Book Description

One rat, popping up here and there, squeaking loudly, and taking a bath in the cream, could be a plague all by himself. After a few days of this, it was amazing how glad people were to see the kid with his magical rat pipe. And they were amazing when the rats followed hint out of town.

They'd have been really amazed if they'd ever found out that the rats and the piper met up with a cat somewhere outside of town and solemnly counted out the money.

The Amazing Maurice runs the perfect Pied Piper scam. This streetwise alley cat knows the value of cold, hard cash and can talk his way into and out of anything. But when Maurice and his cohorts decide to con the town of Bad Blinitz, it will take more than fast talking to survive the danger that awaits. For this is a town where food is scarce and rats are hated, where cellars are lined with deadly traps, and where a terrifying evil lurks beneath the hunger-stricken streets....

Set in Terry Pratchett's widely popular Discworld, this masterfully crafted, gripping read is both compelling and funny. When one of the world's most acclaimed fantasy writers turns a classic fairy tale on its head, no one will ever look at the Pied Piper -- or rats -- the same way again!

Reviews (13)

The Pied Piper of Discworld
Terry Pratchett has taken the "The Pied Piper of Hamlet" and turned it on its ear. This time the pied piper is a scam and the group is led by a talking cat who is in cahoots with the rats! This book has been portrayed as a children's book, but is still a perfect discworld novel for adults. There are the usual stupid bad guys and characters that just do not seem to get the larger picture. This book examines the develpoment of society from hunter gatherer to working together and the rise of writing. The rats are borrowed from "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH". The book also has a take on the "Rat King" which is unique and fun. This is a good way to start chilren on Terry Pratchett of for their parents to be introduced to a true modern master at work. Highly Recommended.

Pied Pier meets NIMH on Discworld
The Amazing Maurice (a cat), some educated rats, and a stupid looking boy have been running a con involving plagues of rats and a kid who pipes them away for a price.

Sounds simple, but this is form the imagination of Terry Pratchett. The cat and rats can think and talk (the rats have been eating the garbage behind the wizardry school). The title characters have just arrived in a strange new town. There seems to already be a plague of rats although Maurice and company cannot find any.

If there are no rats, who is stealing all of the food? Where did the rat tails come from that the Rat Catchers have been turning in? What is really behind everything? Can the boy be as stupid as he looks?

All of these questions, and more, are answered in typical Pratchett style in this new tale of the Discworld.

A quick and entertaining read (with uncharacteristic chapters) that catches the reader at the start like a terrier catching a rat, and doesn't let go until it's all over (like a terrier with a rat). A must read for Pratchett fans.

Amazing Morice?..more like amazing story!
Wow! Terry Pratchett has done it again! He's managed to creat an excelent book for not only children but all ages. His wonderfull twist on the pied piper was even better than the origanal. This was sertanly the best book I have ever read in my entire life, and Ive read a lot of books. I suggest that you should read it, it would suit all fans of terrys books and great for all ages. This book is not only cunning, but has hints of humor. So definatly read this book and any of Terrys other books... im sure you'll be amazed and never want to put it down!! TAKE MY WORD FOR IT!!

An Exciting and Thought-Provoking Novel
Maurice doesn't really know how he became so intelligent and chatty. After all, he used to just be a normal cat. But now he's a genius, as are the rats that he goes from town to town with. No humans, except for the stupid-looking kid (Keith) accompany them on their journeys, as they try to swindle money from towns, because, you see, Maurice is a criminal mastermind, and also quite money hungry. But when they happen upon a town called Bad Blintz, they realize that it truly lives up to it's name. As there are people there who are some of the worst that you'll ever meet. Now Maurice, along with his educated rodents, and the stupid-looking kid, and a new friend, who just happens to be human, are preapred to turn the town of Bad Blintz upside down, and make the residents wish that this "Pied Piper" and his gang had never set foot in their cozy city.

Terry Pratchett is a true science fiction genius. THE AMAZING MAURICE AND HIS EDUCATED RODENTS takes you on a journey into the minds of rats, cats, and even dogs, and reveals what they think of humans, each other, life, and the world in general. Maurice is a character whom will stick in the minds of all, young and old, as will his entertaining companions, Dangerous Beans, Peaches, Darktan, Hamnpork, and even the stupid-looking kid. A must-have book for all who enjoy a good science fiction novel here and there. Or if you're just looking for an entertaining novel featuring a gang of exciting, talking animals.

Erika Sorocco

One for the kids
Four stars as a kids' book, three stars as an adult's book. It's an interesting little story about what Maurice, the rats, and the dumb-looking kid will do when they arrive in Bad Blintz and discover that something very nasty indeed is going on involving a famine, ratcatchers, and dark cellars.
You could take a lot away with you from this story if you liked. If you just want an interesting story, it works on that level, too. I'm a little restrained in my praise because as an adult, the story is somewhat predictable and dragging, and because there isn't the depth we've come to expect from a Pratchett novel.
But like I said, this is one for the kids. ... Read more

Book Description

Playtime

Biscuit wants to play with two kittens. However,, the kittens are too busy with their own games to even notice him. But when the kittens need help, it's Biscuit to the rescue! Woof! Woof!

Reviews (1)

Biscuit and the Kittens
Biscuit meets a pair of kittens and decides he wants to play with them. But try as he might, the kittens pay no attention to him as they play and explore on their own.

But this changes when the kittens follow a butterfly up a tree and can not get down. Biscuit barks and gets the attention of The Girl In The Purple Sneakers and The Girl With Puddles and the little cats are rescued. We then see them playing with their helpful new friend Biscuit.

Another fine story. This one shows that while you may not always get your own way, things usually work out in the end. Filled with more adorable illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

HERE, KITTY, KITTY !

You don't have to be a feline fancier (although it helps) to enjoy these lilting rhymes about the cats in our lives.From "Finicky Felicia" to "Trapped!" author Crawley perfectly captures the ways and whims of these lovable creatures, whether it's awakening you at the crack of dawn, climbing into your lap when you're trying to read, or finding total pleasure in a piece of string.

Illustrator Tamara Petrosino who shares her New Jersey home with a cat named Charlie, filled end papers with kitties of all stripes.Her colorful, humorous paintings capture cats at their best and worst.An illustration of "Cat Bath" is especially fetching.After all, "Don't ever try to wash a cat.It simply doesn't work.If you should put her in the tub, the cat will go berserk."

Cat lovers of all ages will find much to smile about in "Cat Poems."

- Gail Cooke
... Read more

Amazon.com

"Chato, a low-riding cat with six stripes, wasslinking toward a sparrow when he heard the scrape of tiny feetcoming from the yard next door." You get the idea. Chato is asly, mustachioed "cool cat" from an East Los Angelesbarrio. The tiny feet? Those belong to the new mice(ratoncitos) next door--"five mice the color of grayriver rock," to be precise. Chato promptly invites them overfor dinner, in exactly the sense you might fear.

"That Chato cat seems muy simpatico, very nice, I'msure," says Papi mouse. The mice (being cheese lovers) spendthe day making quesadillas for the fiesta, while Chato and hisbest friend Novio Boy busily prepare side dishes for a meal conratoncitos. Instead of the anticipated gruesome ending, asurprise twist is in the works.

Gary Soto, author of Too Many Tamales,is brilliantly witty, and Chato's Kitchen--an ALA NotableBook and a Parents' Choice Award Winner--is trulymarvilloso. Susan Guevera's comical, deliciously detailed,richly colored depictions of the creatures are priceless as well,earning her the 1996 Pura Belpre Award for Illustration. Aculinary concoction that no youngster (or adult) will be able toresist. (Ages 4 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Every kid should have this book read to them!
What a great story! I have read this book to my 4th grade class and they love it. It's for children of all ages. The illustrations are outstanding and as usual Gary Soto is very entertaining.

A wonderful book that relates to the Hispanic culture.
I really think this book is great because there were so many things in the book that remind me of my life as I was growing up as a child. I really like the language that is used in the story because it entangles a little of the Bilingual language with English. I read this book to my students and it was a big hit with them. They read it over and over again every day. I asked some of them why they liked it so much and many of them responsded that they could relate to the story line in one way or another. The school that I teach at it predominantly Hispanic and so this book has really touched base with all of my students in one way or another. I hope that Gary Soto never quits writing these kinds of wonderful books!

Sleek and sophisticated
A remarkably original book. The illustrations are well wrought, and the story contains some of the most evocative I've heard in a picture book. Describing Novio Boy's collar, the book says it was, 'a leather one with real gems that sparkled at night when cars passed in the street'. The cats themselves are a twinge odd. Drawn with cat bodies but human eyes, teeth, and moustaches, they are just disturbing enough to keep the pictures interesting. It's a colorful book as well, full of beautiful swirling scenes and bold shapes. The use of Spanish throughout the text is seamless as well, never striking the reader as out of place or jarring. This book would read well with other stories that incorporate more than one language in their text. Or, kids could read it with other picture books that take place in Hispanic communities. Or, it could be paired with other stories where hungry preying animals fail to get a meal. A beautiful book to read aloud to groups.

Nice children's book
The book "Chato's Kitchen" is designed for the age group 4-8. It's the story of a cat, Chato, who has some culinary plans involving the harmless mouse family next door. There are quite a number of Spanish words--and this, I think, adds a rather exotic touch to the book. However, some of the English words are beyond the vocabulary of an average 8 year-old, and this may inhibit readability. The characters and the plot allow for a great deal of acting out if one reads the book aloud.

Another Gary Soto hit!!!
Any controversy surrounding this book is misplaced. It is a well-written story that entices children to want to to read it and other books. Rarely is there such a fine blending between the words of the author and the pictures of the illustrator. My students love this book and read it again and again. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

No Surprise!
I have all the titles in the series, and of course, I love this one. My children snuggle up and we have read this one over
and over. A must have for Mr. Putter and Tabby fans. Everyone will love the warmth and consideration from Mr. Putters neighbor and her dog, zeke. We should all care so much.

Best of the Series (So Far)
I've read the Mr. Putter & Tabby books with both of my children. It's a wonderful series for the beginning reader. This title is my favorite of the entire series. Mr. Putter has a cold and remembers what made him feel better when he was a boy. Chicken soup, some hot tea and an adventure book loaned by Mrs. Teaberry's dog, Zeke make this cold worth having. It perfectly captures just how much fun a sick day can be.

A great series built on loveable characters
My daughter who is now 8 and I have been reading the Mr Putter and Tabby stories from the very beginning when Mr Putter and Tabby poured the tea. In fact, she has learned to read thanks to this kind hearted old man and his "fine cat." This latest addition as the two of them deal with a common cold is uncommonly good. Cynthia Rylant has managed to convey the lives of two elderly people - Mr Putter and his neighbor, Mrs Teaberry - with dignity, humor and a sense of adventure in everyday living. My daughter loves this story and all the others because of the humorous situations and the likeability of the characters. I love them because as I approach my "Mr Putter years" -- I'm 56 -- I see him as a delightful example of what being an "old man" can be. Likewise I see my daughter learning compassion, acceptance and respect for older people so often missing in children's stories.

I urge any parent -- and especially grandparents -- to add this book and any of the other Mr Putter and Tabby books to their children's (and grandchildren's)reading repetoire.

Comforting and Cosy
One day Mr. Putter forgets to put his hat on when he goes out to fetch the newspaper, as he is in such a hurry to read the comics. Soon he has a cold, and his faithful cat Tabby can only comfort him so much. Fortunately, his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, sends over soup and tea in thermoses brought by her dog Zeke. One thing is still missing... an adventure book, which Zeke will only bring if he can stay and read it with them. What begins as a miserable day becomes "the best cold Mr. Putter ever caught," thanks to the generosity of all his friends. This beginning reader for first and second graders allows its audience to identify with a character who is old enough to be their grandfather, and amuses them with his animal companions. The illustrations by Arthur Howard are, as usual, bold, expressive, and colorful. ... Read more

Book Description

"Hello, friend."

Children love to learn and are always figuring things out about themselves and the world around them. And the more they know, the better equipped they are to handle the challenges of growing up.

Little Bill encourages children to value their family and friends, to feel good about themselves, and to learn to solve problems creatively.

I hope young readers will see Little Bill as their friend and enjoy his real-life adventures.

Bill Cosby ... Read more

Book Description

It's a big day for Jenny Linsky, the shy little black cat of Greenwich Village, when her brothers, Checkers and Edward, take her out for her birthday. They pick up her notorious friends along the way, including the twins Romulus and Remus, who have brought a special present, and Pickles, the Fire Cat, who gathers everyone into his red fire truck to take them to the park. There, they will invite friends and strangers to share a picnic supper and dance the night away. Join Jenny and her friends in their romp around town in this beautiful birthday story! Includes color illustrations throughout. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Bohemian New York Cat
Any shy child will receive a tremendous boost from the JennyLinsky books, particularly this book about her birthday. Jenny is agentle New York cat who, in this book, gets swept up by her more rambunctious friends for a moonlight feast and dance in Central Park, in honor of her birthday. There is a delightful Bohemian flavor to this crew of felines: one wears an American Indian headband and feather for no apparent reason. Male cats dance with male cats. And there's something slightly transgressive and empowering about the way they take over the park at night.The text and illustrations are simple, ideal for ages 3 to 8. Jenny is picked up for the birthday by her friend, Pickles the Firecat, in a firetruck. They pick up other cat friends, a bluefish wrapped like a gift, and gather in the park where they all dance the hornpipe. Then they go home, tired and happy, and sing to Jenny Linsky as she gets into bed. That's the whole plot. Yet this book has the slightly mysterious quality that raises a children's book above the mundane and makes it resonate with a child's inner world. It will stay with your child for life.This was a pivotal book in my childhood.My mother painted a mural of Jenny Linsky and her cat friends riding their firetruck on the wall of our basement. I cannot for the life of me understand why it (and the other Jenny Linsky books) is out of print. ... Read more

Book Description

"Before you go out into the world," Ming Miao told her five kittens, "you must know the true story of your ancestors...."

And so begins the story of Sagwa of China, a mischievous, pearl white kitten. Sagwa lived in the House of the Foolish Magistrate, a greedy man who made up rules that helped only himself. One day, Sagwa fell into an inkwell and accidentally changed one of the Foolish Magistrate's rules. Little did Sagwa know she would alter the fate -- and the appearance -- of Chinese cats forever! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Wonderful Children's Book!
I love Amy Tan, so I had to buy this book for my 2 year old nephew. He loves the beautiful illustrations of the cats! It is about the mother Siamese cat telling her five kittens about their Chinese heritage. She tells them the story of their ancestor Sagwa, who was a very silly and clever cat who changed a foolish magistrate's foolish laws to wise ones by using the ink to edit his laws from saying "You shall NOT sing and dance until sunset" to "You shall sing and dance until sunset." A very good lesson about the importance of heritage and the need for celebration of our lives. I highly recommend this book!

Beautifully written and illustrated book!
I've read Amy Tan's "Joy Luck Club" and "Kitchen God's Wife" and had no idea that she's a wonderful children's author as well. I learned about this book from watching the same titled PBS series. The series is cute for kids, but the book is a wonderful story, rich in history and beautifully illustrated. Tan is a gifted writer that children and adults can appreciate.

Siamese cat lovers....
The most exquisitely illustrated book I've ever owned! A fun, fictitious way to describe how white siamese kittens get their colors.
It's a bit long for a bed time story, but really fun! Kids ages 8 or 9 and up may be able to read it themselves, but the beginners may have a hard time.

Great Little Book
This is a great little story book. I bought this especially for my niece who loves the cartoon. It's a bit long so I read it in installments before her afternoon naps and she loves it and can't wait to hear the other parts. This helps her to look forward to nap times now (phew). Although another reviewer labels it as stereotyped I think it still helps kids to learn of and tolerate lifestyles other than their own. The book does so in a simple way after all it is for kids and at that stage of life it is not harmful as they have more time to get into further details.

Adorable
Amy Tan proves her talent with this book. She shows a young kitten's innocence and how it changes the province. A wonderful read for children and adults alike. Amy's got a hit! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Positive Introduction to the Subject of Death
This book is a treasure in our home. It has helped enormously to explain death to my children. The book provides support for statements such as: the dead person's spirit can remain with you, you can look forward to powerful "visits" by the dead person's spririt, but the dead always stay dead since their body is gone, "just like the Angel Cat." When I told my four year old son that my 94 year old grandmother had passed away, he asked to read the Angel Cat that night. I even spoke of this book at her funeral!

Touching and beautiful affirmation of love and faith.
This book is a treasure for all ages. A child's love for his pet is perfectly matched with his faith in the kindness and beauty of things he cannot see. Matthew is positive his pet cat, Yin, has gone to heaven and become a winged angel. Is his faith rewarded? Read and see. Each picture and each page is a visual and emotional treat for your whole family. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Big little Fan of Bonnie Boadicea
When my daughter was born in 1997, I enrolled her in two book clubs: Random House and Children's Book of the Month. The last book that I bought for her from the CBM club was Julie Andrew's "Little Bo." At the age of 3 1/2 she was already cat crazy like her mom. "Little Bo" quickly became a favorite bedtime story. In fact, she named her cat (a male black & white tuxedo) Bounder, in honor of Little Bo's father. We must have read that story at least ten times already. So with the fate of Billy and Little Bo uncertain on the last page, we were delighted when "Little Bo in France" was finallly available.

What a wonderful story and delightful pictures. It was nice to see Tubs show up in Paris. I hope there are many more Little Bo stories left for Julie to write about. We want to know how Maximillian, Samson, Polly and Bounder are doing. Sarabande and Princess, as we all know, are safe and sound with Mrs. Edith Edge. One can only hope that she's fired that horrible Withers by now! ... Read more

Book Description

Birthday parties always make people happy, and Alfie's neighbor, Mr. MacNally, really does need cheering up. Alfie thinks a party might be just the thing, and there's an extra special surprise in store for Mr. MacNally! Will Alfie manage to keep it a secret?

Reviews (3)

good book about death (and alfie)
I am fond of this book because it incorporates death as part of a continuum of events in a child's life, instead of placing it front and center in a "the-moral-of-the-story-is" type of typical children's story.

Alfie's neighbor loves his old cat, the cat dies, the neighbor is very sad, the neighbor stays sad, and Alfie and friends and family decide to plan a surprise birthday party for the neighbor. Then there are lots of details about the party, including the purchase of presents, the making of the cake, and even getting a new kitten for the neighbor. Then, ta-dum, everybody yells SURPRISE! And the neighbor is happier, and the kitten turns out to be pretty cool, and the party is fun, and even though everybody remembers the old cat fondly, the new cat becomes a part of their life.

I like this approach and so, apparently, do my kids. I've been trying to find good books for kids about death, and this has turned out to be a favorite. And the pictures are *adorable,* I just wanted to reach right in and pinch Alfie's red cheeks.

Another wonderful Alfie story
We (my 3-year old son and 2-year old daughter and I) loved Hughes' "All About Alfie," and her story "Dogger," and this book is a wonderful next step for us, especially my son. There's a bit more text per page, and more mature subject matter (the death of a neighbor's pet) which helps ensure it will grow with him. (I was worried that he'd lose the wonderful role model he has in Alfie!) The only negative is that since the stories so completely capture Alfie's point of view, Annie Rose is a little flat, and my daughter is not as engaged by her. Alfie stories are a great example of how to be caring toward your siblings. The illustrations showing a happy family without a spotless house (it looks comfy and lived in!) make me want to give Hughes a hug!

Wonderful Children's Author
Shirley Hughes is a wonderful author who uses beautiful illustrations and a quiet writing style in her children's books. My toddler loves her book, Chatting, as well as other Hughes titles. I highly recommend sharing Alfie with your children. ... Read more

Book Description

Catspeaker Charlie Ashanti and his parents are reunited in Africa—but not for long. Charlie soon finds himself on a boat bound for the Caribbean, where he and his nemesis, Rafi Sadler, will be sold to the Corporacy! Charlie’s parents and his faithful lion friends are in hot pursuit, but can Charlie outwit his captors and topple the Corporacy’s wicked enterprise? That’s the plan, and Charlie intends to pull it off—no matter the cost.

Lionboy is a New York Times bestseller, and both previous books in the trilogy were Children’s Book Sense Picks. Now here’s the highly anticipated third book—and the best yet! It’s an exhilarating, page-turning tale that brims with suspense and guarantees a satisfying finale to Charlie’s whirlwind adventure. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Here Comes A New Reader
An incredible begining book for a first time reader. My daughter 4 yrs. old picked it up and began reading, really reading for the first time. The relationship of words and illustrations make the book easily understandable, fun to look at and easy to follow along with for first time readers. After I bought this set of books I went back and purchased them all. Highly recommend this for first time readers. A smile will show you why. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Mr.Putter and Tabby Paint the Porch
My three year old daughter Serena loves this book, we've read it and our two other Mr.Putter and Tabby books every night since we got it. she always laughs at mTabby's pink whiskers. This series of books is fun to learn to read from and a frolic for everyone.

We love Mr. Putter and Tabby!
My children, ages three and five, adore Mr. Puuter and Tabby, and I believe this is Ms. Rylant's funniest rendition of their adventures so far. When the box arrived, I read the book alone because I couldn't stand to wait. Ms. Rylant uses a nice collection of short and medium-length words for beginning readers, and the story rollicks along. Mr. Howard's illustrations capture the subjects' expressions beautifully. We checked these books out of the library so often that we finally ordered some to keep.

A laugh-out-loud book ...
My kids, ages 3 and 6, loved this book! We were all laughing out loud not only at the premise of the story, but at the illustrations, too. My 6-year-old giggled all the way through the book looking at the expressions on Tabby's face.

Cynthia Rylant has a unique talent for pulling on our heartstrings and tickling our funny bones.

Another hit for Cynthia Rylant
The newest book in the Mr. Putter & Tabby series is a delight to read. Both my children (5 and 7) had a great laugh when it was read to them. They thought it was so funny when more than the porch got painted. We like Mr. Putter & Tabby even better than Henry and Mudge, which is saying alot.

The best Mr. Putter and Tabby yet
My kids and I love all of Cynthia Rylant's picture books and early readers, but these books, about an elderly man and his elderly cat, are our favorites. Their latest adventure is even funnier than the earlier ones and the illustrations will have adults and children laughing out loud. I love the rhythm of Rylant's words and the way she expresses the affection Mr. Putter and Tabby have for each other without being sappy. Children deserve books that are not just entertaining but also well-written and this book definitely fits the bill. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

One Wise Cat
"There was once a daimyo, a powerful lord, whose castle was occupied by a savage rat," begins Three Samurai Cats. The daimyo seeks help from a distant shrine that is famous for its fighting cats who are tough, skilled fighters. Eric Kimmel's adaptation of a Zen story is a strange and entertaining tale where the wisest cat allows his enemy to defeat himself.

Will utterly fascinate and thoroughly delight young readers
Three Samurai Cats: A Story From Japan is a folktale from Japan retold for young readers by Eric A. Kimmel and impressively illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein. After a rat takes over his castle, a canine lord knows that he needs the help of a samurai cat. The first one arrives, draws his sword, charges the rat -- and is soundly defeated. The next samurai cat arrives in full armor -- but is also defeated. Then an old, toothless, ragged-tailed cat limps to the castle -- but how can such a one succeed where other younger, stronger, sword wielding samurai felines have failed? Three Samurai Cats is a elegantly wonderful picture book story that will utterly fascinate and thoroughly delight young readers. ... 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

Book Description

Author-artist Nina Laden has taken her trademark wit and applied it to one of Shakespeare's best-loved plays. Adults familiar with the classic love story will delight in the many references to the original play, all of which make this a rarity: a children's book they want to read again and again. And young children who know nothing of the Bard will be riveted by this funny yet touching tale about Romeow the cat and Drooliet the dog, two star-crossed lovers who meet by chance, marry in secret, and are kept apart by a snarling rottweiler, appalled owners, and the animal control warden. The clever details throughout the book belie the careful research behind this homage to true love won and lost—and in the case of this book won again—proving once and for all that dogs and cats can be friends. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"With a wag of the tail to William Shakespeare"


Author/artist Nina Laden has written a new (children's) take on a familiar Shakespearean theme- true love won and lost, only for Romeow and Drooliet, the star-crossed cat and dog kept apart by a growling rottweiler, their astonished owners and the auspices of Animal Control, true love wins out in the end.

Cleverly writing in iambic pentameter, Laden structures a humorous, romantic tale of the lovers parted by circumstances (and snarling dogs) beyond their control. Parents will appreciate the Shakespearean rhythms, even if the children do not pick up on this connection. But the rhyme and meter are what make this book so enchanting, combined with dramatic, vividly colored illustrations, a celebration of the power of good literature to inform and endure, easily transformed for enjoyment by the younger generation.

The Cast of Characters at the beginning of the book hint at the hilarity ahead, the Felini's, a cat-loving family, the Barker's, dog lovers, Turbo, the Barker's guard dog (the infamous rottweiler) and Officer Prince, the Animal Control Warden. Look for such treats as the books on the Felini's coffee table, a paean to Shakespeare, "Much Ado About Napping" and "As You Lick It", or the phrasing of the lines spoken by the principals: "Oh Romeow, where is that fur-faced Romeow?" The happy couple is married by Mousignor Mouse, who pronounces: "You may now lick the bride!"

A quality hardbound book published by Chronicle, this charming and witty tale is a welcome addition to a child's library of favorites, a subtle introduction to iambic pentameter and rhyme, as well as the spirited retelling of a beloved tale, made child-size by this talented author/artist. (Age 8 and up). Luan Gaines/2005.


... Read more

Book Description

Oscar and Tilly are great friends.But at the playground, they just can't seem to manage to play nicely together.First Tilly won't let Oscar have a turn on the slide or the jungle gym, and then Oscar won't let Tilly have a turn on the swing.But when they each want to play on the seesaw, they learn how much fun it is to play together. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

keesher you've got it all wrong!
This book shows two bright characters, Oscar and Tilly, who are friends, but who haven't learned how to share yet. During the story, they learn the down sides of not sharing. The twist at the end forces them to experience the joy of sharing - and to love it. We all love this book!

Keesher's review maybe misses the point that stories show the world how it is and allow you (and especially a clever toddler!) to reach a conclusion. Let us not be wrapped up in cotton!

It's My Turn
Great picture book, my son loves it. However, while reading this book, the characters sound like two spoiled brats. They only learn how to "play together" in one sentence on the last page. The other pages are "NO, it's not your turn, it's my turn". I think this is horrible to teach a toddler. Since my son loves to be read to, he listens to every word I say. I have used black marker and changed the words to, "Yes, it's your turn now." I think this makes a much better impression on my son, and he is not running around telling other children...."NO, IT'S NOT YOUR TURN...IT'S MY TURN." Just terrible for a toddler book, since toddlers are so impressionable.

It's My Turn
Excellent picture book for youngsters. My daughter who is 2 loves the simple text and bright pictures. This book teaches the lesson of taking turns and playing together. A must have in every toddlers library. ... Read more

Book Description

Hairy Maclary dozily dreamed as he lay on his back when pittery pattery, skittery scattery, ZIP ‘round the corner came Zachary Quack. Little Zach presents quite a nuisance, but their friendship wins out in the end. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Terrific !!!
Hairy MacLary is at it again.This time he repeatedly attempts to escapeand hide from a pesky duckling until Hairy gets in trouble and is rescuedby his new friend.Illustrations are wonderful. My daughter owns all ofMs. Dodds books.They are great. ... Read more

Book Description

Everyone is talking about the neighborhood pet show, and Archie can't wait. His friends are bringing dogs and birds, and he is going to enter the cat who lives near by. But when it's time to go, the cat is nowhere to be found. The contest is about to start. What can Archie do?

"The succinct, satisfying story is illustrated with vibrant, brilliantly colored paintings." (Booklist) ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Archie, charming as ever
It's the day of the neighborhood pet show, and Archie plans to take his cat. But where IS the cat? Archie can't find it, so Peter, Roberto, and Susie reluctantly go to the pet show without him.

Ensuring that each contestant is a winner, the judges give out blue ribbons to everyone, creating categories on the fly, such as "cat with the longest whiskers," "friendliest fish," etc. Archie finally arrives, but an old woman shows up just as Archie is displaying his hasty last-second entry (a jar, containing a germ). Beside the old woman is Archie's cat. The old woman is given the blue ribbon for displaying the cat.

Archie displays good humor and grace. The old woman offers the blue ribbon to Archie, but he insists that she keep it. Archie and his friends all enjoy themselves.

Like most of Ezra Jack Keats' books, _Pet Show_ is populated with children and adults of several ethnicities, but primarily African-American. The book design is marvelous. Basically the book looks like _A Letter To Amy_ and _Whistle for Willie_.

My son and I read this one all the time. He's almost 2 1/2 years old, and while I expect that most children are enjoying this at age 4 and age 5, my son thoroughly loves it. When we reach the section where Archie is late for the pet show, he almost can't contain himself until he sees Archie's silhouette racing along, jar in hand, and he belts out "Here Goes Archie!"-- _Pet Show_ is a winner.

Ken32

Pet Show - Cute Even For the Moms and Dads Who Read It :)
Poor Archie. In the previous EJK book "Hi Cat," a darn alley cat follows him home after wreaking havoc with his day. Now, in "Pet Show," Archie is ready to enter the contest with said cat -- but cat has vanished. Archie ultimately displays cleverness as well as kindness, a wonderful lesson for little ones. EJK's books are always visually gorgeous, with colors and textures that delight readers. But even the grownup who reads this book will appreciate clever little Archie and the reminder that sometimes, tough situations require a little ingenuity and a helping of grace.

Great children's book and what pictures!!
I liked this book because of its colorful illustrations that enliven the story. The stories that Ezra Jack Keats write are so good to use for children to relate to. I recomend his books to teachers to use in bibliotherapy and for just anyone to read. I also have read "Peter's Chair" and again just as in all his other books you find real life situations in relation to life. Then there's his wonderfull illustrations. ... Read more