Reviews (22)

first day of school
This is a wonderful book to read about the concept of being apart for a time during the day. The illustrations and text are sweet and enjoyable. My daughter loved the fact that a small heart is visible in almost every picture, although you must look carefully. Look for the "swirl" of heart over mom's coffee on one page. We read it when she started school, then I cut some small hearts from felt and tucked them into her pocket or bookbag. It was a small secret for us to share and made the transition easier for both of us.

You'll LOVE this book!
I read this at a book fair and spent the next five minutes trying to hide my teary eyes! I bought one for me, three for friends and family members, and a couple of spares for shower gifts. When I got home, I read it to my 3 1/2 year old and showed her the hearts on each page. We read it four times in a row -- she absolutely loves it!

This is a touching, charming book, with beautiful illustrations (I bet every mom will think baby bird looks like her own child!). It's a wonderful way to share with our children how much we love them and how that love never leaves us, even when we're apart -- perfect whether you're a working mom or not!

I like this book so much I've already checked out other books by the author and illustrator.

BUY IT! You'll love it!

The best Parent book ever
I just had to write a review on this book. I randomly selected this book because of the cover. The pictures are simply eye catching and this is one of the few books my toddler actually sits still for. I am just amazed at how the auther captures exactly what working parents feel when they drop their baby off to daycare. Seriously the first time I read this book I cried after the first two pages. Jane Dyer did an excellent job with the pictures. If you love this book you will love when Momma comes homes tonight. I would rate this book 10 stars!

Snuggly book
This is a very snuggly hugs and kisses book for the very young. In the book, a parent bird talks to her offspring in rhyming declarations of love, telling and reassuring the baby bird that she will love it at all times and through everything it does. It is a very cute and touching read for parents. And rather short, with only about 350 words.

Sweet and helpful book
My daughter started pre-school at age two and this book was a wonderful way to address the issues of separation, love and the fact that I was always coming back to her. She loves to read the book and repeat "Oh my baby, little one" with me. As a mother who has to leave her little one to work part time, this loving book brings tears to my eyes. It really sums up the feelings for a Mother leaving her child in a very age appropriate way for small children. I love it. ... Read more

Book Description

"I am Joy, and I have come to qreet you."

A beautiful bird named Joy stops one day to visit a mountain. Every spring she flies high in the air, looking for the best place to build her nest and raise her children. As much as Joy would like to stay with the mountain, she must leave to continue her search. After hearing the mountain's pleas for her to stay, Joy is so touched she makes a very special promise that each spring the mountain will be visited by one of her kin. Over time the birds bring about a wonderful change in the mountain -- a change that will transform the mountain forever. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

It's about hope!
I found this book again while cleaning my daughter's room; I found it years ago and it is such a wonderful and uplifting story. Perhaps it was more than serendipity that I found it again, for it seemed the perfect message to send to an adult friend who needed some TLC -- for its main message, to my mind, is one of hope, and of believing in the power of love.

Beautiful pictures, beautiful story
This story is one of the true classics of children's literature, even though it is an unkown. I collect children's books, and this is one of my all - time favorites. If you want a story with substance, meaning, and still a wonderful story - buy this one. The illustrations are outstanding, also. Have a kleenex handy, though.

Beautiful
This is one of the most beautiful books that I have ever read. It is love. Love that is indeed essential. Like water for chocolate type of love. Whenever I read this book it amazes me how as to how real the author personified the characters.

This story not only clarifies the necessity to of the need for love but it brings it forth with such astounding boldness. The mountain in its isolation literally almost gives up in the midst of its quest for companionship.

This book is not only a book for children -- it is can also be a literary piece for adults. In the quest for the mountain's security; the bird leaves behind generation upon generation of offspring to provide the mountain with a sense of love and security for many, many, many years to come.

Beautiful -- is a mere word that describes an element of something that is precious, astounding, and good. I cannot find the perfect word for this book. It seems to me that beautiful is hardly enough.

Beautiful story, great storytelling
This is a beautiful story about a bird that visits a mountain once a year. Both can talk, and they visit with each other. The mountain is lonely. The bird explains she will die someday, that birds don't live long, but promises she will have her daughter visit when she is gone. She explains that she cannot live there as this mountain is barren, so she can visit only once per year. The mountain is lonely when she passes on and cries (a brook begins). The daughter does visit and she drops one seed per year. In the end the mountain is a thriving ecosystem where birds and animals can live year round, nourished by the water that the mountain created.

The book has longer prose than the usual picture books for this age range (more like the picture books published in the 1950s and 1960s). The illustrations are by Eric Carle, interesting and appealing collage format that he is famous for.

This is a tender and touching tale! It is not just a plain picture book prose, it truly is "storytelling".

Timeless Story for Both Young and Old
I randomly picked and read this book waiting for my wife to finish in her kindergarten class. What joy it brought to me, as it will to you and your children. "The Mountain That Loved a Bird" revels in classic storytelling of old: a building promise of a miraculous ending. The timeless themes of emotions, promises made and kept, and "happily-ever-after" resound throughout the story and beautiful artwork. In these days of rapid-fire animation and video game addiction, "The Mountain That Loved a Bird" brings us to a gentler and far more satisfying place. It will teach your children about the power of friendship and hope, a lesson off-times lost in this world of Pokemon and violence. This book is one that should hold a revered and oft-used place beside your child's bed. But don't be surprised if you find "The Mountain That Loved a Bird" making its way into your bedroom or favorite reading nook. ... Read more

Book Description

In Math Magic, his New York Times bestseller, Scoff Flansburg demonstrated his universal ability to make math fun and easy for adults. Now in Math Magic for Your Kids, the Human Calculator does the same for elementary school children.

Measuring flour for a birthday cake, setting the dinner table, counting change -- learning these simple skills daunts millions of children. And helping them along can be frustrating for parents. In Math Magic for Your Kids, Scott Flansburg comes to the rescue. With entertaining games and tricks, this proven method helps kids develop a positive attitude about numbers, the necessary foundation on which they will build math skills for the rest of their education. Children will discover hours of independent amusement, while parents will find activities they can do with their children to supplement their schoolwork and to help them get better grades, including:

• Innovative counting exercises that teach addition and subtraction
• Writing activities that reinforce math concepts
• Shortcut methods that provide "magic tricks" for learning math skills
• Riddles and puzzles that activate logic and math basics
• Games and drills that introduce and perfect multiplication and division

Reviews (5)

Making numbers make sense!
Mr.Flansburg's methods of stressing basic math skills are new and important before algebra or higher math will make sense. His new web site thehumancalculator.com also offers more information about his goal to wipe out innumeracy. He taught me it's never to late to conquer math phobia and fulfill my career goals that never materialized because of math avoidance.

Confused on age level
The book was ok however, I wanted a book for older students. This is recommended for 6 th 8 year olds. The book is in an easy to read format and has breaks to complete exercises to practice what you learned.

In a math-phobic era more people should read this book!!
I homeschool my kids who like the ideas behind math but find drilling real agony!!! They are beginning to see the fun in it and don't mind repetition any more. Thanks and praise to Scott Flansberg!!!

Fascinatingly different from traditional textbook math
Though math was never a problem for me, I discovered that this book not only made math easier and faster, but it also caused the numbers to take on some practical meaning. I recommend the book for anyone who wants to understand the reason numbers work.

This Book's Great!
This book has complex problems and exercises for Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division. With the exercises and advice,this book teaches you the basics of doing Mental Calculation. Although Scott Flansburg only explains how to make the numbers 0 to 12 more sense to you, every child can enjoy math-because Scott, the Human Calculator, actually makes it fun! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A gem for your collection
I collect books specifically about the emperor penguin breeding cycle. When I choose a book, I want the emperor penguin pictures to be fairly accurate (not cartoony or wacky) as well as beautiful, vivid, elegant, etc.. And I want the writing to reflect love for the story of these penguins.

I love this book.

Educating and humorous
What a fabulous book! I laughed out loud ... and actually learned a thing or two about Emperor penguins. A great choice for Father's Day - shows the importance of dads in bringing up little ones (penguins, in this case), which is refreshing. Makes a great read aloud for one-on-one, or in group settings, with just the right language to keep preschoolers interested while teaching them about penguins.

Excellent for Dads to read to the Kids
This nature book is wonderful as it tells of the story emperor penguin's unique habits at the kids level and in their language. At the same time there are little footnotes which answer most of the 'why' questions from the kids that arise out of the text. ( so parents appear all knowing) The illustrations are beautiful. My daughter was so enthusastic about this book the I wanted to pop on the plane to Edinburgh, Scotland and show my daughter the Emperor penguins in real life. ( I think Antartica in the middle of winter isn't an option). Nevermind, perhaps Jenkins and Chapman will write about the little blue penguins, which are in Boston, next. ... Read more

Book Description

Swan Lake is perhaps the best-loved ballet of all time. Hans Christian Andersen Medal-winner Lisbeth Zwerger brings her singular vision to a glorious picture-book adaptation of the haunting story of an enchanted swan princess. She has based her version on Tchaikovsky's original 1877 ballet, which had a happy ending, unlike the later, better-known, 1893 version. Her illustrations, luminous, lyrical, filled with grace and beauty, evoke the brilliance of the ballet and the universal appeal of this beloved fairy tale. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Beautifully illustrated
My husband and I tend to buy books that also show an artistic talent with an older story. This book definitely qualifies. It's beautifully illustrated and wonderfully-written. Swan Lake has always been my favorite story and the illustrations here are just artistic and beautifully-drawn. Our boys love the pictures.

Swan Lake is the classic tale about a prince who isn't responsible till his mother, the queen, decides it's time for him to get married. The prince falls in love with a beautiful woman in white and finds out that she's a princess under an enchanted spell. They fall in love and meet adveristy along the way. And ... ends well.

It's a wonderful story for both boys and girls ~~ especially if you like reading fairy-tales to them!

1-8-04

Retelling the story of the Swan Queen with a happy ending
"The Nutcracker" might be the most popular ballet in the world, and certainly the ones that most people who have only seen one ballet have seen, but "Swan Lake" is the definitive ballet and when a young dancer dreams of being a prima ballerina this is the one she sees herself dancing. However, as Lisbeth Zwerger explains in her author's note in the back of this book, when it was first premiered not only was Tchiakovsky's ballet not a success, it had a happy ending in which love conquers evil. Of course, now "Swam Lake" has a tragic ending full of pathos and Zwerger takes no small degree of pleasure in retelling the story with a happier ending.

The story is set in the fantasy world of once upon a time, when the right mix of enough evil and a good spell to transform a beautiful woman into a swan. The only way of breaking such a spell is the love of a man and when a young prince meets the Swan Queen, the woman who was the swan he almost killed while hunting, he professes to feel such a love. However, the evil sorcerer who cast the spell has more tricks up his sleeve. This telling of "Swam Lake" is simple and elegant, capturing the feel of an old world fairy tale with illustrations that suggest another time and place. For those who are musically inclined there are brief lines of music, which I assume are keyed to parallel passages in Tchiakovsky's ballet.

The chief attraction here will be for those familiar with the ballet, but even if you have only a passing interest in such things you will still find this a charming retelling of the tale. Besides, this is your only chance to read "Swan Lake" and have a happy ending.

The natural appeal of this book is great
"With a flash, the lake was bathed in a shimmering light, and before him stood the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. 'I am the Swan Queen,' she said. `I am the swan that you tried to kill.'" The somber but beautiful drama of Tchaikovsky's brilliant ballet. "Swan Lake," has been transformed into an elegant picture book for children retold and illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger, and translated by Marianne Martens. Zwerger - a Hans Chrisitan Andersen Medal-winner for lifetime achievement - is in glorious form here. Her mysterious paintings are filled with emotion, urgency, light and shadow, while her formal, dramatic text is as radiantly ethereal as the Swan Queen herself. Few contemporary princess tales can come close to providing the grace and majesty contained in the breathless passages here. It's a thing of beauty to be cherished. Next to "The Nutcracker," "Swan Lake" is the most popular ballet for young children, so the natural appeal of this book is great, particularly for budding ballerina's in training prone to their own flights of fancy.

A Magical Retelling.....
"Once upon a time, all you needed was the right mix of enough evil and a good spell to transform a person into a tree, a rock, or even an animal. In those days, there lived a prince..." So begins award winning author and illustrator, Lisbeth Zwerger's, captivating retelling of Tchaikovsky's, Swan Lake. Her eloquent prose is filled with imagery and magic, and enhanced by evocative illustrations in soft, dreamy hues. Together word and art dazzle, and bring the beautiful story of love found and lost, to life on the page. Unlike the beloved and familiar ballet, Ms Zwerger gives her adaptation an upbeat, happily-ever-after ending. As she explains in her Author's Note, Tchaikovsky wrote the original fairy tale dance in 1871 as a gift to his sister's children. It retained the "love conquers all" happy ending when he premiered his full length ballet six years later. It wasn't until after his death, sixteen years later, that the story was reworked by his brother and given the now famous tragic ending. Perfect for youngsters 7 and older, Swan Lake is both an engaging, read aloud fairy tale, and a marvelous introduction to the wonders of ballet, that should whet the appetite and send you looking for a recording and performance.

Swan Lake
There were two reasons why I picked up this book: the first being that it was illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger, whose art I greatly admire, and the second because "Swan Lake" is one of my favorite ballets. Unfortunately, this book turned out to be a real disappointment for me. Those familiar with the ballet know of its unhappy conclusion. However, originally the ballet was written with a happy ending which was preserved in this edition. I am not against happy endings, but the way it was presented was too bare bones---no meat at all. Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, girl quickly forgives boy and they live happily ever after, the end. Both the narration and characters were flat and left me indifferent. Even Zwerger's illustrations lacked a certain something. I would recommend treating a child to Tchaikovsky's music than this work. For those wishing to enjoy Zwerger's superb art, as well as a captivating story should check out "Dwarf Nose", "The Wizard of Oz", "Alice in Wonderland", and if you are able to obtain them in an out-of-print shop, "The Deliverers of Their Country" and "The Nutcracker". ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Fun, delightful book
The story of Emma, the chicken, and her amazement and confusion at what the farmer and his family seem to expect from her and her eggs is a joy to read. It has a repeating catch-phrase of "No, no, no, Emma, that's NOT what you do with eggs!" that kids will enjoy saying along with you, and it turns around at the end to their joyfully exclamation of "Yes, yes, yes, Emma, THAT'S what you do with eggs!" The illustrations are a match for the story - Emma's facial expressions and body language make me want to smile every time. I highly recommend this book - I know my three-year old will want to hear this book for many years to come.

My daughter's new favorite book
Emma's Eggs is the cutest story of a chicken doing her best to please her owners. When she sees one of her eggs get scrambled, she tries to scramble the next one herself. Problem is, the farmer and his family are not pleased with her efforts. So it goes with each of her eggs, until she finally decides to sit on her egg and refuse to give it up. You can guess what happens with that final egg. The best line in the book: "Emma fitted on her nest like the lid on a cookie jar." The illustrations are wonderful; the expressions on Emma's face are priceless. This was an instant hit with my daughter, and she giggles every time she reads it. I highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

GOOD CLASSIC DONALD DUCK STORIES !
This is a good Donald Duck comic album. It's first and main story is called the Terror of the River and is about Donald and his nephews trying to fend off a pursuing "Sea Serpent" from their house boat in the Mississippi River. I thought this was a very good story. The second story is about Donald's misadventures trying to train seals when him and his nephews have a day at the beach. And the third and comical story is about Donald Duck being a camp counselor for the Junior Wood Chucks trying to show his "bravery and heroism." ... Read more

Amazon.com

Daisy is one darling duckling. But she does have a problem staying close to Mama Duck during their watery wanderings. "Come along, Daisy!" is the refrain of this simple, engaging picture book, as Mom tries to keep her distracted daughter under her wing: "But Daisy was bouncing on the lily pads." After all, Daisy has other fish to spy ... and frogs to play with. When "something big" stirs beneath her, and something screeches in the sky above, however, the dilly-dallying duckling hides in the reeds, shivering. What could that scary reed rustling be? Preschoolers will be delighted to discover it's only Mama Duck, once again asking her Daisy to come along.Jane Simmons's bold, bright illustrations are not only adorable, they are artfully composed. Youngsters ages 3 and older will be charmed and comforted by this sweet read-aloud about a mother's gentle protection.(Baby to preschool) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (13)

mother of a 2 1/2 year old
This book has been a favorite of my daugher's since she was 18 months old. She loves all the Daisy stories by Jane Simmons and requests them almost every night. The author has a wonderful way of making the story exciting for this age group. Her illustrations are marvelous. This book is a "must have" for all toddlers!

Daisy is delightful
Daisy is a lovely little duck, winsomely illustrated... and she just can't help exploring her world. As a result, she loses track of her momma. When she discovers her loss, she becomes fearful. The author has managed to portray the isolation of the little duck and the dangers around her in a very simple but vivid way. Happily, Daisy is united with her momma after a few pages; however, enough time lapses that my 2 year old son beomes anxious about Daisy and her predictament. We cannot read the text as written and we focus on the happy reunion at the end. Even then, he goes on and on (for hours) about "Daisy stay close to momma" as he clutches my hand.

If your child does not demonstrate any separation anxiety, this book will be probably be great for him or her at any age. However, you may want to wait until your child is old enough to be comfortable with the content before you read this book (unlike us). As Jane Simmons' illustrations of this little duck are not to be missed, check out her other books if you have concerns about this one.

Great story, good lesson, fun read!
This is such a great book for little ones. My 3 year old has enjoyed this book for quite some time now. There is a good lesson for Daisy (and your little ones) in that she learns not to wander from Mama Duck; something little 1-3 year olds are often learning themselves. The illustrations are lovely, and draw in the reader. My daughter is very interested in how things work out for little Daisy. I have even been called "Mama Duck" from time to time when she is snuggling up close, an endearing nickname my daughter picked up from this book. Very cute.
Jane Simmons has a way of keeping her stories simple enough for the little ones, yet interesting enough for the reader to read again and again. Nice work!

Beautiful
These books are a pleasure to read and to look at !

This series of books are the favourite with my 9 month old daughter and me ! We have been enjoying these books for about four months now. I even recite them to my little girl when we are out walking to squeals of delight.

I have borrowed a lot of books from the library, so you could say I have done a lot of "road testing". I find the Daisy series to be in a different league to everything else. The illustrations in the Daisy series are delightful and the words are like poetry.

We LOVE Daisy!
My two boys, 3 years and 15 months, absolutely adore this book. In fact, The little guy saw a Daisy picture in the art section at Target and went crazy until I figured out what he wanted. So now a picture of Daisy hangs in his bedroom. It was my first clue that there was more than one Daisy book. Now we are buying them all. We read this one about ten times a day! ... Read more

Book Description

If there's one thing Georgie Hall has always been, it's determined.

So when her stepcousins Eleanor and Eddy tell her that she can't fly, Georgie doesn't get discouraged -- she just tries harder She feels a peculiar lightness when she leaps from the top of the staircase, and is even more certain of her seemingly impossible ability when she jumps from the porch and soars to the rooftop before landing safely on the ground. And now that a mysterious Canada goose is visiting Georgie's window on a nightly basis, the Hall family begins to wonder just what Georgie is capable of....

Reviews (23)

Fledgling is fantastic
This book is so fantastic. It has all the qualities I consider appealing to non-committal fantasy readers. A young girl searching for something, a goose prince, a magic present and some characters that oppose all that the main character does. Georgie is a young girl who is a little out of the loop of day to day life, seeing as how she lives near a place called Walden pond, this is no surprise. Georgie starts believing that she can fly and actually injures herself a couple of times. Truth be told she really can with her goose prince who seems to have been drawn to Georgie. There is an awful lady who lives next door. She plants shrubbery with thorns on them to keep children out of her yard. She has seen Georgie flying and opposes this very much. This story becomes a tumult between nature and man , childhood beliefs and adulthood notions. I would highly recommend this book to any age person. In the begiining of the book there is a quote from Thoureau's Walden to bring the natural connection to this book even closer. There is more here than meets the eye.

A MUST READ book!
I loved this book. It's a story of a girl who discovers she could fly. One night when a Canada goose came to her window she climbed on its back and went off with him to learn how to really fly. But, Ralph wants to stop her from flying, he wants to stop the lovely Goose Prince from coming. Chelsea - 10 years old

boring plot, good charactors
I was awfully bored to read about a goose that flys a child across a pond. though the story had a nice idea, it wasn't captured well, it could have been s short simple book. But writing it as a short novel was a mistake. The only thing I enjoyed about this book is the charactors. Langton did an excellent job of making outstanding charactors, as as Uncle Freddy. Besides that, I most certainly don't recommend it.

I'm Flying!!!
The Fledgling

Book review by Maddie

I read the book The Fledgling, by Jane Langton. She illustrated and wrote it. The genre is fantasy, which I have much sympathy for. For it may be easy to just make up any old thing out of your head and write it down, but I have learned from writing fantasy books, (because they are my favorite genre) that having a limit of magical powers is important. Because if you say at the beginning of your brilliant story, "There was a guy named Henry. Henry was unpopular. The special thing about Henry was he could fly." Then later in your story you have Henry get stuck in an icky, dirty, dungeon and he can't reach the open window, then you have to change that. Because I bet the readers know or still remember that Henry can easily fly out the window.
This story is about a young girl named Georgie. Georgie thinks she knows how to fly. After finding out she can jump down twelve steps in two graceful bounds she's sure she can fly.
Then one night a Canadian goose appears outside her window. It seems like the bird is telling her, "Come, climb onto my back and I'll teach you how to really fly." It seemed to Georgie that the only thing to do was to climb on his white and black, fluffy and soft, back and have a fascinating adventure flying over the whole town.
She meets the goose every night. She seemed to trust his shiny, black eyes. Soon she's flying all by herself. But there's one problem, this terrible Ralph Preek will do anything to stop her goose from coming. Hunting season is coming up, Ralph Preek gets all hands on his gun... To see what happens next, you'll have to read this amazing, fantastic book!!!
The story takes place in a little town near Walden Pond. The geese are stopping at Walden Pond because that's part of their migration. Georgie lives at No.4o Walden Street.
Georgie is a very creative little girl that is not one of those fancy girls that walks around in a perfectly sewed velvet dress that doesn't have a speck of dirt on it. She's more casual type. She has a little "bush house" that she plays tea party in. The rocks are cups, the leaves make good seats, and the one big rock in the middle is the table.
Eleanor is a happy, determined young girl who never gives up. She cheers Georgie up, and even tries to get Georgie a friend. Eleanor still has her bad times too. She once made a beautiful yellow dress with orange spots on it. She was positive everyone at school would like her new dress!!! When she came home from school, she ripped her dress up and screamed, "A giraffe! I look like a giraffe! Robert Toby called me a giraffe!" (On page 115).
Eddy is a very supportive brother. He always seems to know what to say at the right time. When Georgie put to much frosting on the cake, Eddy says, "You can't have to much frosting on a cake!" (On page 115). Eddy always has a new way to look at things. One time Georgie jumps down the stairs, but she falls. Eddy then explains to her that nobody can fly, but you can leap. Then he shows her how to leap down the stairs.
This book is a very nicely written book. It really has a way to get to you. Like when it says, "and hunting season was over." You get a sigh of relief, because you know, "Yes! Now Ralph Preek can't kill the goose!" but then Ralph sets his watch five minutes slow so hunting season is still going! You become overwhelmed with things to say like, "That's not fair!" or, "That's against the law!" you get extremely intense. I think that shows a good book, because that must be hard to do.
Eleanor reminds me of my sister. Always standing up for me, and never scared to try something new. She can get mad, but she's mostly nice, just like Eleanor.
Georgie reminds me of Stanley, in the beginning of the book Holes. Stanley is unpopular and he doesn't have any friends. Georgie is really unpopular also, and she wouldn't even think of having friends.
Its funny, when I read the sentence "Hard work was something Miss Prawn knew how to do", on page 36, the first think I thought of was my mom and dad. They work their heads off taking impeccable care of me and three other children.
I don't think that you will ever find a book like this one, so if you want a good book to read, pick this one. Don't worry, it has an interesting ending, which is like no other book I've read, so I don't think I can relate to any other book. You'll have to read this supreme book that is definitely worth reading.

TO FLY: FAIRY OR SAINT?
Chalk up yet another book in the Kid and Bird category! Eight-year-old Georgie is small and spindly for her age; she looks much younger and even insists that she can fly! Her attempts using the stairs to launch her slender frame into space cause her family (mother, step-father and half siblings) great concern--enough to lead the teenagers to privately form the Georgie Protection Society.

When a flock of migrating Canadian geese takes up temporary residence at Walden Pond, she feels an unexplained but special affinity with an old, single gander.
The proud loner spots her red hair and tries to make friendly contact with one of humankind's most receptive ambassadors. In her own childish mind she names him the Goose Prince.

But other eyes and spying and prying into their private dream world: the snooty new neighbor, Miss Madeline Prawan, who plants plastic roses in her garden! Her boss at the bank, Mr. Ralph Preek, is even worse; he wages an unreasonable but deadly vendetta against the old goose, who is not only harmless, but seems to want to bestow a special gift upon this unqiue child.

Can the GPS foil the cruel intentions of enemies of the Goose Prince? Will this little girl really be able to fly, or is it just a a hallucination: if she has lost touch with reality, how about the adults who savor the hunting season? Can profit be made if she turns out to be some kind of levitating saint? And just what is the unique present which the old goose finds, to later share with his flying companion? A curious fantasy for young readers, who will actually learn something about Henry David Thoreau, who immortalized Concord's Walden Pond. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

A nice compilation of hard to find material...
This is a nice, thick chunk of reprinted comics from the heyday of the Dell Walt Disney duck comics by Carl Barks. The book actually collects into a single volume four of the smaller out-of-print Gladstone Comic Album series, the same series that you can still find ... although the issues reprinted here are not--to my knowledge--offered individually on this site.
In this volume you will find some classic Carl Barks stories featuring Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge including "The Land Beneath the Ground," "Sheriff of Bullet Valley," "Only a Poor Old Man (which I have heard referred to as 'Money Lake'," as well as many short Donald Duck stories know collectively as the "Mastery" stories. All of the major works are by Barks and, unless I am mistaken, all but one of the shorter stories is by Barks as well.
Bottom line: This is a good, comprehensive collection of Duck Material and worth considering. ... Read more

Book Description

A leaking roof? A window stuck? These are jobs for... Fix-It Duck!

He's got his tools. He's smart-he's strong. What can possibly go wrong?

But Duck is up to his old tricks. Now who'll end up in a fix?

Jez Alborough's inimitable Duck first appeared in Duck in the Truck.

Reviews (3)

My favorite, my childrens favorite.
This book is wonderful - it has my 3 and 4 year old girls rolling with laughter. They know all the rhymes and and sometimes say them before me.

We have had it almost a year and they still want to read it all the time. Fortunately it reads aloud so well that I am happy to oblige.

Fix-It Duck
A great read-aloud for preschool through 2nd grade (at least). I love the way Jez Alborough has used the pages so creatively by varying the drawing "frames" and the text "boxes." Kids will love how Duck fearlessly bumbles through trying to fix one thing and then another, making things worse and worse. The tension builds throughout the book until the surprise ending. Make sure you carefully examine the two-page spreads at the beginning and end of the book. The first sets the stage for what's to come, and the last one gives closure to the story. It reminds me of WATCH OUT, BIG BRO' IS COMING! by the perspective used in the pictures, and the surprise ending.

Watch Out...Here Comes Fix-It Duck.....
"Plop! goes the drip that drops in the cup. Duck looks down and Duck looks up. A leak in the roof. Oh, what bad luck! This is a job for...FIX-IT DUCK." Now, how to fix that roof. It's way too high to reach, so he drives over to his friend, Sheep's house to borrow a ladder. While there, he hears a "rattle, creak, and squeak." Sheep's window is stuck. Never fear...this is a job for Fix-It Duck. "He does what he can to close up the gap. He glues it, screws it, and gives it a tap." SMASH..... And so begins an entertaining chain of events story that will have little ones giggling as Fix-It Duck causes one mishap after another while trying to "help" his friends. Jez Alborough's lilting, rhyming text is engaging, and filled with energy, rhythm, and humor. Bold, bright, and busy cartoon artwork adds just the right touch to this hilarious misadventure, and sharp readers will notice the source of Duck's leaky roof trouble on the endpapers and title page (a running bathtub faucet), and will revel in the fact that they're in on the joke. Perfect for preschoolers, Fix-It Duck is a wonderful, manic romp that begs to be shared and read aloud, and a terrific sequel to Mr Alborough's Duck In The Truck. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent Lift-the-flap book for Todder
Like the Maisy book, Lucy Cousins used vibrant colors and bold black outlines to present the Katy Cat. My 2.75 years old son loves this book much more than Maisy books. It teaches the concept of shapes, pattern, numbers and colors. The items under the flaps always give a surprise. For example, when you lift up a flap with prickly in shape, you will see a porcupine. My son loves the last page very much. After lifting the flap about the number of animals / insects, he would go to the opposite page to hunt for the exact number of creatures. Compared with Maisy, I found Katy Cat book is more educational and fun. Quite disappointed that there is only a few Katy Cat books.

All-in-one.
"Katy Cat and Beaky Boo" has all you need to stimulate your child's speaking-ability: well-known things and animals to name, numbers, colours, patterns, sizes, acts, prepositions, a short and simple text, and it can all be combined. I use the book every day in my work as a speak- therapist working with children suffering from dysphasia. They love reading it and lifting the flaps (which are mended more than once!) and they want to return to it even when we have had other exciting things on the programme. (My own 8-year-old daughter broke the code of reading knowing this book by heart, and it's the book she prefers to read aloud to a younger friend.) The drawing-manner is simple yet recognizable, the colours clear and cheerful. As a grown-up reader you're amused by its artful humour. Every time you read it you experience a new conversation with your young co-reader, still on a higher level. The pace in respect of the child. If you'll buy only one book for your young child, this should be the one.

Excellent Toddler Book
My 2 1/2 year old still loves this book. We've had it since she was around 18 months although I think it would be a good book for even younger babies. The book takes you through a series of comparisons that show Katy Cat doing something on the left hand page and a series of lift the flaps on the right hand page that ask you to find an analogy for Beaky Boo. One example is 'Katy Kat lives in a house' (the page features a very animated picture of Katy in her house) on the opposite page it asks where Beaky Boo lives. Each flap shows some type of living structure and underneath the animal that lives in each structure. Your child will enjoy the book on different levels as they get older. My daughter by now has memorized where Beaky Boo is on each page and gets a kick out of uncovering it as quickly as possible. It's also a good exposure to some uncommon animals. Lucy expands beyond the standard farm collection and includes things like sardines and squirrels. It also has sprinkles of color matching, counting and similarity choices. But the best thing about it is it's fun to read (Katy Kat and Beaky Boo just kind of roll off the tongue) so you won't get bored as they say 'again, mommy, again' ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Want to try Scrooge...? Buy THIS one first!
This is the first Scrooge story I had ever read (and first Carl Barks story as well) and I couldn't have had a better introduction to the talent of the Duck Man. Although I had read this story first in "Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge: His Life and His Times", this edition is just as good of a read (I prefered the coloring job for this particular story in "Life and Times", although generally I prefer the color in the Gladstone reprint volumes.) Excellent artwork, a well-orchestrated storyline, and an appropriate and clever ending makes this a thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended reading experience. Also includes a Gyro Gearloose story.

There is no one like Carl Barks!
This book is one of the finest Barks' comic books ever made. The story brings you to the Klondike and the beginning of Uncle Scrooge's career and also introduces his one and only girl friend. The whole story builds around Scrooge's thrift and the lure for more riches and has a surprising ending! It is definetly a must for all people who like humor, a good story and great images.

Great book by the Duck Man (Carl Barks)
A Graet book A realy must have A there is only one word that says how graet it is and that word is GREAT ... Read more

Book Description

Uncle Scrooge legally loses all of his money to the Beagle Boys. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

More good Uncle Scrooge stories
This comic includes two long Uncle Scrooge stories with a one page short at the end and another one page short in the middle. In the first story Uncle Scrooge purchases the world's only supply of bombastium at an auction. While his scientists search for a use for the substance, Scrooge and his nephews rush off to Antarctica to put the Bombastium in guaranteed safe keeping, since the substance will evaporate if not constantly kept frozen. While on their journey, Scrooge and his nephews are pursued by sinister agents from the country of Brutopia, who want the Bombastium too. The second story is about Scrooge and his nephews trying to get a large payment of gold back from Bantu while trying to avoid the pursuing Beagle Boys. If you like any of the Disney ducks or Disney comics, you should enjoy this one.

Excellent
This collection has a variety of Scrooge comics that will entertain you all ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Look At Me!
My son (3 years old) received this book as a gift and it is one of our favourites to read together. I think the rhythm of the book makes it easy to read out loud and the pictures are very interesting and fun to look at. I recommend this book and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Teacher from Texas
This is a delightful story about a mischievious little penguin and his adventures. My students loved this story and so did I.

My Least Favorite Penguin Book
Being an avid penguin collector, I have many, many penguin books, but this is definitely my least favorite. The story is about a grown-up penguin telling a group of little penguins what will happen if they do things they shouldn't. In the meantime, one of the little penguins is doing all these things. Even though the story the Nanny penguin tells is supposed to be exciting, I found it a little on the boring side. I do like the pictures; they are bright and pleasant to look at. However, the rest of the story is, in my opinion, somewhat lacking. True, it does have a well-developed plot line, but it just did not seem very thrilling at all. Younger children might like it, say maybe through kindergarten, but the rest would probably not. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

"Harry's parents and friends think he's crazy because he acts out the rich

fantasies of his 10-year-old imagination. And when his eccentric American uncle

dies and leaves Harry a parrot named Madison (Mad), they're convinced of it. A

believable, satisfying animal fantasy, with memorable characterizations and

playful humor...a sprightly read-aloud."--Publishers Weekly




... Read more

Reviews (11)

Madison
The book I am going to talk about is called Harry's Mad. It is an adventurous book. There are two main characters. The first character is Harry he is a blonde hair boy and he has black eyes. He is ten years old and has no brothers or sisters. He lives with his parents. The second character is an African parrot with gray and black eyes and has a dark gray beak.
They live in a famous city called London. The story takes place in November. Harry got a parrot from his uncle who passed away and whom he never met. Harry went out with his mom and a robber break in. The robber robs Mad and Harry couldn't find Mad. The parrot flew away from the robber. At last Harry and Mad meet again.
I recommend you read this book because it is incredibly, exciting, and interesting.

Is Harry Really Mad?
Harry's Mad, a breath taking animal fantasy, by a clever author, Dick King-smith is a tremendous tale. Harry is a young fun-loving boy who received an intelligent, gray, African parrot from his Great-Uncle George who passed away. Madison, or Mad for short, is a strange parrot that can talk and provide help like no other bird, but strangers can't hear this secret or Mad is in trouble. Harry, the owner of this amazing bird, worries when Mad is stolen and kidnapped by a burglar. Harry and his parents send out descriptions in the newspaper and try many things. Nobody knows what happened until...
This book takes place in a variety of places in London, Harry's house, White Hart Lane, and Trafalgar Square. I would definitely recommend this perfect parrot book any time. It is full of good descriptions and has funny and smart scenes.

My favorite children's book
I first read this book at age 14 and since then I have read it over and over! The first thing that made me interested in this book was Madison, an african grey parrot. I had a pair of Red Sided Eclectus parrots before and I thought this book would help me remember them in a way. While reading this book, I felt an enormous amount of joy, even my sister who has a "strange" sence of humor laughed once and a while when I told her sections of the book. Not only does this book begin and end with happiness, it also has a surprise twist. I'm not telling :)
Suspence is also brought in that would make younger ones literally asking for more and more as you read this book to them. This book is on my top 10 list along with some of my favorites from other authors, such as Charles Dicken's "Great Expectations". Great book, I give it 7 stars...oh wait I can only go up to 5. Darn!

an AWESOME book
I chose this book because in the past I read another book by the same author. This book takes place in Paris, France. There are four main characters. The characters are Mom, Dad, Madison, the African Gray Parrot. I like Madison the most because he can talk and play more games than the average parrot, and because madison is the center of the whole story. The story begins when Harry inherits an African Gray Parrot, named Madison, from his Great Uncle George. harry spends much time with the parrot, and becomes attached to him. One day, when no one was home, a burglar breaks in and steals Madison. While Madison is at the robber's house alone, he calls the police. The policeman could not believe what madison told him because Madison's stoy was unbelievable. Madison had even told the police man that he was 9 inches tall. Later in the story Madison manages to pry a hole in the chimney and get away. Going up the chimney he got covered in suit and could not fly. Then you should read the book to see what happens next. I thoght this was a great story. i would reccomend this book to you to read

Parrots!
Did you know that a parrot that can talk??
The main character is Harry is a British boy who has brown hair and likes to eat American brownies. Madison the parrot is his favorite pet. He is very active, imaginative, and likes to daydream a lot.
Madison is a main character too. He is an intelligent African Gray male parrot, raised up in America. Madison enjoys eating food taken by people. He not only mimics with human voice, he speaks with an American accent and is also able to use telephone. Madison favorite game is monopoly.
The setting of this bock is from London. When Harry received Mad (short form for Madison) from Great Uncle George's will, he thought he is just an ordinary bird. When Harry came to know that it could talk, He kept it a secret from his parents. Very often, Harry would go into fits of giggles, falling about clutching his stomach and howling with laughter. Both his parents thought sometimes that. Harry is very mad.
After a few weeks, Harry revealed his secret to his parents. From then on, it seemed to the whole family that they had never been a time without Madison even the cat and the dog thought so too. Madison is also a walking dictionary because he helps Mr. Holdworth to think about the puzzle sheet and amazingly, he eats together with the family-using spoon. He knows how to cook by giving Harry's mother some recipes, teaches Harry in his English homework, plays chess and even monopoly with the family.
One day, while Mrs. Holdswoth went shopping, Harry in school and his father is in work, a burglar broke into the house and took Madison away. Will our hero find his way back home or will he die or been sold to a faraway parrot shop?
I will recommend this book because without a talkative parrot is very boring. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent!
This is a story about how Donand finds a golden helmet that allows the owner to legally possess North America! The Gilded Man is from the legendary city of El Dorado ... Read more