with Armstrong's recording.

WONDERFUL!!!
This book is absolutely wonderful, after meeting the author himself I can say his truely colorful personality comes out in this book! I would read this one over and over to my son. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Young adults (and even older ones!) will love this book
This book is a visual feast and a joy to browse; the graphic design captures the energy of the Harlem Renaissance. It's like a scrapbook jammed with "rent party" tickets, dinner programs, book covers, letters, playbills, song lyrics and more. There is something here to capture the interest of even reluctant readers.

But the text also shines. The story of how and why Harlem came to be is told clearly and without mincing words: we learn the glorious achievements in art, music, theater, literature and just plain survival, but we also learn of the racism haunting the era, and the infighting within the Black community itself. I think readers will appreciate this honest, realistic approach, which brings the era to life.

By the way, given the graphic beauty of this book, the price is a steal! ... Read more

Book Description

Remember...

"Take Me Out to the

Ballgame"

and

"I've Been Working on the

Railroad"?

Well, forget 'em!

Songwriter and comedy writer extraordinaire Alan Katz has turned those and other old favorites on their ears and created new nonsense songs kids will love. With zany, spirited pictures by illustrator and cartoonist David Catrow, this kooky collection guarantees laughs and plenty of silly dillyness for kids everywhere! ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Let your kids laugh!
We're constantly nagging our kids about what to do and what not to do; what to say and what not to say. If you've taught your children well enough they will be able to take this book with light humor and not turn it into "potty talk" and "bad behavior". Yes, it has a picture of a (cartoon) little boy's naked butt flying out of the tub. Is it dirty? No - it's quite accurate. I don't know about you but my kids don't wear bathing suits in the bathtub. And as far as stinky diaper change goes... that's our favorite song right now because we have a new baby in the house and his 4 year old big brother loves me to sing it when I'm changing the baby's diaper.
Afraid of the food fight song? Have a picnic outside and LET the kids have a food fight. What's the big deal? Let them be kids. Let yourself be a kid again.
Let the kids laugh a little. They have many years ahead of them to be grown up and politically correct.
OUR RATING: We think this book is GREAT!

Ahhhh, A Kindred Book for Silly-Music-Loving Parents....
My household is a musical one - we can be heard making up songs all the time... one of our favorites is "Nature Girl" or "Nature Boy" depending whether my daughter or son is freshly out of the tub and running around only in "nature's finest"... the song "Nature Girl" is sung to the tune of "Baby Face".... And with all the energy of the era of THAT song!

I loved singing these songs on the first read - from "The Yogurt Flies Straight from My Brother" to the tune of "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean" to "I've Been Cleaning Up My Bedroom" to the tune of "I've Been Working on the Railroad" and "Stinky Stinky Diaper Change' to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."

Read, laugh, sing, laugh, hug your kids, laugh. You will all love this one!

Great Book for those who love rhyming!
These poems were so cute, and the verses were terrific- Great for all ages groups.

Wish I'd had this growing up!
I'm 33 years old, but I still remember trying to make up words to well-known tunes with my friends. Yes, what we came up with was often off-color, but *that's what kids like*! The reviewers who called this potty-humor are way too uptight in my opinion. Guess what folks, your kids are going to make this stuff up in school, but will not be able to share it with you, their stuffy old parents. I'd much rather share this natural, fun experience with my kids, and have great memories of it. We sit on the couch and sing at the top of our lungs, laugh 'til we ache and love every minute of it. If someone is unsure about the lyrics of this book, that's what the sample pages are for. If you can read them and not chuckle, then you have no business getting it. But I think most of you will laugh out loud and bring this delightful book into your homes.

My kids think its the silliest book.
My kids love this book. They just laugh when we sing the songs ... Read more

Book Description

Museum ABC is a unique and colorful picture book that uses the alphabet to introduce children to more than a hundred works of art.A full spread is devoted to each letter of the alphabet and four pictures of the object represented. This simple presentation scheme allows readers to see how objects can be both the same and different in the eyes of various artists, cultures, and time periods.Children will be fascinated to discover that boats, roses, trees, or even windows can be so different from one another and from those they see every day.Adults will love the visual and cultural richness of this alphabetical tour through the Metropolitan Museum's collection.A fact section at the end of the book provides more details about each piece of art and its creator. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Museum ABC Metropolitan Museum of ART
I love this book. I read it to my 21 month old and he loves it! There is 4 differnt pictures on each letter and subject. Four different apples. We talk about how each one is different and how everyone sees an "apple" differently. "B" four boat shows for different kinds of boats. Definatly stimulating for baby.

Great keepsake book
This book is wonderful gift for children ages 2 and up. Age 2 children (like my son) will enjoy counting the apples on the A page, for example. Some of the art includes complex scenes that school-age children may enjoy losing themselves in. The book helps teach children about art and the alphabet in an intelligent, non-cutesy fashion. Each letter has a two-page layout: one page is: "[Letter] is for [one word]" in large type, and the second page is four different artistic intrepretations of that word, like: an Egyptian mural, a Japanese woodblock print, a Renaissance canvas, and nineteenth century French painting. What a refreshing change from cartoonish, character-based children's books!

Perfect combination of art and alphabet
As a parent, teacher and art lover, I'm always looking for quality art books for children. This book delivers beautifully. Both simple and elegant, it reinforces letter sounds and gives a mini "I Spy" with four paintings for each letter, as the above review describes. It is even careful to give the short sound for vowels; for example, U is for "umbrella," not "unicorn." This is an important distinction for very young children who will most likely learn the short sound first in school. Meanwhile, your child's eye is becoming increasingly comfortable viewing different styles of visual art, as each letter's object is offered in varying styles. Highly recommended - a great gift, too. Let's give our kids the gift of art appreciation!

This book is stunning!
My son's godmother gave it to him for his first birthday, and everyone at the party was entranced. It shows four paintings (or details from paintings) for each letter. For instance, H is for hair, and the pictures are of George Washington, a Japanese geisha, a French woman in the 18th century, and an Egyptian princess. This is a book you can look at again and again, and that adults won't tire of. A great, unusual ABC book. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A lilting story
I first bought this book because I was fond of the author. Reading it the first time to my daughters' first-grade class, I cried. The author, Libba Moore Gray, perfectly captures the dance of the changing seasons and how the mother and daughter celebrate. After I finished the book that first time, a very rough-and-tumble boy asked, "Is that book poetry?" Of course it is! The best kind: the kind that reaches children.

A Treasure
I gave this book to my mother for Mother's Day after being introduced to it in one of my teaching methods classes. Gray uses words like paint on a paintbrush, dipping into serious deep blues and greens while tossing in dashes of bright yellows. Colon's illustrations enhance the carefully chosen and eloquent words, bringing them to life. This is truly a book to be shared by daughters and mothers.

My five year old loves this book!
I have a five year old blind daughter who loves this book. We read it every night at bedtime, sometimes 2 or 3 times before she falls asleep. She cant see the pictures but she loves the combination of words. "With a grin and a giggle, a hug and a whistle, we'd slap our knees and mama would say, Bless the world, It feel like a tip-tapping, song-singing, finger-snapping kind of day. Let's Celebrate!" And so we did. I love this book as much as she does, And I love to hear her recite it to me word for word. If your thinking about buying this book, think no more. You wont be dissapointed with My Mama Had A Dancing Heart.

A great book for any daughter who loves to dance
I was immediately captivated by the cover of "My Mama Had a Dancing Heart." Raul Colon uses a unique technique that combines colored pencil and watercolor washes with texture added by using scratching tools. Now that I know that I can look at these gorgeous illustrations and see what that means. I especially like the way in which the scratches add a dynamic sense of motion to the pictures and will make a point of tracking down more of his distinctive artwork. Libba Moore Gray's story here is about the love of dance, passed from mother to daughter as a great gift of love. If you have a daughter who loves to dance, whether she dreams of being a prima ballerina or not, they will love this colorful and enchanting book.

An excellent picture book for all
Melodic memories touch a young ballerina's heart as she recalls dancing with her mother through the seasons, stopping for sassafras tea in spring and hot cocoa in winter. Together, author Libba Moore Gray and illustrator Raul Colon mesmerize readers with rhythmic text and surreal paintings, setting the dancing mood. Tip-tapping, plash-splashing, and squish-squashing are the musical words Gray plays for ears, engaging listeners and giving the text a natural flow. Text separated from illustrations allows for appreciative rather than overwhelmed eyes. The text and illustrations follow a seasonal pattern, making the story predictable. Colon effectively portrays the ballerina's fond childhood memories by combining watercolor, colored pencils, and etching, creating a distinctive texture, while his use of cool colors and light hues accentuate the mother-daughter bond. With a white background border for each painting, illustrations resemble a photo album. Reaslistic characters in action result from the incorportated use of curved line and shape. Continutity in artistic elements reflects the serene tone and allows for natural movement from page to page. Share this mother's dancing heart with young listeners. This picture book warms the heart and will be enjoyed by all readers. ... Read more

Book Description

Travel the Globe with These Fun and Easy Projects!

There's nothing like the thrill of finding out about faraway places. Now you can meet the people and share the customs of different countries by creating some of the things that keep their cultures alive.

You'll make a bookmark with a Guatemalan design using a cardboard loom, or an Egyptian bead necklace using dough or store-bought clay. Learn how prehistoric people told stories by making your own version of a cave painting, or make a good-luck charm in the form of a Tibetan goodwill message flag. Kids Around the World Create! is full of fun crafts and activities that will teach you about the customs of cultures around the world.

Every country has something special to offer, and all the activities in this book help you enjoy and explore this diversity. All the crafts are easy to do and the supplies are made up of simple household materials. Have fun as you journey to distant and exciting lands! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fabulous book for kids!
This is an outstanding book for kids and helps them learn a lot about different world cultures. The activities are fun and creative - I haven't seen a book like this in a long time. The 'good will message flag' activity from Tibet sends a wonderful message and is fun to make. In addition to the activities the author provides plenty of cultural information that kids and adults will find facinating. This book will be enjoyed by teachers, parents and kids from around the world. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

It was O.K........
I didn't really enjoy this Junie B., First Grader book as much as the other ones. I read the book to my little sister, and she thought that Columbus REALLY did swim to America. Junie B said it herself: YOU CAN'T CHANGE HISTORY! Yet Columbus didn't swim to the U.S., but the Junie B's class "changed history". I'm twelve and it confused me why Junie B took the blame, and seemed to make herself look good to do that and wanted people to thank her from taking the blame to make her look good. She is such a show-off, and Renée (my little sister)got mixed-up and thought the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria really did shipwreck. And she didn't get Junie B's grammer/speech.

I'm an old lady and I laughed and laughed and laughed
I adore Junie B. and this was one of the best books in the series.

I loved the two plot lines intertwining neatly at the end and, frankly, I laughed out loud through the whole thing. I wasn't even reading to my kids.

Every Junie B. book is fresh, never formulaic. Her grammar is better as a first grader, but she's just as funny. I'm looking forward to the next volume coming soon.

A good theme
This story seemed to have a twist to it. I didn't expect for Junie B.'s class to have a shipwreck. I thought the title meant they were stuck, and felt trapped since so many kids were sick. And THAT was the shipwreck. I liked the little twist. When I read the first 2 chapters I thought: "Hey! When's this whole play deal come in???" I sort of wondered why there was no play yet. I didn't like how Junie B. wanted to be the star. Life isn't about being the star. I did like how the book added facts about Columbus's journey to America. Kids can get confused, thinking it was the Mayflower that came before the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María. AT LAST!!! A Junie B. Jones book that actually is a bit educational!!! It was a good book, except that Junie wanted to be star. (...)

Verry funny for a first grader
VERRY FUNNY! I have to admit I didnt like when May was
bragging about being the santa maria in the play or when
Roger threw up. YUCK! Well it had a happy ending.

P.S. I think a mouse play is the way to go too. HA!

A good lesson...
I'm 10, and I love Junie B. Jones. She's really goofy. I liked this story because it shows kids how easy it is to become sick. Junie B. isn't as funny in 1st grade, but I still LOVE her. The Junie B., First Grader stories seem to be different. They have a bigger problem or plot, unlike in kindergarten. This one has a lesson to it. And it shows that even though things can be bad, but then get better, problems and "shipwrecks" can happen. Then, you gotta think fast to help fix them, or disaster can strike. What was confusing about the book was that it just ended. Just ended. It never said what the class thought about Junie B.'s "I'm Sorry" note. I don't know if they forgave her or not. I wish it did. It would make it longer. Plus, I got a bit annoyed at her when she wanted to be the STAR. Being the star doesn't mean you'll be famous or the center of attention. That's what I hate about Junie B. Overall, it's a recomended book. ... Read more

Book Description

JoJo's Circus is a stop-motion animation series which follows the adventures of JoJo, an adorable and curious clown who lives in Circus Town with her family and best friend, a pet lion named Goliath.JoJo's Circus encourages kids at home to try movement activities along with JoJo and her friends, while learning about the values of kindness, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

charming introduction into art for youngsters
This book serves more than one purpose. It is a short, but entertaining read for a child or for a parent to read to their children. The story is about Marie, a young girl in France who is loved by her poor, but hard-working parents. They work long hours to save money to send her to ballet school - as it is her dream to become the world's most famous ballerina.

When her father becomes ill and can no longer afford to pay for her classes, the famous artist Edgar Degas offers to pay her for modeling for him. He is mean, short-tempered and impatient with Marie, making her hold poses for hours until her neck aches.

One night, however, she finds out just a little of what is under the surface of Degas' rough exterior and feels sorry for him, giving him her long hair ribbon.

Even her modeling pay cannot sustain the cost of her classes, so she must give up her dream. Later, she and her parents receive an invitation to a gallery showing of Degas' work - the center piece is the only sculpture of his ever displayed during his lifetime - it is of Marie - and unlike other statues, hers is wearing a tutu and the beautiful hair ribbon she gave him.

The story is not only entertaining, but it tells children that while some people may act mean or rude, it may be because they are hurting on the inside - and extending friendship to someone who behaves in such a manner can truly make a difference in their life and in yours.

The story is peppered with illustrations of Marie and her family, as well as photos of Degas' paintings and of course, his famous sculpture. Information about the names of the paintings and the museums where they are displayed is also cited at the end of the book.

This doesn't have to be just a book for girls - even young boys will see a universal truth - we can always have dreams and even though they may not come true the way we envisioned them, we never know what wonderful surprises are around the corner.

Charming little book with lovely illustrations
This is the story of Marie van Goethen, a young dancer at the Paris Opera Ballet School who posed for Edgar Degas (1824-1917). He created the sculpture, "The Little Dancer" based on Marie's likeness. This was the only Degas sculpture to be exhibited during his lifetime. This charming figure was wearing a tutu and a wig.
The illustrations in this children's book are beautiful and even some of Degas' own paintings are included. I wish that more of Degas' life had been included in this story. I also feel that this book would have been perfect if more of his paintings were displayed with descriptions of each work of art.
This book is a good introduction to Degas and should be targeted towards lower elementary students.

A moving story
This is not only a book for children, but also a moving tale illustrating the life of Degas. It is enough to bring tears to the eyes of any lover of Degas art.

This book connects real life with art
This is a wonderful book that helps children (and adults) see the reality that lies behind art. My daughter was first introduced to this book at the age of 8. Now she notices the "Little Dancer" every time she sees it. Knowing the background of both Degas and his young dancer has made the art itself more interesting.

Fabulous integrated arts book!
This book teaches not only about the famous French impressionist Degas, but also would be enjoyed by any child who loves dance. It documents the true story of Degas' dancer paintings as well as one little girl's love for ballet. It's equally inspirational and educational. Perfect for the classroom or the home! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Simple yet thorough
I have been frustrated with so many piano teaching books because they inadvertently teach the kids to learn the numbers instead of where they are. This is a simple approach that can be quickly mastered.

Kids are rewared by ability to learn a familiar song and by the chance to do a duet with their teacher both in a short time.

By the end of Book one, they are playing nine notes and using both hands, a few times even both hands together.

It adds new notes at a reasonable rate. It teaches them the timing and mechanics in a good, non-intimidating way.

We're on to BOOK TWO. Drawback~ Good luck finding Book Two!

Very good !
I used this book to teach my 9 year old daughter.She had no prior experience on the piano.She really liked the songs and illustrations.It's a very well organized material,and the perfect start for a begginer.

Usborne Piano Course: Book 1
I have found both book one and two of this series to cover comparable information to both the John Thompson and Bastien Primer piano books. Usborne's colorful, cheerful drawings, and simple instructions are far superior, however. This is an unbeatable primer series. Every few pages include reminders to the child of how to sit, hold their fingers, and what notes and signs they've learned up to that point. The children feel that they are playing "real songs" right from the start. Usborne teaches both hands together, instead of the old-fashioned method of teaching the right hand fingering first. I have taught four children with it, and they have found the two books readable and unthreatening.

Usborne Piano Course Book 1
My seven year old daughter has almost completed book 1 and we have just ordered book 2. The book kept her attention. It presented information in an entertaining, reinforcing manner. It was helpful in encouraging good fingering; reading most lines on the treble and base clefs; reading whole-1/2-& 1/4 notes; & understanding some of those bothersome Italian words. I hope book 2 is as good.

Book adequate for ages 7 -11 years of age
This book is geared towards children. As a parent who bought the book for an almost 5-year old child, I found the pages a bit cluttered. It was hard for my child to stay focused because there was so much going on that it seemed to distract her. I would have preferred a more organized, straight-foward approach.

There are several appropriate tunes that children will enjoy.

I would recommend this book for children ages 7 through 11. ... Read more