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The twins, a mysterious fire, troubles at school; but the Bobbseys prevail.Who would have guessed? ... Read more

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Funny, Adventurous and Exciting!
Bert was elected to be in charge of the museum at school. Then, the most valuable trophy in the whole museum was stolen! I really liked some of the details in this book, like the dog that could sniff out the bad guys and do really neat tricks! I recommend reading this book because it is funny, adventurous and exciting! ... Read more

Book Description

Gilbert has become a doctor and now Anne's wedding day has come, the first bride of Green Gables.Now has come the time for Anne to leave Green Gables and she does for her "House of Dreams."

Once again there are new friends. One new friend Captain Jim is full of tales including the moving "Lost Margaret".

Joy comes to Anne and in one day leaves again in the form of little Joyce. But time and James Mathew cure Anne of her sadness, but the memory of little Joyce never leaves.

Mark Twain described Anne as "the most moving and delightful child of fiction since the immortal Alice."The "Anne" books have been best sellers since 1908. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Anne and Gilbert FINALLY get married and set up house
"Anne's House of Dreams" is my least favorite of L. M. Montgomery's novels in the Anne of Green Gables series, which does not mean it is not a first-rate novel. For me, I guess it was a bit anticlimactic for Anne and Gilbert to finally get married, especially after it took three novels for the Anne girl to admit what everybody else knew from the start, that Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe were made for each other. But then I read the books in the order they are numbered and not the order in which Montgomery wrote them, in which case I would have skipped "Anne of Windy Poplars" and would therefore not have been bothered by all that time between the engagement and the wedding.

In this fifth Anne of Green Gables novel the newlyweds move into their House of Dreams and start their life together. For the first time Anne is more of an observer than a participant, as the two main characters of the book turn out to be the storytelling Captain Jim and the tragic but romantic figure of Leslie Moore. The most fascinating part of the novel is that the only way you can tell Anne is about to have a baby is that she stops going outside and Marilla shows up (and I have to admit I was shocked, shocked I tell you, that her son's first name is James rather than Matthew). Perhaps no other aspect of Montgomery's work gives us as good an indication that she is writing about another time.

After this volume the emphasis will be more on Anne's children and their friends than our beloved red-haired orphan, so "Anne's House of Dreams" is very much a transitional book in the series. As she becomes an adult and starts living a grown up life, Anne Shirley becomes less interesting to Montgomery than the children (and in "Rainbow Valley" the interesting ones are even the Blythe kids). It is nice to say that if this is the "low" point in the series, then other writers should be so lucky with their high points.

One of the best books in the Anne of Green Gables series!
This is about Anne Blythe and her husband Gilbert Blythe who, after their marriage move to a quaint little house and meet their few neighbors, one of which is Leslie Moore, a beautiful young woman who has suffered many tragedies. Anne strives to become her friend, and in doing so, she helps Leslie and shows her how to live life to its fullest. Anne's life takes a sharp turn when she suffers a tragedy herself. This book is full of surprises, humor, and fun.

I adore this book!
It is, in my opinion, the second best Anne book! Its Anne's wedding! The whole thing is soaked in romance! Leslie's story is so amazing and sweet that you have to love her. Captain Jim is so sweet and perfect, you can nearly see him. Miss Cornelia is funny and Susan is great. Anne has to deal with tragedy and joy that makes the books so wonderful. The only thing I don't like, is that i wish Marrilla and all the Avonlea people would be in it a little more. In my opinion, this should be where the series ends.

Okay.....
This was a good book with a delightful set of characters. My own personal favorite was captain Jim, with his stories about the sea, and of his lost love, "Lost Margaret." It's not just a happy book that bores us because Gilbert and Anne do lose a child, and they do quarell. However, I think my biggest dissapointment is the lack of Gilbret throughout the entire Anne series. Really, in Montgomeries books we see much more of the male friends of her heroines than their lovers. Gilbert as a character isn't built up at all, I don't really know anything about his personality. He's just a puppet. I'm so eager to know more about him, but it's like he's just a foil for Anne's character. If they were friends perhaps we would know more about his personality. I wish Anne had married someone like David in "Mistress Pat", Barney in "The Blue Castle" or Dean in "Emily's Quest" , or even Jingle in "Pat of Silver Bush."
The relationship between Pat and Jingle is especially moving. But because Gilbert and Anne did not grow up as friends the way Teddy and Emily, and Pat and Jingle did, it's hard to fully understand their feelings for one another...or appreciate the developement of their relationship. I was also dissapointed that Anne gave up her ambitions with marriage, although I understand that Montgomery must have been catering to what society wanted of her during that time period.

Slog on to Get to the Real Anne
Some of the wit and magic is missing from Anne's life in the beginning of this book. She's grown up, and there seems to be no real hurdles to cross, or conflict. It makes for a slow read for the first third of the book, while you wait for something to actually happen, instead of a completely idyllic life. Thankfully, things pick up by the 2nd third, and the reader is rewarded by the Anne we all know and care for- responding with love and romance to life's situations and participating in the redemption of those around her. Certainly the ending is a O'Henry twist you wouldn't ever expect. Here again is Anne that you have to sigh over in delight, and kick your feet in the air and laugh in the exhileration of love found again. ... Read more

Book Description

Ooooooooooo, Eloise absolutely loves The Plaza! Everyone -- from the doorman to the chef to the package manager -- is busy busy busy, so she simply must help! Oh my Lord, how can the staff ever get along without her? Lift the flaps on every scene and watch Eloise zoom, skidder, and sing through the halls of one of New York City's finest hotels! ... Read more

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In the second installment of this long-running series for very young children, the two sets of Bobbsey twins leave Lakeport for a summer holiday at dear Aunt Sarah’s. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Bobbsey Twins in The Country
I liked this book because it tells how younger kids are and older ones too. It describes how a family of both young and old boys and girls get along together and what their life is like. That is why I liked this book.It is also exciting because they do lots of interesting things when they go into the country. ... Read more

Book Description

Nearly seventy-five years ago, Winnie-the-Pooh came down the stairs, bump, bump, bump, on the back of his head behind Christopher Robin and right into the hearts of generations of readers. Now, at long last, two of A. A. Milne's beloved tales about the endearingly rotund bear are available as individual, large-format picture books. Each one includes a single, complete story from the originals, accompanied by Ernest H. Shepard's incomparable drawings presented in brilliant full-color. Here, readers will find Pooh's legendary encounter with a hive of bees as he attempts to get honey with a balloon.

Featuring cloth spines, foil stamping, headbands, and colored endpapers, these exceptional books carry all the hallmarks of classics to collect and treasure. Timeless and traditional in design, yet with a lively, fresh look for today's readers, they are sure to delight Pooh fans of all ages--whether on their first visit to Our Bear's Enchanted Forest or their hundredth. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Small book for younger readers/listeners
Beautifully bound and illustrated, this little book is part of a series of 10 such Pooh books published by Dutton. Don't confuse these "storybooks" with the even smaller and abridged board-books; also, don't confuse these books with many other Pooh books, such as read-alongs or cassete tapes or Disney versions.

This little book is a near-exact reproduction of a Chapter One in the original book, Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne, with the original illustrations by Shephard enhanced by judicious watercoloring. All the charm of the original, in a perfect size for reading to littler kids, who can feel satisfied at having been read "the whole story." Also good for children just starting to read all by themselves. ... Read more

Book Description

Little Bear's garden grows many things -- roses and daisies and snapdragons. It is also producing something you wouldn't expect -- butterflies! Join Little Bear as he learns that the friendly caterpillars in his garden grow up to be something completely different.

Book Description

Anne Shirley has left Redmond College behind to begin a new job and a new chapter of her life away from Green Gables.Now she faces a new challenge:the Pringles.They're known as the royal family of Summerside--and they quickly let Anne know she is not the person they had wanted as principal of Summerside High School.But as she settles into the cozy tower room at Windy Poplars, Anne finds she has great allies in the widows Aunt Kate and Aunt Chatty--and in their irrepressible housekeeper, Rebecca Dew.As Anne learns Summerside's strangest secrets, winning the support of the prickly Pringles becomes only the first of her delicious triumphs. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

An exquisitely funny and endearing book.
"What would you think of a man..." Can anyone who has read "Anne of Windy Poplars" possibly forget the dinner scene at Trix's house? L.M. Montgomery peppers this novel with dozens of characters and situations like that one. Fifth in the "Anne" series, this book is packed with entertaining personalities like Aunts Chatty and Kate, Hazel, Trix, Katherine Brooke (spelled with a K!), Miss Valentine, Jen Pringle (and all her clan), and let's not forget Rebecca Dew. This book will lift your spirits high and banish even the deepest blues. The perfect cure for a depressing day.

a comfy book to snuggle up with during a storm
When I started this book more than a year ago, I was quite annoyed at the written format, as the majority of the book is of letters written to Gilbert Blythe from Anne Shirley during her 3 years teaching at Summerside High School. I read all 8 books of Anne of Green Gables last year. A little while ago, I decided to read the books again. Of all the books, I enjoyed Anne of Windy Poplars the most. After the first read, I noticed the beautiful simplicity of her letters, which are so well written of the going-ons at Summerside. I especially liked the "homie" feeling of her stay at the the house of Aunt Kate, Aunt Chatty, and Rebecca Dew. They have the most lovable characters and habits that are betimes humorous. Anne Shirley, as the principal of Summerside, finds herself the automatically-made enemy of "The Royal Family of Summerside"- the Pringles. But since Anne can win affections easily, she doesn't have much of a problem with them. Anne makes extraordinary acquaintances, like her nextdoor neighbor, Little Elizabeth who starves for love. Likewise, her colleague, Katherine Brookes, a hostile sarcastic woman, has never been wanted or loved. Anne changes many a life at her stay at Summerside.
L.M. Montgomery can write simple beautiful books more eloquently than any of the authors who's books I've read. I think it's her imagination that is lacked in other works of words. Anne of Windy Poplars can charm anyone, if you only let yourself be taken away through the chapters of tears and joy in it.

Not the best..but pretty good
This book was my least favorite out of the four that I have read. It mostly contained letters from Anne to her future husband Gilbert Blythe. It also takes you through three years of her life living in Windy Poplars. Her one challenge she had was trying to deal with "The royal family" the Pringles. Although you might need to read this book to understand the next, I wouldnt recomend reading it.

A book you could skip in the series
Out of the entire 8 book series this is definately my least favorite book. After the 3rd book where you here so much about Gilbert you would think that the 4th book would talk more about him. Instead the entire book is made up of letters from her to him telling about her life with out mentioning really any romance between them and what is going on in his life. It has some cute stories in it and it shows Anne for the first time as an outcast that isn't liked, which is a very new thing for her, but i just could not get into this book. It is just a very uninteresting and unimportant book in the whole plot line of the series. It seems to just interupt the flow of the story line through the books. Anne of Windy Poplars is a book that could just be skipped if you are following the life of Anne.

Anne in Love
I've read the entire "Anne" saga more times than I can count, at least once a year since I was 10 (that's a minimum of 15 times). This book is the "odd one out" in the series but is also one of my favorites.

Written mostly as letters from Anne to her now fiancé Gilbert while he is studying medicine and she is working as the Principal of Summerside High School, this book is much more personal than the other Anne books in my opinion.We get to see Anne as she finally grows into herself and is happy with her life and its direction.

Anne's struggles to win over the somewhat eccentric townsfolk of Summerside are alternately hilarious and touching. If you've ever been on the outside looking in, you will truly appreciate her trials.

As usual L. M. Montgomery's writing is absolutely wonderfully descriptive and very true to the era she depicts. The little "homey" touches in her writing endear her work to me more and more as I get older.

If you love Anne, please read this book and get to know Miss Shirley in a more personal way than many of the other books allow. The basic L.M. Montgomery ingredients are there as well as the usual heaping dose of charm. ... Read more

Book Description

Pom, Flora, and Alexander discover a rare Wully-Wully and bring him home to Celesteville. The lovable creature has a wonderful time playing with the little elephants and their friends. But there's trouble afoot when Rataxes the rhinoceros grabs the Wully-Wully to be his own pet. Can Rataxes learn to share, or will there be war between rhinos and elephants?

Originally published in 1975, Babar and the Wully-Wully teaches young readers that sharing with others brings new friends and fun. ... Read more

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Another wonderful Babar adventure with a very happy ending
This is a really terrific story. By capturing and then befriending the charming little Wully Wully, the elephants learn some good lessons about respect and kindness. After some adventures, the young elephants and the Wully Wully do what Babar couldn't - establishing peace with the Rhinos! This book has a nice blend of tension, adventure, and all sorts of little lessons to take away from it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Alexander aims his arrow at the apple. A bear reads a book in bed.Celeste wears her crown when she drives her car." From A to Z ("Zephir zips uphis sleeping bag zipper"), Babar takes young readers on a trip through thealphabet. Based on the tremendously popular Babar series from Jean de Brunhoffand, later, his son Laurent de Brunhoff, Babar's ABC enlists the help ofsuch beloved characters as Arthur, Cornelius, Pom, and Celeste to guide childrenon a learning-to-read adventure. Large colored letters, in both upper- andlowercase letters show up bold and bright at the top of each page, with a wordthat starts with the featured letter just underneath. "Ee," for example, standsfor elephant. The full-page illustration below is packed with elephants playing,wrestling, swimming, and walking. An inset picture shows a bunch of bunnies withthe caption, "White rabbits have long pink ears and little pinkeyes." Fans of the classic The Story of Babar, the LittleElephant will be delighted by the endpapers, which show, instead of thefamiliar string of elephants zigzagging across the spread, a progression ofelephants carting each awkwardly large letter of the alphabet, with the lastelephant finally stumbling under the weight of X, Y, and Z. (Ages 3 to 6)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Book Description

Beatrix Potter's four stories that feature Peter Rabbit are brought together in one volume, so that Peter's escapades can be read as a continuous saga. The volume includes the complete text and art from The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies and The Tale of Mr. Tod. From Peter's mischevious childhood in Mr. McGregor's garden to the time he rescues a family from Tommy Brock's clutches, Peter Rabbit's story is one children will want to hear again and again. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Classic story and illustrations, awkwardly organized.
There are three stories in this book, the first of which is the Tale of Peter Rabbit. I think that this edition could be better organized, given its intended audience: First of all, you need to be able to read the table of contents to know where one story ends and the next begins. Also, the binding is very tight, making it difficult for the "baby-preschool" age group for which it is intended to flip through at the book independently. In my copy, at least, about half the story of Peter Rabbit is included a second time, presumably in error, after the third story. A small child might do better with a smaller, hardbound version.

Classic story about rabbit family.
This children's classic tells the adventures of mischievous Peter Rabbit. Entertaining read-aloud stories. Author Beatrix Potter was a teacher and wrote this masterpiece for the purpose of delighting a sick child. ... Read more

Book Description

Five vignettes continue the adventures of George and Martha, the two lovable hippos and their strong friendship. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

George and Martha Round and Round
The characters of this book were well developted. You could tell what George and Martha were like. The book shows how important a friend really is. Even thouhg you may get into fights, it's best to forgive. The book shows this idea through a couple of different situations.

George and Martha score 5 stars again!
This sequel to the popular book, "George and Martha"tells even more shared adventures of this dynamic duo. The storiesare easy to read, easy to enjoy.

This additional set of short animated stories about two good friends shouldn't be missed.

Will George make it into the air by balloon?

Another 5 stars for these two good friends! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

1st Grader's Favorite Book Series
Based on chapter book The Littles. Mr. and Mrs. Little and Tom and Lucy. Grade level reading for 6 year olds. ... Read more

Book Description

Even as a pup, he is different from his brothers: A large gray cub among a litter of red-haired puppies, with a quicker bite and heavier paw. When he leaves the protection of his snug cave, he and his mother are captured by the fire-making gods -- man-animals who live in teepees, and who determine that the pup is half-dog, half-wolf, and name him White Fang. White Fang finds himself relentlessly tormented by the tribe's domestic dogs, and quickly learns to surpass them in cunning and viciousness. His brutality is encouraged even further when he is sold to a sadistic man who takes advantage of the dog's massive size and tremendous strength to pit him in to-the-death dog fights. White Fang is driven near mad, until a young man comes along who offers him kindness and friendship. But friendship is something White Fang doesn't understand...yet.

Jack London's adventure masterpiece is not only a vivid account of the Klondike gold rush and North American Indian life, it is an intriguing study of the effects of our environments in forming who we are. Caldecott winner Ed Young's exquisite illustrations bristle with energy in their portrayal of an angry young wolf struggling with the loss of wild independence that is his birthright, but gaining a new freedom through a profound and unconditional love. ... Read more

Reviews (91)

"Whole Story" Makes a Good Book Better
White Fang is a cross between a wolf & a dog, and the story begins near the beginning of his life, when he is still living in a cave and has yet to experience the out of doors. His father, the wolf, dies when WF is still cave-bound.
Much description is written about WF's feelings for his mother (intense devotion) and the world around him as he begins to explore it. Along the way, by trial and error, he becomes a wily hunter & survivor.

He and his mother Kiche are eventually taken in by a group of
Indians and Gray Beaver becomes his master/god. He trains
WF to be one of his sled dogs and a hunter. The way he trains
him is with ferocious beatings any time WF disobeys or slacks off
or does anything wrong. WF sees him as a god. Not one that he
loves, but one he must obey to avoid beatings and to receive
food.

Gray Beaver eventually sells him to another god, Beauty Smith,
who is truly evil. Beauty is training WF to be a fighter dog,
and his beatings are even more ferocious. WF is pitted against
other dogs on a daily basis, while his master takes bets. WF
never looses. Then one day, WF is pitted against a bull dog.
The fight is like none he had ever experienced before, and it
is one that almost cost him his life.

It is through the fight with the bull dog that WF comes to know
his newest and last master/god, Weedon Scott. And it is
through Weedon that WF learns how to love his god. And in the
end, love is rewarded on both sides.

It is a book that would be most appealing to the intermediate
reader and young adult, especially adventuring types, and animal
lovers. The edition I read was from the Whole Story Series
and their additions to each of the books they publish are very
noteworthy. Besides the complete text of the original book
they also include many photos, illustrations, and enlightening
notes about the history, culture, etc. of the place & era. Even if a person is not crazy about the story (& WF in not my "type" of story,) the information in the margin alone is worth the reading.

Unmatched
This is one of my favorite books. The only other book that might be better is The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, but Jack London has definitely outdone himself this time. It is the story about an animal who is three quarters wolf and a one quarter dog who goes from life as an indian sled dog to a fighting dog owned by a cruel man, to a loving owner who trys to show this maddened savage creature the meaning of love and kindness. What is really unique about White Fang is that it tells of what might be going on in such a creature's head. It tells of what it is like living in a den out in the wild, tells of how White Fang first comprehends the wild and what he learns aboout the law of life. It explains what his first impression of humans, and of the harsh enviorment of all the other puppies and dogs in the camp. It is beautifully written and I would suggest it to anyone who likes long, thought provoking stories about dogs and wolves and the northlands.

White Fang
This was a really good book. The beginning was pretty unexpected. Mainly because the whole book just changed views. It was very detailed and you could really get into it. I loved the part about when he was just born and how curious he was. I also felt bad for him towards the middle but I won't say for the sake of those who haven't read it yet. I will definatly be reading more of Jack London's books though.

To Love or not to Love "Tawney-H.R Etiwanda"White Fang
Since he was a pup white fang knew he was a killer. Because he lived in the wild, where the law was kill or be killed, White Fang had to be a killer. White Fang is torn between his instincts and the laws of "the gods." Readers have to ask themselves, "with so many masters, will White Fang ever understand love and true human companionship?"

I thought that this book rocked! And I would totally want people to read it. White Fang is kind of like the book "Balto." Balto went to save a dog that he did not like to help bring medicine back to a town that did not like him. It is basically about trying to find your place in life and who you are. That is why I loved the book.

White Fang Review
Just like a lot of other Jack London books this book is about wolves and dogs. The beginning the book is pretty exciting but after that it kind of gets boring for awhile after White Fang gets captured by humans.
This is a good book for people who like reading about animals and adventure stories. ... Read more

Book Description

Lyle is distraught to learn he has an enemy and tries to be an even more lovable crocodile than he was before. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good Moral
I think this is a good book to teach your children to accept people (or in this case, a talking crocodile) for who they are. It validates children's fears and handles normal feelings one might have with new friends moving in and playing with his or her existing friends. Yes, some might not feel the "I hate you" letters are appropriate. However, if your child is finding enjoyment in this book rather than hearing even more unappropriate language on Nick Jr., then I think they made the better choice! I loved it as a child, and my children love it!

Disappointing
After reading and enjoying Lyle Lyle Crocodile and The House on East 88th St, we were disappointed to find how uninspired this title was. It felt recycled and lacked the joyful flair of the other 2 books. In it, Lyle finds himself the recipient of hate letters. "I hate you" is a common refrain and they are signed "your enemy." The tone of the letters is really hostile and not appropriate for a children's book. This is especially true in this day and age where almost any threat has the potential to turn violent. Skip this one.

A Lovable Book
When I was a Kid I used to love the Lyle, Lyle Crocodile books, especially this book, Lovable Lyle. I also used to have the tape with Gwen Verdon reading this one and two other Lyle Stories. This is easily one of the best Lyle books.

In this book, almost everybody loved Lyle the Crocodile until one day Clover Sue Hipple (a new friend to young Joshua Primm) started putting hate mail under Lyle's door. Nobody knew who was doing this, until one day Mrs. Primm caught the note writer and found out why she was angry with Lyle. She invited Clover's mother to meet Lyle, only to end the visit with the crocodile falling on both Mrs Hipple and Mrs Primm. Mrs Hipple threatened to have Lyle arrested. But at the beach the next week, Lyle saved Clover's life, and won over both Clover and her mother. This is such a wonderful book, and I will always remember it because it got me in trouble once when I was in the fifth grade for sending a hate letter to my little sister's friend after she hit me.

If you have children, then buy this book at once.

Robert Metz olddilsey@yahoo.com

This book has been a favorite for 25 years!
This is a book that I have loved since I had it as a child. Icontinue to give it as agifts and every child I know loves it. Eachstory has a kind lesson and funny happenings that kids love! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

good stories - slightly awkward format
My 2 1/2 year old asks for these stories every night right now. The stories are mighty fine - if sort of retro - (mother bear is always baking cakes while father bear is off working) but in this case, I'm willing to overlook it because the tone is very sweet. This edition is a bit awkward - the pages are rather small and scrunched together. Still, a good buy.

12 charming tales for Little Bear fans (and their children)
Else Minarik's Little Bear is a gentle soul -- a bear cub who is a loving son to his parents, an affectionate charge to his grandparents and a good friend to Owl, Cat, Hen, Duck and Emily, the little girl who visits in the summer. The stories are filled with quiet humor, affection and imagination as Little Bear and his friends celebrate birthdays, play games, meet new friends and explore their neighborhood. Your young child will love these stories.

The book itself is a great value. Cover art lies directly on a sturdy binding, and this volume contains the complete contents of three books: Little Bear, Little Bear's Friend and Little Bear's Visit. That's twelve stories, with charming illustrations by Maurice Sendak.

Lovely book, terrific value.

remarkable value for Little Bear fans (and their children)
Else Minarik's Little Bear is a gentle soul -- a bear cub who is a loving son to his parents, an affectionate charge to his grandparents and a good friend to Owl, Cat, Hen, Duck and Emily, the little girl who visits in the summer. The stories are filled with quiet humor, affection and imagination as Little Bear and his friends celebrate birthdays, play games, meet new friends and explore their neighborhood. Your young child will love these stories.

The book itself is a great value. Cover art lies directly on a sturdy binding, and this volume contains the complete contents of three books: Little Bear, Little Bear's Friend and Little Bear's Visit. That's twelve stories, with charming illustrations by Maurice Sendak.

Lovely book, terrific value. ... Read more

Book Description

Unabridged Audiobook. 9 CDs - 9 hours, 44 minutes. Narrated by John Bolen.

In this 1876 "Mission Impossible" tale of intrigue set in Russia, a traitor has inspired the fierce Feofar Khan to invade Siberia and foment a rebellion.A sinister plot to assassinate the Czar's brother, the Grand Duke, is discovered but all telegraph lines have been cut.

Only one of the Czar's courier's is qualified to handle the dangerous and arduous mission to warn the Siberian Governor General of the impending invasion… Michael Strogoff. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Spellbinding story plus geography lesson
I first read Michael Strogoff in the Classics Illustrated comics version. Then I read it textually in the N.C. Wyeth illustrated edition, and later picked up a paperback that came out in the mid 1950s. I remember taking out my atlas and tracing his route across the Russian Empire, I believe from St. Petersburg to the shores of Lake Baikal. Learned some things about Russian geography that I never forgot, in addition to enjoying the great adventure story.

I found out later that Jules Verne wrote in vivid detail about places he had never physically visited. Would like to get some opinions from native Russians or travelers who really know the places mentioned. But even if they do reveal all kinds of mistakes or misperceptions, the story is still a great one.

Would like to purchase a new copy of Michael Strogoff to replaced my old paperback. But now they tell us that Verne's works were usually abridged in English translation, to become "novels for boys" without the political commentary and other adult details. So I guess I will wait until I know that there is an unabridged English translation available, like for Mysterious Island and some others.

The best Jules Verne book nobody has ever heard of
Michael Strogoff is a broad adventure that is completely out of context with the science fiction for which Verne is renowned. When I mention this book to people, nobody has ever heard of it. The story is compelling and the characters heroic. Only some of the trite cliches in character and plot (The perfection of the hero and heroine, the pat "Happily ever after..." ending) prevent this from 5 stars. The book provides a kind exposure to russian names and places and works well as a lead in to loftier, authentic russian literature particularly Tolstoy who captures similar broad vista adventures. Michael Strogoff has been required reading in my family for three generations.

Michael Strogoff in Tantor MP3
Having recently found the boutique audio publisher Tantor, I have been a major consumer of their MP3 CDs and regular CDs. In addition to my favorite Edgar Rice Burroughs (yes I am over 50!)I purchased Michael Strogoff in MP3 CD format and could not stop listening. The story Jules Vern plays out for us is highly visual and while filled with the typical chance meetings found in the style of adventure writers of that day, it was first rate. The inclusion by Vern of the two newspaper reporters from England and France in several stages of the book was an interesting twist of comedy in a generally serious book.Those that have not had an opportunity to listen to audio books on CD or MP3CD would be delighted with this one to start.
Naration by John Bolen is as usual superior especially with male voices. His female voices sometimes can be too high pitched and shrill but once one has become a regular Tantor listener, it falls out of the conscious.

Highly recommended literature.

A Hollywood Blockbuster!
Okay, maybe not - yet. This beautiful story of adventure, danger, heroism, and hairbreadth escapes leads me to believe that visionary Jules Verne correctly predicted yet ANOTHER modern invention - the blockbuster action/adventure film. And yet it would be a shame to make a movie of this brilliant novel, however ideal it might be. I have loved every Jules Verne book I have read (with the exception of the wretched Paris in the 20th Century), and I believe this very well might be his best. I am thrilled to see it back in print. Read it and marvel at how far ahead of his time Verne was in every respect.

A great book
This book was one of the most thrilling books I have ever read. It wasn't science fiction but it was full of adventure and fun. What was great about the book was that the reader didn't have too much of an intense outlook on the heroes because there were two other characters- journalists, one French and the other English who helped you understand and enjoy the story more. READ THE BOOK!- one of my favourites! ... Read more

Book Description

Inspired by a vignette in the classic Curious George Flies a Kite, this amusing episode shows George at his curious best trying to catch a fish. ... Read more

Book Description

Claudia knew that she could never pull off the old-fashioned kind of running away....She didn't like discomfort....Therefore, she decided that her leaving home would not be just running from somewhere but would be running to somewhere. To a large place, a comfortable place, an indoor place, and preferably a beautiful place. And that's why she decided upon the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

-- from From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

When Claudia decided to run away, she planned very carefully. She would be gone just long enough to teach her parents a lesson in Claudia appreciation. And she would go in comfort -- she would live at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She saved her money, and she invited her brother Jamie to go, mostly because he was a miser and would have money.

Claudia was a good organizer and Jamie had some ideas too; so the two took up residence at the museum right on schedule. But once the fun of settling in was over, Claudia had two unexpected problems: She felt just the same and she wanted to feel different; and she found a statue at the Museum so beautiful she could not go home until she discovered its maker, a question that baffled the experts, too.

The former owner of the statue was Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Without her -- well, without her, Claudia might never have found a way to go home.

For thirty-five years E. L. Konigsburg's story has entranced readers of all ages. This special anniversary edition contains a new afterword from the author, along with a few extra surprises to delight readers old and new. ... Read more

Reviews (223)

An educational yet exciting book for readers of all ages.
Claudia and Jaime are two very intelligent characters that enlighten the reader as to the workings of a child's mind. Claudia, as the main character, always thinks of interesting ways for her and Jaime to live inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is a fantasy of everyone to be locked in a museum or store after all of the other people are gone. This book is a way for the reader to experience that feeling without the fear of being arrested! I believe that anyone who reads this story will become inspired by the Kincaids and find themselves wanting to learn more. The children have so much fun without hurting others or making fun of others as happens in some children's novels. Claudia is a definite role model for young girls and keeps the book interesting despite the academic undertones of Claudia and Jaime's reasons for visiting Mrs. Frankweiler. PARENTS-read this to your children to get them excited about reading.

This book is definately not 'mixed up'
I first heard about this book on a computer reading game, but I could only read bits and parts of it and when our computer crashed I completely forgot about it.
Then one day I was at the library and I saw this book for sale, but I wasn't sure if it was any good or not. I didn't want to waste my money, so I borrowed it instead. Now I wish I had bought it. This book is fantastic!

It's about a girl named Claudia who is fed up with her boring life, so she decided to run away with her bother Jamie to the Metropolitan Museum of Arts in New York City. There she falls in love with an angel statue that is rumored to have been made by Michelangelo, but no one knows for sure. Claudia takes it upon herself to find out who made it before she goes home. Her quest takes her to the home of the strange Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, where the statues true maker is revealed.

At first I had been hesitant to read this book because I thought it would have magic or some other stuff and nonsense in it, but I was pleasantly surprised. This story is about Claudia and Jamie's search for the statues maker, and it is also pretty realistic. It's interesting to see how they improvise to make life livable in the great Museum.

I think this book is tops, and it is definitely a must-read.

A timeless entertaining adventure
I read this book almost 30 years ago and loved it, I've bought copies for my friend's children and it's always a hit. Great book for kids who can identify with Claudia, who are intelligent, love art, feel a little misunderstood and crave adventure. Big kids like this book as well!

Simply Excellent
I first read this book in fifth grade. The entire Literature class was assigned to it, so we read it bit by bit during the day, and I couldn't stand waiting to know what would happen next. After three days of the teacher reading the book to us, I ran to the library and bought it for myself.

The characters and their adventures are simply delightful.

A wonderful treat for wild imaginations
Claudia feels underappreciated in her suburban household - a thing all children have most likely felt during at least one time or another. Here, Konigsburgs writes of these feelings with brutal honesty and frankness. Because Claudia is not an only child, it almost seems as if to her, and to readers, that there isn't enough love and attention to go around. Unjustly so, the poor girl frequently gets caught up in chore after chore while her siblings are off the hook.

So she will run away and teach them all a lesson in "Claudia appreciation." The Metropolitan Musuem of Art will become her grandiose and excitingly fantastic home away from home, so to speak. And younger brother Jamie will accompany her, mainly because he has saved every single penny since birth and will have money, just what Claudia needs. Yet to say she's using her younger bro merely for financial purposes would be unjust. I believe Claudia truly wants and needs the companionship.

The highlight of their one-week vacation is a mysterious and ethereal statue of an angel, titled as such. It is oh-so mysterious because everyone is unsure of the statue's creator. Some believe it to be the renown Michelangelo - but it has yet to be confirmed and 12 year-old Claudia is incessantly in awe of thee angel's beauty. She knows she cannot go home until she uncovers the secret of the statue and that will mean having to get in contact with a total stranger, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, who is the statue's previous owner. And if she refuses to help Claudia solve the mystery on her mind, she and Jamie may never get home.

FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER, first published in 1967, has been capturing the attention of children everywhere. Konigsburg has skillfully woven a loveable masterpiece that seems magical, almost too wonderful to be realistic. Yet it is. Claudia feels what so many of society's children today feel. And like many children, she keeps her feelings to herself and deals with pent up frustrations the only way she knows how, hence her escape to The Metropolitan.

I first read this novel when I was 9. I found myself relating to feeling less love from seemingly uncaring parents, due to having a sister who had no responsibilities and extra TLC because of her young age. I found myself envious of Claudia's grand escape to the musuem and I contemplated a night away from home spent at The Philadelphia Musuem of Art. That, of course, never happened. In retrospect, I realize how wild of an imagination I had. My mind was constantly roaming. Children today are just as creative - or they can be - which is why they'll much enjoy this book. Despite now being seven years older, I still frequently pick it up off my bookshelf, worn and dog-eared, to read it again and again. ... Read more

Book Description

Do you ever feel like George? Are you curious? Are you mischievous? Curious kids can read along with their parents to see if they behave like the monkey best known for getting in and out of mischief. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Delightful!
Accompany George on a tour of feelings and emotions where he is sometimes sad, and sometime silly. "Are You Curious," explores the curiosity of children in an amusing and delightful way, "Have you ever been naughty, so that you need a time out?" This entertaining little board book will hold your babies interest through colorful illustrations and simple text. Birth and up.

Great Way to Teach Emotions
This book was not at all what I expected. At first I wasn't sure I would like it, but the response from my one year old son was excellent. He really enjoys learning about all the different emotions George feels. We also spend a lot of time talking about being naught and getting a time out. I think it helps a little with understanding. ... Read more