Book Description

Frances, one of children's best-loved characters for over 30 years, now springs to life even more in Bread and Jam for Frances,beautifully reillustrated in sparkling full color by Lillian Hoban. In this memorable story, Frances decides that bread and jam are all she wants to eat, and her understanding parents grant her wish'at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacktime.Can there ever be too much bread and jam?

Reviews (11)

Everyone's favorite badger
In 1964 Russell Hoban wrote, and his wife Lillian illustrated, a charming little book entitled "Bread and Jam For Frances". Already an established character in such books as "Bedtime For Frances" and "A Baby Sister For Frances", this next story observes Frances as she stubbornly believes that she would like to eat only bread and jam, rather than any other food. Her parents oblige her willingly, and Frances comes to learn that a person should expand their tastes once in a while. The book is charming and dated only in the slightest of ways. Yes, Frances only wears skirts and dresses. Yes, Mother is the only one making the meals. But this is such a light happy little tale that these flaws are easily overcome. Lillian Hoban's illustrations are as cute as can be. The story itself is amusing (Frances often singing little songs to the food she dislikes out of earshot of her parents). Sometimes you just want to read your kids something that doesn't involve huge battles, gross out jokes, or didactic morals. If that's you, then allow me to introduce the perfect solution.... a little number I like to call "Bread and Jam For Frances".

A timeless book for all ages
I remember falling in love with "Bread and Jam for Frances" when I was a child and I was eager to see if my 3 year-old daughter would be equally fond of it. It's one of her favorites. We've read this book before bedtime almost every night for the past month.

When fussy eater Frances refuses to try anything new to eat, her mom and dad teach her a loving lesson in how you can have too much of a good thing. My daughter likes pointing out all the different food that's represented in Lillian Hoban's wonderful illustration and she's memorized all of Frances's charming little songs about jam and food. The love, humor and gentle nature of this book make it a good one to pass down from generation to generation.

A Wonderful Book for All Ages
The Frances books are great. Children and adults can share books for once and both enjoy them. Bread and Jam for Frances is about when Frances has become a very picky eater and only likes to eat bread and jam! A great tale for picky eaters.
The illustrations are very nice and colorful, and you have to love the how all the characters are badgers in the book.
If you enjoy this book, try out the other books in the Frances series. ...

a cute classic story about a picky eater!
This is a cute and captivating tale of Frances, the picky eater who only wants to eat bread and jam. Her parents handle her food refusal by indulging her with bread and jam at every meal and snack. She soon tires of it and wants to eat what everyone else is eating: a well-rounded meal.

This is a cute tale with little rhymes that Frances sings to herself with her food musings. The illustrations are adorable, they are not a visual assault as some other children's books have. This book was first published in the 1960s and as with other picture books of that time, has nice long prose, a good length of a story.

Both parents and children who deal with fussy eaters will appreciate this funny tale. It is a classic that is sure to be a favorite!

A Favorite
Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban, with illustrations done by Lillian Hoban is one of my favorite books. This book teaches a very important lesson to any child who has a favorite food. In the story Frances eats only bread and jam, even though her mother prepares other foods for her. Eventually, Frances' mom stops preparing other foods for Frances and gives her only bread and jam, just as she likes. Frances is happy with this at first, but then grows sick of eating the same food for every meal while her friends and family are able to eat other foods. In the end Frances' mother gives her different foods for her lunch at school and Frances is happy again. I believe this story to be one that any elementary school aged child could relate to. The story tells children of the importance and enjoyment of eating a variety of foods. The pictures and text directly complement each other. The text is needed to tell the complete story, but the pictures enhance the story. Bread and Jam for Frances is a simple story that is easily followed by children. Children can read this story and relate to the realistic situation. This book captures the child's attention and finishes the story within the short attention span of a child. The illustrations of this book contributed to my choosing it as a favorite. Frances' facial expressions in the illustrations help children easily identify her feelings throughout the story. In the beginning Frances is very happy, but as she gets tired of eating bread and jam a frown appears on her face. When Frances becomes very upset that she can only eat bread and jam, she cries. At the end when Frances' mother offers Frances other foods Frances is very happy again. The pictures are very soft and friendly. The colors are engaging and follow the story directly. The style of the illustrator follows the style of the author. Neither the text or the pictures overpower the other; there is a complementary style between the two. I believe this book to be very appealing and appropriate for an elementary age child. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If I Ran the Circus is a grand rhyming Seussian hymn to every child's grandest and wildest plans. Behind Mr. Sneelock's ramshackle store, there's an empty lot. Little Morris McGurk is convinced that if he could just clear out the rusty cans, the dead tree, and the old cars, he would have no further obstacles to using the lot for the amazing, the world-beating, Circus McGurkus. The more elaborate Morris's dreams about the circus become, the more they depend on sleepy-looking, innocent Mr. Sneelock, who stands outside his ramshackle store sucking on a pipe, oblivious to the fate that awaits him in the depths of Morris's imagination. He doesn't yet know that he'll have to dispense 500 gallons of lemonade, be lassoed by a Wily Walloo, wrestle a Grizzly-Ghastly, and ski down a slope dotted with giant cacti. But if his performance is up to McGurkian expectations, then "why, ladies and gentlemen, youngsters and oldsters, your heads will quite likely spin right off your shouldsters!" Welcome to the big top. (Ages 4 to 8) --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (10)

for circus fans
My 6yr old daughter picked this book out at the library because she saw a poster of it being held by Jonathan Lee Iverson - the ringmaster for Ringling Bros. She fell in love with the circus at age 4 and had to read this book when she saw the poster. She was so upset when it was time to return it that I decided to buy it for her and give it to her when she completes kindergarden. She looks for it every time we're at the library. It's a tongue twister for adults (what Seuss book isnt't) but actually kind of fun as you get into it. Lengthy too but if you have a circus fan I'm sure they'll love it too.

Perhaps the most perfect Seuss!
If I Ran the Circus is a delightful cross between the tongue-twisting Fox in Sox and the classic Cat in the Hat. I read it to my children until they begged me to stop. Then I read it to my wife. It demands to be read outloud with the greatest of enthusiasm, almost child-like glee, drawing out the unique word combinations and stunning metre and rhyme. Fabuluous.

One of Seuss's finest
Absolutely topnotch Seuss--a rollicking, over-the-top display of his art, word play, imagination, and humor. The Foon, the Drum-Tummied Snumm, the Organ McOrgan McGurkus, the spouting whales--all are among Seuss's most delightful creations. This book is bursting with optimism and energy, and to read it well to a child you have to give it your all.

I'm surprised this book is not mentioned very much in the current burst of interest in Seuss (2004 is his birth centennial). It's a marvellous tale and it would be a shame for someone to go through a childhood (or parenthood) and miss it.

If I Ran The Circus
My dad bought me this book when I was quite young and to this day it is still my favorite book. I read it when i'm having a bad day and it always makes me smile. It has something for everyone. As a kid I liked the language and the amazing drawings. As an adult I like the idea of the dream of running a circus, so to speak.

From Childhood to Adulthood
This is the one book I would not let my parents put down as a child and now with my first child on the way I have a new copy to read aloud to him. The book is a fabulous adventure that never gets old. If you need a reason other than the wonderful story and its characters, try challenging yourself to read it all the way through with out getting tounge-tied. My father never could! ... Read more

Book Description

Did you know that ants have jobs? Ants may not look like they are doing anything important, but each ant that lives in a hill has a special job, whether it is cleaning the nest, digging new tunnels or gathering food. And in each ant city there is a queen ant who is busy laying eggs.

In this popular Stage 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science book, Arthur Dorros explores the fascinating and complex ways in which these industrious insects work together to keep their ant cities alive.

A Reading Rainbow Selection
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 1987 (NSTA/CBC) ... Read more

Book Description

When a daisy suddenly sprouts from the top of Mayzie McGrew's head, she is

faced with her classmates' taunts, her parents' dismay, and a publicity agent's

greed. How poor Mayzie learns that love is more important than fame and fortune

makes an endearing morality tale for our time--and for all ages. Narrated by

the Cat in the Hat, Daisy-Head Mayzie is vintage Seuss!




... Read more

Reviews (10)

I love this book!!
I love this book because it is funny, and exciting. It is easy to read and it made me laugh. T.J. (4th Grader)

too hard for young children
What everyone is saying that this isn't Seuss's real work, I believe. Seuss uses language that is easy to understand for children, and they used rather big words in this. I do like this book but if I read it to a kid they would only understand some of it.

Dr. Seuss is rolling over...
Dr. Seuss left this book in a drawer when he died. He obviously didn't think enough of it himself to publish it, but now that he's dead I guess anything's fair game. The illustrations are designed to fool you into thinking he did them, but he didn't. Yet this book says "by Dr. Seuss" on the cover just like The Lorax or Cat in the Hat. Deceitful.

Not a typical Seuss, but my daughter LOVES it!
Hands down, this is my daughter's *favorite* Seuss book. At 3 & 1/2, she can practically recite it word for word. I was saddened to see the other negative reviews about the book, because I like the message in it - 1) Your family & friends will always love you, and 2) Fame isn't all it's cracked up to be. The book can be the spark for some interesting & thoughtful conversations on values.

do NOT buy this book
I love Seuss. I think I owe my relationship to language to him. I am now reading all his work to my daughter.

But know this: this book does NOT count as a "real" Dr. Seuss book. The illustrations are PURE trash, and the story may have turned into a real Seuss work, if he'd worked on it further (it sounds like scribbled notes for a story). ... Read more

Book Description

Holly Keller has created vivacious new paintings for this favorite Reading Rainbow title about geology. Readers follow two enthusiastic rock hounds around the globe as they add to their collection. Along the way they will learn how sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks are formed. From the Egyptian pyramids to Roman roads, from the diamond ring on your finger to the pebbles under your feet'rocks are everywhere!

... Read more

Reviews (2)

Simple and easily observable science concepts
This book is part of the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, which has more than 80 titles. The Stage 1 books explain simple and easily observable science concepts for preschool- and kindergarten-age children. Stage 2 books, which includes this title, explore more challenging concepts for children in the primary grades and include hands-on activities that children can do themselves. "Let's Go Rock Collecting" is suitable for young children.

AN EXCELLENT INTRODUCTION TO ROCKHOUNDING
THIS IS A FINE BOOK FOR INTRODUCING YOUR CHILDREN TO THE WONDERS OF ROCKHOUNDING. THE AUTHOR BELIEVES THAT CHILDREN WANT TO READ AND FIND OUT FOR THEMSELVES. LET YOUR CHILDEN READ THIS BOOK, AND THEN TURN THEM LOOSE ON ANY NORTHERN BEACH WITH PLENTY OF ROCKS. THEY'LL HAVE A BALL, AND YOU'LL LEARN SOMETHING, TOO (YOUR KIDS WILL TELL YOU). ... Read more

Amazon.com

On one of their weekly balloon flights over Celesteville, Babar and Celeste notice that the railroad station is standing empty. Elephants, it seems, now prefer cars over trains. Interestingly, although Babar comments on the roads "jammed with traffic," he and his queen decide to focus on the other issue--the abandoned station. Celeste comes up with an idea to turn it into a museum to house their art collection, and soon an architect is drawing up plans and workers are renovating the building. When the great day of the opening arrives, what a show! The royal couple had acquired some pretty impressive and well known works of art--all featuring elephants, of course. Laurent de Brunhoff outdoes himself with the real-life art-inspired paintings and sculptures, from Mary Cassatt’s"Mother and Child" to Edvard Munch’s "The Scream" to Leonardo da Vinci’s "Mona Lisa." Young art buffs will enjoy the very age-appropriate art appreciation lessons, as the children are encouraged!to say whatever they want about the art: "I like this picture because it’s red," says Arthur about Van Gogh’s "Self-Portrait." When pedantic Cornelius tries to pontificate, Celeste gently hushes him. Includes a free pull-out poster. (Ages 4 to 7) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Note Cards
Buyer beware -- these note cards fold to 3"x5".

wonderful
My wife's parents gave this book to my daughter. I was as delighted as she was! I grew up on Babar. What a lovely children's book! My four year old daughter absolutely adores it. Buy this for the children in your life and they will love it.

A delightful visit to Babar's Museum of Art
A balloon ride over Celesteville leads to Babar and Celeste deciding to turn in an abandoned train station into a museum in which they can display their great collection of fine paintings. Everyone in town gets more and more excited waiting for the big day when the museum is opened and everyone can see everything that is hanging on the walls inside. The paintings might be intended for the elephants and other animal friends of Babar and Celeste and this book might be intended for younger readers, but the readers who will most enjoy Laurent De Brunhoff's book are going to be those old enough to appreciate the witty elephant-inspired version of great paintings from Michaelangelo's "Creation of Man" and Sandro Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" to George Surat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte" and Edvard Munch's "The Scream." There is just something intrinsically enjoyable about taking Leonardi Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" and making the lady with enigmatic smile an elephant, and the idea of doing the same thing with Vincent Van Gogh's "Self Portrait" is hysterical since Babar is an African elephant and not an Indian elephant. The more you know about great art the more you will enjoy strolling through the galleries with Babar and his family. The book also includes a pull-out poster of the delightful art found in "Babar's Museum of Art." The adventures of Babar have been delighting children for half a century and this is a charming addition to the series. It should also inspire its young readers to check out the "real" versions of these great paintings so that they can find out what the adults are chuckling about as they enjoy "Babar's Museum of Art." Is it too early to be thinking about books that would be great to give as gifts to young readers for Christmas? This one should be high up on that list.

Wonderful for preschoolers through elementary children!
Some of us remember having "Babar" books read to us when we were children. This book rekindles those warm thoughts while providing an interesting, entertaining look at art and life. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's bedtime for young Frances--an adorable and irrepressible little badger--and everyone is ready but her. At 7:00 p.m. Frances is wide awake and bursting with youthful excitement. She tries every delay tactic she can muster--from demanding extra hugs and kisses to volleying a series of urgent last-minute questions ("May I sleep with my teddy bear?" "May I have my door open?"). She's almost positive there are spiders, giants, and tigers in her room.

Any parent will quickly identify with this phenomenon--how the last minutes of the day suddenly become the most action-packed. Garth Williams's illustrations complement Russell Hoban's sweet story perfectly, capturing the endless energy and overactive imagination of Frances, and the waning patience of her exhausted parents. Bedtime for Frances is the perfect goodnight story to tell your wide-eyed children. And never fear, like Frances, they too will eventually, contentedly, drift off to sleep. (Ages 4 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (32)

getting quite a bad rap without much cause.
I'm quite suprised so many people take issue with this book. It was one that I loved as a child, and although I had the sort of fears that children often do, my parents were always really good about reminding me that the things in your room when the lights are off are the same things there when the lights are are on. Perhaps that's the reason this book never inspired the terror in me it seems to present to many reviewers' children.

As for the spanking issue -- I was hardly from an abusive home, but the issue of punishment was something I was always familiar with. I hardly think the book is suggesting that Frances is going to be physically abused by her parents, so much as it's showing fed-up adults convincing their child to just get some sleep.

This book might not be for the terribly young, but it's a pretty cute story about conniving for extra time before bed. I would recommend it to anyone who is up front with their children about things like 'spankings', even if they don't practice them.

A spanking good book
Okay, the title of this review is a joke. The threat of spanking, mentioned by 13 (if I counted correctly) of 31 customer reviews, is offset for the following reasons. 1) The book is a classic--a great old book that has become a multi-generational tradition in many families, including many (like mine) that do not spank their kids. 2) Children live in the real world, and excessive sheltering from it is counterproductive. 3) There are very few books that deal with nighttime fears as effectively as this one (*Where the Wild Things Are* is another). 4) It is aimed at a younger audience than the other Frances books making it a good introduction to the series. 5) Like all the Frances books, it is well written, well illustrated, and quite amusing. Note--Garth Williams illustrated this one; the others were illustrated by Lillian Hoban. 6. It has wonderfully delightful examples of a very young child's (il)logic, for example, "There is a giant in my room, may I watch television?" (or something like that--I don't have the book in front of me).

I am highly amused that, for all the reviews that complain about the spanking threat, NONE of the to date complain about the smoking by Frances' father. I'm sure that MUST say something strange about Amazon's customer reviewers, but I can't figure out what!

Great Book and Kids are Smarter Than You Think!
I was a HUGE Frances fan as a child and this is my duahgter's first one (from Grandma)---My little girl has NEVER been spanked and she was in no way, shape, size or form upset by the spanking aspect. We are a super liberal, open family and to me that includes realizing that certain things were accepted in the past. My daughter's only reaction to the spaking paragraph was that Father Badger "looked like Daddy" when Frances woke him up.

Children are intelligent enough to get it. Relax a bit, people.

good book
Do you ever want to stay up late? Find out what happens in Frances' Bedtime. Frances keeps asking her mom and dad for something like a glass of milk so she can stay up past her bedtime. I think this book is fun and enjoyable because Frances is a lot like me. I like to stay up late too. I learned in this book that you should do what you are told because mom and dad usually know what is best for their kids. See if Frances gets her way.

Not thrilled
I was hoping for a story that would help to paint a lovley picture of bedtime from a child's stand point. This book only succeeded in spelling out some lovely ways that children can make it exasperating for themselves and their parents.

Very disappointing, given that Bread and Jam for Frances is one of our family favorites. ... Read more

Book Description

Jack and Annie find themselves whisked away to ancient Egypt, where they come face to face with a dead queen--and her 1,000-year-old mummy! "This will be welcomed by beginning readers making the transition to chapter books."--Booklist.
... Read more

Reviews (18)

I Read This Book Because I Love Mummies!
I like this book because all I check out in the library is about mummies and I would like to go to Egypt someday. I like this book because two little kids, Jack and Annie, go to a pyramid and find a Queen Mummy. At first they are scared and then they are not. The mummy needs their help to go to the next level of the underworld and they try to solve a puzzle. If you like mummies it's a great book to read!

I thought it was great!
Annie and Jack are two kids that discover a magicical tree house. When they look in a book and wish to go there that's where they end up. The book they happen to be looking in is about mummies. Suddenly,they are in Egypt at the pyramids. They meet Queen Hupeti who tells them that her brother has hidden the secrects of the next world. She asks Annie and Jack for their help. Read this adventure to find out if Annie and Jack solve the Mystery.

super book
What would you do if you had a Magic Tree House? Mary Pope Osborne is the great writer of Magic Tree House! Jack and Annie go to their Magic Tree House and discover an Egyptian book. And decide to go there in Mummies in the Morning.

Mummies in the Morning
This book was an okay book! This book is about these kids named Annie and jack. Jack and Annie go to Egypt and in a pyramid. When they go inside the pyramid, Jack and Annie have to find the book of the dead. Now you will have to read the book to find out about the rest of the book.

Mummies in the Moring
I think the story was great. I did not know anything about mummies. I thought it was boring because there were no mummies in chapter one, just a tree house, Jack and Annie. Then, It got better. The tree house began to spin back in time. When they woke up, they were in Egypt. They saw an Egyptian parade into the pyramid ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Nate the Great
I really liked the book because it talks about some kids that play baseball togheter and when the second base was stollen they decided to look for it. Nate the Great worked hard to find it. He found it behind the bookcase in Oliver's house. I also liked the name he gave his dog: Sludge. I think he is a great detective because he was able to solve the case.

Excellent
I love the "Nate the Great" books by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. They keep my daughter's interest and she loves the characters and Nate always having his pancakes. She tries to read the books herself and I love any book that challenges her to do that. I hope to see more books by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. I feel she's a talented author and should be applauded for her children's works. ... Read more

Book Description

Yikes . . . It’s a looth tooth!

One of Junie B. Jones’s top front teeth is loose! Only Junie B. is not that thrilled about this development. Because what if she looks like toothless Uncle Lou? And even worse . . . what’s all this tooth fairy business? Like, who is this woman, really? And what does she do with all those used teeth? So many questions, so little time. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Lighten Up, parents!
I highly reccomend the Junie B. series to kids of all ages! Many parents complain about Junie's language skills. But twhen you listen to a 1st grader talk, they do say, "'Cause" and "Me" instead of "I", for example. Really listen to the kids. I'm a 6th grader, and my teacher still catches us every once in a while mixing up the "Me" and "I". Geeze oh man!!!! Parents rating this series a 1 star need to lighten up! GET OVER IT!!! Don't go telling other parents to not use this series. Junie's FUNNY!!!! That's what kids want to read! Using the improper language also makes this series unique. After reading Junie B., First Grader: Toothless Wonder and the other First Grader's I was happy that Junie was improving her language talking. But her jorunal writings do relate to a 4th grader's. I doubt a 7-year-old could write like this. Overall, I reccomend this series to kids of ALL ages. And this book to kids nervous about loosing teeth and are worried about the Tooth Fariy.

Junie B. Rocks!
As a full time professional writer and big fan of correct grammar and spelling, I've got to say that the Junie B. Jones series is one of the best ever! I can't believe these parents who have had their funny bones removed. Barbara Park doesn't teach incorrect grammar, she lets her irrepressible heroine talk the way kids really DO talk, and it's hysterical. I LOVE these books. My 6-year-old daughter and I have read every one of them together, and it is a joy we passionately share.

Junie B. is her own person, learning lessons in friendship, sharing, values, and how to navigate big deals (like losing a tooth) in the big, scary world out there. They are laugh-out-loud funny for both of us. And I often recommend them to grown-ups who struggle with insomnia. There's nothing better to cheer you up and quiet your spirit in the middle of restless night than spending time with Junie B. Jones.

Our first Junie B. book came from my sister-in-law who teaches first grade and also loves them. We owe her!

You Rock, Junie B.!
(...). I was worried about loosing a top tooth. My dad bought me this book and I read it. It was very helpful. I say that this is a book EVERYBODY will like. I have a big sister named Jessie (...) and reads Junie B. She likes her and thinks that these are the best books. I do too. My teacher at school reads them to my class. He likes the whole series just like my class. Thanks, Junie B.! From, Karla T., of Naples, FL U.S.A.

Lighten up, folks...Junie B. is a fun character!
The "Toothless Wonder" book is a good one. In our family, my daughter had all kinds of issues about losing teeth. Barbara Parks handles this topic in a kid-like manner. It's a fun read, like all of the Junie B. books.

To parents who are considering Junie B. books: just like we tell our kids, give it one try...if you don't like it, you don't have to read any more. However, many of you will find the Junie B. Jones books terrific. They are perfect for kindergarten through second grade girls, especially if you are reading with them as a family so you can discuss Junie B's antics. There are many different topics that the books address; pick one that's applicable to you and try it out. Some are funnier than others. As with anything, different story/writing styles appeal to different personality types. Don't reject the books without trying them due to some of the written comments below. The "grammar police parents" may simply need to lighten up; they'd probably reject Huckleberry Finn, too.

Of course, Junie B. books are NOT Mark Twain novels, to say the least; they are not literary masterpieces. They are simply fun, entertaining, wholesome, and engaging.

When Junie B. is in first grade, she has to start writing in a journal. Those entries are usually at the beginning of each chapter. Junie B's writing is often the best and funniest part of the book. She misspells many words and corrects (sloppily, of course) the spelling in the journal. Her thoughts are simply comical and, at times, endearing. The journals help the reader get in Junie B.'s head.

Junie B's antics are hysterical and ridiculous. She gets kids to look outside of themselves and provides a wonderful stepping stone for involved parents to have meaningful conversations with their kids as to what actually is proper behavior, what someone could/should say in a situation, how to control themselves, etc. The adults in Junie B's life also make good conversation pieces ("how could they help Junie B. differently?", "how could they react better?", etc.). I can't tell you how much conversation Junie B. has generated in our family. Junie B. can be a terrific example of what NOT to do. Most children are smart enough to understand Junie B's limitations. Through a humorous story, they understand how Junie B. could have done something differently.

The first book "JBJ and the Stupid Smelly Bus" struck a nerve with us because my daughter was having trouble with riding the bus in kindergarten...she thought the bus smelled awful, among other things...this was before we had even known about Junie B. Jones. I tripped over this book in the book store later that year. We read it together and loved it. It got my daughter thinking about her struggle in a humorous way and helped her feel that she wasn't "alone" and would make it through (she adjusted quite well, although she still thinks the bus stinks...she's right, too)...and we discovered a whole line of books she could enjoy along the way.

She is now almost 8 (second grade) and she has learned to love reading BECAUSE of the Junie B. stories. They were the catalyst. Earlier, she was struggling to read independently, but now reads everything she can get her hands on. Junie B. books spurred her on. Even my almost 10 year old son, who has always been an extremely advanced reader, has enjoyed listening to Junie B's adventures (when he was much younger, he embraced the Magic Treehouse books with gusto). We all read Junie B. together because I enjoy them, too (I've already preordered the new May 2004 book)...we laugh and talk together during reading and afterward. My husband enjoys listening, too. Junie B. has helped the kids develop their wonderful sense of humor. My daughter reads the books herself over and over again. Her friends read them and they actually have book discussions together!

The Junie B. books are very simple with short chapters written in language for younger kids (approx. 5-8); they are very quick reads for adults and older kids. They are NOT academically-challenging, nor should they be! Like any other book or series, they may not be for everyone. They are simply FUN! Junie B. is a far from perfect character which makes her interesting and a great teaching tool...and she can make parents grateful their own children are as well-behaved as they are in comparison! Just give one a try.

Very Cute
This is one of my favorite Junie B Jones books. It really addressed some of the oh so important social issues surrounding first grade and losing teeth, and worrying about how you're going to look. My first grade daughter has a loose tooth at the time we started reading it, and she really related to it well. ... Read more

Book Description

Morgan le Fay will make Jack and Annie masters of the tree house if only

they can solve four riddles -- which will take four books, of course!

Dolphins at Daybreak begins the third set of four books in this magical

(and increasingly popular) series!Jack and Annie are off in the Magic Tree

House again, this time to a whole new world under the ocean.Complete with a

giant octopus, a hungry shark, and dolphins to the rescue, this Magic Tree

House book delivers an underwater adventure kids can dream about.




... Read more

Reviews (14)

Dolphins is best in Magic Tree House series
I think this book is the best in the Magic Tree House series. My favorite part was when Jack and Annie saw a hammerhead shark. Matthew, age 7

Dophins At Daybreak (Magic Tree House Series)
My name is Stephanie and I think that you should read this book. Here is why. Jack and Annie fly off in the magic tree house to an ocean. There they find a boat to go inside. Jack starts studying the boat while Annie plays on the computer. She accidentally presses a button that makes the boat drop down into the ocean and sail. Holly cow! It is a mini submarine! They run into a shark, but their new dolphin friends save the day. Join Jack and Annie in their search for the mystery item that will allow them to return home. Will they ever find it and return home? You'll have to read this book to find out. I think you'll love this book. I know that I did. Happy reading!

I love this book
I love this book because there's a shark, and Annie & Jack escape from it. That's the best part. You know why? Because they're stuck in a submarine, and it sinks but they escape from the shark and the sub. And then they get to the coral island. What happens next is a surprise for you.

I like this book
I would give this book five stars because I love the sea and sea animals.I love them because they are nice.I love magic tree house books because they are interesting.Sea animals are very good to learn about.

The magic tree house #9
Doliphins at Daybreak is about to kids Jack and Annie. Jack is sometimes mean to Annie. Jack does not like to do eneything. Annie likes to do lots of stuff.They also have a dog teddy.Teddy always gets lost. Ilike their dog teddy.
On this inventer they go to the ocean. They see lots of different creatures. They see Doliphins,sharks,hammer heads,and octopus.
The sharks try to eat Jack and Annie!! Then the Doliphins come to the reasue and fight the sharks. At the end of the book they get to ride on the Doliphins.
Then they find the tree house.And they make their journey home. ... Read more

Book Description

Grandmother likes Little Bear's picture so much she sends him a thank you kiss. "Will you take it to him, Hen?" she says. Hen passes the kiss to Frog who passes it to Cat who passes it to Little Skunk until Hen decides there is too much kissing -- and finally gives the kiss to the Little Bear.

Reviews (4)

A wonderful book for bedtime
My son, 2 1/2, loves Little Bear from the cartoons on Noggin and was thrilled that we found these books to read to him. He often selects this book (or one of the other Minarik books) from his bookcase at bedtime for my wife or I to read to him. The stories are brief but entertaining and the illustrations are rich and engaging. The books are a bit flimsy and I would prefer that they be available in a more durable format but that is a minor issue compared to the wonderful content of these books.

cute story for beginning readers and/or Little Bear fans
This story about Little Bear is a charming introduction to the world of reading for beginners, especially for those who are already familiar with this gentle cub and his friends. Little Bear is a sweet child to his mother and father, and a good friend to Duck, Hen and Cat. Minarik's simple narrative will be easy enough for young readers, and Sendak's illustrations will hold their attention.

In this story, Little Bear draws a picture for his grandmother, and asks Hen to take it to her. When Grandmother sends a kiss back to Little Bear, Hen carries it until she sees some friends, then she passes it along to Frog, who carries it until he sees a pond and passes it on to Cat .... This is a fun story with a few simple lines and large illustrations on each page. Kids will enjoy the funny ending (and so will you).

My daughter showed real interest in learning how to read
My daughter is 5 years old . She watches Little Bear on T.V. and wants to learn how to read this book because of the show . I will buy more of these books soon as long as she is interested in them . I will also buy them for my niece and nephew as well . I really like the easy to read words that don't discourage kids from wanting to learn to read .The paperback books are easy to take with us . Thank you ,

One of the cutest books I've ever read
This book is cute and funny! The way the animals pass on the kiss and little bear receives it makes this story one of my favorites. The Little Bear series is one of the best. ... Read more

Book Description

What makes a shell like a house?

A house is a home for you, a nest is a home for a bird, and a cave is a home for a bear. But for some animals a shell is a home. Snails and turtles and crabs and clams all have shells that act as their homes and protect them from harm. In this book you'll learn all about these and other crustaceous creatures, for whom a shell is just the right sort of home.

Amazon.com

Bartholomew and the Oobleck easily qualifies as a Seuss classic, first told way back in 1949. And its message--the importance of owning up to your mistakes and saying that you're sorry--is as timeless now as it was then.

Bartholomew Cubbins serves thanklessly as pageboy to King Derwin of Didd, a headstrong man who's decided he isn't satisfied with mere sun, fog, rain, and snow. ("Humph! The things that come down from my sky!") He wants something else, something uniquely his own, so he calls in his royal magicians ("Shuffle, duffle, muzzle, muff. Fista, wista, mista-cuff. We are men of groans and howls, mystic men who eat boiled owls"). Happy to oblige, the magicians tell the king they can make "oobleck" fall from the sky, only nobody--not even the magicians--knows just what oobleck is.But after a night of arcane incantations, everyone in the kingdom gets a taste of the stuff (in the case of the Captain of the Guard, literally!), as the green, gluey goo gums up everything in sight.

Of course, Bartholomew tries to help, but it's up to the king to save the day, as he learns to utter not magic words but simple words with magic in them: "I'm sorry." (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Science is fun, but not always
Bartholomew and the Oobleck is my favorite Seuss. The King wants something new to come from the sky. He's tired of the sun, the rain, the wind and the snow. He sends his magicians to their secret cave in mystic mountain Neekatave. In the morning green sticky oobleck falls from the sky and gums up the entire kingdom. It's great fun watching everything get stickier and sticker. Even the King gets stuck to his throne. Of course Bartholomew saves the day. And the King learns that the right thing to do when you've messed up other people's lives is apologize. Silly me, I'd hoped that my daughter would learn to apologize when she's made a mistake -- if kings can do it --- but she didn't get the message. Still, the book is delightful. I don't see it as an anti-science tale. Yes, lots of folks tried to talk the King out of his experiment, but scientists get that anti-science fear all the time. They have to ignore it or they can't do their jobs. The King didn't fire the magicians. This experiment was a failure. That didn't mean he should give up his throne and quit trying. He apologized, and went on with his life. That's the way life is.

Growing together,

Lois...

The power of two little words!
Boy, this book takes me back when I was very young. I really enjoyed it. And, now that I'm considerably older, I still enjoy it. It is a story about a king who is bored with the things that fall from the sky (for example, rain, snow, etc.) and orders his magicians to make something new. They come up with oobleck, a green, gooey substance. But, when it begins to fall, it messes up everything and the king's page, Bartholomew, teaches the king the power of the words, "I'm sorry." The book was a 1950 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustration in a children's book.

A great story for making up voices...
Although "Bartholomew and the Oobleck" is different in style than the Dr Seuss books most people are familiar with, it is still a good story. Bartholomew is pageboy to the king, and apparently the smartest person in the kingdom. When the king orders his magicians make "something new" fall from the sky, with disasterous consequences, which threaten to bury the kingdom under an ocean of green sludge, only Bartholomew takes action.

I love doing different voices when I read stories to children, and this book certainly lends itself to that as Bartholomew runs through the castle trying to alert people of the danger, and get help from anyone, exchanging dialogue with a large variety of people along the way.

I'm only giving this book 4 stars, instead of 5, because it doesn't hold the attention of my kids as well as many of the other books we own, but we certainly have a lot of fun with it anyway.

A timeless classic for children and adults
Bartholomew and the Oobleck begins with the King of Did being irritated and bored with the weather. His page, Bartholmew, tries to enlighten the king with simple common sense. The king ignores him and turns to (literally) magical solutions for his current peeve. When the results turn disastrous, Barthlomew tries to warn his friends in the castle. No one listens to him, being more concerned with their own business and as a result, they all end up worse off. Then, when the king finally listens to him, a ray of hope appears amidst the crisis.

Written in 1949, "Batholomew and the Oobleck", like its prequel, "The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins" hardly feels like a Dr. Suess book. The illustrations look like charcoal sketches (except of course for the green oobleck) and the text lacks the sing-song poetry commonly associated with Suess books. Despite this, the Bartholomew books have withstood the tests of time and tastes because they touch on a subject that is near to the hearts of all children, but which is rarely addressed in children's literature. Many times children find themselves surrounded by adults hurrying about, fixated on their own agendas. When a child is in the thick of such a situation, he or she will often be ignored. After all, why should adults listen to children? BATO tells us why; children can sometimes see situations as clearly or moreso than adults specifically because they are not distracted by adult agendas! The lesson of BATO stands for all generations, and that is what makes it a timeless classic.

Scary!
This was without a doubt my favorite of all Seuss books.l It is different than the others, darker in tone and more daring.

The Oobleck might be a metaphor for nuclear proliferation, but whatever it is, it's sticky, nasty, green and scary. It rains from the sky (fallout?)and it gums up everything.

A brilliant book, and one that has kids shivering and adults wondering at the skill of Dr. Seuss to tell a kid's tale and at the same time, make some acerbic commentary. HIGHLY recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. "This introduction to sharks keeps within a

first-grade reading level without sacrificing information. Cole tells about

different kinds of sharks, and facts on their food consumption and innumerable

teeth. The text makes clear that few sharks eat people and that sharks come in

a variety of shapes and sizes."--Booklist.




... Read more

Reviews (6)

Hungry, Hungry Minds
My son, a college sophomore these days, made me read this book to him so many times when he was little that I can still recite some of it by heart. Beyond the wonderful illustrations and fascinating facts about sharks, this book has a very playful way with language that immediately captures a young reader's attention. If you have any little oceanographers at home, or even if you are simply trying to get some wiggling, non-scientific, prodigies to calm down and get ready for bed, by all means, pick this one up. Your kids will love you for it.

I didn't know so much about sharks until I read this book
I like't the book. I did't know that more people die from bee
sting's than from shark bites!

hungry hungry sharks
The book Hungry Hungry Sharks by Joanna Cole is a good book if you like sharks and you want to find out what they eat or how they live. This would be the book that you would want to read to find those things plus you can find lots more about sharks than what I listed above.

4 1/2* Fact-Filled!
This is an excellent book for the budding oceanographer (or the beginning reader). It realistically shows the shark as predator (some of the pictures show sea animals being eaten by sharks, but the illustrations will probably not be upsetting for most), and as victim of the smarter, more teamwork-oriented dolphins. The book does a great job of reporting interesting shark facts; for example, there are more than 300 types of sharks, the dwarf shark is no bigger than a hand, a barrel of nails was once found in a shark's belly, etc. 47 pages long, the publisher recommends it for readers in grades 1-3. A good beginner book.

A Review of "Hungry, Hungry Sharks"
"Hungry, Hungry Sharks" was one of the first shark books I bought as a child. Now, as a teacher, I still use this book to provide some factual information to my students. The words are simple enough for a primary student to read, and the illustrations justify the reading. The information in the story is factual, and children love hearing about the sharks. It's a good book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The haughty ruler of Didd, King Derwin (who would foolishly go on to summon green goo from the sky in his later years) showed the first signs of his silly self-importance back in this 1938 Seuss classic, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins.

When Bartholomew visits town one day, selling cranberries at the market for his parents, the King's procession screeches to a halt in front of him; King Derwin then leans out of his coach, demanding to know why Bartholomew hasn't respectfully removed his hat. "But, Sire, my hat is off." He shows the king the hat in his hands that he's just doffed, but sure enough, another identical one sits atop his head. He takes that hat off only to reveal another... and another, and another, and another. Poor Bartholomew goes through 45 hats, then 136, then 233, as the angry king calls in every expert in the kingdom, from Sir Snipps the haberdasher to the Father of the Father of Nadd. In the end, Bartholomew barely gets away with his head (forget about the hats!), as Seuss spins this weird and wacky tale, a strange thing that "just happened to happen and was not very likely to happen again." (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Keep your "Eggs and Ham" I like the HATS!!
This is a truly AMAZING book. The first time I brought it home from the Grade School Library I was enchanted! Bartholomew Cubbins is challenged with the difficulties brought on by his hat. He is almost beheaded for not taking his hat off before the King. He get's out of that though because of his hat. He is chanted upon by wise men and cats. The nephew of the King does not like Bartholomew because he is getting more attention than he. Bartholomew continues to remove hat after hat the entire time. In the end they become grander and grander. The thing that almost got Bartholomew killed it what saves him in the end.

I brought this book home over 500 times. Before I could read my mom read it to me, even when I could read I made her still read it to me. I treasure this Seuss book above all of my others. Bartholomew has an amazing time trying to take his hat off. This book has all the wonderful Seuss words and adventure that is to be expected.

Wonderful to enhance the imagination of young children.
I run a day care in my home and I read everyday to the children. They love the story of Bartholomew Cubbins. After reading about the first few hats, the children pretty much read it on their own. They knew what would happen when the next hat came off. Needless to say, I had to read it many more times before I had to return it to our library. Dr Suess never disappoints his readers. Here is another example of his perfect writing skills.

Can Bartholomew Remove His Hat?
Bartholomew Cubbins, lowest of the subject of King Derwin has gone into town to sell some cranberries for his parents. When the king passes by, he doffs his hat, only have the king stop and accuse him of not taking his hat off. Surprised to find it is true, he takes his hat off, only to find a third hat on his head. The king has him arrested and begins trying to figure out ways to keep the hat off. His wise men and magicians are certainly no help. Meanwhile, Bartholomew must figure out a way to get his hat to stay off his head before the consequences become drastic.

This is an early Dr. Seuss book, and a lesser known of his works. Still, it tells a fun story about a boy in trouble for something he didn't do. Everyone can relate to that. Even when the king becomes obsessed with the hat, Bartholomew never looses his respect for the king.

This doesn't have the charm, creativity, or poetry of some of his other works, but is still fun for kids because of the absurd length they reach to try to get rid of that hat.

memories for a lifetime.
As a adult in my 40's, it is not easy to recall many specific details from my early childhood. But I have never forgotten the specialness of my favorite book - The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins by Dr. Seuss.
The delight I felt in reading it - or better yet, having my Grandmother read it to me, is a memory I cherish. The whimsical and ever more fanciful hats that Bartholomew found upon his head captivated me.
This book is a treasure and to this day, when asked for a recommendation of my favorite books, I secretly think of this childhood tale.

The Awesome Book called 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins
The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, written by Dr. Suess, at Random House

If you like fantasy choldren's books with lots of pictures then this is the book for you. A boy is going to the market to sell cranberries and the king rolls by on his carriage, everyone takes of their hat but whenever Bartholomew takes off his hat another one appears. The king's nephew wahnts him to be executed because he is getting all the attention and even he can't take off Bartholomew's hat. After each hat pops off a new one comes on Bartholomew's head. The kind tries many ways to get the hat off, including shooting them iff with arrows and other ways to. Get ready Bartholomew this will be one funky ride.

Bartholomew is the main character, the poor farm boy that just can't take off his hat. There is also the king's nephew, the Duke of Wiinfred, is a snob and tries to kill Bartholomew after he can't take off Bartholomew's hat. There is also the king who is rather clueless throughout this whole book.

I would definately recommend this book to kids because it isn't hard to read and is very easy to understand. It is also very funny with many wierd and hillarious twists in it. Dr. Suess is a very good writer and i would recommend any of his books. He does a very good job of giving each character their own voice. The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins is a Dr.Suess is a classic and everyone should read it. ... Read more

Book Description

How did the universe begin? How hot is the sun? How long does it take to get to the moon? Find out the answers to these questions and more in Magic Tree House Research Guide: Space, Jack and Annie’s very own guide to the secrets of the universe. Including information on stars, planets, space travel, life on other planets, and much more! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Space Travel
Once you are 100 miles above Earth, you are in space. Anything beyond Earth's atmosphere is space. There are a lot of planets, stars, and space rocks in space.
A spacecraft travels in space and carries supplies and people. A spacecraft has to go 25,000 miles per hour to get away from gravity and get into space. Spacecrafts have rockets to lift them into space.
Fuel is burning in the rocket at very hot temperatures. The hot gasses come out from the bottom and push the rocket up. Rockets were used 1,000 years ago as fireworks and weapons by the Chinese.
The Soviet Union and the Unites States had a race to have a spacecraft go into space. The Soviet Union sent the first satellite into space. A satellite is something that travels around a planet. The Soviet Union won that race. The United States put its own satellite into space and the race began.
An astronaut is a person from America that is trained to go into space. A cosmonaut is a person from Russia trained to go into space. A person from Russia, or a cosmonaut, orbited the Earth in less than two hours. He was the first person to orbit the Earth.
The United States and the Soviet Union had a race to get someone into space first. John F. Kennedy made a challenge to send someone to the moon before the 1960's were over. A lot of people worked for that goal. ... Read more

Book Description

Something very wonderful is happening to Junie B. Jones. And it’s called—hurray, hurray!—she’s getting to be a professional lunch lady! And that means hanging out with Mrs. Gutzman in the cafeteria. And standing behind the counter. And even wearing a real actual hair net! Who knows? Pretty soon she could be the boss of the whole entire lunch operation! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Junie B., First Grader: Boss of Lunch
Barbara Park's character, Junie B. Jones, is a favorite of my first and second grade students. Recently I read Junie B., First Grader: Boss of Lunch to my class. My students thoroughly enjoyed the humorous antics of Junie B. as she gets picked for a special job at school. I think that my students especially enjoyed this book because they can relate to Junie B.'s experiences at home and at school. Although the plot of the story kept my students laughing, I was not comfortable with Junie B.'s poor grammar. I know that it's Park's way of conveying Junie B.'s elementary vocabulary, but as a teacher, I don't approve of reading aloud literature that does not promote appropriate grammar. Because my students are so attracted to the Junie B. Jones stories, I will continue to read them aloud to my class, but I've learned to change some of the words as I read to correct the grammar.

Junie B., 1st Grader, Boss of Lunch(19)
As a third grade teacher I am happy to say Boss of Lunch is the Boss of my classrooms' student selected reading time. In Boss of Lunch, Junie B. has just recieved a brand new lunch box covered in baby bird pictures. Of course she can't kep her hands off of it during class and "Prissy" May has to tell Mr. Scarry on her. This leads into a class discussion of if brought lunches are better than bought lunches. When it is finally lunch time Junie B. is disappointed to be eating her sandwich when the other kids get hot hogies and cookies. Mrs. Gutsman solves this problem when she invites Junie B. to be a cafeteria helper and arrange napkins and sponge off the counter the next day. Junie B. has visions of being the "Boss of Lunch" and eating all the cookies she wants, but things aren't exactaly as she plans. To find out how Junie B.'s job as cafeteria helper turns out , you will need to check out Junie B. Jones, First Grader, Boss of Lunch By: Barbara Park and start turning pages.

Do you like being a helper ? You'll like this book!!!
Would you ever like to be a helper in the school kitchen? In Junie B. Jones Boss of Lunch by: Barbra Park, Junie B. gets to be a helper in the school kitchen. Junie B. thinks she will be the boss of lunch, but she is only a helper. She gets nervous when she thinks that she will be surrounded by lots and lots of kids! Will she be a good helper or will she be fired? Find out in the best book. I liked it because Junie B. is a good character and there are funny pictures too!

Student from Grosse Pointe

Excellent for reading outloud!!
My kids ages 6 & 8 can not wait to read the new Junie B. books when they come out. They beg for "just one more chapter, please mom". We love 'em!

It's GREAT!
I am a 7 year old who loves to read. I have read all of the Junie B. Jones books and I love them. I waited along time to read this book and it was worth the wait. Barbara Park has done it again. Junie B. Jones is now in first grade and is just as silly as ever. ... Read more

Book Description

Illustrated in black-and-white. Jack and Annie are whisked forty years

forward in time and land at an international space station on the moon.

There they don space suits and go exploring the lunar surface in search of the

fourth object needed to free the enchantress Morgan le Fay from a powerful

spell.




... Read more

Reviews (13)

Moon Visitor
Three... two... one... BLAST OFF!! The Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie off to the moon- and the feature. Their mission? To find the last "M" thing that will free Morgan from the spell. Can they do it before the air in their oxygen tanks run out? And why is Peanut the mouse acting so strange?

The only way to find out is to read Midnight On The Moon.

midnight on the moon
This is great book for you if you like adventure books. It is magic tree houes book it is called "Midnight on the Moon". The characters are Jack and Annie are sister and borther. The author is Mary Osborne. She is a good author. Jack and Annie learn about space like how hot it is in space. I like this book because I like adventure books. If you like astronauts read this book

The Best Book Ever
I give this book five stars because it is really interesting. It is educational because it tells you facts about the Moon, like: A footprint can last millions of years on the Moon because there is no wind and no rain there. It is also cool because Jack and Annie (the main characters) travel to the Moon and when they are there, they are also in the future (year 2031). I like books about time traveling and especially to the Moon.