Book Description

15 of the top illustrators in the world each offer a gorgeously illustrated page in a beautifully told poetic story about life's hopes and dreams from childhood to adulthood, inspiring both children and adults.

From the smallest personal beginnings to the largest human triumphs, why are we here if not to dream? As you open the Dream Chest, you're whisked away on a colorful journey of a lifetime. WHOOSH through the teddy bears and castles of childhood. WHOOSH again into the labyrinths and mountains of adolescence and adulthood. Thought-provoking quotations from some of the world's greatest philosophers, innovators, and leaders are sprinkled throughout the story text. There are stops along the way to meet famous people and explore inventions throughout history. The key message -- you're never too young or too old to dream.

"Dream: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom & Wishes" is a one-of-a-kind collaboration that has been five years in the making. Bestselling author Susan V. Bosak (Something to Remember Me By, Science Is...) has teamed with fifteen internationally-acclaimed illustrators -- including winners of the Hans Christian Andersen Medal and Caldecott Medal: Wayne Anderson, James Bennett, Christian Birmingham, Mike Carter, Raúl Colón, Leo and Diane Dillon, Zhong-Yang Huang, Robert Ingpen, Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, Michèle Lemieux, Barbara Reid, Shaun Tan, Bruce Wood.

"Dream" is an inspiring celebration of living and dreaming for all ages. Children will discover all the possibilities within themselves and adults will be reminded that their best can be just ahead.

This is an extraordinary book -- a true collector's item. Parents, grandparents, and teachers can share it with children, exploring all the amazing details in the illustrations and searching for the hidden stars (endnotes offer plenty of information about each illustrator and illustration). It's also an inspiring book for adults at any stage in their life, and a beautiful gift book for a birth, graduation, or other life milestone.

"Dream" offers wonder, wisdom, and good wishes for all ages. It's a book to treasure, to share, and to give as a gift -- for everyone who dreams. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Leo and Diane Dillon have collaborated on 40 illustrated books and won a shelfful of major awards for their artistic work, including two Caldecott Medals. No surprise, then, that this book is a feast for the eyes--but it's remarkable even by their exalted standards. The text, printed in large, clear capitals along the bottom of the pages, consists simply of the famous verses from Ecclesiastes: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die...."Each phrase is illustrated by one of 16 panels, and each panel stems from the artistic style of a different culture, from Egyptian tomb friezes, to Japanese harvest scenes, to Aboriginal bark paintings, to Greek vase paintings. The rich, sophisticated illustrations may appeal more to parents than to their children--and verses like "a time to kill" may be too much for the very young--but there could be no more beautiful vehicle for the old wisdom that we have to know, expect, and live with both the good and the bad that life will inevitably bring us. At the end of the book the authors provide interesting information on the style and the art history behind each illustration. (Click to see a sample spread. Illustrations copyright © 1998 by Leo & Diane Dillon. Permission from The Blue Sky Press, Scholastic, Inc.) (Ages 5 and older) --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Beautiful Illustrations of 'To Everything there is a Season'
(Library of Congress 97-35124(I borrowed it from the public library to read).In their appendix,The Dillons,(Leo & Diane)have listed verses in the bible's Old Testament's Ecclesiastes according to their preferences on which ethnic groups or countries builds up,who laughs,who embraces,who speaks,who loves by the order in which they place the countries in the biblical verses. It begins with Ireland(to everthing there is a season,and a time to every purpose under the heaven followed by Egypt,Japan,Mexico,Greece,India,Europe,North America,Ethiopia,Thailand,China,Russia,Australia,the Far North(Siberia to Greenland),and ends with the Middle East WITH THE verses a time of war & a time of peace).And of course a picture of the planet earth with "one generation....but the earth abides forever)".I'm glad they put it where children would not be interested in reading the small print..they have bigger pictures on page 1-30,and most wouldn't understand Egypt associate with dying or Mexico associated with killing,or Greece associated with a time to break down ,India on a time to weep or Europe on a time to mourn.I would give it to an adult vs a child as a gift.

Wonderful Book for All Ages
This book is a treasure of representative illustrations of artistic styles from a wide variety of cultures. Although the text comes from a specific time and culture, it demonstrates that its message is applicable to all members of the human family. I have made this a standard gift for friends and family with new children. The colorful pictures are stimulating and captivating for the very young who have not yet learned to read, while the timeless text provides a new level for children to experience the book as they get older. As an adult, I find this book to be something I enjoy over and over for myself and to give as a gift.

Misconceived multiculturalism
Althought the illustrations are beautiful, I think it's deeply problematic to take Judeo-Christian theology and then attribute it to other cultures. At least 2/3 of the illustrations represent times, places, and peoples who wouldn't have been familiar with the text being illustrated. And, since the explanatory notes in the back are so thin, no real appreciation of the other cultures being invoked is achieved. Mixtec human sacrifice as an illustration of "A time to kill, and a time to heal?" Just how will this promote cross-cultural understanding/respect? There's clearly enough historical/cultural/national diversity among people who have read/believed in these verses from Ecclesiastes to produce a celebration of difference within a common faith. That would have been a much more responsible approach. As it is, this book is either an assertion of the universality of sectarian beliefs or just an attempt by some talented illustrators to show that they can imitate a wide variety of artistic styles. For an example of someone (writing for elementary school aged children) who handles multiculturalism (within a Judaic tradition) well, see Barbara Goldin's _Journeys with Elijah_. And if you just want a picture book of these verses, consider Barner's To Everything.

Beautiful, multicultural illustrations. Many uses.
I picked up this book at a small local book shop and immediately had to have it! The Biblical theme makes it posible to use in Sunday school classes, however, the art work and idea of dealing with change makes it appropriate for school use, too. I teach education courses and plan to use it in my Art in the Classroom course as well as Children's Literature. Children could make up their own stories to go with the illustrations which come from original art of many ages and countries. All the illustrations are explained and identifed in the last pages of the book. I have given away my copy to someone who saw the potential for use in the classroom because she was dealing with seasons. This book is for anyone who enjoys outstanding picture books, not just children.

A absolute treasure to own and to give!
Ecclesiastes comes to life in the stunning multi-cultural illustrations of the verses. It should be on your gift-giving list for young AND old alike. The cultural portrayals are so pure students will enjoy naming them as the pictures are shared. The information about the illustrations in the back adds a special touch. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Virginia Hamilton, Newbery Medal winner and recipient of the NationalBook Award and the Hans Christian Andersen Award, teams up with two-timeCaldecott Medal winners, Leo and Diane Dillon, in this classic collection ofAmerican black folktales, winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. By turnsdroll, grisly, and spine-tingling, the 24 stories celebrate the indomitablehuman spirit, surviving under the most crushing circumstances of slavery.Traditionally, storytelling has helped people to push through sorrow and pain,especially when the stories are saturated with magic, mysticism, and fantasy.Bruh Rabbit, He Lion, Tar Baby, and other animals populate many of the stories.In others, John, the traditional trickster hero, outwits the slave owner timeafter time to win his freedom.

Included with this very special edition is a CD featuring the commanding voicesof Hamilton and actor James Earl Jones. Eleven selections, including "ThePeculiar Such Thing," "John and the Devil's Daughter," "A Wolf and LittleDaughter," and "The People Could Fly," bring to life the rhythm and lyricalenergy of Hamilton's text. Leo and Diane Dillon's strikingly beautiful black andwhite illustrations continue to mesmerize and haunt the reader. (All ages)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent! Especially when read aloud.
I read this to my daughter, Rachel, and she really enjoyed it. She smiled throughout the entire book. She loved the animal folktales about Bruh Rabbit, and Bruh Fox. She trembled with delight at the reading of the scary tales. As for her mother, my favorite was the title tale, The People Could Fly. It was magical!

This book is a must have!!
I read this book as a child. The lessons that I learned from it have lasted well into my young adult, I am now 23 years old. The illustrations are first rate. This book should be a literary standard for all children books. Anyone with a child needs to have this in their children's personal library.

A Must-have for every American home
Fascinating folktales from an African-American perspective, this work evokes memories of the strength of a people to find magic, wonder, and spirituality in a time when oppression was the norm. Miss Hamilton, along with illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon, has produced a work of timeless importance. One of the few books that I can't keep on the shelves of my classroom, it is an essential for every teacher or person interested in exposing children to a wealth of literature.

When I was a kid...
I read this book when I was in elementary school. I am now in college, and it has stayed with me all of these years. I am currently involved in drawing up a cannon for my literature class, and this book of great and inspiring folklore will definitely be included!

This is a good book for kids that are 9 - 12 year old.
I really enjoyed reading this book, I am 9 year old. I read the book in about 2 days, it was about African-American folk tales. The best story in the book was "if the people could fly". ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aardema, Pictures by Leo and Diane Dillion. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1975.

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears is an African folktale which offers a great lesson to be learned by children. The story is about a mosquito who tells a lie to an iguana and annoys the iguana. This sets off a series of events that affects everyone who lives in the forest and the initiation of daylight.

It is an excellent story for a young reader to learn the consquence of telling lies and the detrimental affect it can have on individuals and/or communities. After reading this story to a child parents should ascertain whether the child understood the lesson of this folktale and emphasize how important it is to always tell the truth.

The illustrations in this book are spectacular. Each page is filled with brigthly-colored pictures that will capture the interest of a young child and keep them reading until the very end. The illustrations also correspond directly to the storyline which will give the young reader the ability to glance at the pictures and help them read the printed words.

This is not only a good story for children, but for adults too. The end offers a humorous reason for why mosquitoes buzz in people's ears, and why people shoo them away. This is definitely a good book to keep in every home and school library.

Nancy Paretti

Them pesky skeeters get a tale of their own
I don't recommend this book to the mosquito lovers of the world. If you've a soft place in your heart for those buzzing swarming little blood-sucking fiends, you probably shouldn't peruse this particular book. HOWEVER. If you happen to enjoy a good "why" story from Africa, you could hardly do better than the lushly illustrated "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears".

In a kind of Chicken Little series of events, a lying mosquito sets off a chain reaction ending, ultimately, in the sun no longer rising. When the animals of the forest slowly track down the reasons behind the sun's disappearance, they eventually reach the conclusion that mosquito is the one to blame. Ever since, mosquitoes will sometimes ask people whether or not "everyone" is still angry at them. The answer is a satisfying (I love this descriptive sound) KPAO!

The illustrations are splendid. During the day they are set against a white background. By the time the sun disappears, they pop out of a black setting. Kids will like finding the small smiling pink bird that cleverly pops up in every scene. It's a fine fine text that bears more than a passing resemblance at times to the classic nursery rhyme "The House the Jack Built". And who knew that the sound lions make when they laugh is "Nge nge nge"? Not I, said the fly. A lovely read.

Too dark for young children
I'm surprised by all the rave reviews this book has received here. True, the illustrations are beautiful. However, the story is about a series of events that culminates with a monkey killing a baby owl (with an illustration of the poor little owl getting clunked on the head), and then progresses with the mother owl's mourning period. My 3 year old and I both find it disturbing -- not exactly a good bedtime read.

Great ethnic tale . . . nice beditime story
This story is one that is sure to achieve the "droopy eyes" effect on your youngster as a bedtime story. It takes you on a trip through the jungle meeting all the animals and it ends with an interesting moral lesson about gossiping! Anyone who has played that game "telephone" will agree that a story can change immensely as it is passed from ear to ear. We learn the fate of the mosquito and why he is the way he is in this masterfully weaved folk tale replete with colorful pictures. I recommend this one for the child's shelf!!!

This one is sure to please.
I'll be 30 this year and I remember my father reading this to me when I was a kid. I loved all the different voices he did for the series of animals in it. In fact, I loved it so much that it was one of 3 stories I had my father record himself reading so I could play it for my son whenever he wanted to hear it. If you're looking for a book you can have fun reading, this is a great choice! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Who's in Rabbit's House?
This is an amazing story! My dad used to read it to me every night before I went to sleep and every time I would be on the edge of my seat waiting for the end. Now there are about 15 kids in my neighborhood I babysit, and I always bring it. They love it too. I even memorized it for a speech I had to do where we had to tell kids a story, and it was a hit. "Who's in Rabbit's House" is about a Rabbit who can't get in to her house. Verious animals come by to try and get the creature out and finally the smallest animal does. So who IS in Rabbit's house anyway? Read it and find out!

yay
Awww this book was good. I work as a student aide in my school library and the pictures caught my eye so I read it. Good pictures funny story.

Childhood Memories...
I first read this book when I was 6, and fell in love with the story and beautiful pictures. I never tired of reading it and missed it terribly when it was lost during a move. Now I am buying one for my daughter, who is 6, and hopes she likes it as much as I did.

A Fun Mystery For Kids
Who's in Rabbit's House kept my 4 year old on the edge of his seat. When read with different voices for each character it is even more fun. The end was a suprise and gave us all have a good laugh.

This is a good book for little kids.
I would recommend this book to others, because it is mysterious. I would recommend this book to little kids. I think that would be good. This book reminds me of "Charlotte's Web". ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The alphabet at its best
Ho hum, thought I when I first saw this book. Yet another African alphabet book. It wasn't too long ago that I read, "Jambo Means Hello", the Swahili alphabet book by Muriel Feelings that was published in 1974. That book was okay, but I was disappointed that it didn't distinguish between tribes or acknowledge the advance of technology in Africa in the 1970s. Then I picked up this 1976 Caldecott winning book and upon reading it I was stunned. This book is everything that "Jambo Mean Hello" SHOULD have been. With meticulously researched information, delicate details, and stunning illustrations this book deserves to be read to every single child in elementary school for as long as there are either children or schools.

The book goes through the alphabet by naming a different tribe for each letter. First of all, I was surprised that there actually was an African tribe for every letter in the alphabet. Shows what I know. As we view each tribe we get a stunning illustration of their clothing, towns or villages, and activities. Author Margaret Musgrove describes their life, picking out the most interesting details for each. Through this method we learn that in Baule legend the crocodiles aided them when they were at war with the Ashanti. Or we find out that in the Tuareg tribe the men are veiled and the women do most of the talking, storytelling, and poetry. From A to Z we see a wide spectrum of African inhabitants, ending with a map of Africa that shows where each tribe resides.

But it doesn't stop there. Feelings explains in her Author's Note in the front that modern technology is changing the face of African life, though she contends that the traditions pictured in this book are still being passed on from generation to generation. She points out that some customs mentioned here are unique and relate only to that particular tribe while other values and philosophies are shared by all. She is even so careful as to point out that many (not all) African language prefixes are added to denote the plural. She, however, has used the root words throughout the book for simplicity's sake. Should you have any doubts about the background of this author, you can read in a tiny note on the publication page that she lived and studied in Ghana for years and a list of publications consulted is included. And if you've any doubts about the illustrations, don't. As noted, even the interwoven designs at the corners of the pages are based on Kano Knots. Every article of clothing, every animal, every home depicted here is accurate and beautiful.

I don't mean to pooh-pooh "Jambo Means Hello", but that book hasn't got anything on the amazing "Ashanti to Zulu". It's stunning.

African Culture from A to Z with exquisite artwork
I have long been an admirer of the artwork of Leo and Diane Dillon, who did a lot of covers for the works of Harlan Ellison. So it is because of the Dillons that I picked up this alphabet book in which Margaret Musgrove introduces young readers to twenty-six African peoples by depicting a custom important to each. While some of the customs are unique to a particular people, others are shared throughout the continent, but Musgrove assures her readers that all of these customs reflect African values or philosophies. From the Ashanti weavers who make a beautiful cloth called "kente" to the leaping Zulu dancers saluting their new chief, we learn about these customs. Each entry is accompanied by a gorgeous illustration by the Dillons, who show as much concern for detail and accuracy as the author. Musgrove lived in studied in Ghana where she did extensive research for this volume. For their part the Dillons did considerable further research as well. One of most interesting aspects about their pictures for this book is that most of the paintings include a man, woman, child, their living quarters, an artifact and a local animal. While there is admittedly a degree of artificiality to some of these compositions, there is obviously a concerted effort to provide as much detail in the illustrations as possible. No wonder I have been a big fan of the Dillon's work for thirty years. A map in the back of the volume shows where each of these peoples lives in Africa, which shows that the focus here is on the sub-Sahara peoples rather than the Arab influenced Northern Africa. I can easily see a grade school class studying Africa looking at a couple of pages each day to get a unique sense of the peoples of Africa. Certainly each page could work as a poster; something for teachers to think about when they are planning their unit on Africa.

A gorgeous tribute to African culture for children
"Ashanti to Zulu" presents 26 African tribes, from A to Z, and lets children learn something about the culture and customs of each one. Aside from being a learning experience, the book is visually eye-popping; the illustrations are so gorgeous you'll want to blow them up and frame them. The book won a well-deserved Caldecott Medal for the best illustrated children's book of 1977. It's a great book for helping children to learn about some of the peoples of our least-known populated continent, and the pictures will hold the kids mesmerized. It's a volume that belongs on every youngsters bookshelf.

Twenty-six tribes of Africa and some of their customs.
An A-to-Z alphabet book for children in which the examples for the letters are twenty-six different tribes in Africa, exhibiting some of their varied traditions and customs. Hence, children learn of other peoples. It was illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon and it won the 1977 Caldecott Medal for best illustration in a book for children. ... Read more

Book Description

This simple book for young children tells the life story of a ground-breaking African-American tap dancer.Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was one of the most popular entertainers of the 1920s-30s.People said he "talked with his feet," and in the Dillons' graceful paintings of old New York, he dances from page to page to the tune of a toe-tapping rhyme. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Tribute to the Greatest Tap Dancer of All Time.....
As Leo and Diane Dillon tell the reader in their illuminating Afterword: "Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (1878-1949) is know as the greatest tap dancer of all time. His fame has reached mythic proportions. He had charm and charisma and, it was said "He talked with his feet." His rhythms were so intricate and fast it was impossible for other dancers to repeat some of them..." The Dillon's introduce a whole new generation to the sheer joy of Mr Bojangles, a dancer who made "art with his feet" in this deceptively simple and creative picture book biographical sketch. Their short rhyming text with its engaging and repetitive "Rap a tap tap-think of that!" is filled with rhythm and motion. But it's their clever, bold, bright, and elegant illustrations that make this book stand out and sparkle, and youngsters will feel the passion and energy with each page turn as they watch Bojangles almost dance off the pages. Perfect for little ones 3-7, Rap A Tap Tap is a playful and captivating, interactive celebration of both Bill Robinson and tap dance...Rap a tap tap-think of that!

Wonderfully Rhythmic
Bojangles, a historical tapper is the center of this book. Told in rhythmic rhymes, the story takes you with Bojangles as he taps throughout his city. A great book to read in the music classroom. Your students can chant with you or just keep the steady beat with their tappin' feet! Excellent choice! ... Read more

Book Description

Unavailable for several years, Virginia Hamilton’s award-winning companion to The People Could Fly traces the history of slavery in America in the voices and stories of those who lived it. Leo and Diane Dillon’s brilliant black-and-white illustrations echo the stories’ subtlety and power, making this book as stunning to look at as it is to read.

“There is probably no better way to convey the meaning of the institution of slavery as it existed in the United States to young readers than by using, as a text to share and discuss, Many Thousand Gone.”
—The New York Times Book Review
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Reviews (1)

Many Thousand Gone
An excellent collection of stories of early African Americans, Many Thousand Gone begins with the first slaves arriving in the United States in 1619 and goes through the close of the Civil War and the end of slavery. Each chapter relates an easy to read account of people who represent the events surrounding slavery, particularly during the 1800s. Accounts of escapes along the Underground Railroad are included as well as the stories of individuals who played a significant part of black history. These include Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, Soujourner Truth, and many others. All in all, this book was a joy to read and very informative. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks
My granddaughter (11) and I have enjoyed this book emmensely and are re-reading it often. She loves tales of Japan and the beautiful illustrations. My husband and I lived in Japan for 2 years. This book's story has good moral principles and is an easy way to teach kind thoughtful behavior and the benefits of love and responsibility. ... Read more

Book Description

For two and a half centuries African-American slaves sang about, prayed for, and waited on their long anticipated freedom -- a day of Jubilee. But freedom didn't come for slaves at the same time. DAYS OF JUBILEE chronicles the various stages of U.S. emancipation beginning with those slaves who were freed for their service during the Revolutionary War, to those who were freed by the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Using slave narratives, letters, diaries, military orders, and other documents, the McKissacks invite young readers to celebrate coming freedom and the Days of Jubilee.
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Reviews (2)

The Truth about the End of Slavery
While the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation is often thought of as the end of slavery in the United States, the truth is that slaves were freed at different times over the course of several years. The day that slaves were told of their freedom was called their day of Jubilee.

Starting with information related to blacks' roles during the American Revolution and working chronologically through December of 1865, this book presents the story of the end of slavery as seen through the eyes of so many concerned parties. The narratives of slaves are abundant, but the diary entries, narratives, and letters of Union soldiers, Confederate soldiers, mothers, fathers, generals, presidents, politicians' wives and newspaper reporters are all included.

The major battles of the Civil War and explanations of war strategies are discussed in fascinating detail. (Honestly--This is the first time I've ever enjoyed learning about a war.) Generals Grant and Lee are both given a voice, and the story of the assassination of the President is told in stunning specificity. Readers will learn about the formation of the Ku Klux Klan, of blacks' insistence in fighting for the cause in which they believed, and what happened unexpectedly to slaves immediately following their release from slavery.

In elementary school, students often learn about the Civil War in terms of the loving, kind Abraham Lincoln and the open-minded Union Army that paraded into the South to save the slaves from their terrible lives. This book, mainly because of its inclusion of primary document information, provides a more honest and yet even more so captivating story of what really happened in those five years while slavery was coming to an end.

Readers will attach to many of the characters in this book, including the senator's wife Mary Chestnut who writes of her fears of losing the war and her slaves, and Elizabeth Keckley, and African American woman who became the seamstress to Mrs. Lincoln.

The black/white and sepia photos of the men, women, events, and surroundings of the 1800's greatly enhance the story.

This book is truly stunning and includes great, detailed information in a writing style that appeals to the young reader.

Interesting
This was a fascinating and thought provoking look at the end of American slavery. You will learn many things about the civil war, some about the Underground Railroad, and some about the conflicting politics of the north and south, Abraham Lincoln, his allies and enemies. It is filled with narratives from slaves, diary entries from prominent white politicians and abolitionists and accounts of African American contributions in many Civil War battles.

I don't normally read non-fiction for fun, but this was a worthwhile read, and we can still learn many lessons about tolerance and attitudes about racism today. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Intergenerational Friendship
The Hundred Penny Box tells the story of young Michael and his Great-Great Aunt Dew.
Aunt Dew moved in with Michael and his family so that they could assist with her care
because her failing health made it impossible for her to stay in her home alone. Aunt
Dew is 100 years old and as proof she has a box, which she calls the "Hundred Penny Box"
which contains her collection of 100 pennies. The pennies in her collection represent
the years she has lived, and each birthday she adds a newly minted penny to her
collection. Michael and Aunt Dew play a special game where he counts the pennies while
she interjects memories about what was going on in her life during a that particular
year. Aunt Dew has told her nephew many times that if someone were to take her Hundred
Penny Box they would be taking her life. Because Michael's mother often makes decisions
without discussing them with Aunt Dew the two women do not have the closest of
relationships. When one of Michael's mother's decisions puts the Hundred Penny Box in
danger, what will Michael do to protect it?

While the illustrations in this book clearly reflect the abilities of the Dillon team
they seemed to miss the mark in this book. I felt the artwork took away from the story
considerably and overall it gave a heartwarming story an eerie vibe. Still this is an
enjoyable story about a special intergenerational friendship and love.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay...

We thought this was a great book--we loved it!
The story of Michael and his great-great aunt Dew felt very real to us. We especially liked the part where they played the hundred-penny game together. We also liked the part where old Aunt Dew sings and dances to her favorite record. Dancing makes her feel younger and she forgets that she's a hundred years old. Michael loved Aunt Dew, and the author made us love her, too. Michael and Aunt Dew were very close. We thought that he understood her better than his mother did. We also liked the way that Michael stood up to his mother when she was about to throw away Aunt Dew's old box. We think that everyone should read this book because you can learn alot from it and you will enjoy it, like we did. Kids will understand their older family members better and may make them feel good and happy. [This review was composed and written by my fourth graders in Philadelphia)

a bad book
This book was a reading for my 3rd grade daughter. I have no idea how or why this book EVER won an award, unless it was for being the most boring yet deppressing book ever written. And the illustrations were just as sad.

This is the gratest book
I think The Hundred Penny Box is the gratest book Ive ever read. I think you should read this book because it is about a litt boy.Whell I should not tell you about it anymore so you could read it your self.

The Hundred Pennie Box
I like this story because it is about a boy that stands up for and loves his great-great aunt and he would protect her hundred pennie box so nothing would happen to it. If it gets lost, she gets lost. I would recommend this book to anyone. ... Read more

Book Description

A new, larger trim size and a handsome jacket make this reissue by premier science fiction author Ray Bradbury and Caldecott Medal-winning artists Leo and Diane Dillon a stunning gift book.

A little boy likes lanterns and lamps, but he doesn't like light switches because they turn off the light. Then one day, a little girl named Dark shows up at his door. She helps the boy to see light switches as turning on the night, rather than turning off the light. And when he switches on the night, he also switches on the stars and moon and the crickets and frogs. Sure to reassure any child who has felt afraid of the unknown, Switch On the Night will also impress adult readers with its subtle message about things that are "dark" and its imaginative approach to understanding that which is different.


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Reviews (1)

No More Fear of the Dark
A delightful journey with a young, lonely boy who lives only in the light because of his fear of the dark. He meets a young girl that shows him the beauty and magic of the dark, along with all the creatures that live in the dark. He learns that he has a choice to 'turn on' the light or the dark. ... Read more

Book Description

The Federation Anthropological Service would never officially have allowed Elana to be on this mission to the medieval planet Andrecia.If Youngling peoples found out that a supremely advanced and enlightened society like the Federation existed, it would irreparably damage their evolution.Stowing away aboard her father's ship, Elana suddenly becomes the key to a dangerous plan to turn back the invasion of Andrecia by an aggressive, space faring Youngling civilization.How can she possibly help the Andrecians who still believe in magic and superstition, against a force armed with advanced technology, without revealing her alien powers?

Apprentice Medical Officer Jarel wishes that the planet the Imperial Exploration Corps have chosen to colonize didn't have a "humanoid" population already living on it.The invaders don't consider the Andrecians to be human and Jarel has seen the atrocious treatment the natives get from his people.How can he make a difference, when he alone regrets the destruction that is people bring?

Georyn, the youngest son of a poor Andrecian woodcutter, knows only that there is a terrible dragon on the other side of the enchanted forest, and he is prepared to do whateverit takes to defeatit.In his mind, Elana is the Enchantress from the Stars who has come to test him, to prove he is worthy of defeating the dragon and its powerful minions.Despite both Elana's and Jarel's inner turmoil, Georyn's burden is by far the heaviest.Ultimately, he must pit his innocent faith in the magic of his Enchantress from the Stars against foes who have come from a world beyond his comprehension. ... Read more

Book Description

Born to a human mother and the East Wind, Resshie grows up wild and dreaming. She wants to know the winds secrets and yearns to fly as the wind does. But she is only a human girl and cannot. She tries to capture the movement of the winds in her weavings, which bring her fame among the villagers, but still, Resshie is lonely. The lives of the village girls are not for her. Resshie is meant for something special, but how will she ever capture her elusive dreams?

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Reviews (3)

Story for a Windy Day
The next blustery day, the kind where you stay in doors and make soup, curl up with this book and enjoy a wonderful experience. The illustrations are lovely and filled with the motion of wind. You can almost hear and feel it about you as you go into the story. The writing is lyrical and evocative, brimming with romance and mystery. A girl who does not realize she is the daughter of the stormy east wind develops into a weaver with magical talents of artistry and eventually wins her heart's desire. Here's a sample about her father so you can just imagine how lovely HER story is. "He found a girl who was not afraid of his wildness. They were wed. He built her a house of blowing branches and wind-torn cloud.They were happy there. She bore him a daughter, but then she died." I love this book and I encourage you to read it and let it sweep you up in the winds of its magic.

beautiful!
Beautiful story. Beautiful illustrations. Sit and dream a little with your child (or by yourself). Such joy to read a story which speaks to the heart instead of the cartoonish world which so many children's current books fall into. Your child deserves this book of beauty.

Exquisite plot complemented by beautiful art
Murphy's rhythmical and mythic-sounding text conjoins with the Dillons' subdued and melancholy illustrations to create a subtle and rereadable work of art. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys fairy tales, as well as people who are looking for strong and engaging female protagonists. This one's going in my collection, and neither am I a child nor a librarian, only one who likes fine art. ... Read more

Book Description

Rats are gnawing at the sorcerer's books. What to do? Get a cat-but not just any cat. The sorcerer sends his apprentice nickon to fetch a missing ingredient for a spell that will bring his porcelain cat to life. Nickon ventures out on his mission and learns you can't get something for nothing. Beautifully printed in a new 10 x 10 format and in five colors. ... Read more

Book Description

A mosquito annoyed the iguana, who frightened the python, who scared the rabbitand now the whole jungle is in an uproar because the sun won't rise. The animals discuss the situation and decide to punish the mosquito. Even today whenever we hear a mosquito buzz, we smack it hard!Leo and Diane Dillon won the 1976 Caldecott Medal for Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears, making Leo Dillon the first African-American artist to be so honored. Now this classic, which has delighted millions of children, is at last available in Spanish. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Por Que Zumban Los Mosquitos En Los Oidos De LA Gente
This book charmed our family for quite a long time. It is a retelling of an African tale which traces the beginings of the mosquito's buzz. The disasterous effects involve many different animals with many different reactions. This tale is sure to amuse and delight any and all readers. ... Read more

Book Description

Emeke is a young African boy who yearns to fly like the wind. One day the animals of the veldt lead him to Good Snake, who teaches him the secrets of flight: trust in others and faithfulness to ideals. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An outstanding children's book
Thanks to Captain Katie's review for bringing this children's book to my attention. It is a variation of the story of the sorcerer's apprentice. It is written as a long poem with large, full color illustrations. It is suitable for pre-school or early grade school children, particularly young girls. The exact age depends on their reading level, but the recommended age range of 4 to 8 years old ssems about right (although I am 68 and thought it was a delightful story). Be sure you get the book with the dust jacket because the introduction to the story is on the inside of the dust jacket (for whatever reason).

Sylvia goes off to become an apprentice to the sorcerer Tottibo, but discovers that an apprentice starts at the bottom doing drudge work. She is assigned to making lots and lots of clothing. She decides the work would be easier if she could use magic on the sewing machine, but - well, the results are unexpected. "It stitched the dishes to the table, it stitched the noodles to the ladle." You get the idea. The sorcerer finally has to come to the rescue.

For some reason good children's books always seem to go out of print. Some copies are available (new and used) from secondary sources at this writing (July 4, 2004). One could hope it would go back into print before the Christmas season.

Beware of What You Wish For
Nancy Willard has written in verse a new version of "The Sorcerer's" Apprentice and Leo and Diane Dillon have painted the pages with beautiful illustrations that make the story come alive.

In this version, young and impatient Sylvia has come to the sorcerer Tottibo to learn his magic. Tottibo tells her that she has to take it slowly, learn a little at a time, and then he assigns her the job of sewing new clothes for all his animals. However, Sylvia spies a modest bottle full of sand next to a book of spells. She pours the sand on the sewing machine and commands it to sew, but the machine won't stop. Like Lizzy Bordon, she gives the machine forty whacks (well maybe not forty) and every time she whacks the machine it turns into another, till she has lots of machines, sewing and sewing.

Fortunately Tottibo comes and saves the day and we learn our little moral. I love reading this book to my nieces. They love the sound of the rhymes as they look at the pictures. If you can find this book, you should get it, even if you don't kids, as it's a work of art. Five stars from Captain Katie.

Review submitted by Captain Katie Osborne

Beautiful retelling
This book has beautiful pictures and a new twist on an old tale. I highly recommend it! ... Read more