Book Description

Friends every day

Reviews (8)

Day with Frog and Toad
Hi, my name is George. I have just read a book named Day with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel. It is about two frogs. They were together. They played together.

I liked this book because it is about friendship. Some of the parts are funny. This book is great for 2nd graders. I give this book five stars. I enjoyed this book.

Nostalgia
Even the title sounds a bit nostalgic. This is the last in the series about Frog and Toad, who are different but very good friends. Published in 1979, the two have not changed a whole lot, though the stories have gotten funnier - droll is perhaps a better word.

The pessimistic Toad is procrastinating in "Tomorrow" until he realizes that he's down in the dumps because of all he has to do tomorrow - so he does it all today and tires himself out.

In "The Kite," Frog's optomism pays off. "Shivers" has some scary tales that Frog enjoys telling, and Toad enjoys hearing. On Toad's birthday, in "the Hat" Frog gives a present that's a little too big, but Toad insists on keeping it. When Frog secretly fixes the problem while Toad is sleeping, Toad believes his head has grown. In the final story, "Alone," the two friends learn they can still be friends, even if they are alone sometimes.

In all the books, the stories are short, sweet and about friendship, but in a simple manner. Drawings of Frog and Toad are on almost every page, and are detailed enough to warrant a lengthy view and some comments from young readers. The words are understandable and readable enough for very young readers, yet they manage to tell a story with an amusing message.

Heartwarming and endearing
I read the Frog and Toad series when I was very young. Now, 15 years later, I still occasionally take the books out and read them. Mr. Lobel's books are excellent for both children and adults. You will be heartwarmed by these charming stories about two best friends.

Frog and Toad books...
The entire Frog and Toad series are all good. They are funny and easy to read. They are one of the best children's books for a mom or dad to read as a bedtime story. I read them to my kids and my kids (five) grew to love the stories and the books contributed greatly to their ability and their joy of reading. Please get the whole series NOW. The paperbacks can be had for just a few dollars each... you can't go wrong!

Excellent short stories about two best friends!
I grew up reading the frog and toad series and recently purchased it for my future children. These books are perhaps the last true symbols of what friendship, honesty, and innocence are all about. In our modern-day world of mass media, this series offers basic themes and lessons every child should be taught. I strongly believe books like Mr. Lobel's sparked my imagination and taught me to love reading. Now, I have a master's degree in language arts. Thank you Mr. Lobel! ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in black-and-white. Jack and Annie travel back in time to medieval England for an adventure inside a storybook castle, from feasting hall to dreadful dungeon.
... Read more

Reviews (11)

The Knight at Dawn
If you like the Magic Treehouse series and adventure and knights, this is the book for you - The Knight at Dawn by Mary Pope Osborne. In the book, Annie and Jack went back in time when there were knights in castles. They went in an Amory Room. Jack found a secret passage, it lead to the storeroom to a precipice over the moat. Jack thought that there must be a window. It was a foot away from the window to the ground. So he put his foot outside the window and dangled it. Read the book to find out more.

a thrilling adventure to medieval times
My son and I picked up this book recently as we were looking for something to read together over the summer. We were thrilled at how amazing this book was.

The book tells the story of a brother and sister who stumble upon a treehouse filled with books. These books transport them on different adventures in various places and times.

This installment has the children going back in time to visit a medieval castle. On the way, they visit a court feast, get thrown into a dungeon, escape from crocodiles and get rescued by a mysterious knight. When they finally return home, they find yet another clue to the identity of the mysterious "M" that they learned about in book one.

Picking up where book one in the series left off, the kids continue their adventures. Bits of knowledge about castles and the Middle Ages are given in the book and are written in such a way that a child can enjoy and understand. The action is fast paced and will have your child wanting to read just one more chapter. Very age appropriate for 1st & 2nd graders.

The Knight at Dawn is so cool
I liked this book because they get away from guards and find a trapdoor in the castle. I liked when the splashes came in the moat. I think this book is the best and everybody should read it.

My Opinion
I give this book an A+.This book enspired me to be a beter person.It tought me a good leson. It taught me that you are supposed to care about your little sister, even when people bug you. This is one of the best books I`ve ever read.This should have every kind of medal there is.I love this book.I wish it was my very own.This story is perfect. Now I want to read every MAGIC TREEHOUSE book.

Neat Adventure
"The Knight At Dawn" is my 2nd best so far. It had outstanding action, like Jack almost being caught going over the drawbridge, escaping from castle guards, and the best part was the horse ride. Once again, Mary Pope Osborne has created an unimaginable book and made the learning experience teriffic, especially with all the action. Don't miss this one. ... Read more

Book Description

Jack and Annie are off in search of another story in jeopardy, this time at

a monastery in ancient Ireland. Trouble arrives when Vikings land, and Jack and

Annie must find a way to escape!




... Read more

Reviews (6)

History and Fun All Rolled Into One Great Book..............
This is only the second Magic Tree House Book we have read but the books in the series are quickly becoming my soon to be second graders favorite books to read.

The story is really about the Irish monks and the contributions they made to civilization during the Dark Ages. The Vikings are raiding Ireland.

I was pleasantly surprised of the authors mention of Christians and use of God in a blessing by one of the monks. When we borrowed this book from the library we thought it was all about the Vikings. The Christian monks were a wonderful bonus.

This book will appeal to your school age childs sense of adventure and they will learn something about history without even realizing it. A wonderful series.

Number 15 in the series.
VIKING SHIPS is a really fun book. I actually lost myself in the story. It's short, but exciting, with a real sense of adventure. This is a great series for kids to read and to own. I could tell from the introduction that it's probably better if you read them in order. The first in the series is "Dinosaurs Before Dark."

Good book about the Vikings
This Magic Tree House book really teaches you about the Vikings. It's a neat setting, and there's some good action, especially when Jack and Annie are in their darkest hour. I highly recommend this book to any Magic Tree House fan, because this is more than one of the best. Enjoy!!!

Accurate and engaging
This was our first Magic Treehouse book and I am pleased. I had just returned from Scandinavia when I bought this for my 6 yo and 4 yo daughters, hoping that they could learn something of what I had garnered from my trip. Happily, I think they did.

I like the format of the series. As a child I would have *loved* to have travelled via a treehouse to distant times and places. What child wouldn't want to meet characters from somewhere else? I like the idea of fetching books- I love books so the task would be appealing to me.

From my reading of Viking raids, it is very likely that raids took place as described here, against the Irish monks. Vikings were in search of stored foods, wealth and whatever else they could grab on a quick morning attack. There would have been many ships and a fast assault as portrayed here. Many aspects of the raids were left out, and that is just fine for the young school-age reader.

These are chapter books that can be easily read by an advanced first grader over several days, or read as bedtime stories by parents over one or two evenings. There are some illustrations to augment the storyline, but the main focus of the book is the text.

Exciting Book
This book is about Annie and Jack. Morgan sends them on a journey to Ireland and they meet the monks and see Vikings. My favorite part was when the sea monster helps them. I think you will like this book. ... Read more

Book Description

"Goodnight, Max," says Max's sister Ruby. But Max can't get comfortable. First he spills a glass of water. Then there are all those itchy cookie crumbs in his bed...and the moon shining through his window. Will poor Max ever fall asleep? Rosemary Wells' beloved Max and Ruby are back in an irresistibly touchable book that is also a satisfying bedtime story. Toddlers won't be able to resist all the tactile elements--fourteen tempting things to touch, move, even smell--while a gently humorous story makes this the perfect book for bedtime, naptime, or anytime! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

You have to be a fan
I bought this book after reading all the great reviews. It is a nice book, bright colors, lots of attention to detail, silly story line, but I didn't think the areas for the child to feel were large enough. The sticky candy in Max's pajamas is just about the size of a child's fingertip, the lace curtain is just a thin slip of fabric, the lightning is a skinny zig-zag of foil and the "cookie crumbs" sandpaper is only about a quarter-inch high. There are other touch-and-feel books that provide a much larger exploratory surface. Still, this book does contain a good variety (sticky candy, rough crumbs, fur, smelly sock, etc.)I'm not sure why, but that smelly sock always seems to be such a hit!

A touch of genius by Rosemary Wells
What a joy of a book! My baby loves feeling the surprises on each page from the crumbs in Max's pockets to the gummy nightcrawlers on his feet! A sweet story with tactile turns on each page. A classic in the making, I can hardly wait for a sequel!

A splendid board book for toddlers & preschoolers.
It's time for bed, but Max can't fall asleep in this board book for toddlers who will find here a delightful bedtime dilemma. Bright pages with tactile cut-outs attract attention with touch and feel surprises as Max faces a too-long night.

Max and Ruby star in this lovely story about going to bed
My children adore Max, and this book is no exception. My three-year-old had me read it to him no less than three times in a row today. He loves to touch the lace curtain, soft blanket, and the "spilled" water. And what a sister! Everyone needs a sister like Ruby!

Any parent who's tried to get their own "Max" to bed can sympathize with Ruby, the long suffering and ever patient sibling.

What a joyful little book!

Goodnight Max
The irrepresible Max and his ever-patient sister Ruby are backonce again in this humorous yet soothing bedtime tale, complete with"touch and feel" fun.

Max is unable to fall asleep, andhis mishaps require continuous changes of his pajamas. My 3- 1/2 year old grandson, a Max fan from babyhood, especially loves the feel of the cookie crumbs in the bed and the sticky candy on the pajama feet. Peeking under the real fabric blanket is also a big hit, and the "smelly" sock is met with hillarity every time.

The format is an oversized board book, but with an expanded text and richly detailed illustrations. The designs on Max's fun-theme pajamas makes us want to own them; the silver moon is appropriately silvery, and the fly swatter is made of real netting.

Goodnight Max is a wonderful companion piece to "Goodnight, Moon" and "Bedtime for Frances". Babies would love touching the fuzzy teddy bear and Max's furry tale; older pre-schoolers can open and close the window. It's the best Max yet. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in color. "An alphabet book with zany drawings and nonsensical verse provides an entertaining way for small children to learn the letters and their sounds."--Booklist. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Dr. Seuss' ABC
We are an international family, meaning that my wife is Japanese, I'm am American, and our daughter is both. We live in Japan, and hence the language our daughter hears the majority of the time is Japanese, which had me worried about her future English ability. This book as done much a lay those fears to rest. The pictures are fun, the sound or word patterns are nice to repeat, and easy to remember, which makes this a wonderful book for a 2 year old. On top of the fun aspect, she was able to recognize many of the letters after reading the book with me only a couple of times. This is a fun way to teach small children the alphabet and letter sounds, although the reader (me) did have to practice several of the pages before a smooth reading was possible, this entertained my daughter to no end!

This book is to be sung
One of many alphabet books. But this one has the whimsical rhymes and drawings of Dr. Seuss. Just remember that the book is better when sung. Yes, that's right, sing the book. Just sing it to the tune of the ABC song (also the same tune as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Baa Baa Black Sheep).

The rhymes, the singing, the pictures, all come together to make this a wonderful book, one that really helped my daughter learn the alphabet.

With this book and Sandra Boyntons ABC book (Aardvark admiring, Beavers ballooning, Cats cleaning, etc.), learning the alphabet will be fun fun fun.

Wonderful
I had this book as a kid, and never forgot "X is very useful if your name is Nixie Knox. It also comes in handy for spelling ax and extra fox." I bought for my two-year-olds a couple of months ago, and they love it. It seems to be making an impression, too; last week I found that Arthur was able to recognize some of the letters in his name. And they're *constantly* quoting "Camel on the ceiling". :-)

Do not bother with the board book edition, though; it's been butchered. They've expunged Nixie Knox, for one thing.

Dr. Seuss provides his own special type of ABC book
In 1954 "Life" magazine published a report about the problem of illiteracy among the nation's school children and placed part of the blame on the fact that books that were supposed to teach children to read were boring ("See Spot Run. Run Spot run. Fetch the ball, Spot"). Theodore Geisel's publisher sent him a list of 400 words that the author was to cut to 250 words, the number the publisher felt a first grader could absorb, and write a book. "The Cat in the Hat" uses only 220 words and made Dr. Seuss an instant success with beginning readers. Eventually he would go on to write almost four dozen books for children to read all by themselves.

Of course sooner or later Dr. Seuss was going to put out his own alphabet book for beginning readers and in 1963 this book was published. It is, as you would expect, more than a look at the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Other books will tell you that "A is for Apple" and "Z is for Zebra," but not Dr. Seuss because this book stars with "Aunt Annie's alligator" and ends with a "Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz." Young readers will also enjoy the mix of rhyme and absurdity so much that they might not notice Dr. Seuss is also showing them the difference between the big and little versions of each letter.

As I was reading over "Dr. Seuss's ABC," a book that most definitely wants to be read aloud to be fully enjoyed, I was wondering if I should temper my enthusiasm by saying that this is not an ideal choice for a beginning reader's first alphabet book. After all, something simpler, in the traditional "A is for Apple" mode might be more appropriate. But I think there is something to be said for even beginning readers being confronted with the level of sophistication found in this book. After all, it promotes fun as much as reading and young children might never notice the degree to which they are being challenged.

ABC
I remember learning my ABCs with this book when I was a kid. Now I'm sharing my copy with my son. The illustrations are just as delightful now as they were when the book first came out. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Morgan Le Fey, a magical librarian from the time of King Arthur, has charged a brave young pair of children with the task of freeing an enchanted dog from a spell by collecting four gifts. In the 18th easy-to-read chapter book in Mary Pope Osborne's Magic Tree House series, eight-year-old Jack and seven-year-old Annie travel back almost 200 years to the Great Plains to find a "gift from the prairie blue." Along the way, Annie and Jack make friends with young Black Hawk, narrowly miss a buffalo stampede, and learn about how the Lakotas view the earth and their place in it. (Ages 8 to 12) ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Indian History
This book is exciting and cool because you could learn more about Indians. The main characters are Jack, Annie and Teddy. Teddy is their dog. They start out in a treehouse. Then Jack says, "I wish I was there." The wind blew! The treehouse spun. It spun faster and faster. Then everything was still, absolutely still. Then they are at the Lakota camp. It is an Indian tribe and they are trying to free Teddy from a spell.

buffalo before breakfast review
Buffalo Before Breakfast by Mary Pope Usborne.
Would you ever want to go into the time of Indians?
Jack and Annie go into the time of Lakota Indians and meet a Lakota boy. The Lakota boy shows them how to hunt buffalo. Jack and Annie learn to ride ponies. Jack and Annie meet the Lakota boy's
Grandmother. One of the lessons in this story is to not show off. The picture on the cover is colorful. The
Buffalo had stopped stampeding. Find out who stops them.

Fantastic As Buffalo Themselves!
This is one of my favorites, probably my 3rd. I like buffalo and Indians, especially because of what fun they cause on good western movies, like "How The West Was Won", and the Indians got of to a good start in "Stagecoach", "The War Wagon", and especially "The Pony Express. Another reason why this book exceeds 5,000 stars is because of all the fun there is, it seems like a Hardy Boys book rather than a learning book. But for some reason I'm starting to think that the more action there is in a Magic Tree House book, the more learning topics the book has. Definitely one of the Top Five, too good to say Top Ten.

My students begged for more!
In the course of this easy chapter-book adventure, two young explorers magically travel to the Great Plains of the U.S., to a Lakota village. There they learn of Lakota customs and beliefs, gain an appreciation for the Lakota ways, learn about a part of U.S. history not always taught to elementary students, and model respect for a culture different from their own. Readers will enjoy exciting elements of an impending buffalo stampede, a wild rescue on horseback, and a sighting of the legendary White Buffalo Woman. Although the children are needing to complete a task to help free a dog as a part of a larger story (books #17-#20), this book stands on its own pretty well too. My first grade students were fascinated when I read this book aloud, and begged for more. I'm planning to increase the number of Magic Tree House books in my classroom this coming year.

I like the Magic Tree House books.
It was really cool when Blackhawk took Annie and Jack to the Buffalos. I can't wait to read Lions at Twilight! ... Read more

Book Description

One of the first books for countless children, this story of a free-spirited Cat who, with his high jinks and mischievous friends (Things One and Two) turns the house upside-down for two bored children on a rainy day is retold in Latin in Cattus Petasatus.

This edition features the original artwork of Dr. Seuss and a translation in rhyming verse that echoes the sound of the original Cat in the Hat.

The wonderful, whimsical, and thought-provoking stories of Dr. Seuss have been published in twenty languages. An excellent addition to Seuss collections the world over, this Latin-language edition of Seuss' timeless first reader is a welcome, all-occasion gift, a delightful way to revisit a treasured tale, and an enjoyable way to refresh your high school Latin. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Great for Latin Students
I am a Latin minor at a California University, and have studied Latin for about three years. This book was part of my class curriculum of Latin poetry, and was a nice break from the works of Ovid and Virgil! It is a simple book to translate, though some of the gerunds can be a little tricky. This book is a lot of fun, and is helpful in learning new vocabulary. If I remember correctly, all of the words used are given English meanings in the back of the book. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is learning Latin. Though you may get annoyed by comments made by bystanders who think you are reading "The Cat in the Hat."

Appeals to any audience
Having studied Latin throughout high school, I could appreciate the innovation and creativity necessary to translate Dr. Seuss' classic story while still preserving rhyme and meter. However, my little sister, who has just recently learned to read on such classics as "The Cat in the Hat," perhaps enjoyed "Cattus Petasatus" even more than I did. Not automatically looking to identify subject and verb, she giggled with delight at the new words that roll off the tongue with the catchy meter and bragged to my parents that she was able to speak Latin! Because the pictures are the same as the English, she was able to follow the storyline and give expression to the words.

Whether as an introduction to Latin or an amusing twist of the Dr. Seuss classic, "Cattus Petasatus" is a wonderful variation that will make the reader and audience smile.

A new spin on a classic
It's well known that Dr. Seuss wrote The Cat in the Hat in response to a challenge to write a children's book only using 40 basic vocabulary words. Now a new spin brings basic vocabulary to another language. Latin, often thought to be the "dead" language, is brought alive with something other than the so called "dead guys." Here the reader can have a basis in the book, and verse, beforehand and see it and Latin anew in this translation. The translators do a marvelous job of mimicing the rhythm and meter of Seuss's charming tale. And with the Seuss drawings intact the connection between the text in Latin and the story is there to help you along. It makes Latin accessible and that's not a small feat. Read it aloud and you feel so very intelligent. Try this book - it's fun.

A good intermediate practice to Latin
Having tried to learn Latin, I found reading the Classics was extremely difficult. Afterall, it is written by a native speaker, and I am no Latin native speaker. So I found this book to be very useful. The only problem is that it emulates Dr. Seuss's writing so well, that the whole book uses pretty much once case in Latin. You will learn that case very well, but won't be able to practice other cases in normal writing. However, I think it was a terrific idea, and I like the fact that all the words are listed in the back (as well as the context). The fact that it uses more mundane words (compare with Caesar's Gaelic Wars) is also great for intermediate readers.

All in all, I consider it time well spent, not to mention, its just fun reading Dr. Seuss in Latin.

Qui Bono from this book? Anyone who must study Latin!
I wish, oh I wish I had this book back in middle school where we had two years of Latin. What a good idea this is, to take a familiar story and have it so you can compare it to the Latin, especially the grammar. The fact it is a kid's book makes it even simpler; the sentence structures are more or less straightforward. We translated Beatles songs like "I wanna hold your hand" into Latin but I wish I had had this book!

This is a great idea. Why didn't someone do it before? ... Read more

Book Description

Friends all year.

Reviews (13)

Amphibians for all seasons
Along with Seuss, Lobel is perhaps the most beloved writer and illustrator of beginning readers. In this effort he turns in another winning series of five short tales, each one in plain language but highly entertaining, enlivened by Lobel's superb two-tone illustrations. Frog and Toad are distinct and likeable characters, comically foolish in their own ways but buoyed by their genuine friendship. This book features the added appeal of stories from all the year round, from winter (how funny they look in big winter coats!) to spring rain (a genuinely sweet tale) to summer ice cream (what a mess!) to fall leaf raking (in gift-of-the-magi form, each rakes the other's yard in secret) and Christmas Eve, perhaps the most pleasant story of all - nothing sloppy or sentimental, just goodhearted. Readers of these domestic adventures will also enjoy Lobel's "Owl at Home."

By now, you're hooked...
If you've read the first two books in the Frog and Toad series, by now you and your child are hooked!

This book, published in 1976, is the third of four books about Frog and Toad, written by Arnold Lobel. This book has five stories, starting and ending with Winter tales.

As usual, Toad is a bit negative and nervous, while Frog is calm, positive and dedicated to being a very good friend to Toad.

In "Down the Hill", Frog gets Toad to come outside and try sledding down a hill with him. Toad goes reluctantly along, and for a moment enjoys the ride. Frog gets bumped off the sled, and Toad still enjoys the adventure until he realizes he's alone. He decides Winter is best spent inside.

The next story is about a story told from Frog to Toad, one rainy day when they are wishing Spring was here. Frog promises that Spring is just around "The Corner."

"Ice Cream" is a funny story about what happens when Toad buys ice cream cones for himself and Frog, and carries them a long way on a very hot day.

"The Surprise" is a story about what happens when two friends try to do something special for a friend, in secret.

The last story, "Christmas Eve", has a worried Toad frantically searching for his best friend, sure that something terrible has happened. It has a happy ending, of course!

The stories are short, sweet and about friendship, but in a simple manner. Drawings of Frog and Toad are on almost every page, and are detailed enough to warrant a lengthy view and some comments from young readers. The words are understandable and readable enough for very young readers, yet they manage to tell a story with an amusing message.

Wonderful!
I loved Frog and Toad as a child and now I'm buying them for my own daughter. What I like best about them is that Frog and Toad never do anything cruel or spiteful or rude as you see so many other characters in children's books. They are always polite and helpful to each other, and whatever they do is done out of friendship. Not just this, but all of the Frog and Toad books are full of good stories and good examples for young readers.

Great for adults too! Heartwarming...wonderful...read it!
I read this book as a child and loved it. Now I am going to be an English teacher soon...and I am constantly on the lookout for great books! A couple years ago I came across this book while looking through some old things. I read it again was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It made me smile, laugh, and cry.

I am very close to my older sister (who is taller and thinner and I am shorter and fatter). I gave her the book as a gift, and she loved it as well. Now she's working overseas and I don't see her very often, but when I read this book I think of her...

This is a very special book...read it and see for yourself. It will touch your heart. In a world where people are taught to be selfish, Frog and Toad All Year shows us that we need to put others first. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have and still do! ^_^

charming tales of friendship for early readers
Young children who are beginning to read longer stories will enjoy these five tales of friends Frog and Toad through the seasons. The stories are: Down the Hill, wherein Frog coaxes Toad out of his warm home for some winter fun; The Corner, in which Frog tells Toad a story on a rainy day; Ice Cream, about a long walk with large ice cream cones; The Surprise, concerning the friends' giving each other a secret good turn a la O. Henry; and Christmas Eve, in which Toad worries about Frog's arrival on a snowy night.

Sweet, soothing stories for your little reader. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Bunny Cakes
This book fascinates my 3-year-old, possibly because the actions of little brother Max are similar to hers! She is fascinated how the cakes are made. There even is an "icky" element to the story, which she delights in. Rosemary Wells continues to write in her captivating style and the illustrations are so enjoyable. As a parent, I enjoy reading this book over and over.

Max as always finds a way to get what he wants-a great book!
The charm of the Max and Ruby books owes much to the fact that many of us have had an older sibling or friend like Ruby---she knows more, is able to do more and wants to be in charge, but Max always finds a way to get what he wants! This book also explores the mystery of writing, and made my older son eager to learn to write---and I think writing is a topic less stressed in picture books than reading. Everyone should have a grandma like Max and Ruby, someone who will love both edible and inedible cakes equally! As always, Wells is wonderful!

another good Max and Ruby Book
I think this is one of the better Max and Ruby books, along with Bunny Money and Bunny Party and Max Cleans Up.

Max and Ruby
This is a nice little story that is popular with my three children ages 3,4,6. Any child who is a fan of Max and Ruby will like this story...........................

cakes
I liked bunny cakes b/c it kind of tells you to try as hard as you can and you will eventually get the hang of things.like max and making cakes and writing the ingerdients. ... Read more

Book Description

The Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, hates Who-ville's holiday celebrations, and plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming. To his amazement, Christmas comes anyway, and the Grinch discovers the true meaning of the holiday. ... Read more

Reviews (62)

A Great Children's Book With Lots of Heart
I pondered the idea of writing this review like Dr. Seuss would, but I didn't want to try and fall on my face. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is one of those children's books that are almost flawless (right up there with "Where the Wild Things Are"). The Grinch has spent years looking down at Whoville and hating the Whos for their joy, and especially at Christmas time. He decides to put an end to their joy by masquerading as Santa and stealing Christmas. Of course, it doesn't go exactly the way he planned.

The story's beauty comes from three sources: the heart in the story, the way it's written, and the maturity of the approach. By "the heart" I mean that it deals with a transformation of the Grinch that could be called an epiphany. It ranks right up there with the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol". The character finds a much better way to live.

I think everyone knows what I mean by "the way it's written" but, just in case, I'll say a little on the subject. Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss) wrote some of the best, most lyrical, most amusing poetry in history. The only reason he isn't routinely grouped with The Great Poets of History is that his poetry was very (and beautifully) simplistic and designed for children.

By "the maturity of the approach" I mean that this is a children's book that hits the perfect tension level for children. It does not treat that them as totally fragile (Santa gets kidnapped, Christmas almost gets sabotaged, Max the dog is treated as a slave) but it also relieves them and rescues them from their fears in a well-paced and realistic way that mirrors how parents can talk to their children about real-life fears and scary incidents.

One of the top children's books. In my opinion, this is the best of Dr. Seuss.

Charming tale!
As Hollywood prepares to unleash yet another dreary, mangled version of a classic book, I found myself sitting down to read "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" yet again.

The Grinch, for no apparent reason, REALLY hates Christmas and the Whos of Whoville love it. Angered by their holiday festivities and happiness, he plots to steal their presents and decorations, under the assumption that Christmas can't/won't exist without them. So he sets off with faithful but much-kicked canine Max to destroy Christmas. But is Christmas only presents and ornaments?

Dr. Seuss's delightfully-skewed rhymes and names are as enjoyable as ever, making the important message of Christmas infinitely more palatable than if it had been a much-regurgitated, cliched book. I admit it--at the beginning the Christmas season I tend to act Grinchish, and I felt much better after reading this book...

If you like this book, then check out the old cartoon special (though not the live-action one). "Grinch" is a treasure in kid's literature and can be enjoyed by anyone...

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is a story about a character who is miserable and dislikes anything good and happy.
The author believes it is because the Grinch's heart is too small. The Grinch tries to stop Christmas from coming to the Whos down in the village below called Who-ville. He stole all their presents, food, decoratons and everything they owned. He thought they woud have nothing to celebrate without gifts. Instead, he learned a valuable lesson - that Christmas is something much more that presents. It is the spirit of giving and being together that bring joy. Dr. Seuss has a way of teaching a lesson with funny characters and rhyming phrases. I think this is a good story for all ages.

Great Christmas Story
This Childrens book is one of my favorites. It teaches kids a very good lesson. It teaches them the true meaning of Christmas. It shows them that Christmas isn't about just toys. I think this is one of the best children's books I ever read.

Scrooge for Kids
Maybe that's oversimplifying a bit, but the basics are the same. In this story, we have the Grinch, who hates Christmas and every year must put up with the celebration of the Whos who live in the valley below his cave. But this year things will be different. This year, he intends to do something about it. Surely the Whos will be disappointed when they wake up Christmas morning to discover that all their presents and decorations have been stolen. Or will they?

Told is classic Seuss fashion, completely in rhymes, this book appeals to kids year round. I know I insisted that it be read to me more then just in December. The fanciful illustrations, also classic Seuss, are just as engaging as this story. After all, what could be worse to kids then no Christmas? Yet there is a message here that there is more to Christmas then the commercialism we see around us. It's subtle and not expanded on greatly, but it's there none-the-less.

Surely Charles Dickens' classic tale was an influence when Dr. Seuss sat down to write this book. Both the main characters hate Christmas and miss the point, but have a revelation that shows them how important Christmas really is. Of course, the meat of the stories is completely different, so kids not ready for Dickens will love this one.

If there is such a thing as a classic picture book, this belongs in that category. Enjoyable at Christmas, or the whole year round. ... Read more

Book Description

On another special field trip on the magic school bus, Ms. Frizzle's class learns about the ocean and the different creatures that live there. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

20,000 Leaks Under the Sea
At this point, Ms. Frizzle and her class have explored things like the waterworks, the many layers of the earth, the human body, and even outer space. So it's only natural that Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen would decide to lead their readers on an under-sea adventure. "The Magic School Bus: On the Ocean Floor" is another top-notch collaboration by two people who show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Written in 1992, "On the Ocean Floor" picks up where "Lost in the Solar System" left off. Ms. Frizzle's students are working on their ocean science projects, which makes their teacher very happy. However, it makes them hot and tired; the temperature on this day is soaring!

"I wish we could go swimming," comments one student while putting the finishing touches on a display about how ocean animals swim.

"As a matter of fact, children," says the Friz, "I've been planning a class trip to the ocean for tomorrow."

And, just like that, the class - as well as the reader at home - is being whisked away on yet another magical field trip. The kids think they're just going to spend a day having fun in the sun, but Ms. Frizzle has other ideas!

"On the Ocean Floor" rivals "Inside the Human Body" for the amount of information - not to mention good-natured humor - packed into one 48-page book. Just about everything you can imagine - and anything you can't - is touched on in this compelling romp through the heart of the ocean. At the end of Ms. Frizzle's latest underwater voyage, you will have a better understanding of what hidden treasures abound in the deep blue sea.

Ms. Frizzle's class learns all about ocean life; the kids come across things such as barnacles, grunts, limpets, sponges, sugar kelp, tubeworms, and whelks. More familiar entities include coral reefs, dolphins, lobsters, plankton, sharks, tunas, and whales. The students explore high tides, low tides, continental shelves, continental slopes, the ocean floor, hot-water vents, and waves. And I'm only bobbing the surface of what Ms. Frizzle has lined up for her class.

The end of the book leaves us with two things: 1) a little quiz distinguishing what things were true in the story and what things were made up; and 2) another clue as to what the Friz's next adventure will entail. From the looks of it, her idea of a field trip is so old, it's practically prehistoric!

As so often happens, it is common for the things we love in life to grow stale. Rarely does a book series get better with age. But Cole and Degen have managed to do just that. With each "Magic School Bus" story they produce, the product becomes more polished. I had never heard of even half the things this tale delves into, and I thoroughly enjoyed absorbing myself in the read. "On the Ocean Floor" is yet another high-quality effort from two people who wouldn't settle for anything less.

The fifth book in this wonderful series is definitely a keeper, as are the four volumes that precede it. Do yourself a favor, and take a ride on the magic school bus!

As Ms. Frizzle herself would say, "Wahoo!"

Minus One for Lenny
Humorous, engaging, and packed with information, this best-selling science series is aptly illustrated with lively pictures. My kids adore the cartoon bubbles and short "reports" from the students in the story. Their teacher, Ms Frizzle, is an amazing character who challenges her pupils and leads them on amazing fieldtrips. Her equally fascinating wardrobe changes with each subject and situation. All this has made it a read-aloud favorite since my eldest was three. In ON THE OCEAN FLOOR, the inimitable school bus undergoes several transformations as it transports us to and through the ocean; from tidal pools, down to the deep ocean floor, and, after a brief visit to a tropical island, home. I was touched by the inclusion of a specimen of fish, well known in my home state of Hawaii. However, I must say OUR lifeguards are nothing like Lenny, who, unlike the rest of the book, is definitely lacking on several points. Real lifeguards patrol their strip of beach and keep watch over the waters from their perch. They also patiently answer my children`s questions about the local sea life (most recently, about jellyfish) and just as patiently patch up even the smallest of "boo-boos." Minus one star for Lenny.

Excellent coverage!
Another triumph for the Magic School Bus series. The class takes a field trip to the ocean (not the beach; the ocean) where they learn about the wondrous creatures that live there. Everything from plankton to mammals, including the strange lifeforms around hot water vents, is touched on in this fabulous book. The inserts on each page from the kids' projects add valuable information. The science is current and presented in an entertaining and easy-to-understand manner. Even though the series is designed for older kids, my two-year-old loves the pictures and carries the book with him everywhere. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"A feeling of dread came over Jack.

'What if...' he said. 'What if...'

In the distance, a tree suddenly burst into flames.

'We're looking at a wildfire!' he said."

On a magical mission from the mysterious tree house near their home in Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, Jack and his sister Annie find themselves in the wilds of Australia during a drought. Things heat up pretty quickly for this adventuresome pair, as what initially appears to be a campfire turns into something a lot more frightening. Meanwhile, one exotic animal after another crosses their paths, from koalas to kookaburras to kangaroos. In previous episodes of the Magic Tree House series, Jack and Annie found three of the four gifts they must receive in order to free an enchanted dog from a spell. Now they must track down "a gift from a kangaroo." But can they find this gift before the forest--and all its furry and feathered residents--burns up?

This enormously popular series by award-winning author Mary Pope Osborne is full of thrills and enchantment. She manages to infuse each easy-to-read chapter book with heaps of historical, cultural, and geographical information, without ever missing a beat. (Ages 6 to 10)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Longest and best adventure Jack and Annie have had!
"Dingoes At Dinnertime" is the book where they free Teddy from his spell, as you probably know already. It all starts when Annie hears Teddy's barking, then they go to the tree house, go to Australia, and then begin their adventure. It's too much to say, but you can't miss this one. So read this one and enjoy it!!!

Almost The Greatest Book I've Ever Read
I thought this was the greatest adventure that Jack and Annie ever had so far. I liked it because therer was a lot of action and it was fun to read. This is my second-favorite series of books. I like them even more than Goosebumps. It would be pretty hard to get better than Magic Treehouse, even though I like Harry Potter better, but that's all.

Dingoes at Dinnertime
I was almost as excited as my 8 year old daughter when she finished reading this wonderous adventure, completing the four part series to break Teddy's spell. It had been tough getting her to read, until I found the Magic Tree House series. She really enjoyed the adventure and the involvement of animals as characters in the story. I like the fact that at the end of each story is "More Facts for You and Jack" - reinforcing the educational elements of the story.

A Gift from a Kangaroo
This is a really good book. I liked Jack's scribbled notes. I like how Teddy helps Jack and Annie. I like how you made research on the animals. I learned that people believed in spirits that weren't real. The pictures have a lot of details, I really liked the baby kangaroo picture.

Dingoes at Dinnertime
I loved seeing my daughter read this new book by Mary Pope Osborne, and after she finished I enjoyed it too! The book contains lots of information about Australia. It is a great introduction to the different creatures of Australia. ... Read more

Book Description

Ms. Frizzle's class is growing a beautiful garden. But, Phoebe's plot is empty. Her flowers are back at her old school! So, the class climbs aboard the Magic School Bus. And, of course, the kids don't only go back to Phoebe's school, but they go inside one of Phoebe's flowers! Follow the kids' adventure and learn how living things grow. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great fun!
I enjoyed this book very much because it is such a fun way to learn about science. This is the first of many Magic School Bus books I purchased, and I've been hooked ever since. ... Read more

Book Description

Porcupine invites Otter and Owl to sleep over. Otter takes care of the snacks. Owl decides what to watch on TV. But who will be in charge of fighting off monsters in the closet, at the window, and under the bed?

Reviews (1)

Enjoyable book for dad's bedtime story
My daughter and I found this book to be enjoyable. Not only is it fun to read (and quick) for dads, but a good book for new readers. The stories cover essential topics and how the three friends in the story handle them together. Easy for children to learn from and apply to their situations, such as what those noises in the night really are. ... Read more

Book Description

Shortly after a breakfast generously supplied with pancakes, Natethe Great got an urgent call from Annie.

"I lost a picture," said Annie. "Can you help me find it?"

"Of course," said Nate. "I have found lost balloons, books, slippers, chickens. Even a lost goldfish. Now I, Nate the Great, will find a lost picture."

"Oh, good," Annie said.

Nate, with the cool detachment of a Sam Spade, immediately plunges into his new and baffling case. Getting all the facts, asking the right questions, narrowing down the suspects. Nate, the boy detective who "likes to work alone," solves the mystery and tracks down the culprit. In the process he also discovers the whereabouts of Super Hex, the missing cat. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Hilarious!
This is a very cute and quirky detective story for the advanced first to third grade reader. I believe even older readers (including adults) will thoroughly enjoy this book as well.

Nate the Great is a boy detective who is on a VERY big case. He has to help his friend Annie find a lost picture. We follow Nate as he unveils clue after hilarious clue until he reaches a rather unusual conclusion. One of the funniest stories I have read. We'll be ordering the entire series.

Enjoy!

Nate the Great Detective Debut
NATE THE GREAT is the first book in a wonderful series that introduces young readers to the world of mysteries, clues, and pancakes that is Nate the Great. Shortly after a big breakfast of pancakes, Nate is contacted by his friend Annie. She has a mystery for him. The picture, painted in yellow, she did of her dog Fang is missing. She wants Nate to find the picture for her. Nate leaves a note for his mother and is in hot pursuit of the clues that will let him know where the missing picture is. During the course of his investigation, Nate meets Rosamond and her four cats-Super Hex, Big Hex, Little Hex, and Plain Hex, and Annie's little brother Harry. One of them holds the secret of where the missing picture is.

Marjorie Weinman Sharmat is the author of over twenty Nate the Great adventures, including NATE THE GREAT STALKS STUPIDWEED, NATE THE GREAT AND THE BORING BEACH BAG, NATE THE GREAT AND THE HALLOWEEN HUNT, and NATE THE GREAT AND THE MUSHY VALENTINE. She has written dozens of books for young readers. She named Nate the Great after her father. Her books have been named as Children's Choice books and Junior Literary Guild selections, and been picked as Books of the Year by the Library of Congress. Nate the Great was named after the author's father.

As in every Nate the Great book she writes, Marjorie Sharmat plays fairly with young readers (ages 4-8) regarding the mystery and the clues. Her prose is tight, clean, and concise. Reading aloud to younger readers is an absolute hoot, and if the reader can manage the tough-guy private eye voice of a Mickey Spillane novel, the effect on young readers is even more mesmerizing. The illustrations by Marc Simont-the long-time artist of the Nate the Great series-complements the story very well, lending humor, clues, and vibrant color for young eyes. NATE THE GREAT is the perfect place to join the series because this book sets up all of Nate's world, from the frantic call by friends that have lost something, to the note Nate always leaves his mom on the refrigerator explaining his whereabouts, to the regulars that make up Nate's world.

The entire Nate the Great series is recommended to younger readers and parents who love reading to their children that might have tired of (or memorized!) all of the rhyming Dr. Seuss books. This series makes a great transition to leap from to Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys later.

Nate the Great
Would you want to be a detective? Well i do. Nate the Great works like a detective. He likes to eat pancakes. He works alone. And he has so many friens.
I like Nate the Great books because Nate the Great tells
some jokes and he does some funny things.
I recommend Nate the Great books to anyone who likes Nate the Great books because Nate the Great is so funny and he tells some jokes to anyone.

Fun Picture Book All Will Enjoy
Meet Nate the Great, the neighborhood detective. He's just finishing up breakfast (pancakes, of course) when Annie calls. She's lost the picture of her dog Fang that she just painted and wants help finding it. So Nate goes over and helps her hunt down the leads. But can he solve the mystery?

I remember this book well from my childhood, and it's still good for a few grins today. Nate has some great one-liners, especially when read with a Joe Friday monotone. The plot is very creative if a bit obvious at the end to adults. The pictures only add to the pleasure.

This is the strongest book from the series. Children will ask for it over and over; I know I did. Parents will enjoy the humor and characters as well. Buy it today for read aloud pleasure.

Hilarious children's book in verse
"Nate the Great" is, in a word, great. In Nate the Great, Marjorie W. Sharmat has created a hero for young boys. He acts very independently, walking around the neighborhood by himself, making his own pancakes, etc. but he wears his rubbers, and he *always* leaves a note for his mother. Marc Simont really comes through in his laid-back illustrations (some shaded, some in color) that reveal important points of the case, but do not force things down the readers' throats. Also, like the writer, Simont manages humor without going overboard.

As in the best children's books, the writing style is simple yet powerful, like a haiku. Although the "Nate the Great" series is written in full sentences, Sharmat has slyly created a wonderful introduction to poetry-that-doesn't-rhyme with his carefully placed line breaks and page breaks. Here is the first page of text: "My name is Nate the Great. / I am a detective. / I work alone. / Let me tell you about my last case: / I had just eaten breakfast. / It was a good breakfast."

The first book in the Nate the Great series is by far the best, because the funniest parts are in the character development that, of course, takes a back seat in later volumes. The establishing shots of and paragraphs talking about Nate, Annie, Fang, and Rosamond are absolutely hilarious. Continuity watchdogs will note Fang's slightly more menacing nature (and color change) and Annie's lost fascination for yellow in later books. Of course, kids won't notice or care.

The official reviews don't make it clear which books in the series are actually in this volume. The cover is definitely not the original cover of book 1. You might want to look into that before buying.

This series is great fun for little kids and whoever is lucky enough to be reading to them. Get all the Nate you can find! ... Read more

Book Description

Amelia Bedelia, the housekeeper with a literal mind, merrily upsets the household when she "dresses" the chicken and "trims" the steak with ribbons and lace. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

An "I Can Read" CLASSIC
Without a doubt, the Amelia Bedelia books stand tall as good literature in the "I Can Read" genre -- a genre notorious for less-than-interesting stories, owing to the fact that it is subject to limited vocabulary lists. Peggy Parish uses these limitations to her benefit, however, creating a whimsical character in Amelia Bedelia, a woman who takes everything literally (for example, a request to prune the hedges causes Amelia to stick prunes on the hedges, and when asked to draw the drapes in the living room, Amelia scrambles for her pencil and notepad to sketch them).

Amelia Bedelia's peculiarities make for a memorable story -- one that kids will read over and over, and one that parents won't mind sitting in on. This book is highly recommended. (Okay, okay, I loved it when I was a kid!)

And hey, be sure to catch all the other Amelia Bedelia books as well.

I learned to love reading with this book.
My great aunt used to pick me up from Pre-school, and together we would read about Amelia Bedelia's adventures. We laughed until we cried in that old green rocking chair. Unto this day, we laugh and talk about the antics of Amelia Bedelia, and we recommend it to everyone, young and young-at-heart alike. Take it from a 21 year-old, you can't outgrow Amelia Bedelia.

funny
Amelia is an idiot. She reads things or hears figures of speech and takes everything so literally that she ends up making a fool of her self. In result you learn nothing but you just learn to laugh and learn not to be like Amelia. Reading a book and laughing sometimes is all you need, so enjoy this book!

A totally AWESOME book!
Many people do not know about or understand autism. But Amelia Bedelia is a prime example of someone with autism. When I try to explain to my daughter's friends and my friends what living with autism means, I recommend that they read one of these books. They are light-hearted and hilarious but yet represent autism in a very real way.

MUY GRACIOSO!!
This book is really funny!!!!! Yo no sabia que existia una vertion en espaniol pero mis hijas se divertieron mucho con este cuento. de hecho me gusto mas la vertion es espaniol que la yo lei cuando era chica. lo recomiendo es muy gracioso!!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in black-and-white. "With an entertaining blend of fact, farce, and fantasy, Osborne tells the story of Jack and his sister, Annie, who take a trip in a magic tree house and land in a time 65 million years ago. They find dinosaurs and volcanoes and adventure. Veteran storyteller Osborne builds the power of reading into the story: it's the books in the tree house that give the kids the magic to travel and see far, far away."--Booklist.
... Read more

Reviews (37)

Great intro to chapter books
I bought this book for my 4 year old who is wild about dinosaurs. He loves being read to and needed something a little more advanced than picture books. This book was a great start because the subject matter was something he was interested in, he could easily comprehend what was being read, and it could be finished in one sitting. There were enough pictures in the book to maintain his interest.

After reading this book, we have embarked on a new Magic Tree House adventure a day. My son looks forward to this time so much. Thank goodness the books are at the library! The books can be read by a parent in about a 30 minute sitting. I recorded Dinosaurs Before Dark on tape for my son to listen to any time since it is his favorite of the series so far.

Also to extend the reading activity at home, we created a Cretaceous period dinosaur diorama. My son loves acting out the story with his own dinosaurs...

The Magic Treehouse Rules
I happen to love these books. I read them to my seven year old son. He could probably read them to himself, but we enjoy spending the time together, and it gives him a chance to imagine the awesome setting that Osborne presents in each of her books. Each Magic Treehouse book takes the reader on a different adventure to a place where kids can learn about dinosaurs, pirates, mummies, and even ninjas. The list of places goes on because the Magic Treehouse has about 29 books to the collection. To start out I bought the first 3 to see if he liked them, and so far we have read one book each night. He was begging me to get all of the books in the series, so I had to go back to the book store last night and buy about 10 more!! I think I'll hold out and get him the rest for Christmas. These books are great for kids who are learning to read, and also those who are moving out of picture books. Like I said, it's fun reading and finding out what kind of mess that little Annie girl is going to get the pair into each time! I give this series a 10! Thanks Mary Pope Osborne for thinking of our kids.

This is the best book ever!
My second grade class loves these books. You learn alot about dinosaurs in this book. I like Annie because she always talks to the animals. And Jack wants to learn about everything, like I do.

My 4 year old's first chapter books
My 4-year old received 2 of the Magic Treehouse books for Christmas this year. I looked at them and thought there was no way he'd be able to comprehend a book with chapters. But I read through it myself and found it an easy read with a fairly simple storyline. So I started with this, book #1, and read it to him. We were able to read it in one sitting, and he followed it just fine. He was so excited that I brought him to the bookstore to pick out a new Magic Treehouse book today. He asked "will Jack and Annie be in this book too?"
He doesn't really read books himself, but as a read-together book, this was wonderful. A great intro to books with more words than pictures. I plan to start collecting this series for him and reading them together at least once a week (if I could afford to buy one a day I would do that).

The Magic Tree House #1
THE MAGIC TREE HOUSE #1 THIS IS A STORY ABOUT TWO KIDS WHO FIND A MAGIC TREE HOUSE. THEIR NAMES ARE JACK AND ANNIE. THEY COULD SEE THE TREE HOUSE BECAUSE ANNIE BELEVES IN MAGIC AND JACK LIKES BOOKS. THE MAGIC TREE HOUSE TAKES THEM TO LOTS OF COOL PLACES. I GIVE THIS BOOK A **** (4 STARS). ... Read more

Amazon.com

This collection of five complete, illustrated Dr. Seuss classics is a "hatful," but you'd have to have a Cat-in-the-Hat-sized chapeau to contain all the treasures in this hefty book. Within its pages you'll find Theodor Seuss Geisel's exuberant creations Bartholomew and the Oobleck (1949), If I Ran the Zoo (1950), Horton Hears a Who! (1954), The Sneetches and Other Stories (1961), and Dr.Seuss's Sleep Book (1962). In Bartholomew and the Oobleck, a non-rhyming Seuss story, prepare for an eyeful of green goo. In If I Ran the Zoo, young Gerald McGrew decides he would make a few changes if he ran the zoo--including the acquisition of more unusual beasts (such as an Elephant-Cat) from places "quite out-of-the-way." In addition to the potentially unsettling concept of traversing continents in search of wild beasts to trap and cage,