Book Description

Reviews (3)

A calm and lovely view of Appalachia
Author Cynthia Rylant and illustrator Barry Moser were both reared in Appalachia, and they are completely in sync on this book. The calm, clear-eyed text and the evocative watercolor paintings balance and enhance each other beautifully.

Rylant doesn't shy away from the harder truths of Appalachian living. About coal mining, she writes, "Many [Appalachians] are coal miners because the mountains in Appalachia are full of coal which people want and if you are brave enough to travel two miles down into solid dark earth to get it, somebody will pay you money for your trouble." On the facing page from this plainspoken truth is a haunting Barry Moser watercolor of a green-clad coal miner, his eyes weary and his skin gritty with coal dust, his lunchpail resting beside him.

The beauties come through, too. Rylant writes, "Morning in these houses in Appalachia is quiet and full of light and the mountains out the window look new, like God just made them that day." Throughout the book is a sense of quiet and purpose and appreciation for a way of life most of us will never know. It's a moving and transfixing read.

Appalachia: The Voices of Sleeping Birds
Cynthia Rylant has once again captured the true spirit of the Appalachian culture. Her descriptions are right on target. Many of us, who live in this wild and wonderful country, know folks just like those she introduces to us in all of her stories. The significance of this book, for me, is to keep alive the warm, wonderful spirit of this amazing culture she so colorfully shares with readers. I'm giving this book to children and adults as well.

A Different World!
This book is wonderful! I read it to my class to help them understand what life was like in the Appalachian Mountains compared to their life in Chicago. My students were spell-bound, held by the wonderful descriptions and beautiful illustrations. They really understood that there are many different cultures within our nation! ... Read more

Book Description

This is one of the seven numbered collections of Walt Disney comic albums published by Gladstone. Each volume represents from two to four albums that were part of Gladstone Publishing's regular and giant monthlies that came out during the years 1988-1990. This volume contains the 4 albums; Uncle Scrooge:Hawaiian Hideaway, Donald and Daisy, Mickey Mouse: The World of Tomorrow,and Donald Duck Adventures: Ancient Persia. ... Read more

Book Description

Join in a playful exploration of language while voyaging to opposite ends of the world to observe the natural habitats of Icelandic puffins and Antarctic penguins. Rhyming text and striking photographs illuminate the graceful daily rituals of these two exotic birds. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Outstanding photography and facts about penguins and puffins
This is one of the best factual books about animals I have seen for young children. The photographs are outstanding, and the rhyme scheme is perfect for the youngest child. However, there is enough new and interesting information to intrigue older children -- and even the adult who gets to read it over and over again! If you thought you knew the differences between puffins and penguins, you need to read this book with your kids! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very good
good book. when Lee J. Ames draws with someone else it is a bit harder. still easy and fun. ... Read more

Book Description

"Quick, Quack, quick!" his mama urges, but Quack is still the slowest

duckling in the barnyard.Nothing can make him hurry.Then, one day, Cat

comes a-hunting, and Quack's less than lickety-split ways help save the day.




... Read more

Reviews (2)

A "Must Read" For Young Children
This is the all-time favorite for my toddler... within the pages you'll laugh, you'll love, you'll hold your breath, you'll cheer! McCue's illustrations are (as always) second to none. Somehow she makes the little characters jump to life from the pages, and they often times land right in your heart. Here's a book you'll want to buy for every little one on your list!

Quaky book
This is a cute book about Quack, a little duckling who is always last. Eventhough my daughter is only two, she loves this story and the heroic ending. This book is wonderfully illustrated and is perfect for the Step 2 reader. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

I get goosebumps...
everytime I read this story. This is my favorite Christmas story of all time. As a third grade teacher, I always save this book for the last day before vacation. When Opus flies through the water to save the day for Santa and his sleigh, I can see the wonderment in my students' eyes as they are hoping ( as I am) that he will make it. A happy ending that makes us laugh along with Opus and all his bowtied, feathered friends. I highly recommend this book for all ages- a feel good story!

Opus is the best
Berkeley Breathed has some of the most richly animated stories I've ever seen. I owned this book for a couple of years before I realized how great the illustrations in this book were. After working in a primary school library and reading various stories to the little kids, I realized that Breathed's books were far superior to most of the others. The detail and color present in this story takes a back seat to only the story itself. This is, perhaps, the best Christmas story I've read, and it's one that children really respond to. Who can't relate to feeling inferior to others and wanting to be different? Opus has this problem. He's a penguin who wants to fly. It's not until his unique talents are needed that his dreams of flying can come true.

The story has a great compliment of characters including: Bill the Cat, some snow ducks, and Ronald Ann. They all (in some way) try to help Opus, but the help comes from the least likely source. This is a great story that children will love to hear every year, and one that the parents will look forward to hearing every year. It's not trite and it's not purile. It's a good story with great pictures that should be in everyone's library.

A tale about Christmas, wishes and reality
This is a delightful tale about Christmas, wishes and reality. Opus the penguin laments the fact that he cannot fly like the snow ducks. Therefore, he writes a letter to Santa Claus asking for wings that work. Before going to bed on the night before Christmas, he tells a snow duck that he will be flying on Christmas morning. However, as Santa is making his rounds, there is a malfunction of the sleigh connections and the sleigh is disconnected from the pulling reindeer. Santa's sleigh begins to sink in a cold, icy lake and Opus is awakened.
He dives into the lake and swims like he never swam before. Clutching a towrope in his beak, he pulls the sleigh to land. Santa then tells him "I see no penguins here, whose wings only sputter. Tonight it was courage that flew yours beyond others." The next morning a group of snow ducks arrives and carries Opus into the air.
The moral of the story is that when we are wishing for new skills or possessions, we should never lose sight of the value of that we already have. It is done very well and fits well into the general spirit of the Christmas season.

Super!
This is a very good book. irecomend it for All Parents,espacialy those with 5-year -olds.

A Wish For Wings That Work
A Wish for Wings that Work is a story about a penguin named Opus. Opus is a penguin that wants to fly but as a bird and a penguin he is unable to. Opus discovers in this story that you don't need wings to fly and that even tough he can't fly to help Santa he can still save the day. This book is extremely well written and a sure read at bed time. This story has a very good plot that teaches a good lesson of that you should use what you have been given and not to want something you can't have. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Historic but dissapointing first...
While this Duck book is significant as not only the first 'original' Donald Duck comic-book but also as the first Duck work by Carl Barks (he did not write it and drew only part of it) it is a dissapointing read, especially when compared with the far better Donald Duck or Uncle Scrooge books which followed. Adapted from an unproduced Disney animated film, the pacing is slow and the story, unexciting and uninvolving. I found it very tedious to get through. Better to pick this one up after you've read the good stuff (especially try the Uncle Scrooge story "Back to the Klondike" to see what I mean.)

Get it while you can!
"Reading level: Baby-Preschool"!? Try "Preschool-Deathbed." Most people might smirk at the idea of "Disney Comics," but legendary cartoonist Carl Barks imbued Donald and Uncle Scrooge with life, warmth, energy, and adventure. This is great reading for even the most cynical (who will delight in the fact that Barks got away with giving substance to Disney's cookie-cutter characters for decades). But Gemstone's contract with Disney has expired, and negotiations are under way. Barks has been getting a lot of attention in recent years (particularly since his death at the age of 99 last year), and Disney may decide to bring him "back into the fold." But they would never treat the work with the respect with which Gemstone has, and which it deserves. My recommendation: snatch up anything you can find with Carl Bark's name on it before it goes out of print (which might be very soon). Enjoy it yourself, and save it for your children (or nieces and nephews) and grandchildren (or grandnieces and grandnephews). Just don't let the little whipper-snappers damage the merchandise! ... Read more

Book Description

Honk if you love Borka!

Burningham’s classic first picture book: Borka: The Adventures of a Goose with no Feathers.

“Once upon a time there were two geese called Mr and Mrs Plumpster.”

Each Spring they returned to the marshes of their ancestors, and Mrs Plumpster laid her eggs. Soon six fine young Plumpsters hatched: Archie, Freda, Jennifer, Oswald, Timothy and Borka. But Borka was different. Borka had no feathers and could not fly. When winter came, the other geese flew off in search of warmer climates, leaving Borka all alone. But his adventure was only just beginning. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

One of the best Books I've read
This is a book no-one could forgot.The adorably cute story about a young goose called Borka who, when born is without feathers.She is very unusuall so her parents call the goose doctor and his mother ends upknitting some feathers for Borka.Borka becomes upset and is teased andignored by the other geese.The time comes when all the geese fly away andforget and leave Borka behind. Later on she comes across some boats andbecomes friends with one of the Captains.She travells far with him toLondon were she is placed in a park with geese that like and love her andshe lives happily ever after! . ... Read more

Book Description

The Ultimate North American Birds Sticker Book contains more than 60 reusable stickers of a variety of birds from majestic golden eagles to delicate and tiny ruby throated hummingbirds. Children will love creating their own picture book using these beautiful images of our fine feathered friends! ... Read more

Book Description

This legend is a story of the deep love that stays forever and ever in the sound of the loon that calls across the northern lakes.The Legend of the Loon is the story of a magical grandmother and her cherished relationship with her grandchildren.2001 Children's Choice Award. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Every Grandmothers Book!
Great revelation! Grandmothers throughout the world should be such a guardian for their precious children. Warms my heart, and passes on great love from one generation to the next. Outstanding prose and melodic writing, great for young and old.

Charming story
I read this story to my grandchildren today, and they loved it! We live on a lake where loons nest, and their call has always captivated us. I don't think I have ever heard a more beautiful tale that this one! My grandchildren are now calling every loon they see "grandmother lom". This story will be read again and again.

beautiful to read and view
Mr.VanFranknhuzen was in our area schools in Clinton Township for 5 days this spring and used his wonderful books as lessons for the children to draw. He was so good with the kids the time just flew. One of the things he shared with us was about the "secrets" of the Loon book. He told us how much fun he had painting hidden loons in almost all the paintings and the children as well as the adults had fun trying to find them all. I don't think we succeeded but we're still looking. The magical story in combination with the beautiful paintings are a joy to read and see. We wait anxiously for your next legend. Thank you.

The Legend of the Loon
The legend of the Loon by Kathy-Jo Wargin is another one of her great legends. Although it doesn't specifically mention Michigan it certainly could be. The grandmother becomes concerned when her grandchildren go out in a boat and are late coming back. The children are lost and finally find their way back by following the loon. Grandma turned into the loon to show them the way back to safety. Great for older kids, although our younger ones enjoy the story as well. ... Read more

Book Description

Citizens of Saddleboro are proud to say that theirs is the cleanest town around. So they can't ignore the mysterious death of their mascot, Cock Robin. Some people would like to blame the citizens themselves, but one boy-Tony Isidoro -- suspects there's more to the story.

Tony threads his way through a maze of clues: Among other things, the town park is overrun with trillions of ants; nights are quiet because there are no frogs singing; the nearby river contains a dangerous amount of an unknown chemical; and the town dump is emitting strange fumes. What does it all add UP to? It's an eco mystery all right, and it's up to Tony to figure out who really killed Cock Robin.

Reviews (2)

An Eco-Mystery
Environmentalist, ecologist, naturalist, and writer Jean Craighead George, the Rachel Carson for children, will win her audiences once again with this story. The plot revolves around Tony Isidoro, a young biologist who is bent on solving the mystery of the death of his hometown's feathered mascot, Cock Robin. As he uncovers assorted clues strung throughout the town--chemical activity, sudden loss of frogs and birds--Tony must try to convince his naive neighbors that not just one thing is responsible for the bird's death, but many imbalances in the town's ecosystem, which everyone is convinced is the cleanest around. Since it's an eco-mystery, the story is grippingly told in the style of a crime investigation. From the beginning you want to know Who Really Killed Cock Robin: "Cock Robin lay on his back with his feet in the air. . .It was seven minutes past six A.M. on the twenty-fourth day of May. He was dead." There are endless possiblities for the cause of the bird's death, and at times it's a bit unrealistic when Tony immediately dismisses some types of poisons and investigates others. Younger kids may have no idea what DDT, PCB, and 2,4,5-T are, though the author does try to explain them. However, the story, the dedication--"To sunshine, clear water, and sparkling skies and to the kids who are cleaning up the Earth"--and Ms. George's supportive Author's Note in the new paperback version will surely inspire kids to clean up their environment and veer away from the use of harmful, chemical-containing products. If one enjoys this Eco-Mystery, check out the others in the series--THE CASE OF THE MISSING CUTTHROATS; THE FIRE BUG CONNECTION; and THE MISSING 'GATOR OF GUMBO LIMBO. Don't forget Jean Craighead George's eighty or so other remarkable stories--the Julie of the Wolves books, the My Side of the Mountain trilogy, the One Day series. . .the list goes on and on. Each book will deepen readers' respect for nature and our beautiful but threatened planet.

Cock robin is a bird "killed" by something in the enviroment
Very well written, not so deep so that kids can't understand it. It is unique in that it doesn't lecture or preach, like many ecological books. ... Read more

Book Description

When Luba helps a frightened wren, it promises to grant all of her wishes. "I am content, I have no wish," Luba says-at first. Then Luba's parents convince her to ask for a bigger house. After that, they want an estate, and later, they ask for a palace. With the granting of each wish Luba hopes her parents will be satisfied, but instead they only want more. Where will it end? This Russian version of The Fisherman and His Wife masterfully illustrates the rewards of simplicity and the dangers of greed.

"Polacco's freely brushed watercolors are bright with decorative borders, richly patterned clothing, and exotic onion domes." (Booklist) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A wonderful version of a classic tale
Polacco's book is a time honored theme, this retelling from the Ukraine. When Luba saves the Wren's life her parents insist she return to ask for a favor. The parents never seem to be satisfied and send Luba back time and time again. In the end the parents are returned to the happy couple they were when they started.This book can be successfully compared with any of the many available versions of the Fisherman and His Wife but also contains elements from The Stonecutter -- another tale available in several versions. Sometimes those with seemingly little power/wealth think other situations would make them a different person or happier. And when they do obtain power their humility is lost. Satisfaction seldom comes when one has not earned that power or wealth. Polacco's wonderously beautiful watercolors brings this theme into the full vision of readers. A delightfully new twist on a classic tale. ... Read more

Book Description

Editor’s Choice, Science Books & Films Date: May/June 2001

The Peregrine’s Journey: A Story of Migration is based on the migration of a real female peregrine falcon that was tracked via satellite telemetry by the U.S. Wildlife Service from its summer residence in Alaska to its wintering grounds in Argentina, over 8,000 miles away.The author begins the book by describing the events in September that signal the peregrine that it is time to migrate.When the bird begins her migration, she tells how she uses instinct and her excellent eyesight to identify mountains and rivers that guide her on her way south. The migration requires a lot of energy and exposes the peregrine to numerous dangers.The author tells how the peregrine eats pigeons, doves and other prey and how she bathes herself after eating a messy meal.Since migration is tiring, the peregrine stops on the Texas coast to rest and to build up a reserve of energy for her long flight over the Gulf of Mexico.During her first night over the water, she perches on a ship’s mast to rest.A few days later, she flies over Guatemala and then Panama.Along the way, she joins other peregrines on their way south and a flock of Swainson’s and broad-winged hawks flying the same route.From Panama, she flies over the ocean to Colombia and then on to Brazil.As she nears the end of her journey, she begins to fly fewer miles each day.One night in Bolivia, she is lucky and does not wind up being dinner for a great horned owl.Finally, the falcon arrives in Argentina; where she will stay until next March, when she migrates back to Alaska. This well-illustrated, well-written book provides a wealth of information about peregrine falcons, bird migration, and predator-prey relationships.It would be an excellent addition to a school library or to a child’s personal library.I recommend The Peregrine’s Journal highly.

—James W. Kessler, Spring, TX ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great book for geography, ecology, biology education
I found this book to be an excellent read-along book for 5-9 year olds.Behind the lovely writing style and beautiful pictures is a plot that invites lots of questions from kids about many different subjects.(And that's the way they learn!) The book follows the migration of peregrine falcons from the arctic, through the tropics and all the way to the sub-antarctic of Argentina. It was obviously well researched, yet it is not stuffy - it has heart!Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

Black is beautiful, uh-huh!

Long ago, Blackbird was voted the most beautiful bird in the forest. The other birds, who were colored red, yellow, blue, and green, were so envious that they begged Blackbird to paint their feathers with a touch of black so they could be beautiful too. Although Black-bird warns them that true beauty comes from within, the other birds persist and soon each is given a ring of black around their neck or a dot of black on their wings -- markings that detail birds to this very day.

Coretta Scott King Award-winner Ashley Bryan's adaptation of a tale from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia reso-nates both with rhythm and the tale's universal meanings -- appreciating one's heritage and discovering the beauty within. His cut-paper artwork is a joy. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Book for Everyone
The Reader from Texas could not be more wrong. This is so far from being a "racist" book that the criticism doesn't even make sense. This is an incredibly beautiful story that, emphatically, CANNOT be reduced to a "skin color" story --- it's a metaphor for any and every sort of difference, and how sharing what we have makes us all more beautiful. This is a very simple yet moving story, and to criticize it because the bird is "only admired for being black" is to miss the point. To quote C.S. Lewis in another context, someone so blind who could read this book as racist "could look all over the sky at high noon on a clear day and not see the sun." Ashley Bryan is a genius, a consummate story-teller --- I have seen him perform many, many times -- and I have never seen anyone better able to bring together, in complete joy, audiences of every color of the rainbow and every age. A beautiful, beautiful book!

A big letdown!
When I bought Beautiful Blackbird, I anticipated a story that would capture my heart. I was extremely disappointed. The "black is beautiful and every other color is not" theme comes through loud and clear. Never in the story is the blackbird admired for anything other than his color. Fortunately, he agrees to share it by painting black brew onto the other birds who then celebrate their "black" spots. If it was intended to be a story that brings readers together, it has sadly missed the mark because it reeks of racism.

Blackbird power
No picture book could possibly proclaim that "Black is beautiful" any better than this. A splendid mélange of color and cut outs, "Beautiful Blackbird" is the story of how the birds of the world got their black spots and stripes. It's not too dissimilar from Rudyard Kiplings Just-So story of "How the Leopard Got Its Spots" in this way. When all the multi-colored birds of Africa beg blackbird (the most beautiful of all the birds) to paint some black on them, the able creature readily agrees. Thus, the world today is filled with birds of every shape and color, all touched by black in some way.

No need to go digging for a metaphor here. The chorus sung by the happy aviary ranges from, "Blackbird is the most beautiful one" to "Black is beautiful, uh-huh!". And these birds know how to dance too. Here's a lyric from their party:

"Tip tap toe to the left, spin around,
Toe tap tip to the right, stroke the ground.
Wings flip-flapping as you glide,
Forward and backward in a Show Claws Slide".

As always, I must warn you that if you intend to read this book to children you must have at least one musical or rhythmic bone in your body. This book sports a bouncy catchy beat. To deny it is to deny much of the nature of the book itself. A great resource for those parents that want to make it very clear from the beginning that black is the most beautiful color of them all. It's a color readily shared, though, as Blackbird himself points out, "Just remember, whatever I do, I'll be me and you'll be you". ... Read more

Book Description

Tacky the penguin goes windsurfing and ends up on a tropical island, captive to an elephant who, upon seeing Tacky's floral Hawaiian shirt, mistakes him for a bouquet of flowers. The elephant thinks that Tacky would make a pretty centerpiece, so she arranges him in a vase and sets him on her table. Tacky is going to have to use all of his best penguin moves to get himself out of this hilarious jungle mix-up. Tacky's fans are sure to delight in the show. Only the team of Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger could pull off a tale of such far-fetched adventure. They are masters at the art of creating silly stories and beloved characters that make children laugh out loud. This latest tale about Tacky will be a hard one to keep on the shelves. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Cute!
This book is definitely not as good as the first one, but it is still cute. I love Tacky, and seeing what he was up to was great! A good read for anyone!

Tacky in Trouble
A very fun read with your child. Tacky the penguin goes ice surfing and lands in Africa, where he meets an elephant. Tacky and his new friend have a fun filled dinner time adventure while Tacky tries to prove that he is really a penguin and not a bouquet of flowers! My children and I both got a big laugh out of this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Mama Duck is playing hide-and-seek with her ducklings. As fast as youcan say one, two, three, they find hiding spots. Except for DawdleDuckling, that is. He takes his time . . . and gets some help from hisfriends. Turtle, Frog, and Fish all suggest that he hide behind them.But they're much smaller than Dawdle Duckling. And Mama Duck is aboutto come looking. How can our hero win the game?

Ollie, ollie, in free! This is a happy, funny tale of friendship,cooperation, and the joy of play-a terrific companion to DawdleDuckling, which Kirkus Reviews called "just right for thepreschool set" and Publishers Weekly dubbed "immenselysatisfying." ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Charming!
Toni Buzzeo and Margaret Spengler have done it again!This companion to DAWDLE DUCKLING shares another afternoon with our friend Dawdle Duckling.Young children will love this lyrical romp with Dawdle, his siblings, mother, and helpful friends.My not-so-young children love the puffed-up bullfrog.My favorite touch is Dawdle's hat, with its flipped up brim providing the perfect air of insouciance to match Dawdle's dawdling ways.

Where is Dawdle Now??
What a fun romp, looking for our favorite Dawdle Ducking.He's trying to hide from Mama Duck.He finds friends - a turtle, a frog, a fish - to help him. "Ollie, ollie, in free;" Mama says, but will she ever find Dawdle?Young children (and their readers) will love this hide-and-seek tale, the pictures, the language, and the little ducky hats, as Dawdle tries to hide from Mama. ... Read more

Book Description

How do you keep a crowd of energetic young penguins entertained? Put on a play, perhaps? But will they pay attention through an entire performance? If Tacky"s center stage, they might. Even in his flowing blond wig and little red "skipping shoes," everyone"s favorite misfit penguin imbues the character of Goldilocks with his own indomitable personality and style. So what if the set is in shambles? This is one performance Mrs. Beakly"s students won"t soon forget. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Could be better
Not funny or interesting enough. Kind of cute but could be cuter and not a wordy. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

How do owls see so well at night? Where do they stay during the daytime? Why are their eyes so big? Renowned artist and naturalist Jim Arnosky answers these and many more questions in this wondrous introduction to owls. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful Resource!
I've used All About Owls in creating lesson plans on the food chain and owls. This book includes easy-to-understand text and wonderful illustrations. ... Read more