Book Description

"If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face. And when that person has ugly thoughts every day, every week, every year, the face gets uglier and uglier until it looks so ugly you can hardly bear to look at it."

How do you outwit a Twit? Mr. and Mrs. Twit are the smelliest, ugliest people in the world. They hate everything -- except playing mean jokes on each other, catching innocent birds to put in their Bird Pies, and making their caged monkeys, the Muggle-Wumps, stand on their heads all day. But the Muggle-Wumps have had enough. They don't just want out, they want revenge.

Reviews (84)

Would You Ever Want a Frog in Your Bed?
What would you do if someone put a frog in your bed or made you eat worms while making you think its spaghetti? The Twits is a book about some nasty people who play awful tricks on each other. The author is Ronald Dahl, who is a very popular author. Mr. and Mrs. Twit have bird pie on Wednesday and keep monkeys in a cage and make them do awful things. The father is Muggle-Wump. He has a wife and two children. My favorite part is when a friend comes from Africa and warns the bird by singing this song. "There's sticky stuff all over this tree! If you land on it you'll never get free! So, fly away! Fly away! Stay up high! Or you'll finish up tomorrow in a hot bird pie!!!" So read the book The Twits to figure out what happens to the monkeys and the Twits.

Devilishly Funny
The Twits is so hilarious. I've always been a fan Roald Dahl's, but I had never experienced this comic gem. The giggling begins on the first page, and it reaches a huge climax a quick 76 pages later. You will probably be doubled over laughing by then. Everything about the book is funny as you watch Mr. and Mrs. Twit pull prank after totally original prank on each other (the pranks include frogs, glass eyes, and balloons among other things). Then, you find out that the mean, awful Twits have been trying to raise an upside down monkey circus, and the monkeys want to get their freedom and to get back at the Twits. Their ingenious plot to get back at the Twits provides the biggest laughs of the book. Even the small descriptions are funny. My favorite line in the book comes when Dahl is describing the yard. He writes of the tree: "To one side (of the house) there is The Big Dead Tree. It never has any leaves on it because it's dead." I'm not totally sure why, but that line almost had me crying. This is one of the most fun reads I've ever had, and the illustrations are great, too. Anytime you're feeling bad, I would certainly suggest this delightful (even if a little mean) read.

this book is great
This book i enjoyed very much. I loved how it was really funny, and every chapter made me laugh. It was a easy to read book and it was really imaginative. the only things i didnt like is that the chapters were really short and the begginig to almost the end all they did were jokes on each other for a while. But over all it was a great book.

The Twits Book Review
The Twits are the ugliest and evilest people in the whole entire world. They have caged monkeys at their house. The monkeys want to be free to return to Africa. The Roly Poly bird comes to help them get free. The Roly Poly bird is a bird that origanated in Africa and took a vacation to England. Will the monkeys get? Read the book to find out.

We liked The Twits because it was funny and silly. It was also a short chapter book. The Twits are funny characters. I would really consider reading this book.

The twits
When I read the book called The Twits I thought it was very interesting. It was very extraordinary and exciting. It was also really gross when the writer, Roald Dahl, wrote about Mr. Twits beard. Mr. Twit never washed it and it had bits of food from many years ago in it. It's just a funny little book you can read in your spare time. Mr. and Mrs. Twit fight a lot by planning mean and nasty tricks on each other. I wonder why they are married? The twits aren't just ugly on the outside but on the inside as well! The Twits hate everyone and everything. They are mean to nature and animals. They have no care or respect for anyone, not even for themselves! They catch innocent birds and make them into bird pies. ... Read more

Reviews (145)

As wonderful as I remember
I read this book when I was in the fourth grade. (My best friend and I were reading through the shelf of award winners.) She read it next. As soon as she finished the book, we set up our own game, a cross between the Egypt Game and what we'd understood from her older sister's class production of Macbeth. We had hours of fun playing that way, and I loved having a book that showed characters who played imaginatively. (And there aren't that many role models who don't spend all their time on their computers or on the organized sports field these days. See the preceding review from the person who said that she didn't like the way the characters used too much "ammagination." I ordered this book recently to read aloud to my third graders, and they loved it! Now there are several Games going on in our neighborhood. The book was as good as I remembered it.

The Egypt Game
Melanie Ross didn't think she and April (the new girl) would get along.
Actually, they become best friends. They have a lot in common. Like they are both crazy about old Egyptian things,they are in the same class, and live in the same apartment.
When they find an empty storage yard behind A-Z shop, owned by the Professor,they get the craziest idea and start the Egypt Game there. After a lot of ceremonies, three more Egyptians join the game. Now there are six Egyptians (Melanie,April,Toby,Marshall (Melanie's brother),Elizabeth,and Ken).
A little girl was murdered and the murderer wasn't found. The kids in the neighborhood cannot play outside until the murderer is found. Strange things happen to the Egyptians and they are in trouble,life risk wise.
I enjoyed the book a lot.

A fun read
The Egypt Game is one of my favorite children's books with an Egyptian theme. My absolute favorite would have to be The Cat in the Mirror by Mary Stolz which I highly recommend. It seems that so much of the best Egyptian themed fiction (especially fantasy) is written for children. Another recommendation that comes to mind is Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander

EGYPT GAME
excellent book!! the charectors in this book are so realistic, that you feel like you know them. very moving book, humorus... i really recommend this book!

Egypt Game
The language is a little out dated, as this book was written in 1967. Nonetheless, it's heart is in the right place and it is still a delightful fantasy / fiction story for kids. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The tale of Taran, assistant pig keeper, has been entertaining young readers for generations. Set in the mythical land of Prydain (which bears a more than passing resemblance to Wales), Lloyd Alexander's book draws together the elements of the hero's journey from unformed boy to courageous young man. Taran grumbles with frustration at home in the hamlet Caer Dallben; he yearns to go into battle like his hero, Prince Gwydion. Before the story is over, he has met his hero and fought the evil leader who threatens the peace of Prydain: the Horned King.

What brings the tale of Taran to life is Alexander's skillful use of humor, and the way he personalizes the mythology he has so clearly studied. Taran isn't a stick figure; in fact, the author makes a point of mocking him just at the moments when he's acting the most highhanded and heroic. When he and the young girl Eilonwy flee the castle of the wicked queen Achren, Taran emotes, "'Spiral Castle has brought me only grief; I have no wish to see it again.' 'What has it brought the rest of us?' Eilonway asked. 'You make it sound as though we were just sitting around having a splendid time while you moan and take on.'" By the end, Alexander has spun a rousing hero's tale and created a compelling coming-of-age story. Readers will sigh with relief when they realize The Book of Three is only the first of the chronicles of Prydain. --Claire Dederer ... Read more

Reviews (181)

Just the beginning....
Like all great fantasy series, the Prydain Chronicles will resonate with you for a long while after you put them down. The Book of Three begins the legendary adventure of Taran, Eilonwy, Fflewddur Flam, Gurgi, Doli, and Gwydion. The heroes are witty, warm, and wise; the villains are frightening, chilling, and insidious. You will laugh and shudder by turns as Taran faces the Death Lord's minions on his search for the cute and prophetic pig, Hen Wen.

Lloyd Alexander's writing is first-rate and grand, like listening to a superb storyteller. His paints a vivid landscape peopled with truly unique characters. There is some argument about similarities with Tolkien, Star Wars, C.S. Lewis' Narnia, etc. Actually, you can take any epic about the battle of good and evil and point fingers, but isn't a good story worth another excellent retelling? This is one those rare treasures you read as a child, and rediscover as an adult again and again.

Why? Besides the lovely writing, the characters aren't simple bystanders or perfect people caught up in the action. They make choices (and mistakes), face consequences, and struggle through personal challenges. It's reality in an unreal setting. In this first book, Taran, in a rush to grow up, leaves his post as Assistant Pig-keeper to become a Hero. Everyone who has ever been an adolescent can relate to wanting to break away. Finding yourself is the hard part, and one aspect of the series is about this universal phase.

But it isn't all Serious and about Learning A Lesson. There is cheeky humor, poked at our valiant, though sometimes too earnest Taran. Things can't go according to the great Hero Plan with Eilonwy cutting him down to size, Doli scoffing at the young 'uns, and Gurgi wanting "munchings and crunchings" all the time. This is one of those books that you will feel ends too soon. Be sure to have the next one close at hand, because The Book of Three is just the beginning once you have tasted Alexander's magic.

Brilliant fantasy
I have often jokingly told people to read this before reading JRR Tolkein because it's "Hobbit"-lite. But my jest is with all affection. "The Book of Three" is the first of five books (not including the 6th of short stories) involving the fantasy world of Prydain. Lloyd Alexander borrows heavily from Gaelic and Welsh mythology to create the tale of Taran, Assistant Pig-keeper for the enchanter Dallben. In this book we are introduced to Taran, a boy on the cusp of manhood eager to take part in the adventures of the world. Dark forces under the direction of Awran, the Death-Lord threaten the lives of all in Prydain, and none is more feared that the gruesom "Horned King". After leaping "headfirst into a thorn bush" young Taran finds himself face to face with this dreaded champion of darkness who has come from Annuvuin in search of Hen-wen, the oracular pig under Taran's charge. I won't spoil any more of the story except to say that this book introduces many of the characters that appear later on in the rest of the series: the stubborn and lovely Princess Eilonwy, the king-who-wants-to-be-a-bard Fflewder Flam, the cantankerous Doli of the fairfolk, Coll- the warrior turned farmer, and more. Lloyd Alexander's fantasy tale, in my opinion, rivals that of Tolkein as a richly crafted work with wonderful images and a deep understanding and appreciation for the thoughts and feelings of a young man like Taran. The text is easy to read, and the story flows smoothly along. Each book can stand alone, but together create a magnificant epic tapestry. The names of the characters are a little hard to get used to, but not impossible. This is the kind of book you can read out loud at bed-time to young childern. The plot is engaging enough for the little ones and deep enough for adults to appreciate. I recommend this book to just about anyone, and especially for children who are old enough to be reading completely on their own and have reached that point where they are "into" adventures. The best thing about this book (and the series) is that what little violence there is is not glorified, there is no gratuitous sex, and there are morals espoused without sounding preachy. And its the kind of story that girls and boys can enjoy and its perfect for pre-teens and early teens. As the books progress, young teens can "grow" along with Taran, and understand some of his angst. All around, a most excellent novel, and only the begining of a fantastic story...

It's Gurgi that sold me, with his crunchings and munchings
Never have I read a series of books that has commanded as much of my attention or affection as Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles. I was a fan before I even read the books, having been told about them by my older brother whose third grade teacher would read them to her class every day after lunch. At the mention of Gurgi's name, and hearing the phrase "crunchings and munchings," I HAD to read this book, and soon thereafter swiped a copy from an aunt.

And the book itself didn't disappoint! Taran leaves the safety of his home to find his runaway pig, only to encounter his hero, Prince Gwydion, and the most terrible warlord in all the land, the Horned King. After he and Gwydion are captured by the evil queen Achren, Taran is joined by the Princess Eilonwy, bard Fflewddur Fflam, and simple-minded creature Gurgi on a quest to warn Gwydion's people of the Horned King's threat.

The excitement continues all the way to the end, Taran becoming older and wiser with each new experience he faces and person he meets. Entertaining for all ages, and a perfect introduction to the land of Prydain. I can't recommend this highly enough.

A quality start to a classic series
Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles are one of the key series in children's fantasy literature, walking the fine line between being accessible to young readers and being appealing and engaging enough for adults to enjoy.

The five wonderful books in this series feature an interesting cast of reoccurring characters, all centering on Taran, a pig keeper destined for great things. Others, including a stereotypical spoiled princess, a crazed Gollum-like creature, and a hapless bard, take part in a series of increasingly epic adventures.

Because Alexander drew his stories from ancient myths and legends, the themes and situations always feel familiar. These will feel like stories you've read many times before, but never in a tiresome way. They're "comfortable." And that's a welcome trait, especially when so many books try so hard to be different.

This first volume if five, "The Book of Three," is probably the weakest of the series (though it is by no means bad, or even average). Taran seems to get caught up in his adventure rather too easily, and initially, before we become comfortable with the characters, some of them are a little grating. Gurgi is almost a downright annoyance.

But then the story really kicks into gear and develops into a nice adventure tale, setting the stage for the better Prydain books to come later. What "The Book of Three" does best is put in place the pieces of the great big puzzle that is put together throughout the next four books.

And who couldn't love the delightful early stages of Taran and Eilonwy's relationship? Delightful and funny is every way. Children will relate to the characters and the way they pick on each other, while adults will smile knowingly as Alexander winks and nods.

The writing is direct and lively throughout, and the pacing absolutely perfect. Just when one suspects a lull in the action is looming, Alexander races us forward and advances the adventure some more. Things are always progressing, always pushing forward, offering a tale that one is hard-pressed to put down.

One of the great joys of this series is the steady progression from pure children's fantasy to more adult themes and a grimmer, more mournful tone, allowing the reader to grow along with the characters. The first book does not well reflect the last. What begins as a light fantasy becomes very serious. And that is a good thing.

"The Book of Three" and the rest of the Prydain Chronicles are recommended reading for anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially classic children's fantasy.

this book is a literary bomb
Ok, just because the Lord of the Rings is the definitive fantasy novel DOES NOT mean that all of the fantasy books have to be just like Lord of the Rings. Theoretically, Lloyd Alexander took a great book, changed a few names, a few words, cut out 1,000 pages, and called it The Book of Three, which he, then, made x amount of dollars in.
here i will compare Alexanders "dark pond" or gloomy, or whatever it was, with Tolkiens entrance to Moria scene-
now come on, how pathetic can you get, and I know both came from mythology, but if your writing with a line of mythology ITS OK to stray from the myths once and a while! though having not read mythology, i do not know the roots of this particular article in question, but do know that Alexander could have done something to interest us, and to keep us from wanting to pick up The Felloship ... Read more

Book Description

Set during the pioneer days of the late 1800s and early 1900s, Laura Ingalls Wilder's books chronicle her life growing up on the Western frontier. For the first time in the history of the Little House books, these new editions feature Garth Williams' interior art in vibrant, full color. Come along for the adventure with this collector's set of the first five Little House books.

Reviews (1)

Best book series ever.
This is truly a great set of books. The books were very well written. Adults and children will enjoy reading these. They are not to hard to follow for children and they are not to boring for adults. The books really take you back to another place and time. A must have for Little House fans.... ... Read more

Reviews (11)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Description

The adventures continue for Laura Ingalls and her family as they leave their little house in the Big Woods of Wisconsin and set out for Kansas. They travel for many days in their covered wagon until they find the best spot to build their little house on the prairie. Soon they are planting and plowing, hunting wild ducks and turkeys, and gathering grass for their cows. Sometimes pioneer life is hard, but Laura and her folks are always busy and happy in their new little house.

Reviews (53)

real history
This is the story of one year in the life of a family long ago in America. They were happy in their "Little House in the Big Woods". Ma, Pa, Mary, Laura, baby Carrie and dog Jack decide to move west so Pa would have more room to hunt. Pa is a hunter extraordinaire and earns an excellent living for the family. But the woods where they live get more crowded every year so there are less animals to go around. They pack up and move away from their dear home to a new, unknown land.

Their covered wagon makes a great camping vehicle and they enjoy a nice camping trip on their way. They would stop driving for the day, Pa would go out hunting, Ma and the girls would set up camp, and Pa would come back with the evening's supper. They cooked it over a fire, ate the leftovers for breakfast, packed up, and were back on the road for the day.

When they arrived at what Pa said was "home", it was nothing but a big space of grass. Where would they live? No problem.
Pa knows how to build a house with logs, make furniture, dig a well, and build a stable for the horses. That Pa can do anything! The land is free, the hunting is free, building the house and digging the well is free. By the time they plant the garden, I guess they would have no need of money.

But they do get money. Why? Because Pa is a hunter, remember? And a good one. He sells the furs, and the hunting is so plentiful in this area that he has no trouble at all.

The neat thing about this book is that it describes how to do many things: How to build the house, How to make a rocking chair, How to cook over the fire, and describes a clever way to protect your home from a prairie fire that really works! Many popular songs are also included as Pa plays the fiddle in the evening. Some we remember and some we wish we knew.

Because of these things and because of the indians, this was a book that my boys enjoyed right along with my daughter. My husband, the couch potato, even became interested and rented some "Little House" videos.

This is the best kind of history. It's like talking to your grandma and hearing the real story of what things were really like for real people. If you like history, you will love this book.

Laura Ingalls Wilder is an American treasure.
I've recently started reading the Little House books to my seven-year-old daughter and I'm thrilled to discover that I love them just as much now as I did when I was her age. There are a lot of reasons for that. Laura Ingalls Wilder was a wonderful writer. She's simple and always crystal clear, but at the same time, she uses so much detail and has such a great sense of the rhythm of language that her writing is beautifully poetic and always a joy to read aloud. And the characters, of course, are among the most beautifully drawn characters in literature: the feisty Laura who has such a hard time doing what she's supposed to do, her frustratingly perfect sister Mary, her strict but kind parents. Even the animals in the book come across as interesting characters. No matter how tired I am in the evening, I always look forward to getting out Little House and reading a chapter or two.

Those were the things I loved about it as a child, and still love now. But as an adult I've also come to appreciate how quintessentially American this book is. It's the kind of book that makes you think about our heritage, and makes you proud to be American. In these books, Laura and her family keep facing hardships and meeting them head on. When necessary, they pick themselves up and move on to a new place, starting from scratch. They don't expect anything from anybody, and yet they care about their community and their neighbors. You often hear the words "pioneer spirit" used to describe America's best values, but after you read Little House that's not an empty phrase. You, and the child you read it to, understand it in your heart.

Great for Adults too!
Laura's family once setteld. They are great books! I am seeing the whole experience from a new perspective now that I am 35 (relating more with Ma I think) and I am enjoying the stories completely. It's also nice because the books can be read in a single afternoon or just a few hours. A wonderful look at the pioneer life with details on cabin building and settling a piece of land. I highly recommend these books but suggest reading them in order to keep the story of Laura's adventures straight.

Life on the Frontier
Pa Ingalls is tired of how crowded the big woods are getting. So he decides to sell the house and move west with his family. Just before the ice breaks, the family loads up their wagon and heads out. They cross the Mississippi River and then head south, settling two days away from Independence, Missouri. Now they have to build a new house and survive the wilderness. Meanwhile, Laura is anxious to see a papoose. And with all the Indians in the area, she may get her chance.

This is a charming book. It's almost a collection of short stories with many chapters being a self-contained event. Still, through these pages, we get a good picture of life on the American frontier 130 years ago. The book gives plenty of detail about their everyday life without getting bogged down. And it is interesting. Frankly, some of the chapters are so harrowing I felt my pulse quicken. Often I found myself shaking my head in awe at what the Ingalls dealt with on a daily basis. This is a good way to make anyone appreciate just what we have today.

These books are still popular 70 years after they were first written for good reason. They are an entertaining and enlightening look at a bygone era.

Michelle from Richview Middle School
This story begins in the big woods of Wisconsin. A family lived there that consisted of a a dog Jack, a baby Carrie, the oldest daugter Mary and the yourner daughter Laura. The parents are known in this story as Ma and Pa. Ma and Pa are somewhat strict whils Mary is somewhat conservitive and Laura is very adventorous. They left the big woods and went to a new place out west. They traveled along the Mississippi and stopped in amny differnt places to rest. When they finally got there they met their new neighbor, Mr. Edwards. When Pa and Mr. Edwards met Pa asked if they wanted to help each other build their houses. For the next several weeks they helped each other build their houses. When they were finished with the houses Pa asked Mr. Edwards if he would help him build his stable in turn for food. He accepted and they built a sturdy nice looking stable. One night Pa and Laura were sitting in the doorstep and they heard something that sounded very close. It was cowboys! The cowboys were coming to ask Pa if he would help them keep the cattle out of the ravine in turn for fresh meat. He accepted and was back in no time. The next day they decided to go search for an indian camp. They found one eventually but there was no one there. They found some beads and took them home and then they made a necklace for baby Carrie. She loved it. The next few weeks the girls were'nt feeling well. They were very sicka dn needed someone to take care of them luckily htye had a good neighbor who came to just check up on them. It was Mrs. Scott. She took care of them until they became well. Now it was Christmas time. Pa went down to town and bought the girls Christmas presents. They didnt know it but Mr. Scott was on his way over there and he was also bringing him presents for Christmas. They loved all the presents they got and they were very thankful for them.
A week later Pa heard a loud screech from the Scott's house. Pa thought it was something awful like someone was hurt but it was just a panther and Pa ended up killing it anyways. About three weeks later there was a prairie fire. It burned about everything so they decided to leave the prairie. They were going to head West to Plum Creek. That's where the next story of this series begins. ... Read more

Reviews (47)

I Heard The Owl Call My Name
The book called ' I Heard The Owl Call My Name' is about a young vicar who goes to live with the natives and learn about their culture. The young vicar was about to die, but he had to teach the natives about white culture, especially religion. The book is really interesting but a little complicated in the first chapter. Margaret Craven, the author, writes the book with a sense of truth that comes from being a native. This encourages you to read the book. And you get a sense of really being in the villages and know exactly what is going on, at the very moment. If you can get through the first chapter, the other chapters become very easy and they come alive an realness that steals your breath away. When you read a few chapters ahead you get to understand what the meaning of the first chapter was really about. The author was trying to make her readers feel exactly what the character was feeling. The rest of the book is some what confusing, yet riveting. One after another experience goes on in the book. I did not want to put the book down. I could see myself in the village because everything seemed real. I would recommend this book to anyone. There is no age limin, as long as you love reading and want to know about the natives way of living this book is for you. By: Danielle Ashman

I Heard The Owl Call My Name
When I first received this book, I thought that it would be one of those tedious books that you have to write reviews on while in school. While reading the first chapter, I confirmed that thought for myself, and left the book for a week or so. The first chapter, to me, was this quite confusing chapter which had no real beginning or end, and no real meaning. When I finally had to read the book to start writing my review, I struggled through the first chapter again. And then I came to the second. What a breath of fresh air it was, and from then onwards, the book flowed as the rivers and streams that it describes.

The story is one that is very true to the world today - it talks about a culture that is slowly being lost to technology. It is a very touching story, about love, loss, friendship, trust....in fact it is about every conceivable human emotion. It is told in a beautiful way, that iss incredibly realistic, and transports you to its setting. The myths and stories that are described are very insightful of the tribal culture. The stories were believed whole-heartedly, even though they may seem childish and unbelievable. But it is that childish innocence that allowed these tribes to thrive and live in a peaceful way. The dimension that the vicar from the outside world brings is interesting in the sense that although he symbolises the technology that is overshadowing the tribal culture, he is the one who is trying his best to maintain it. It shows how a simple life can silence the want for a more luxurious one.

All in all, this book is extremely good, and I recommend it as a very interesting read. The author has managed to show a culture that is dying out, without distorting it or adding overly-fictitious elements. Simply beautiful.

HORRIBLE!
i had to read this book for a school thing and i absolutely hate it! its boring, confusing,and lame!!!!!! it should never have been published! no offence to margaret craven, but u should have never written this book and no one else shoould read it!(...)
P.S. i would actually give this book negetive stars

What a great little book
I got to read this book because I needed to help my foreign exhange student, who was assigned the book in English class, understand it. Trust me, an absolutely horrible reason to read anything.
Once I began to read, I was transported. With simple elegance, Margaret Craven helped me get to know a group of fictional characters that I began to care and ache for.
Some people have said that this book portrays white people as evil and the native people as simple and pure, or that only the clergy in the book come across as decent whites.
I couldn't agree less. White people and natives are both shown with all of the good and bad characteristics all people share.
This is not a glorification of a simple way of life that is failing under the pressure of the modern world. The author does a great job of showing that change, like death, is inevitable and that both need to be accepted with grace, planning, joy and sorrow.
For those of you who have read this book and found it unsatisfactory, I can only hope that you have found other books that take you to the same place that this one took me. You might consider trying to read it again some time. 150+ pages isn't much in the way of an investment. So many times what I like in books, movies, etc is a matter of time and circumstance.

Negative Review
This is a negative review. Let the unhelpful clicking begin. Please read and respond first.

I read this book in high school and its title popped into my head this evening. I remembered loathing it so much that I couldn't keep myself from bashing it as soon as possible.

The sort of book commonly referred to as a 'rich tapestry' or 'a journey of self-discovery' it is, in short, drivel.

Not that its prose is remarkably poor, it is in fact above average, nor that the plot is not tight, it is decently crafted. But in much the same way that a brick wall, finely crafted, is not the Sistine Chapel, "I Heard the Owl Call My Name" is not "Things Fall Apart". Heck, it's not even "Pigs in Heaven".

The novel is evidentally crafted by an aging politico in love with a lacrimose and, as it turns out, largely imaginary vision of what Native Americans once were and sets off to use this Eden-like noble savage to depict the evil white male in all his terrible malevolence. I have yet to read a less subtle book in all honesty. Stretching back to kindegarten, I could read more into "Buffy and Mac" or "If I Ran the Circus" than this party line concoction.

On the book's behalf, the insights on Native American alcoholism were interesting and stay with me to this day. Also, the book has evil white women too so it's not sexist, really.

Nonetheless, we've done this before. The Native American's story is plenty sad and, much like anything on the Holocaust, it seems difficult to potray it with any skill and not produce a winner. Nevertheless, there appear to be no Weisel's among those moved to write on the subject, and this one's a particular stinker, trite as "Hi Mom". If you like this book, you're bound to like anything about Indian suffering, a phenomenon that dilutes what's produced on the topic. Which is too bad because I think we're still waiting for the Cherokee version of "Hawaii" or the Miwok "The Godfather". ... Read more

Amazon.com

"There are dragons in the twins' vegetable garden," announces six-year-old Charles Wallace Murry in the opening sentence of The Wind in the Door. His older sister, Meg, doubts it. She figures he's seen something strange, but dragons--a "dollop of dragons," a "drove of dragons," even a "drive of dragons"--seem highly unlikely. As it turns out, Charles Wallace is right about the dragons--though the sea of eyes (merry eyes, wise eyes, ferocious eyes, kitten eyes, dragon eyes, opening and closing) and wings (in constant motion) is actually a benevolent cherubim (of a singularly plural sort) named Proginoskes who has come to help save Charles Wallace from a serious illness.

In her usual masterful way, Madeleine L'Engle jumps seamlessly from a child's world of liverwurst and cream cheese sandwiches to deeply sinister, cosmic battles between good and evil. Children will revel in the delectably chilling details--including hideous scenes in which a school principal named Mr. Jenkins is impersonated by the Echthroi (the evil forces that tear skies, snuff out light, and darken planets). When it becomes clear that the Echthroi are putting Charles Wallace in danger, the only logical course of action is for Meg and her dear friend Calvin O'Keefe to become small enough to go inside Charles Wallace's body--into one of his mitochondria--to see what's going wrong with his farandolae. In an illuminating flash on the interconnectedness of all things and the relativity of size, we realize that the tiniest problem can have mammoth, even intergalactic ramifications. Can this intrepid group voyage through time and space and muster all their strength of character to save Charles Wallace? It's an exhilarating, enlightening, suspenseful journey that no child should miss.

The other books of the Time quartet, continuing the adventures of the Murry family, are A Wrinkle in Time; A Swiftly Tilting Planet, which won the American Book Award; and Many Waters. (Ages 9 and older) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (74)

Another gem in L'Engle's collection
It seems that as I am expecting wee ones, I've been reading more and more of my childhood favorites ~~ and this book is one of them. I just love L'Engle's writing style and how she gets the reader to think about things that may seem so far out ... but is it? She is a talented author that I admire deeply ~~ and my children will be read her books while still young.

Meg Murry worries when her little brother Charles Wallace announces that there are dragons in the twins' garden. She is already worried about him ... he's so bright and intelligent and having trouble at school. And he is strangely ill ... so Meg and Calvin are on another adventure ~~ this time to battle Charles Wallace's illness. Along the way, Meg learns about patience and love while battling the forces of evil that is trying to take over the universe.

While lots of people scoff at these books because of the fanasty they're written in ~~ I find that it's a classic book between good and evil. L'Engle always write with a moral ~~ and she writes in such a fun way, you can't but help apply the lessons to your life. It doesn't matter how old you are ... you are never too old to read these books! And I highly recommend this one to everyone ~~ whether or not they have children in their lives. It's just a good read with well-written story plot. And Meg, Calvin and Charles Wallace stay with you for a long time.

1-23-02

A Wrinkle In Time is still without equal.
Madeleine L'Engle's award winning "A Wrinkle In Time" stands head and shoulders above this sequel, the second entry in the "Time Quintet" series. Unlike the journey to distant galaxies of the first novel, in "A Wind in the Door" Meg Murray and her friend Calvin O'Keefe's main adventure involves a journey into the minute particles of her brother Charles Wallace, who is deathly ill. Meg's parents, a brilliant physicist and biologist, have discovered that human cells are made up of mitochondria, and these in turn are composed of farandolae. A dark power is at work among the farandolae, causing the illness of Charles Wallace, and more seriously threatening to tear up the entire galaxy. Only by entering one of Charles' mitochondria can Meg save Charles...and the galaxy.

In the end, all this talk about mitochondria and farandolae gets a bit much, and the idea of travelling inside someone's body just doesn't have the same magic as travelling to distant galaxies. The concept of kything (being able to communicate with thoughts, like ESP) had a somewhat new-age flavour that I was not entirely comfortable with. The idea of Naming (The first of three quests that faces Meg is to Name the school principal Mr. Jenkins) is never entirely fully developed or explained. The need for a farandola called Sporos to "Deepen" simply lacked charm. And the plot is rather complex and weighed down by scientific techno-babble, which many children may find rather frustrating. As such, this book doesn't come close to matching the fantasy and power of the first novel.

But those weaknesses aside, there is also much to commend this book. There are profound thoughts about the significance of everything having a name, and that the Creator "knows them all by name." "The stars don't need to be counted. They need to be Named." In this context, one's size doesn't detract from one's significance, because the tiny elements of the universe such as farandolae are just as important. The hostile forces are described as echthroi who want to X (annihilate) creation, and L'Engle uses them to picture a cosmic conflict between fallen angels (echthroi) and good angels (such as the dragon-like cherubim Proginoskes). The implied connection, however, between schizophrenia and demon possession (p123) will always be a controversial one. There are also several profound observations about life and faith. Memorable quotations that stand out in my mind include these: "Love isn't how you feel. It's what you do." (p116) "You have simply been faced with several things outside your current sphere of experience. That does not mean that they - we - do not exist." (p122). And the description of immature pleasure-seekers: "When we seek our own pleasure as the ultimate good we place ourselves as the center of the universe. A fara or a man or a star has his place in the universe, but nothing created is the center." (p172). And in the middle of all this seriousness, there are also moments of subtle humour, such as one instance where L'Engle pokes fun at Charles Darwin's theory of evolution: "What I really need are lessons in adaptation. I've been reading Darwin, but he hasn't helped me much." (p71) This book might not be the best in the series and might not be as captivating as "A Wrinkle in Time", but it's still a fantastic adventure worth travelling.

Not My Type of Literature
(...)BR>What I could get out of the book was that the star charcater Charles Wallace was sick, badly ill, and his sister, Meg, is really worried for him, and makes it clear she would do anything to help him get better. Then, the one thing I liked most of this book, the plot immediatley comes to play as Charles takes Meg out into a field near their home and tells her there are 'a drive of dragons' somewhere. But at first Meg doesn't see anything. But later on she actually sees this 'drive of dragons' is truly a creature named Progo(well the name's longer than that but this is what Meg calls him throughout the story.) He's a science-fiction masterpiece with many wings and eyes. This creature sparks a journey that involves Meg, her supposed boyfriend named Calvin, and Progo itself as they are assigned to help save Charles from fatally evil beings called the Echthroi, who want to destroy Charles, as well as the world itself.
This book just wasn't my type of literature, but I didn't hate it. I just wasn't into the novel; I didn't feel any sort of connection like you should in a book.

A Wind in the Door by Madelline L'Engle
A Wind in the Door, by Madeline L'Engle, is an extremely moving and exciting book. In this sequel to A Wrinkle in Time, Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace team up with snakes, teachers, mitochondria, and a Cherubum called Progo. It all starts one blustery day when Charles Wallace claims to have seen a drove of dragons in the twin's vegetable garden. Meg and Calvin then learn that Charles Wallace could have an extremely deadly condition: his mitochondria are dying. Charles Wallace is in danger of being X-ed.
This book sucks you in and won't let go until you have felt all of the emotion running rampant throughout. The story teaches the fact that amount doesn't matter, everything has a name, and it also teaches true, unconditional love.

Fabulous!
At the beginning there were two long and boring chapters, and I thought the book would not be that great after all. Then at Chapter 3, I began to sense that the book would be better. I loved the test to find the real Mr. Jenkins at Chapters 5-6, and the last few chapters were a little scary but they were the best.
"Her voice issued from her lips almost without volition, cold, calm, emotionless. 'Mr. Jenkins Three---'
He stepped forward, smiling triumphantly.
'No. You're not the real Mr. Jenkins. You're much too powerful. You'd never have to be taken away from a regional school you couldn't control and made principal of a grade school you couldn't control, either.' She looked at Mr. Jenkins One and Two.'
I absolutely loved this book! ... Read more

Book Description

L. Owens, ed. Presents all 215 stories recorded by the Brothers Grimm, many not available elsewhere, illustrated by renowned artists.Includes such timeless favorites as Cinderella, Rapunzel, and The Frog Prince.A delight for young and old alike.100 b&w illustrations.704 pages. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Good for what it is
My experience was this book was bad, but that was my fault for not reading the other reviews before buying it. If you know what you're buying, it's a good book (which is why I'm giving it four stars).

I bought this to read with my children. Don't do that unless your kids are teenagers at least. The original stories aren't meant for small children. At a minimum the kids get bored; at the worst, they'll be terrified.

I didn't care for the quality of the book myself; it looks like it was layed out by somebody that normally designs dictionaries or phone books. But you might like dense copy and inconsistent illustrations.

OKAY STORIES, OKAY COPY
Not all the stories in this book are winners, and you can take a LONG time reading all of them. For the longest time I'd been hearing that Disney's version of these Grimm classics are much cleaner. No kidding. But being a hardcore fantasy reader, I like all the violence and dark senses of humor that the Grimm brothers have. Generally, for every 10 stories you read, you might find two that you like and one that you REALLY like. As for the actual book, the pages are apparently NOT acid-free, which means that it was cheaply made. It is still hardback, though. I'm not a HUGE Grimm fan, but there were enough illustrations for my taste. Along the same lines, I don't care if the works are out of order--what matters is that they're translated decently. I still hold that there is--somewhere--a better Grimm's book to be found--hence the 3 stars. Apart from all that, this is a good bargain bin book--which is where I found it. My favorite stories--so far--are The Frog Prince, Cinderella, The Three White Snakes, and The Youth Who Could Not Shiver and Shake.

complete brothers grimm fairy tales [hardcover]
when i received this book, i was amazed by how great it was. the condition was very good. i was so plesed by it. it was so clean, and looked untouched. i am very happy with it. thank you for doing a great job. this is the first time i have ever bought anything on the net. i was kind of scared about it. i know i can buy from you guys and not worry about it. ej

Bad for these reasons...
1. Very thin paper used. (recycled?) If this is for environmental purposes, I support it. If it is just to save on production costs, I don't.

2. Ugly, crowed typesetting that would be more at home in a newspaper.

3. Jumbled illustrations by different artists with different styles, none of which are credited, and many are placed out of synch with the corresponding stories. Very few of the illustrations are worth a second glance.

4. Weakly bound. Will fall apart with regular reading.

5. The prose is dreadful. Or is that the stories sound better in their native German???

6. My copy arrived covered in inexplicable dark smudges.

7. Not for collectors, or those who like quality books.

8. Note: If you are buying for your children, they will probably be bored by the stories, or not understand them. As one reviewer pointed out, they were never complied for children in the first place.

Grimm Reality
I received this book as a gift from my sister. Upon reading the reviews she was skeptical to buy it, thankfully she bought the book regardless.(Thank you, Thank you!!!)

I don't see the poor quality that many have discussed.The pages are thin of paper but thick with words and quality to captivate a Fairy Tale lover. Oral story telling has been a tradition for centuries, and this book keeps that alive. These stories are definately memorable and after you've read them you can tell them over and over.

I remember many of these stories from my childhood. They're rich with imagery. Maybe many of them were never intended for small children... but if you can look past the grim images of some stories you will find a deep lesson. I even see some religious symbolism in some of the tales which border on same idea lines as Biblical stories.

I disagree with the negativity and poor ratings this book has gotten. I think it is a must have for the Literature and Fairy Tale collectors (if not for the quality of the book, then definately the quality of the stories therein). Considering that early versions of the book were written in 1812 and its still sold widely today, there must be something about it that causes people to wonder about those brothers Grimm.

Give this book a second glance!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This tremendous trio of Margaret Wise Brown's tried-and-true board books is virtually guaranteed to delight babies and toddlers. The Runaway Bunny, illustrated by Clement Hurd, is a comforting testimony to a parent's unconditional love and protection: "'If you run away,' said his mother, 'I will run after you. For you are my little bunny.'" Goodnight Moon walks a child through a hypnotically soothing bedtime ritual of naming familiar objects in a room (and finding the little mouse that keeps popping up); and the melodic Big Red Barn, with illustrations by Felicia Bond, is a colorful foray into farm life: "By the big red barn / In the great green field, / There was a pink pig / Who was learning to squeal." In the end, the barnyard animals are all asleep, and if you're lucky, your favorite toddlers will be, too. A wonderful first-book collection. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

I wish I could give these books to every child in the world
These are the books your children will take to bed with them every night. Goodnight Moon has been my daughter's favorite bedtime book for 2 years, the one she HAS to have read to her before she can fall asleep. It must be the lyrical prose, and the illustrations that FEEL like a bedtime snuggle...this is the book I buy as a gift for every new parent.

Runaway Bunny is just beautiful, the watercolor paintings of a mother and child are fanciful and loving, and seem to come straight from a child's imagination.The theme is especially helpful for clingy children, reassuring them there will always be enough love to sustain them.

The Big Red Barn is simply the most enchanting book of farm animals I have ever seen, with lively colors and a story that intrigues my daughter so much, this is the first book she was content to sit down with and "read" all alone.

Three children's classics in board form will delight
Originally written in the 1940's, these classic children's books will still delight your baby or toddler. The youngest baby is lulled to sleep by the gentle rhymes, and will enjoy the bright colors and charming illustrations as he or she gets older."Goodnight Moon" depicts a young bunny rabbit awake in his bed as he tells all the objects and animals he can see "Goodnight". He lists everything he can see, including his mittens, some kittens, and of course the moon. Toddlers will begin to appreciate the make-believe world of "The Runaway Bunny", in which a mother bunny tells her child she will be there to keep him safe no matter where he runs to. The bright colors of "Big Red Barn" are intriguing to little ones, and will help teach the names of many animals,too. The board books are ideal for the youngest readers, as they can easily help turn the pages. It is difficult for a child younger than 2 years old to turn the paper pages of most books.These are three excellent books to add to your child's library and start the happy tradition of reading!

They don't call them classics for nothing
These three are terrific! I wanted to buy lots of classics for my baby and I was given this one. I could not have made a better choice myself. This is a great edition to my child's library.

Wonderful - Just Wonderful
These books are wonderful. I started reading them to my sons as soon as they were born. My oldest is 3 and he can "read" Goodnight Moon to me. He looks forward to finding the little bunny before his mommy does in The Runaway Bunny and knows when to make the animal sounds before I turn the page in the Big Red Barn.

This collection is a must for all kids. You won't regret buying them for the years of enjoyment that follows!

Love the trio!
Big Red Barn is a BIG HIT in my house and my daughter is only 6 months old! This is followed by Goodnight Moon. She's a little too young for The Runaway Bunny. The illustrations aren't as colorful or fun as the other two, but I know when she gets older it will also be a favorite. Definitely recommend this trio for parents! ... Read more

Book Description

A complete guide to teaching The Diary of Anne Frank. Includes an author biography, background information, summaries, thought-provoking discussion questions, as well as creative, cross-curricular activities and reproducibles that motivate students. ... Read more

Reviews (436)

The Diary of Anne Frank was a wonderful book.
I read the book, "The Diary of Anne Frank." I thought that it was not only a wonderful book, but it was very real. It is the captivating story of a young girl, told to her diary about her life, growing up under sone of the strangest, and saddest conditions. It was written in Holland in the early 1940's, during the anti-semetic movements of the Nazi party. Is is told from the innocent eyes of a child, forced to go into hiding to escape Nazi persecution. She lives under close quarters, with seven other people. I felt, because the book was so real, that I actually knew the characters in the book. I found myself relating to ideas that Anne had and things that she said. I think that everyone should read this book because is is an insight into life, love, and hate. I believe that this is a great book and could be enjoyed by anyone.

Anne Frank The Diary of a Young Girl
The book that I just finished reading is called Anne Frank The Diary of a Young Girl written by Anne Frank herself. It is one of the best book that I have ever read. It tells you about the life of a teenage girl who is trying to survive the awful times of the Holocaust while in hiding. Along with her, there are seven other people living in this hiding place. She learns how to cooporate with other people and how to live while all cooped up. The story takes place in Amsterdam and the hiding place is called the "Secret Annexe". There are two people who get them their food and take care of them. The end of this book is so heart-wrenching that it is unbelieveable. I would definately give this book nine stars out of ten. This book is so informative that is really makes you realize how fortunate we really are these days. It explains everything so well that you can't even believe that something this horrible could ever even happen. This book has definately made me think completely different in a good way and I hope that it will do the same for you.

Franco's Fabulous Book Review
Anne Frank, a 13 year-old, strong-willed, and courageous girl, is living in the Secret Annex during WWII to escape the Nazi regime. Anne, along with her family and close friends, are hiding from the Nazis because they are of the Jewish faith. Anne falls in love with Peter, a 15 year-old boy who is living with her in the Secret Annex. They become very close as they spend time in the attic trying to escape Peter's annoying mother. The group living in the Secret Annex has to be extremely careful. If they make too much noise, they have a chance of being caught. If they are caught, they will most likely be sent to a concentration camp. Any loud noise or movement could cost the eight tenants of the Secret Annex to die.
"Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl" is an amazing book. It lets you realize how lucky we are to live in the world we live in today. The struggles that Anne and the group go through to live a "normal" life are nothing like anyone in today's world would be forced to go through. It allows people interested in WWII to gain information as to what is was like to live during the war.
"Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl" is a must read. It is ver informative, yet allows the reader to learn about WWII in an interesting way. So, if you like WWII and are interested in learning what it was like to live back then, this book is for you. It is also a good piece of historical fiction. Pick it up today!

Julie Francolino

A diary that truly depicted War...
I earnestly almost cried after reading this book.I was 13,the same age as Anne's when she started writing her diary,whom she called "kitty".

For those who have no idea who Anne Frank is,she is a Jewish girl and the youngest of two girls.Her father was successful businessman...and the family led a happy and wonderful life after settling down in the bustling city of Amsterdam,that was until Adolf Hitler started the Nazis.The Nazis was an anti-Jew operation,where they would capture Jewish men and tortured them.The women and young and old were not let off either,many were sent to concentration camps,where living conditions there were so bad,many died of diseases rather than the slow torturings.

It was at this time that Mr Frank decided to go into hiding with his family.With some of his kind-hearted co-workers,they managed to perfect a secret hideout.Anne,her mother and sister Margot began moving into the hideout,which was located just behind the office.Joining them were the Van Dans (not sure if spelling is right)who had a son named Peter and a doctor.Life was very tough,for living behind the office with barely a bookshelf as a wall means not making loud noises.No one must know of their existense,so all everybody could do is to crept round their area softly,tip-toeing and even speaking in hush-whistle.

For almost 2 years,that's the life of Anne.A growing teenager,she could not go out to the streets to watch a movie,play with her friends or even talk to boys,for that means getting caught by the Nazis.It was also round this time that Anne had one true friend where she can confide everything to:kitty,her diary.

In her diary,she wrote of how talkative she was in class(she went to school before the hiding),how she hates her mother when the latter compared her to her sister Margot,how she detested Mrs Van Dam...and her deepest thoughts on growing up in a secret hideout.She also shared about her crush on Peter,who also liked her.

Anne,as we could see,was a normal girl,someone who detested writing,someone who likes a boy and someone who wants to grow up being an author.Well,you could say she is one now,with her diary published after the war, which was later translated to more than 50 languages and sold millions worldwide...but the young girl,unlike her diary,did not survived through the war,for she was captured from her hideout one fine day.Mrs Frank,Margot,the doctor,the Van Dams and Anne herself,all died.All except for Mr Frank himself,who survived...

By the way, a little unknown fact about her Anne:her real name is Annelies Marie Frank.

Anne Frank:The Diary of a Young Girl
The epic Adventure of Anne Frank, born in Germany Anne Frank spent two years of her life in Astonishing Circumstances. Anne faces adventure when the Nazis where murdering Jews. Anne, Mummy, Daddy, Mrs. Van Daan, Mr. Van Daan, and Peter. All hid in a secret passage in an old warehouse in Amsterdam. Anne and her diary explains of the fear of being discovered by the Nazis. Yet within it, a tender love story slowly unfolds-from her shy avoidances with peter to incessant glances and first kiss! Thus her diary is not a lament but a song to life, no matter the circumstances, no matter what the threats.
Great book for all ages, and you can't beat the low price. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (106)

The ending of the Prydan Chronocles
The High King is a Newbery award winner in a series of 5 books (The High King is last book in the series). Starting with the mystical and astonishing book The Book of Three, this series builds over time and forces the reader to read these books again after time. The book starts off with Taran, once a cowardly assistant pig keeper. After the other books he develops the skills needed for a warrior, and is now grown up into a majestic character with the other characters met and discovered in the other books. The saddest and dreadful book in the series, the story must end, and main characters that played an important role are enforced in this book, ending the series once and for all. This book is the final attack made towards the Death Lord, and seals the paths for epilogues, but leaves room for the past to be revealed. The series read together make a great connection towards each other, and answers all unanswered questions that remain in the readers' head. This adventure plots all the characters from previous journeys, and makes a perilous excursion for the fantasy readers. Just like any series, what happens in the past controls the future. This book, read with the series or alone, provides adventure for any age. The fantasy based book implanted on the fundamentals of a welsh legend shows how people can react sometimes, or how much their customs make notice in front of intelligence and common sense.

Beautiful conclusion to an excellent series

I've loved Lloyd Alexander's classic series ever since I read "The Book of Three" in elemantary school. A well-chosen Christmas gift from my parents ensured that I got my hands on the next four books, concluding with "The High King".

One of the strengths of this series is that the characters learn and grow from one book to the next; it's great to see Taran from "The Book of Three", who reminds me rather of myself at that age (*grin*) grow up to take the responsibilities he has earned by the end of "The High King".

Alexander's use of Welsh mythology is excellent and for the most part right on target, though Arawn isn't quite as malevolent a figure in myth as he is in the Chronicles of Prydain, and the Gwydion of the Mabinogion is as much a trickster as he is a hero. (This isn't really a criticism; these are books for children, and I know that making Arawn and Gwydion more ambiguous characters would have confused me when I was younger.) The Triple Goddess, the people of Twylyth Teg, the people of Llyr--they're all here, forming a seamless and very real-feeling backdrop to the main characters' adventures.

Older readers may be interested in checking out the Mabinogion, the main body of Welsh myth that has survived the ages, after finishing this series. Gwyn Thomas and Kevin Crossley-Holland's "Tales from the Mabinogion" is an excellent edition to try, with beautiful illustrations.

Overall, the Chronicles of Prydain remain among my favorite stories, with "The High King" the best of the lot. I highly recommend them.

I'm waiting for this to become a movie...
Others have summed up how good this book, and indeed, the whole Chronicles of Pyrdain series is -- I heartily agree. What I would like to see is the series translated into film. It would be marvelous -- kind of like a combination of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings!

Not just the best of the series, but my favorite book ever
This book is it. The climax. The payoff. The ultimate battle between good and evil, with a conclusion that moves me more than any other I've ever read.

The story starts with Taran and Gurgi reuniting with Eilonwy, Rhun, Fflewddur and Gwydion, only to learn that Gwydion's enchanted sword has been stolen by Arawn Death-Lord himself. They set out to find it, but soon realize that not only the sword, but all of Prydain is at stake.

Armies are rallied by both sides, battles are fought on a scale never seen in the previous books, and all the characters previously introduced return to take sides in the conflict.

Betrayal, greed and defeat are countered with courage, loyalty and sacrifice (watch Fflewddur in particular) time and time again. The price required to destroy the powers of evil is never higher, everyone loses something dear to them, many don't survive, and the land of Prydain will never be the same again.

When I re-read this in college I was surprised to learn that this was considered children's literature; the book's power only grows with the passage of time, and while it can be understood by children, its mark of greatness lies in its ability to resonate with readers of all ages.

This book could conceivably stand on its own, though reading the previous four books first is highly recommended. Doing so only adds to the power of this, the capstone of a beautiful series.

Among the best fantasies ever
If ever there was a closing volume of a series that never failed to disappoint, and in fact was so good it raised the quality of every book that came before it, it is "The High King," the last book in Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles.

The Prydain Chronicles is a key series in children's fantasy literature, walking the fine line between being accessible to young readers while being appealing and engaging enough for adults to enjoy. Here in "The High King," that shows itself in spades. This is a serious work comparable to anything the fantasy genre has to offer. While appropriate for children, this is hardly "children's fantasy."

The action here is epic, larger in scope than anything seen in the series before. Sprawling armies clash. Wars are fought. People die. Its grim and serious stuff - but amazingly wholly suitable for readers of all ages.

All of our favorite characters come back for their final appears in this last volume. Taran, now grown and brave and confident, is among those to lead the charge in the final clash between ultimate good and ultimate evil. The fate of all of Prydain hangs in the balance as Arawn Death-Lord prepares to lay siege to all. The others return, too, including Eilonwy, the stereotypical spoiled princess, Gurgi, the crazed Gollum-like creature, and Fflewddur Fflam, the hapless bard who is prone to exaggeration.

One of the great joys of the Chronicles is the progress from lighthearted fantasy to adult themes and a grim tone. By the end, you feel as if the characters have taken a lifetime of journeys, learning from them as they went. It all culminates here, with joy, sadness, pain, death, and sacrifice mixing together to form a classic adventure tale.

Because Alexander draws his stories from ancient myth, these feel like stories you've read many times before - yet that never comes across in a tiresome way. It's a story that operates in a welcome comfort zone, nice in a time when so many books try so hard to be different solely for the sake of being different.

The Prydain Chronicles, and "The High King" especially, is recommended reading for anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially classic children's fantasy. Classic stuff in every way. ... Read more

Book Description

Like the rest of his family, Louis is a trumpeter swan. But unlike his four brothers and sisters, Louis can't trumpet joyfully. In fact, he can't even make a sound. And since he can't trumpet his love, the beautiful swan Serena pays absolutely no attention to him.

Louis tries everything he can think of to win Serena's affection--he even goes to school to learn to read and write. But nothing seems to work. Then his father steals him a real brass trumpet. Is a musical instrument the key to winning Louis his love?

Reviews (75)

An Excellent Book
This tale of romance and courage kept me reading for hours. I couldn't stop reading it at home and school. I loved that book that I could read it again and again.This story is about a young swan that came into the world without a voice. He is determined to win the money he needs for his father's dept, because Louis's father stole a trumpet from a music store. Determined to raise the money needed.He travels from his beautiful home in Montana to places all over the country.He even got jobs like leading a swan boat in one place. Playing his trumpet at another and playing the trumpet at his human friend Sam Beaver's camp.Soon he raises the money he needs and his father pays back his dept.He also wins the heart of a female swan he loves Serena. This is a tale that'll have everyone reading for hours. I like this story and I'm sure ot