Reviews (13)

The Adventures of Tintin Volume 1
Tintin in America:
The first well known Tintin book "Tintin in America" begins where reporter Tintin and his trusty canine companion Snowy get off of a train in Chicago in order to solve a new mystery. They come to investigate the doings of the largest gang in Chicago. On their way the gang finds out they're being investigated and try to stop Tintin. Tintin has many close calls and chases, and on top of that some very good luck. I reccomend this book to anyone who loves mystery, suspense, and a great comic.

The Cigars of the Pharaohs:
The second Tintin story begins where Tintin and Snowy stumble on a new mystery on a cruise ship. A man claims to know where the temple of an Egyptian Pharaoh is and Tintin and Snowy go along with him for fun. This temple had been visited before by someone else and Tintin had to find out who made the visit and why not all come out. This book gives the same suspense and mystery as most of the other Tintin books and I reccomend it just as much as all the others.

The Blue Lotus:
After a few days in royalty in India, Tintin is summoned to a new mystery in China. This time he has to investigate the doings of a secret drug dealer, the only problem is that they are too secret. Ofcourse this book has mystery and suspense and I reccomend it to any person who loves the genre.

This 3 volume book is classic Tintin and I love it so much. It's the best.

Tintin and Snowy rock!
I love Tintin books and this one is no exception. I like the size of the book, the hardcover has a good binding so that it doesn't come apart and with three adventures in one you are getting a great deal.

Want to keep your boys quiet? Give them the book!
I gave this book along with vol. 2 to my nephews at 5th grade and 1st grade and they can't put them down after the 1st page. So I decide to buy the whole collection for them.

(...);-P

Great gifts for kids at the age to open their mind and explore the world!

Watch out - Small Size
Watch out, this 3-in-one comes in a smaller size than the regular single adventures. Makes it harder to read and harder to enjoy the graphics.

Tin Tin- comic extrodinaire'
Tin-Tin is comicbook creation the way it should be!
Tin-Tin is NOT political correctness, it depicks human beings, events as they are, whether evil or good.
You'll be surprised comparing of todays wishy-washy P.C. comics to Tin-Tin..
It has morals, values, perhaps a bit over the top sometimes since black & white issues were more defined years ago..
The artwork is extremely good, even when some panels only have 1 sentance. Tin-Tin will take you to another time & place.
Before there was Indiana Jones, there was Tin-Tin! ... Read more

Book Description

Curious George, the beguiling little monkey, is one of the most beloved of all children"s book characters. Now this collection of four board books featuring Curious George is available in a sturdy, reusable, carry-along box. Brightly colored and suitably scaled for the youngest readers, the books feature art from the original storybooks by H. A. Rey. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Childhood Favorite
I added this book to my registry because Curious George is a book I remember loving strongly when I was very young. Curious George is a classic, and I wanted to share that enjoyment with my little one, when she becomes old enough to understand it more.

This set comes in a sturdy box that buttons to close and contains four different Curious George books inside. The books are all board books and each one has the bright and delightful cartoons that I remember inside.

While my baby is still too young to get the gist of the stories, she does enjoy chewing on the book, hehe, and the bright colors keep her attention. This is an awesome gift set, especially for the good price. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Boring!?I think not
The reviewer who found this book "boring" must not have much in the way of imagination.This was one of my favorite books as a child and I still remember it fondly (I'm 38).It doesn't matter if you haven't had experiences exactly like those of the children in the book.The writing and the illustrations make you feel as if you are there.You can practically smell the sea, hear the wind and rain, and the laughter of the kids at the beach.While drawing a vivid picture of a concrete time and place, the book also invokes a sense of timelessness, as well as of "deep time" and the ancient rythyms of nature.I think my favorite moment is when one of the girls stands in a forested area on a misty morning, her eyes closed, and listens to nature awakening around her.

This is a book about taking a break from the fast-paced modern world and connecting with nature (and appreciating its power), with the past, and rediscovering your sense of wonder.Written in the mid-50's, it was ahead of its time in some ways and is definitely as relevant today as it was then, if not more so.

Time keeps on slipping
(...)
The story, such as it is, follows a family in their summer home on an island in the ocean.Mostly following the children, the story reflects on the wonders of nature itself.The kids walk out into the mist on warm summery mornings.They leap from high ocean rocks, and sun themselves as the rocks grow warm.They sail a boat at night (they've fairly trusting parents, I'd wager) to spy on deep water crabs.Eventually, a hurricane comes to batter the family in their sturdy little home.In the end, the family must return to their real house/life/school and wait to return to the island another year.As they leave, the narrator opines that such moments as these make living a real time of wonder.A time for pondering things like, "I wonder where hummingbirds go in a hurricane".

Working in a medium unlike his usual pencils and inks, McCloskey seemed to draw the images in this book from a very private source.Though you may never have been in a summer home such as this or experienced moments like the ones the children go through, you feel the nostalgia embedded in this story.I may not have ever summered in places where I could make forts out of huge sea stones, but after reading this book I know what it would be like.People may say books such as this don't move quickly enough for kids today.Don't believe it.Kids are kids and good books are good books.The child that appreciates Elmo's World is still going to feel a sense of (for lack of a better word) wonder when they stare at the picture of the hurricane blowing the house's inhabitants in all directions.Kids interested in technical ship jargon and the process of buying supplies before a big storm will be fascinated by this tale as well.Some stories do not age.Others, age in such a way that they become deep and full-bodied like a good fine wine."A Time of Wonder" falls into the latter category.Take a moment to enjoy it fully.

Robert McCloskey examines a summer in Maine
Robert McCloskey's "Time of Wonder" is just that--an examination of a wondrous summer spent in Maine.He follows two sisters (and nominally, their parents and friends) as they spend their days sailing, swimming, battening down for a big storm, and so on.Nothing of great import happens, but McCloskey has a lovely, calming way of relating their story so that we feel the sisters' closeness, their connection to their environment, and their childlike ability to find beauty and interest in nearly everything.

McCloskey's book was first published in 1957, and the illustrations show this--no life vests in a lot of the boating pictures, children swimming without being watched over by a lifeguard or adult, and so on.Still, that's not a bad thing--it shows the protective, exclusionary nature of childhood and the risks children take without even being fully aware that they ARE taking risks.

The illustrations are lovely.These paintings depict Maine as being beautiful without neglecting to show the dangerous side of coastal life as well (witness the storm scenes towards the end of the book).There is a caressing, rhythmic feel to the text which subtly imitates the tidal pull of the ocean.What a perfect gift for anyone who vacations in Maine--or wants to.

great pictures...like the story less
This book is about a summer at the beach, but it has a dry writing style "In the evening, when the tide is high again, and all yor guests have gone, you row around to the point, feeling lonely..."It is pretty wordy and my children (5 and 8) did not want a it read a second time - that is very unusual for a new book at our house.Something about the story seems boring.I would pass on this one.

Another Wonderful McCloskey Book!!
I have been a fan of Robert McCloskey books since I was old enough to remember (which was quite so time ago) and I only recently discovered this book. I think I have all of his other books and have read them over and over again through life, finally passing them on to my own daughter.

This is no less of a joy to read than any of the other books written by Robert McCloskey. If anything, it seems almost more lyrical and more developed than his early books.

One item of particluar note is that the illustrations are in color, as opposed to the single color or black and white of his other works. It is wonderful to watch the progress of his art through the various books, ending with the beautiful art in this title.

This is a book every child should have, and will keep, hopefully, until it is time to hand it on! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Good, but what happened to the old Ga'Hoole?!
This book's pretty good, like the other books in the Ga'Hoole series. The stories have a new main character, Nyroc, the son of Kludd and Nyra. Nyroc is destined to become the new leader of the Pure Ones, but his own strange gift, called the fire sight, reveals to him that the Pure Ones, and his mother, are just as evil as in previous books. He and his friend Phillip (remember Dustytuft from The Burning?) must choose to stay with the Pure Ones, or risk everything and leave.

The only bad things about this book are that it is a little duller than the other Ga'Hoole books, and, most importantly, there's hardly anything about Soren and the band! There's only a brief little thing about Otulissa, but you never find out what Soren and the gang are doing now! I missed hearing about the Ga'Hoole Tree, and I hope it's included in the next book, The Outcast.

Gaurdians of the Ga'hoole Series
This is the best series of books I've ever read. I never liked to read but ever since I started reading this series i couldn't stop. The first book set a amazing story, it made me want to keep reading. When ever i get board now i'll just go pick up one of the books and start reading. It's like I never want to put in down. Most of my class is reading it to. We are always waiting for a new one to come out. Right now we are waiting for the 7 book to hit the shelves. This book series is amazing i hope it nver ends. Kepp them coming my class will always be waiting for a new one to hit the shelves. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color."Mirandy is sure she'll win the cake walk if she can

catch Brother Wind for her partner, but he eludes all the tricks her friends

advise. This gets a high score for plot, pace, and characterization. Mirandy

sparkles with energy and determination. Multi-hued watercolors fill the pages

with patterned ferment. A treat to pass on to new generations."--(starred)

Bulletin, Center for Children's Books.Cassette running time: 20 min.




... Read more

Reviews (1)

Can the wind be a partner?
This children's book, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, is about a young and joyous African-American girl who hopes to win a prize at a cake walk by capturing the wind as her partner. The story takes place around 1900 and is a beautiful view of a happy people. The book was a 1989 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children. ... Read more

Book Description

Billy Bartholomew has an audacious soul, and he knows it. Why? Because it's all he has left. He's dead.

Eddie Proffit has an equally audacious soul, but he doesn't know it. He's still alive.

These days, Billy and Eddie meet on the sledding hill, where they used to spend countless hours -- until Billy kicked a stack of Sheetrock over on himself, breaking his neck and effectively hitting tilt on his Earthgame. The two were inseparable friends. They still are. And Billy is not about to let a little thing like death stop him from hanging in there with Eddie in his epic struggle to get his life back on track.

Reviews (5)

My Opinion on The Sledding Hill
Mr. Chris Crutcher is still one of my favorite writers, but The Sledding Hill is not one of my favorite books. I am in tenth grade and I mostly agree with the person who posted the very first review of the book. The story of The Sledding Hill is pretty simple, and the other reviews say it right so I will not repeat. I will only give my opinion on the book. It is better than a lot of books and that is why I give it three stars. I think the first part is four stars and the second part is two stars which is how I got to three stars. I thought that the first part was a lot about the friendship of Eddie and Billy and how hard it is for everyone to deal with tragedy like two people dying on you. But later, when the story got into the whole censorship thing about the book, I started to lose interest. It is not because I am not interested in the subject, either. I am totally into free speech. I just thought the book got less interesting, not like Stotan which got more interesting as it went on.

Richie's Picks: THE SLEDDING HILL
"I can bump him, and I will, because the one thing that is as true out here as it is in the Earthgame is connection. Connection is love. Staying connected with Eddie Proffit is as good for me as it is for him, because love is as true on earth as it is in the farthest reaches of the universe.

"So I do it."

"Just Do It." --Nike slogan

In KING OF THE MILD FRONTIER: AN ILL-ADVISED AUTOBIOGRAPHY, Chris Crutcher recognizes Michael Jordan as a hero--not for his legendary on-court accomplishments, but for the manner in which Michael responded to the brutal murder of his father. Chris notes of Michael:

"When asked about his feelings for his father's killers or what should happen to them, in the only recount I ever heard, all he said was, 'My father is dead. That's all I care about.'"

In rereading Crutcher's autobiography I continue to be moved by Michael's response. I'm so touched by it that one day I'm going to make a point of giving Michael a big long hug.

It actually won't be "one day" since, according to Billy Bartholomew, there is no "time" where he now exists. Billy is the dead teenaged narrator of Chris Crutcher?s new novel THE SLEDDING HILL. And according to Billy Bartholomew, once me 'n Number 23 are both history I'll be able to hook up with Michael or anyone else who has come and "gone."

Life on Earth, as Billy explains it from his beyond-this-world perspective, is but a game, the Earthgame. Once you get to where he is, you "travel at the speed of imagination" and "laugh in wonder at all the crazy considerations you had while playing the Earthgame because you were so focused you thought things were important."

Nor are there emotions after death, Billy explains, other than a "pure joy of knowledge--and a sense of coming home."

What to many readers will be Billy's most shocking revelation from beyond the grave is that everyone who dies ends up IN THE SAME PLACE! That means me and James Dobson, Tucker Carlson, and Bull Conner are all going to get to spend eternity sharing the same celestial real estate with (formerly) practicing homosexuals and hippies, independent film makers, blasphemers, Bin Ladens, black people, and banned book authors.

Chris Crutcher is a runner, as are so many of the characters he's created over the years. Crutcher's been spending a lot of his time lately running around the country defending his good name and his great books which are being challenged so frequently that you've got to figure there?s some serious hit list out there making its way to right-wing pulpits around the country.

Of course, there's supposed to be a separation of Church and State, at least in theory. That wasn't the reality when it came to Crutcher's own childhood experiences--as he recounted in KING OF THE MILD FRONTIER--and it sure doesn't seem to be the case today if you?ve paid attention to as many recent articles about book bannings as I have.

Many of the childhood stories of religion and death that Crutcher includes in his autobiography find their way into the plot of THE SLEDDING HILL. And if you've read the autobiography you realize there are going to be a bunch of huffing, puffing, scowling preachers when they start getting an earful of Billy Bartholomew.

But they're going to have a bit of a problem deep-sixing this baby. Crutcher?s written a book without ANY "naughty" words. Not a single f-word, sh-word, n-word, b-word, or a-h word. If they want to ban THE SLEDDING HILL from school libraries, they're going to have to get it banned because of Billy Bartholomew?s blatantly blasphemous revelations.

And that's the catch, because in Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District No.26 v. Pico, the landmark 1982 Supreme Court case concerning school-library censorship (I quote from Russell Freedman's IN DEFENSE OF LIBERTY: THE STORY OF AMERICA'S BILL OF RIGHTS.),

"[T]he court held that students' rights were violated by removal of the books and said that a school library provides 'an environment especially appropriate for the recognition of First Amendment rights of students.' "School officials have a great deal of power to decide which books should be in their school libraries, but they ?may not remove books from school library shelves simply because they dislike the ideas contained in those books,' said the Court. 'Allowing a school board to engage in such conduct hardly teaches children to respect the diversity of ideas that is fundamental to the American system.' "

Now along with the recent book banning news stories, there have been some pretty articulate words from certain teens who feel the same way about having their school libraries raped by the Religious Right as I felt about the Nixon White House invading the offices of the antiwar group I belonged to when I was their age.

As recently explained so articulately in the Kansas City Star by a Kansas high school student named Sasha Mushegian,

"It's true that some words and ideas should not be introduced to students who have not reached a certain level of maturity. But the amount of sheltering these parents are trying to accomplish is more appropriate for elementary school children than for people capable of earning wages, taking college-level courses and driving cars. These are all actions that require a degree of personal responsibility and capability of rational thought that these parents seem to think we lack.
"Yes, we're not completely mature yet; sure, we often make bad decisions--but maturation is a process. There's no magical age at which we mentally and emotionally become adults.
"How can you expect children to mature if you don't expose them to books in which reality is messy and confusing, morals are not immediately clear, making the right decision requires analysis of subtleties, and characters make the wrong choices? How do you expect students to think for themselves if you never expose them to situations that are challenging and unfamiliar (yet still safely contained within the pages of a great work of literature)?"

I can easily see all this leading us toward another Supreme Court showdown to determine whether in reality we're a theocracy or a democracy.

Then on the other hand, I can just imagine some overly-pierced, black-attired, parentally-oppressed young person reading all of this discussion, rolling his or her eyes, and impatiently wanting to know the important stuff:

"Come on, Richie! Who the f--- cares what those right-wing a----s are b----ing about now? Just tell us whether the new Crutcher book is worth a sh--!"

Okay, well, as a matter of fact it is. THE SLEDDING HILL caused me to laugh a lot, cry a little, and exercise some brain cells.

"Everyone thought our friendship was odd; what was a smart kid like me doing hanging out with a kid with an IQ short of triple digits? Truth is, Eddie's IQ turned out to be off the charts. His mind bounces from one thing to the other pretty much however it wants, though, and long before he should be finishing up one thought, he's on to something else. Eddie doesn't come to very many conclusions."

Longtime friends Eddie Proffit and Billy Bartholomew like to run. It's the one thing that can keep Eddie's mind focused. But then--in a rather short period of time--Eddie discovers both his dad and his best friend Billy dead from totally random accidents. And things go downhill from there when Eddie's nemesis, the Reverend Tartar, starts hanging out with Eddie's grieving mom.

Fortunately, Eddie discovers something that begins to help him get his mind around what has happened in his life. No, it's not a controlled substance--it's a book.

And, unfortunately, you can guess what the Rev. and his followers from the Red Brick Church want to do to that book.

Enough said. I recommend taking it for a spin. (But remember to turn INTO the slide.)

Another great story from Crutcher
Chris Crutcher's latest novel tackles the same types of tough issues as his earlier novels--this one focuses on censorship and the "moral crusaders." Veiled in a story of a boy who loses his family and friends, Crutcher makes a stirring commentary--as he always does. The characters are engaging and sympathetic--Crutcher as always tells the story from everybody's eyes, showing that all characters have a range and depth and their own emotional crises. He even goes so far as to make himself a character in the story, which is, albeit somewhat cheesy, a way to direclty relate to the characters and insert some soliloquoys on censorship.

One of the major thoughts that comes out of this story is telling stories "in their native tongue," as Crutcher says. That idea keeps the story fresh and real, and while sometimes the details and the language is a little rough around the edges, the story is richer for it. The Sledding Hill doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't--it's a story wrapped up in a discussion of censorship--something that Crutcher has seen his share of. Gabriel Garcia Marquez said, "To an extent, all great literature is subversive." This book definitely fits the mold.

At last...a book about censorship that tells the truth.
It's not JUST about censorship, of course.THE SLEDDING HILL is about friendship, life, death, love and loss, religion and the abuse of power. It's rich with thought and plot, as are all Crutcher books.But what I love most about it is the way it illustrates the quiet connection ONE PERSON can find in ONE BOOK -- and the dangerous nature of taking that book and that connection away from the kids who might need them most.Crutcher also explores the life-after-death endurance of love between two friends, between parents and children, and the hope for eternal reunions. I loved this book. Oh, and about the other reviewers comments...Crutcher didn't say all ministers are misguided.He said THIS minister, who wanted to determine morality for ALL parents, not just for himself, was miguided, even if he was trying to ban a book with good intentions. And of course, there are men of God who forget "Thou shalt not judge" when they step into those ministerial shoes. Crutcher understands how important free agency is, even if his character the Rev. Tarter forgets.

A lot of Speeches!
I was so happy when I heard there was a new Chris Crutcher book coming out. I loved Sarah Byrnes so much, and Whale Talk too. In this book, there are two friends named Eddie and Billy. Billy is like the one person who sees all the good in Eddie and knows how to talk to him. Eddie's father dies, and then Billy dies too, and Eddie stops talking. There is a Christian minister named Reverend Tartar who wants to baptize Eddie. The reverend is also against a Chris Crutcher book in one of the school classes. The best part of the book is Billy talking to Eddie after he is dead. He's very funny. What is not as good is how bad a guy the author made Tartar. He is so evil, and to have this evil guy be the person against the Crutcher book seemed kind of unfair.He is like the worst reverend ever and is a racist, too. There were also way too many speeches in this book, especially at the end. There were speeches in church and speeches at the school meeting and even a short speech by Chris Crutcher where he said he agreed with another speech. I thought all the speeches hurt the book. All in all, this is an okay book, but not nearly as good as Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. ... Read more

Book Description

Potty training can be fun. With warmth and sensitivity, Joanna Cole and Maxie Chambliss guide young boys though the challenges and rewards potty training--from the first steps to the joy of graduating to big boy underpants! A helpful "Note to parents" is included.

Reviews (11)

This potty book will make your child into a big boy!
This book is a great source for potty training toddlers. It will build their confidence, and will gently teach them how they are expected to act as big boys. It has easy to understand text, and visual illustrations that allow children to relate on a more personal level. With warmth and sensitivity, the authors guide young boys though the challenges and rewards of potty training--from the first steps to the joy of graduating to big boy underpants! I highly recommend this book!

My son LOVES this book
We are just starting potty training and my son LOVES this book. He can totally relate to Michael, the little boy in the story. I think it does a great job of explaining the potty training process in simple, easy-to-understand terms. Each time we read it he gets excited about trying to use the potty. I highly recommend it.

Great for a Stubborn 3 year old
My son is now 3 years and 7 months old and FINALLY potty trained. Alhtough other books were cute, this one was practical explaining accidents and the need for night time diapers after day time training. Very cute and one of my sons favorite books.

Potty Problems.. Get This Book!!!!
This book is a great example for potty training toddlers. It clearly illustrates how to show, in easy to understand language, your potty trainer, suggestions on how to use the potty. Such visual illustrations allow the child to relate in a more personal level. This book also shows children that it is o.k. to have an accident, without ridicule. Great Book. Here's a tip for those anxious parents, your child is precious and unique so do not be upset if they do not catch on right away, be patient and kind, and the will succeed with your support. Good Luck.

Almost potty trained!!!
My little boy really saw himself in this book, he has a special teddy that he would sit with while reading on his potty.
Its a good book for introduction to the potty! ... Read more

Book Description

As millions of readers of Hatchet, The River, and Brian's Winter know, Brian Robeson survived alone in the wilderness by finding solutions to extraordinary challenges. But now that's he's back in civilization, he can't find a way to make sense of high school life. He feels disconnected, more isolated than he did alone in the North. The only answer is to return-to "go back in"-for only in the wilderness can Brian discover his true path in life, and where he belongs.
... Read more

Reviews (55)

A Really Great Book! Medford, Massachussetts
I think Brian's Return is a great book. If you have read Hatchet, The River, and Brian's Winter (like I have) then you will understand the story better 'cause you probably wouldn't really understand it if you haven't read at least one of those three books that came before this one. This time, Brian is back at home and he can't seem to adjust to his formal life at home. After he gets into a huge fight with this kid who is jelous of him and gets arrested for it, he decides that the best place for him is back in the woods and so he goes back there. This time, Brian is prepared and he is used to the way the woods is so he can survive. I think this book is awesome and if you have read Hatchet, The River, and Brian's Winter and liked those books, then I can gaurentee that you will like Brian's Return! Even if you haven't read those books but have read other books by Gary Paulsen then you should get this book!

Great But Not Best
Brian's Return is about a boy named Brian that in the past was stuck in the wilderness for a long time alone (if you didn't know that read Hatchet.) He diecides to go back after seeing an ex-cop, Caleb for counseling after an fight with a football jock. Before departing, he finds out the pilot can only take him so far and he'll have to canoe the rest of the way. Without telling his mom about this detail he starts preparing.
I think it's a great book for learning how to survive in the wilderness, but it's a good book for someone without a care in the world also. I didn't like the fact that there wasn't many characters in the book. The beginning is kinda boring until you get into the second chapter, but hang on to it. After that it gets better and better until the end. I wish it wouldn't have let off as if Gary Paulsen had to make a deadline. I wish he would make a followup to tell us what's next. But don't take my word for it, read it.

every kid should read this book
AFTER BEING LOST IN THE WOODS, BRIAN DOESN'T FEEL LIKE HE FITS IN ANYMORE, WITH ANYONE. HE ENJOYED THE WOODS AND PLANS A TRIP BACK FOR GOOD. I FOUND I HAD TO CONTINUE READING. I COULDN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN NEXT. IT REALLY IS A GREAT BOOK. I THINK EVERYONE WHO READS IT WILL ENJOY IT!!!!

mysticism beyond survival
The fight scene is informative as to how the atitude of having to kill for survival can bleed over into inapropriate areas. The List of equipment Brian takes back into the wild is usefull. How he describes both the beauty of the woods as well as his restlessness in the city is good. His differentness in what he cares about is also informative.

However, the book is essentialy a mysical journey. While Brian is Thankfull, I wonder to whom he is thankfull. What spirits guide him?

Brian's Return
nonfiction
Brian's Return
Brian's Return is a disappointment! Gary Paulsen is a excellent author, but he could of done a better job for this book. This wasn't his best writhing. The beginning of this book was very boring, because he is in his home town telling how boring it is to be in town. Brian finally figures out that he likes the woods better and it makes him free. He wants to get permission to go back to the woods and live there. When he finally gets the permission the permission to go back, he has to find a why out there. An airline will drive when to 1 island and Brian's has to row his way to three other islands. He rows to one island a day and has to find his own food.
The sequels to Brian's Return are Hatchet, The River, and Brian's Winter. Gary Paulson is the author of the best selling novel of the year "Brian Winter". This book is very adventurous at times. I thought it would like Hatchet ,but it wasn't even close. I think that's way I didn't like it. ... Read more

Book Description

When it comes time for the three little wolves to go out into the world and build themselves a house, their mother warns them to beware the big bad pig. But the little wolves' increasingly sturdy dwellings are no match for the persistent porker, who has more up his sleeve than huffing and puffing. It takes a chance encounter with a flamingo pushing a wheelbarrow full of flowers to provide a surprising and satisfying solution to the little wolves' housing crisis.

Eugene Trivizas's hilarious text and Helen Oxenbury's enchanting watercolors have made this delightfully skewed version of the traditional tale a contemporary classic. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

The Three Little Wolves and The Big Bad Pig
I thought that this book was most interesting out of all of the childrens books that I have read. I liked this book because it is funny, especially with the switching of the wolves and pigs. The story takes dangerous animals and turns them into meek little animals. Then it takes an ordinary barn yard pig and makes him into the bad guy. so the whole story has been turned around.

It is neat how the big bad pig takes the power tools and knocks down the houses instead of using his breath by huffing and puffing and blowing the houses down.

The wolves use their friends the beaver, kangaroo, rhinoceros, and the flamingo as there suppliers for the materials to build their houses. They do not have to pay for the supplies, they just ask for the materials and their friends give them what they need.

The rhinoceros was more than happy to give the needed supplies along with other supplies that they did not even ask for, to his friends because he was feeling generous and kind hearted.

The Kangaroo gave them some bricks that were yellow and red so their house would be strong. But that failed because the pig was able to smash the house down with his sledge hammer.

The beaver gave the wolves concrete so they could build a stronger house. But the Big Bad pig used his pneumatic drill and knocked the house down.

hysterical new twist on an old theme
I was looking at this book in our school library when a fellow teacher leaned over my shoulder, read the title, and said, "Oh, no! I bet this one is hysterical!"

She was right.

The obvious role-reversal of Wolf and Pig in the retelling of this old classic is sure to make any child giggle even before the book is opened. Once you DO start reading it, stand back! Three cuddly little wolves are sent by their mother out into the world to make their way (mom is painting her nails black and has curlers in her hair and tail--a very nice touch!). The three wolves, in a departure from the original tale, borrow some bricks from a passing kangaroo and build a sturdy brick house.

All goes well and they're out in the garden playing croquet when the Big, Bad Pig comes sauntering along. The wolves hid inside, won't let him in, and the Big Bad Pig tries to blow the house down.

He cant, of course. The house is brick! But, "the pig wasn't called big and bad for nothing. He went and fetched his sledgehammer and knocked the house down." The illustrations by Ms. Oxenbury of the pig smashing the walls with a hammer while the wolves flee through a window is worth the cost of the book alone. But, wait! There's MORE!

They build a succession of stronger houses, each which is demolished by the pig (he uses a pneumatic hammer and dynamite). Only when they try to change their tactics and make a house of FLOWERS does the pig change his ways and see how destructive and obnoxious he was.

This is a marvelous book, and no mistake. There are probably a good 200 versions of the Three Little Pigs, many of which end with the grisly death of the wolf. In the Three Little Wolves, not only is the reader immediately hooked on the role reversal of wolf and pig, but the text and illustrations are simply hysterical and the peaceful ending make it far more enjoyable than the original fable. This is a book that should be in everyone's library!!

A wolf-friendly revision!
As a kid, I loved wolves and hated the Three Little Pigs. So this funny, wolf-friendly revision of the creepy old classic really tickles me! It begins with Mama Wolf sending her doting pups off into the wide world with the warning: "Beware of the Big Bad Pig!" Keeping Mama's message in mind, the trio decides to build a strong house for protection from the boorish boar. The three fluffy, friendly, refined little wolves are never named, but I like to call them Frasier, Niles, and Daphne. The pig, a burly bully of a construction-worker, could be named Brutus. Safe in the yard of their new brick home, the little wolves play a spirited game of squash. Suddenly the swaggering swine shows up! In a reversal of the original tale, the Big Bad Pig pounds on the wolves' door and demands to come in, while they quaver, "Not by the hair on our chinny-chin-chins!" Then, using his construction hardware, the pig destroys the brick house, and the wolves flee with their fluffy tails between their legs! As the three little wolves build progressively massive fortresses, the big bad pig employs heavy ground-breaking and demolitions equipment to smash them to rubble. At last, the little wolves have no materials left with which to build, except -- ah, but I'm not going to give away the surprise! Let's just say, the ending is a lot sweeter than the original. No one gets boiled alive or devoured, and the the classic adversaries even become friends. Kids and parents will love the beautiful artwork and the silliness of the story, although the ending might seem just a bit too saccharine after all the destruction and mayhem.

entertaining revisionist fairy tale
Kids and adults will enjoy this comic retelling of the classic story of a bully and the three hapless siblings he has targeted -- yes, you guessed it -- the three sweet little wolves and that big bad pig. The illustrations and text are very funny as the pig uses increasingly hefty items to tear down the brick, metal and armored houses built by the wolves, until at last an unexpected material proves that even bullies have their limits. A fun read.

Two Words - Rush Job!
For a children's story this book is pretty average and boring. For a parodied fairy tale it's also below average. There are far higher quality both children's and adult fiction retelling of or in fairy tale format books out there. Gary Larson's, There's a Hair in my Dirt! Would be my pick for the best fairy tale style children's book (adult's will love it too) and Once Upon a Crime would be my pick for the adult fiction readers.

I really didn't like this book. I think the author came up with a good idea of reversing the wolf and pig roles but obviously couldn't develop it further. The artwork in the book is pretty average as well.

Obvious situations don't happen in this book and aren't explained. Why the wolves don't stand up for themselves or just call the police for one. Why are other animals carrying around bricks, cement and other heavy building equipment while walking if they have no intention of using it themselves is another. Becasue you know I often carry around building materials when I go for a walk.

The ending is terrible (don't worry I won't give it away) and very unrealistic. Kids could be taught through the story how to deal with bullies or crime and other messages in this book if it was written properly. Give this a miss.

A great sequel to the original Three Little Pigs tale is the children's book Porkenstein. In this tale the surviving pig from the house of bricks is a mad scientist and decides to make himself a friend. Buy it instead. ... Read more

Book Description

Redesigned. Reformatted. Remastered. Resequenced. Ready for Re-release. And it was already great to begin with!

Before there was Philadelphia Chickens, the #1 New York Times and Publishers Weekly children's bestseller with 319,000 copies in print, there was Rhinoceros Tap, the collection of seriously silly songs. Now Rhinoceros Tap returns in an all-new package to mirror Philadephia Chickens, with a spiffy audio CD. Written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton--whose books have over 6 million copies in print--and with music by Boynton and Michael Ford, the same team that created Philadelphia Chickens, it's a read-along, sing-along, dance-along, oink-along collection of truly delightful children's music. There's "O, Lonely Peas," to appeal to the finicky young eater. The five-year-old's lament, "Bad Babies" ("They whine and they bite, they chew on your toys/And oh, do they make the most terrible noise"). "Tickle Time." "The Crabby Song." A mouse's impassioned ballad to his beloved, "I Love You More Than Cheese." And "Barnyard Dance," the song that was launched by the board book dear to the hearts of more than a million young readers. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

A Must Have for LONG Rides with kids in the Car
Sandra Boynton's book and cassette not only have the kids singing but my husband and I find ourselves humming the tunes too! We were facing a nine and eight hour car trips with three kids (3, 2 and 3 weeks) and this made the trip go FASTER! The tunes and words are catchy and easy to sing along with. Some of the songs are from Boynton's other books, like"Barnyard Dance". Others became new favorites to us; Oh Lonely Peas and Bad Babies. Unlike other kid cassettes we have, this creation is done perfectly! Kids and their parents can both enjoy the humor, music and cleverness of Boynton and Ford.This became the only tape played in our car whenever we went anywhere, in fact we played the tape so much from August to October we wore it out. I'm buying another set today!

rhinoceros tap
This tap will make a long journey shorter with little ones in the car. The tunes makes a change from the usual nursery rthyms that we endure in the car. The music is funky. The songs are funny and easy to learn. It is the only tape my husband will have in HIS car. Occasionally I find him tapping his toe to the music. The book helped me learn of the words and when my daughter is older I am sure she will enjoy reading it too. At 2 years she is still a little young to even appreciate the graphics. Our favourite tune is "Tickle Time". When the whole family joins in we usually end up on the floor laughing. This tape will always remind me of my family having a great time together. It does not fail to put a smile on my daughters face.

Excellent choice for kids AND parents!
Rhinoceros Tap is far and away the best tape/book I've seen in recent years. The songs are fun without making parents crazy. In fact, we all like to sing along. The only complaint I had was that the songs are pitched a little too low for children to sing comfortably. The tape is well done and the book is wonderful! One half is simply words and illustrations and the other half is the actual sheet music! WOW! I can't say enough about this set. It is definitely worth the price and the wait!

The Best Tapping Songs, Let's Hit It!
My 33-month toddler has outgrown his nursery ryhmes. If you have an active toddler who has a sense of humor, you may want to try this out. His favourite tunes are definitely "Tickle Time", "Lonely Peas" and "Rhinoceros Tap", but most of all, he enjoys all the songs, including "Turkey Love", "So Long, Doggies" and he will shout at "Horns to Toes" etc.

Catchy tunes, witty words, funny creatures with really fun songs, my son's rhythm tapping is getting pretty steady. Though it's a bit more to pay for this audio book (as per our currency exchange), I couldn't find any other children's songs as creative as this ONE! See the way my son tapped along with the songs, I knew Sandra Boynton had it all!

A Real Fun !
I wondered much while ordering "Rhinoceros Tap" , as my 3 years old boy doesn't know English and this was expected to be his first sing & song book. But now I think that it was the best choice I could have done for the beginning. My boy liked it very much. It's really funny for parents too. Sometimes I listen to the songs when my boy isn't at home. He likes the animals singing, he likes to dance with them and we mostly sing and dance together. I recommend this book to parents all over the world. ... Read more

Book Description

Hannah thinks tonight’s Passover Seder will be the same as always. Little does she knowthat this year she will be mysteriously transported into the past where only she knows thehorrors that await. ... Read more

Reviews (187)

The Devil's Arithmetic
The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen in my opinion was a good novel to help others remember the Holocaust and the tragic events that occurred. Jane Yolen strived make the concentration camps seem real to the reader throughout the novel. This is a story of a Jewish 12 year old girl named Hannah Stern who has always questioned why we should remember what has happened in the past. During the Passover Seder, as Hannah pours the wine, she is suddenly in 1940 in a small village in Poland. Hannah, as well as her family and friends are taken away to a concentration camp where conditions are appalling. Hannah is forced to realize and understand what her ancestors went through, and realizes that we should remember for their sake. Chaya, Hannah's Polish name, is willing to risk her life for her friends and wonders is she will ever again see her family, and through Yolen's descriptive writing style, the reader is able to imagine themselves in the book as another character and feel the pain that Chaya feels. Jane Yolen has created a book that forces us to remember the hardships that were placed upon the Jews by the Nazis during the Holocaust, and is a must-read.

You'll never forget it
This is Schindler's List for children, a chilling account of the Holocaust from the point of view of a young girl. Yolen skimps on few details, and you can tell that her story comes straight from the heart.

Hannah, a modern Jewish girl, is irritated by the Passover Seder and the "remembering" of the Holocaust, which some of her relatives lived through. But when she opens the door for Elijah, she is transported through time and space to a village in Poland.

Soon the Nazis arrive, and Hannah (called "Chaya" by everyone in this new time) must both try to survive and to keep her friends alive in the deathcamps.

I tried very, very hard to summarize this story, but the spiritual and emotional tones are simply impossible to talk about. This is an intense book, the descriptions of it simply can't express the greatness of this plot.

A haunting tale of life, death, memory and sorrow. Even though this is a children's book, it may be disturbing for younger readers--you might want to talk to your children about it afterward.

The Devil's Arithmetic: A Holocaust Story
By: Jane Yolen

This is a novel about the Jewish experience in concentration camps. There is a spoiled young girl by the name of Hannah. She hates her family's Seder meal, but when she goes to open the door for the prophet Elijah, she gets transported back in time to the year if World War II. Gitl and Shmuel are calling her Chaya instead of her real name. At Shmuel's wedding, the Germans come and take them away to concentration camps where they are starved, humiliated, and periodically killed. What will be Hannah's fate? Will she ever return to her normal life?
I genuinely enjoyed this book. I loved the plot, and the ending was magnificent. I liked how courageous Hannah was. She was a true hero to me even though she was only there in the pages of the book.
Right off the bat, the plot and storyline are some of the book's many strengths. Another good thing that Yolen gives you is the plain knowledge and facts about concentration camps. She tells about the different types of labor and the horrible conditions of the concentration camps. After reading this book, I had a whole other view of the insanities and inhuman conditions of the Nazis. I can really connect that to my life and appreciate every single thing I have, including time on this Earth.
My favorite part was during a scene with the midden:

"When they got to the midden, they skinned out of their clothes and dove naked into the dump."

I enjoyed this excerpt because it was funny how Hannah just stood there and watched. She was a true first-timer!
I think that the thing that the author would like me to take away from this book is just plainly the story of the Holocaust. She wants people to read her book and remember. Of course she wanted to tell a great story of survival and courage, but she only wants us to take away from this the story and knowledge of the Jewish experience.
This is one of the most memorable books I have ever read because of the fact that it was entertaining but still informing. The word choice that the author used really brought out clear pictures in my mind. The image was very powerful. You could not read this book and not be changed. It didn't have to be a big change. Only the way you look at your shoes. It is a meaningful book.
I recommend this book to people who really want to take something away from what they read and who care about their history. This book's theme is; if you don't appreciate what you have now, history has a way of showing itself to you! The evidence is the way Hannah was brought back in time. She was so changed by her experience and learned to appreciate life and what she had.

The Devil's Arithmetic
The Devil's Arithmetic is about a girl who is tired of remembering Passover meals. When she is asked to open the door for Elijah and is transported to the past in the year 1942. Her name in the real world is Hannah and then Chaya in her 'dream' and finally J197241 is her name. She is then taken to a concentration camp were she battles to remember lessons in school about the Holocaust. But no one believes her and she has to face work, deaths and escape.

The Devil's Arithmetic is a very interesting book. It has interesting characters that have interesting personalities. You can really learn a lot about the death camps and how the people inside dealt with it. It is really sad because Hannah knows what is going to happen to them but the people don't believe or listen to her. This causes Hannah to lose her mind and forget all about her normal life and any thing that has happened before her life in the death camp. It becomes every emotional for her and she becomes very doubtful in her self which causes it to be a sad book.

But there are some happy moments inside the camp. Like the fact that whenever the Commander came to inspect he camp, the Jewish people would make a sound that tells the children to hide, because children were not aloud to be in the camp. You also learn different codenames the Jewish people used in the camps. They also keep their hope up by reminding themselves about who they are by learning what their 'number' really means. There is also a happy part when Hannah makes friends with Rivka who really helps her survive.

But the book did have some downfall to it. I thought it ended very abruptly with no explanation. Also, if you wanted a book that explains the work in the camps, don't get this book. It doesn't have that good of an explanation of their work in the camp. In the beginning, she has a very good family but doesn't give that much information on them, which I was hoping for.

It was a very fun book that showed how friendship helped her survive.
It was because of her friendship with Rivka that she was able to survive so long. This was because Rivka knew what was happening faster then she could figure it out, so Rivka was able to help her in many ways. She also had a deep friendship with her aunt, considering that they didn't know each other that well. So I think the theme is 'friendship can help you survive in the toughest parts of life'.

My favorite part of the book is when Hannah finds faith in herself by making the numbers on her stand for something. This really is a good part because she begins to have faith in herself, which is really important for survival sake. Her number, J197241, means J for Jew, 1 for alone, 9 for 'no' she will no die, 7 for the 7 days a week that she survives, 2 for 2 family members in her 'dream', 4 for 4 family members in her old family, and 1 for again, that she was alone.

Overall this book was very interesting and kept you hanging on at some points. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in life as a Jewish person in World War II.

Excellent Holocaust Tale
Twelve year-old Hannah has always been impatient and embarrassed by her Jewish heritage and traditions of remembering. During the Passover Seder, the jaded Hannah is transported back to 1942 Poland when she opens the door for the prophet Elijah. She experiences life as Chaya, a young woman who is rounded up with the rest of her family and village and sent to a Nazi work camp. There she meets Rivka (one of her aunts who survived the camp), who teaches her how to survive the dehumanizing conditions in the camp. A gripping portrayal of life in the Nazi death camps. ... Read more

Book Description

The set includes: Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, Farmer Boy, On the Banks of Plum Creek, By the Shores of Silver Lake, The Long Winter, Little Town on the Prairie, These Happy Golden Years, and The First Four Years.

Little House in the Big Woods

Wolves and panthers and bears roam the deep Wisconsin woods in the late 1870's. In those same woods, Laura lives with Pa and Ma, and her sisters, Mary and Baby Carrie, in a snug little house built of logs. Pa hunts and traps. Ma makes her own cheese and butter. All night long, the wind howls lonesomely, but Pa plays the fiddle and sings, keeping the family safe and cozy.

Little House on the Prairie

Pa Ingalls decides to sell the little log house, and the family sets out for Indian country! They travel from Wisconsin to Kansas, and there, finally, Pa builds their little house on the prairie. Sometimes farm life is difficult, even dangerous, but Laura and her family are kept busy and are happy with the promise of their new life on the prairie.

Farmer Boy

While Laura Ingalls grows up in a little house on the western prairie, Almanzo Wilder is living on a big farm in New York State. Almanzo and his brother and sisters work at their chores from dawn to supper most days -- no matter what the weather. There is still time for fun, though, especially with the horses, which Almanzo loves more than anything.

On the Banks of Plum Creek

Laura's family's first home in Minnesota is made of sod, but Pa builds a clean new house made of sawed lumber beside Plum Creek. The money for materials will come from their first wheat crop. Then, just before the wheat is ready to harvest, a strange glittering cloud fills the sky, blocking out the sun. Soon millions of grasshoppers cover the field and everything on the farm. In a week's time, there is no wheat crop left at all.

By the Shores of Silver Lake

Pa Ingalls heads west to the unsettled wilderness of the Dakota Territory. When Ma, Mary, Laura, Carrie, and baby Grace join him, they become the first settlers in the town of De Smet. And Pa begins work on the first building in what will soon be a brand-new town on the shores of Silver Lake.

The Long Winter

The first terrible storm comes to the barren prairie in October. Then it snows almost without stopping until April. Snow has reached the rooftops, and no trains can get through with food or coal. The people of De Smet are starving, including Laura's family, who wonder how they're going to make it through this terrible winter. It is young Almanzo Wilder who finally understands what needs to be done. He must save the town, even if it means risking his own life.

Little Town on the Prairie

The long winter is over. With spring come socials, parties, and "Literaries." There is also work to be done. Laura spends many hours each day sewing shirts to help send Mary to a college for the blind. But in the evenings, Laura makes time for a new caller, Almanzo Wilder.

These Happy Golden Years

Laura is teaching school, and it's terrifying! Most of the students are taller than she is, and she must sleep away from home for the first time. Laura is miserable, but the money is needed to keep Mary in a college for the blind. And every Friday -- no matter what the weather -- Almanzo Wilder arrives to take Laura home to her family for the weekend. Laura and Almanzo are courting, and even though she's not yet sixteen, she knows that this is a time for new beginnings.

The First Four Years

Laura and Almanzo Wilder have just been married! Their life on a small prairie homestead begins with high hopes. But each year seems to bring unexpected disasters -- storms, sickness, fire, and unpaid debts. These first four years call for courage, strength, and a great deal of determination. Always, though, there is love, especially for the newest member of the family -- baby Rose.

Reviews (70)

Real Live History- Without Boring Nonsense
I love the Little House Books. I have read every one of them at least 5 times. They never get boring. The Litttle House Books are Non-Fiction- They are the best history books about the pioneer days. I am currently reading Farmer Boy, which is about Almanzo- Laura's future hustband. I just finished reading Little House on the Prairie to my kids- they loved it. They are asking questions about the pioneer days. If you want to get someone intrested in history start them on the little house books. Little House books are worth so much. I also like them because it is easier for children to understand history from another child's point of view. I hope every one reads the Little House books and learn about pioneer days in a fun and exciting way.

Before there was Harry Potter ...
If memory serves me correctly, I discovered Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books around the age of seven. I do remember being the envy of my third-grade classmates when I received the entire boxed set AND "On The Way Home" for Christmas. Of course, newer generations only know Laura from the TV series, which, as an earlier reviewer remarked, was the epitome of schmalzy, rose-glassed views of pioneer life, but interestingly enough included some real incidents Laura never put in the books (the death of the baby brother and living in the hotel). The books, however, still stand the test of time. True, some of the harsher elements of frontier life are glossed over to an extent--these are books aimed at kids, after all--but overall the books are an fascinating study of life on the prairie in the post-Civil War years. Much like Harry Potter, the Little House books can be read and enjoyed by adults. My only quibble with the books is that I've always felt that there should have been another book between "On The Banks of Plum Creek" and "On The Shores of Silver Lake," since there's a jump of about five years between the two. According to some of Laura's biographers, however, Laura's family had some rough experiences during that time, so that might explain the lack.

Still, there's a reason these books are classics--the descriptions are top-notch, they're moralistic without smacking you over the head, and they're just plain fun to read. I still have the boxed set (not the same one I got for Christmas, alas), and on snowy days in my own little house I find myself curled up in front of the fire with "Farmer Boy" or "These Happy Golden Years." Enjoy!

Definately worth 25$
I first read these books when I was in first grade. Since then, my copies have disintegrated because they've been read so often. As an English teacher, I'm online right now looking for a new set to use in the classroom. Of course, at 23, I still plan on reading them again myself first. This set is amazing - it combines history and great writing.

A Childhood Favorite of Mine Too!
When I was a little girl in the 1970's I was a big fan of the Little House on The Prairie TV show and I was very happy when one Christmas, probably either 1974 or 1975 I received a boxset of the Little House book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and I loved the books. I still have my books but no longer have the box they came in and the books have gotten a lot of wear and tear from many people reading them such as myself and with them being borrowed many times over the years by friends, cousins, my niece, etc but that just proves how well loved these books are. The set has 9 books which are all outstanding and are the true life stories and adventures of the real Ingalls family and written by Laura who wrote about her family, what life was like back in the mid to late 1800's etc and the books are Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, On The Banks of Plum Creek, By The Shores of Silver Lake, The Long Winter, Little Town on the Prairie, These Happy Golden Years which introduces Laura Ingall's husband to be, Almanzo Wilder, The First Four Years which details Laura and Almanzo's married life and their daughter Rose plus there is also Farmer boy. Most of the books detail The Ingall's family from their life in their homestate of Wisconsin to their journeys to Kansas, Oklahoma, Minnesota and finally The Dakota Territory which is where Laura met Almanzo but there is also the book Farmer Boy which Laura wrote about Almanzo's account of his childhood on a farm in New York state. These books are great and I highly recommend them to people of all ages, but I especially recommend buying the boxset!

A childhood favorite!
Heroines: varied

Travel westward in a covered wagon with the Ingalls family and experience the joys of family reunions, the daily drudgery of feeding chickens and milking cows, and the terror of tornadoes, sudden blizzards which dump yards of snow around you, and "wild" Indians who appear at your doorstep.

What worked for me:

These books just thrilled me as a child and they thrill me still as I read them aloud to my own children now. I love watching their fascination at what a struggle it was to survive in the rugged American wilderness, and can't help but smile as they absorb their first history lesson in such a painless fashion.

Size-wise Laura Ingalls was described as being round like a French pony, but she really longed to be willowy with golden curls like her older sister Mary. From the very first book we hear how five year old Laura was so disappointed with her appearance and see how she always measured herself against her sister's paler beauty.

What didn't work for me:

The only disappointment I have had with this series is that the final book is so short and lacks the warmth of the earlier novels, probably because Mrs. Wilder passed away before it was rewritten.

Overall:

Fans of historical and juvenile literature should enjoy these books. (And fans of romance should enjoy the later books when Laura meets her husband.)

Note: The series was the basis of the popular television show, "Little House on the Prairie".

Warning: The story is sweet and easygoing, but also deals with the harsh realities of life in that era. It is less than "PC" at times because it accurately depicts the general attitude towards native Americans in those days. If you are planning to read this to a youngster, be prepared for possible questions on these matters.

If you liked the "Little House" series you might also enjoy the "Anne of Green Gables" series. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Among the greatest charms of children is their ability to view a simple activity as a magical adventure. Such as a walk in the woods late at night. Jane Yolen captures this wonderment in a book whose charm rises from its simplicity. "It was late one winter night, long past my bedtime, when Pa and I went owling." The two walked through the woods with nothing but hope and each other in a journey that will fascinate many a child. John Schoenherr's illustrations help bring richness to the countryside adventure. The book won the 1988 Caldecott Medal. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Both Story and Art Enchant
I like this book and so do my children. Although it will have more appeal to fathers and sons, any parent and child can enjoy this story of the magical bond that takes place when a parent introduces their child to one of life's moments of wonder.

Who among us doesn't remember wonderful moments when you and you alone were the focus of your father's (or mother's) attention in a special setting that created a life-long memory pleasently returned to again and again. That's the magic of Owl Moon where a little boy takes a long walk in the woods over new fallen snow with his father. They are journeying to, as his older brothers had done before him, find a great owl, if he can be coaxed from his high above throne where he rules the night.

The story is simply told but carries all of the magic foretold by the setting. The water color illustrations are beautiful in their simplicity and convey the wonder of nature and the togetherness of father and son.

Good Parenting and instills love of nature
Owl Moon is a wonderful story of a young girl's first hunt for the Great Horned Owl with her father. As they trek through the snowy forest, Jane Yolen's text and John Schoenherr's illustrations work together to create a realistic adventure and to express good parenting. The picture book comes to life through a peaceful countryside and a still forest. The child's continual silence and concentration add to the hunt. Within the text the child says, "I put my mittens over my mouth and listened hard." This displays her constant effort to remain quiet and to take the adventure seriously. Each illustration depicts a calm forest dominated by snow and nature. I feel that this book contains ideas that are "simple but not necessarily simplistic" much like Perry Nodelman's analysis of children's literature (221). For instance, in many scenes animals can be found hiding without the knowledge of the characters. The animals all sit calmly. This shows that the intent of the father and child is not to disturb nature but to quietly observe and to be apart of it just while they pass. This idea can not be found written within the text yet, it is understood when they see an owl and do not shoot it. This peaceful respect for nature that the father is instilling in his child is shown when they came to the clearing in the dark woods. She speaks of how the fit it exactly "and the snow below it was whiter than the milk in a cereal bowl." This emphasizes her grasp of the beauty and enjoyment natural world in a child-like way. It brings to mind games equal to finding shapes in clouds. The illustrator has also gone through the trouble of presenting the field in the shape of a large bowl. I feel that the most important aspect of the work is the example of good parenting it delivers. He spends quality time with his children, while he instills important morals. Pa has also taken all of her brothers owling and they have told her "sometimes there's an owl and sometimes there isn't." This reveals a sense of close family unity in which can be seen as the positive message of the story. However, the tone is not didactic. Pa even uses onomatopoeia to make the adventure more intense. He calls the owl with a long "Whoo-whoo-who-who-who-whooooooo." All of this helps emphasis the joy of the communion with nature. Her father has been instilling a respect for the owl and natural world, while strengthening the father child relationship.

Remarkable illustrations and almost poetic narration
Owl Moon is a delightful story of the family tradition of Owling, Owl watching. The reader is taken on a winter journey through the woods as a father and daughter go Owling.
Beautiful illustrations by John Schoenherr help the reader experience this journey from a unique perspective. Schoenherr places the reader in the air, looking down on the journey. By using this technique, the reader becomes one with the Owl, experiencing the quiet togetherness of man and nature.
This story provides a moving narration, inviting the reader to experience the quiet solitude of a winter walk in the woods. The reader also feels the warmth of the special relationship shared by this father and his daughter.
Yolen instructs the reader that the only thing needed to go Owling is hope. Hope that just maybe if you're quiet enough, or lucky enough, you will spot an Owl. This wonderful story delivers much more than just the sighting of an Owl.
Owl Moon is sure to delight readers of all ages. The remarkable illustrations and almost poetic narration make it easy to see why this book is deserving of the Caldecott Award.

Wonderful Story for Any Age
I first read this book when i was a junior in college. At first I didn't like it very much. Then two years later I picked it up again and found the beautyful. It was like reading poetry. Each word was carfully chosen. The story of a little girl having the chance to stay up late and go owling with her father. Yet, it goes beyond that. Here is a little girl who feels like she is doing something wonderful and exiciting, becuase she is doing something with her father.

The way this stroy is constructed is wonderful. Although the book says that it is for children between the ages of 4-8 I have read this story to 6th graders and they have found interested and they thought it was "cool." This is a wonderful book for young and old, because of language and the way the words flow. It is just one of those books that are just plane fun to read.

Amazing and Artistic
Jane Yolen's book, "Owl Moon," is about a little girl and her father who go owling on a cold winter night. Yolen's describes the scenery of the wintry night, looking for an owl with vivid imagery. The father and daughter search patiently in the quiet, waiting for a slight glimpse of the great bird. When, finally they see an owl, they are intrigued for the minute of victory.

In the book, "Owl Moon," John Schoenherr uses pen and ink with a watercolor wash. The use of watercolor creates a sense of mystery and depicts what it is like to walk in the woods on a winter night with no more light than what is given off by the moon and stars reflecting off of the snow. This vagueness is complimented by the use of pen and ink in order to create a sense of reality by showing what little detail the characters were able to see as they continued on their journey. The added detail in the foreground also helped to create a sense of depth. Schoenherr chose colors which added to the mystery of the darkness and created the sensation of a cold night. I especially enjoyed the way that the author added detail within the expressions of the father and daughter when they finally heard a response from an owl. The owl itself was shown in great detail which I feel was to convey a sense of realness to the mystery of great bird. Another technique that I enjoyed was the adding of other hidden woodland creatures throughout the book which added to the anticipation of finding the owl. By doing this the illustrator is able to capture the child's attention as he/she begins to search for the owl along with the characters of the story.

Each page painted a wonderful picture both visually and within the story line of a father and his daughter creating memories of time together that neither one would forget. Although they spent the evening together in silence I feel that the time together showed a special bond being created between the two. Not only does the idea of silence throughout the story create a sense of adventure, it also shows that words are not always needed in order to create wonderful memories and that love can be conveyed between people by just spending time together. Although this book is recommended for children ages 6-10, I believe that it readers of all ages would enjoy this story and that the message of quality time spent with the ones you love could be enjoyed by the whole family. This is a wonderful story which could be shared in both the classroom during read-alouds or at home as a bedtime story. ... Read more