Book Description

Crawling through the dirt, worms are hard at work, helping plants to grow. Worms help the fruit and vegetables we eat by loosening the soil and feeding the plants. Read and find out about these wiggling wonders!

Amazon.com

This classic Seuss title stars a happy-looking quadruped from the shores of Lake Winna-Bango who has the most amazing antlers and the kindest disposition. Alas! Everyone, but everyone, takes advantage of his generosity, and before long he has three-quarters of the animal kingdom nesting in the convenient perches atop his head. ("They asked in a fox, who jumped in from the trees, / They asked in some mice and they asked in some fleas.") You might think someone would take pity, but nobody seems to like an oddball, and all Thidwick gets for his trouble is complaints and contempt. Unable to cross the lake when winter threatens, he looks all set to starve--and then things get even worse. He is saved from certain death just in time, swims the lake, and joins the herd again. One reason this Seuss is so good: it has a moral, but the moral isn't pressed too far and the exuberant linguistic fun isn't subservient to it. (Ages 4 to 8) --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (9)

39 years of loving this book!
I bought this book 39 years ago at a church sale when I was 6 years old--yes, I used my own money! I loved it then and I love it now. The illustrations are a hoot--seeing one critter after another move into poor Thidwick's horns has always made me laugh. And, I like to think of myself as a nice guy too and a moral fellow, just like poor Thidwick. So, the lesson of seeing people take advantage of one's good nature has served me as I've gone through life. In college I majored in Political Philosophy and I thought of this book then. The lesson for me was--Bad people will use your morality against you while themselves being unaccountable. Bad people will break the law all the time, but if a good person breaks the law...listen to them scream! And of course, poor Thidwick will do anything to keep from breaking the law (in this case the law of hospitality), even starve to death or be shot by trophy hunters, rather than eject his "guests." The law has been distorted and perverted in Thidwick's case. His immoral guests remind Thidwick that if he's to be a good host then Thidwick must cater to their needs. They don't / won't consider Thidwick's needs. The ungrateful guests seem offended that they might have some responsibility for Thidwick's suffering. Years later when I read a book by Ayn Rand, I thought of Thidwick during several passages. But this is most importantly a children's book that children love! My 4 year old son picks this book to have me read it to him regularly. If he didn't like it, what would it matter that his dad likes it so much!

My favorite Dr. Seuss book
..I won't write pages retelling the whole book. I just want to tell you that this is my favorite Dr. Seuss book and I have a copy that I received as a gift when I was 7 years old. My copy is over 30 years old and I have taken it in twice to read to my children's classes. My four kids love this book and their classes loved it too. A great book - buy it for your child and I'll bet that they will have the book 30 years from now and will be reading it to their kids!

Get Stuffed! Fish and Guests Smell in Three Days!
Thidwick's adventure begins simply enough. He is marching along on the shores of Lake Winna-Bango, on the far northern shore, looking for moose-moss to eat with 60 other moose. A small Bingle Bug nicely asks Thidwick for a ride "for a way." Thickwick replies, "I'm happy to share!" Most of us would have said the same.

But what happens when a guest overstays her or his welcome? In Thidwick's case, his horns become a veritable zoo of wildlife. There is a Tree-Spider spinning a web, a Zinn-a-zu Bird who gets married and builds a nest, and their uncle the woodpecker who pecks holes the squirrel family inhabits. And so on it goes, to include a bobcat, turtle, fox, mice, fleas, a big bear . . . and 362 bees!

Thidwick is like the horse in Animal Farm. He's providing all of the work and benefit, and everyone is bossing him around. Why, they won't even agree to let him leave with the other moose to find more moose moss. Why is Thidwick willing to put up with this? What are the benefits of having a big heart in this situation?

How does Thidwick end up in this mess? Well, having accepted the Bingle Bug, the subsequent guests ignore Thidwick and ask the earlier guests instead if they can move in. Thidwick honors his first commitment, extends it in time and to the new inhabitants.

As a result of Thidwick's dilemma, this book provides a good opportunity to discuss sharing with your child . . . and explain the benefits and limits of sharing.

Your child will run into people who will try to take advantage. This gives you a chance to ask your child what he or she would do in Thidwick's situation.

The story's resolution is a most original and humorous one that makes good use of the mental picture of shedding your onorous burdens.

This story is illustrated by Dr. Seuss, as well as written in his best rhyming way. The drawings of the creatures in Thidwick's horns come close to matching many of Dr. Seuss's most imaginative mechanical devices. The horns of this dilemma are funnier than those devices, because this concoction is based on animals and natural processes.

The story is a pretty easy one for five to six year olds to learn to read, because many of the words are short and rhyme. The illustrations also "name" many of the nouns. The humor provides "hooks" for memorizing the words.

I also liked the idea of introducing children to the concept of treating a guest well, even if the guest does not behave well. Our society would be much improved if we all did a little more friendly hosting.

After you finish enjoying this story, ask your child if she or he knows of anyone who is like Thidwick. Ask your child what that person should do differently.

Enjoy having a big heart . . . and hosting others!

One of two of my favorite Seuss's
I remember this book from growing up 30 years ago. The story of a overly gracious moose and how some of his woodland 'friend' take advantage of him. It is classic Seuss with wonderful rhyme and wording. This and McElligot's Pool are now staples for our children's bedtime reading.

Thidwick is always remembered
This is a wonderful children's story that I remember reading as a child. It has such an impression on me, I never forgot the story nor the moral that Dr. Suess implied in this tale. ... Read more

Book Description

What happens to food after you eat it?

In this newly illustrated book, complete with photos, Paul Showers and Edward Miller take you on a journey through the human digestive system into the mouth, down the gullet, into the stomach, and finally into the small and large intestines. You will learn what each of these body parts does to help transform the food you eat. And you will also find out what happens to the food your body cannot use.

Everything that happens inside your body whenever you swallow a bite of food will amaze you!

Reviews (2)

A wonderful book!
My 5-year-old son thinks it is good because it teaches how the food gets digested. My 8-year-old daughter thinks she learned a lot from the book. I personally enjoy reading it too!

Easy enough for my 3-year-old to understand!
I checked this book out from the library, and now I have to buy it because my son keeps asking for the "hamburger book". It has lots of pictures for the little ones to understand and both simple and complex wording for kids in different language learning stages. My son is so proud that he can say "epiglotis" and tell you what it is! This book certainly answers the question "where does poop come from?" in a child-friendly way. ... Read more

Book Description

How can fish live in water? Why don’t they drown? The answer to this fishy question and more can be found in this latest addition to the Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. The book clearly explains how a fish’s body is perfectly suited to life underwater, just as our bodies are suited for life on land.

1996 ‘Pick of the Lists’ (ABA)
Best Children’s Science Books 1995 (Science Books and Film) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great science book for young kids!
Wendy Pfeffer has a talent for making difficult science concepts understandable to young children. This is a lively and very kid-friendly book with cheerful illustrations that kids will enjoy and learn from. ... Read more

Book Description

"Ms. Frizzle warps her students back to the late Triassic period, where they begin a journey forward through time in search of Maiasaura eggs. . . .Sidebar information provides the hard science, timelines, and maps of continental drift. . . . Grades two to five." ... Read more

Reviews (5)

An Adventure Millions of Years in the Making!
As if Ms. Frizzle's field trips weren't time-consuming enough, now she's decided to take her class back to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth! Has the Friz gone mad? Who knows what kind of animals stalked the very land we stand on millions of years ago? This joyful journey to the Jurassic could end up a perilous predicament in the past!

Written in 1994, "The Magic School Bus: In the Time of the Dinosaurs" is yet another wonderful collaboration between Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen. It's Visitor's Day in Ms. Frizzle's class. Parents, relatives and friends are coming to see the students' work in all things dinosaurs. But not before the Friz makes a special announcement.

"Our class has been invited to a dinosaur dig," she informs her students. "We'll be leaving right away."

And, just like all the other field trips Ms. Frizzle has taken, this one ends up being bigger than originally planned. So big, in fact, it can only be described in prehistoric terms!

The students learn all about fossils (anything left from ancient animals or plants), as well as the scientists who study them (paleontologists). They also get to see how these scientists go about their work, using chisels and shovels and burlap and plaster. Then the real adventure begins when the Friz suggests to the class that they all go looking for some Maiasaura nests. And the only way to do that, of course, is to blast into the past!

Students will recognize some of the more well-known dinosaurs featured in this tale - Brontosaurus, Stegosaurus and Tyrannosaurus Rex. But they will also be introduced to lesser-known plants and animals from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods - Cycads, Ferns, Elasmosaurus, and Lambeosaurus. Each different geological period represents a variety of creatures, habitats and temperatures.

Were dinosaurs part of a herd (meaning, did they live in packs?), or were they solitary creatures? Were some dinosaurs caring parents, or did they leave their young to fend for themselves? What brought about the end of a species that existed for so many millions of years? But most importantly, will Ms. Frizzle's class ever return to the present day?

As with every book in the "Magic School Bus" series, Cole and Degen wrap up their latest narrative with two things: 1) "From the Author's Desk and the Artist's Drawing Board" helps distinguish fact from fiction in the story; and 2) another clue as to the next riveting field trip the Friz has planned for her class. To weather that storm, the students had better be packing umbrellas and windbreakers! Things could get a little foggy!

Six excellently executed books into this series, and Cole and Degen haven't missed a beat. The writing is superb, the story engaging, and the artwork as clever and informative as ever. Parents and children alike will delight in a story that offers all the thrills of an amusement park ride, yet all the comforts of a favorite reading chair. So hop aboard the magic school bus!

As Ms. Frizzle herself would say, "Goodness gracious, we've reached the Late Cretaceous!"

Not accurate information, be careful using this one
The info in this book doesn't follow the Bible facts about the creation of Earth, man and animals. Be careful using this book. Make sure it follows an explaination to your youngster about Bible truths. This is a FICTION book and not based on facts.

While I usually like Magic School Bus books; not this one!
There are so many "info-narrative" books about dinosaurs for children I was disappointed in this one. I am sorry to be the dissenting opinion but I am not impressed with this book. I would use a different book.

The Frizz and Co. in the Land that Time Forgot, via Heinlein
It is not surprising that this is one of the best-selling children`s science series`. My five-year-old loves the pictures and story, while the seven-year-old also appreciates the plethora of facts, as well. The engaging and humorous text is packed with information and complemented by lively and amusing illustrations. The boys love the cartoon bubbles and the short "reports" by the kids in the story. The indomitable teacher, Ms Frizzle and her morphing wardrobe challenges her students on these amazing fieldtrips.

IN THE TIME OF THE DINOSAURS is about: dinosaurs and fossils. Obviously too broad a subject to cover thoroughly in this slim volume, but there`s plenty to whet the appetite. There is a real paleontologist at a real dig. And the bus turns into a time machine. The colorful charts and final class display keep us in perspective. The kids always have questions about something. Thank you Ms Frizzle, Ms Cole, and Mr Degen for answering and encouraging them.

great presentation of just the right amount of information
My son, who is 3 and a half, loves this book. Everytime we go to the library he asks to borrow it again. It's time to own it now. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in black-and-white. Jack and Annie are in deep trouble when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the days of desert islands, secret maps, hidden gold--and ruthless pirates! Will Jack and Annie discover a buried treasure? Will they find out the identity of the mysterious M? Or will they walk the plank?
... Read more

Reviews (10)

Time of the Pirates
Pirates Past Noon
Mary Pope Osborne

Would you ever want to travel to the time of the pirates?

This is a story about two kids Annie and Jack. They have found a magic tree house and travel to the time of the pirates. The pirates show up and capture them. The pirates make them tell were the buried treasure is. They tell them they don't know were it is, but then Jack & Annie find the treasure and tell them were it is. The pirates found it too and leave to get some shovels and in that time something happens to Annie and Jack, but you'll have to read the book to find out what happens to the two of them.

I thought this was a great book think it is for people who like adventure books.

I recommend this book to kids 6-10 years old and I think kids would love it if they like adventure.

Better than Goosebumps
Magic Tree House #4, Pirates past noon, is the best. I love the cover. I like Jack and Annie. They are sort of funny. I read the whole book in one day. I am five years old and my name is Nate.

Great for Children
My children haved loved these books. Even my 3 year old twin boys will sit and listen to these stories and these are chapter books. Nuff said!!!!!! Boys don't sit still for much.

Buy this book!
What would you do if you were attacked by pirates? That is what happened in Pirates Past Noon by Mary Pope Osborne. The story takes place on a deserted island with nasty pirates. Jack and Annie are chased by pirates and are put in their ship. I like this because you can really picture it in your head. Find out more in Pirates Past Noon.

Pirates Past Noon
The following review is by my seven year old daughter:

"I love Magic Tree House books. When I was going to read Pirates Past Noon, I had no idea that Jack and Annie would find the 'M' person. In the first three adventures of Jack and Annie, they come across several clues about the mysterious 'M' person. The 'M' person's name is Morgan.

It's a really good book. You better read 'Pirates Past Noon' to find out more about the story. I'm not letting the cat out of the bag!" ... Read more

Book Description

Generations of children have grown up reading and rereading A. A. Milne's verses, hums, and rhymes from his Winnie-the-Pooh storybooks and two volumes of poetry. This lovely gift collection gathers ten of these delightful verses, carefully chosen for the very youngest of Pooh's fans, accompanied by Ernest H. Shepard's beloved drawings in full color. Here are such favorites as "Furry Bear," "Us Two," "Vespers," and more.

Elegantly designed with a special padded cover and gold edges, this charming volume is the perfect introduction for a whole new generation to the Best Bear in All the World-Winnie-the-Pooh. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A favorite of my two year old daughter
What a pleasure to have well written poetry that appeals to my 2 year old daughter! This book is a current favorite of hers, and we read it to her every night. The classic poems by AA Milne are as appealing to me as they are to her, and the illustrations by Ernest H Shepard make me look forward to my daughter growing up with all of AA Milne's books.

One disappointment - nowhere in the book does it point out (for the parent reading them over and over) that the poems contained in the book are often parts of larger poems written by A.A. Milne. You'll need to find a different book if you want the full poems of "Us Two", "Vespers", and "Nursery Chairs" for example.

Otherwise, a great book to add to your child's collection! ... Read more

Book Description

The Magic Tree House transportss Jack and Annie to the freezing Arctic.

There, they must solve the final riddle to become master librarians. But it's

not going to be easy--especially when they have cracking ice, a seal hunter,

and a prodigious polar bear to deal with. Will they be able to solve the riddle

before they get iced themselves?




... Read more

Reviews (5)

Polar Bears Past Bedtime
This book was a good learning book, but still it showed more miracles and wonder, but there's no doubt it's a learning book. Otherwise, I don't know what else to say about this book, and I'm glad because I don't want to spoil a single surprise.

Polar Bear Perfect!
This book was fun. I like it when Jack and Annie go to the Artic. They have to act liked polarbears to get off some thin ice.I liked this book because it was full of adventure.

Polar Bears
It's icicle city when the Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie to the freezing Arctic tundra. Luckily, a seal hunter on a dogsled (led by huskies) lends them warm clothes and takes them back to his igloo (which in Inuit, means house.) They run out to feed the huskies and Jack accidentally takes masks that the seal hunter made. Annie finds some polar bears and they play tag with them. Jack suggests they go back to the igloo, but Annie and the polar bears lead him down a little hill. Then, unluckily the ice starts to crack. A female polar bear (which happens to be the mother of the polar bears that Jack and Annie found) comes to rescue them. Jack reads in the reasearch guide that even though female polar bears can weigh up to 750 lbs., they can slide on very thin ice. So, the female polar bear takes the cubs and slides on the ice. Jack and Annie put on the masks and slide on the ice, too. When they get up the hill, they see a burst of red, green, and purple in the sky (which happens to be the Northern Lights.) But after Jack read that fact, the lights disappeared. The seal hunter finds them and takes them back to the igloo. Then, Jack and Annie think they've solved the riddle. The riddle is: I cover what's real, and hide what's true. But sometimes I bring out the courage in you. What am I? They think it's a mask, and they're right! But before they can go home, they find another riddle. Soon, they solve it.

This book is great!
It is a really good book. I liked when they helped the Polar bears babies. Its really exciting, and it deals with a lot of adventure. My favourite parts is when Jack and Annie get to ride on the dog sled.

This book is cool! and cold!
Jack and Annie went to the Artic wearing only their bathing suits. Luckily, a guy helped and gave them warm clothes. He also helped them get back to the tree house after they solved the mystery. - Kyle (age 6) ... Read more

Book Description

Translated by Carlos Rivera. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Painful to read
I must agree with several of the other reviews. This book was translated with no thought to rhyme or flow. That's part of what makes Dr. Seuss books attractive to kids. It is a joy to read the translated version of "Green eggs & ham", but the "Cat in the hat" is positively painful.

I agree with Ms. Denise Caramagno
The spanish version of this book is pathetic. We also have "Huevos verdes con jamon" (Green eggs with ham) in spanish and it is delighful to read it.

At least, in this edition you still have the english version to read.

I think this book needs a re-edition with a more accurate translation.

El gato en el sombrero/The Cat in The Hat
When I first bought this book in Spanish (many years ago) the translation was so awful that I wrote the publishers begging them to improve future editions. I recently saw the book again and not a word has been changed-it's still a abomination.

What good is Dr. Seuss if it doesn't rhyme?
The Spanish portion of this book doesn't rhyme. I have seen other Dr. Seuss books in Spanish that do. This one is a direct translation of the English. I think it would have been a lot more effective to stray from the English enough to make the Spanish rhyme too!

I'm teaching my children Spanish . . .
(...) The point was made that the translator could have done a better job had he used a little license to play with the words and make it read with an improved cadence and rhyme. However, I really wanted a literal translation! My kids speak English and are learning Spanish -- they know the English version well. It is helpful to have a direct translation because the kids can pick out the words they do know and fill in the rest because of the context --- this only works if the translation is exact/literal. The English version is also written on every page to help with that process of word-deciphering. For me, this was a very good choice. ... Read more

Book Description

Will a magnet pick up a paper clip or a feather? The answer is, just the paper clip. Magnets only pick up things that contain bits of iron. In this new addition to the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, veteran author Franklyn Branley explains the properties and behavior of magnets. True Kelley's charming illustrations will entertain readers as they discover for themselves what makes a magnet. Hands-on activities include making a magnet and compass.

... Read more

Book Description

With Marilyn Hefner's new full color illustrations, bacteria and viruses have never looked so good! As packed with wit and good humor as with charts and diagrams, this book is still the best explanation of how your body fights germs. ‘An introduction to bacteria and viruses and how each of the two forms attacks cells and makes a person feel sick. The text mixes information with reassurance. . . . A nonthreatening first exposure, administered with a pleasant bedside manner.' 'K.

A Reading Rainbow Featured Selection
Best Children's Science Books 1995 (Science Books and Films) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A missed opportunity to teach about hygiene
Although this book is thorough in describing the differences between viruses and bacteria, I think it misses an important opportunity to reinforce hygiene...wash your hands, cover your mouth etc. These are given a cursory review on the last page, with no accompanying illustration. I had hoped that this book would help my almost-4-year-old to understand how people get sick, how they get well, and how they can help prevent communicable disease to reinforce what I teach at home. I do not think that the authors did a very good job of meeting those expectations.

An untimidating, practical account of germs for young reader
My three-year old son really enjoys this book. The book's fairly simple, yet informative account of how viruses and bacteria can make us sick helps to make the abstract concept of germs more concrete for him. As an added bonus, the book gives a plug for handwashing, covering mouths when sneezing or coughing, and not sharing cups that most preschoolers can benefit from. I must also confess that, despite having read the Times Science section for years, I learned quite a bit about viruses and bacteria from this simple, well-illustrated book. A good buy, especially for parents who field a lot of factual queries every day. The Let's Read and Find Out series is a great way to let someone else do the explaining for a change. ... Read more

Book Description

After rain comes down, the sun comes out and dries the puddles. But the water isn't gone. The heat from the sun has turned it into water vapor-it has evaporated. Eventually, this moisture in the air condenses to form new clouds. Soon the rain will fall again. Read on to find out all the ups and downpours of the water cycle!

Reviews (1)

Where Does It Come From?
Down Comes The Rain is an excellent book that introduces to young children the formation of rain and where it actually comes from. It also discusses the transformation of water into ice and also the evaporation of water. Children can understand the book through its simple terms and colorful illustrations. Rain is just one of the many things that young children often wonder about. It is a very good book that can be added to any elementary classroom when discussing a unit on weather or simply to have at home to read togther on rainy days! Many hands-on activities, such as putting a teaspoon of water into a saucer and coming back to see that it has evaporated into the air, can be done by using this book. I have added this book to my list that I plan to use in the classroom! ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. Youngsters can celebrate the 500th anniversary of

Columbus's fateful voyage with this dramatic, easy-to-read account of a pivotal

moment in American history. "Enlivened by attractive full-color artwork,

including maps and a cutaway view of the ship, the straightforward account is a

good choice at this reading level."--Booklist.




... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good Starter Book For Learning About Columbus.
Hi!:) This book is nice and informative without being too long and boring. It will most likely appeal to children around 5 or 6 through about 9 or 10. After that, they may want to read another, more in depth biography about this remarkable and fearless sailor and explorer.
The illustrations are realistic and well done.
I, as a parent, felt that the ending was a bit weak, but children will certainly gain a better understanding and clearer picture of the explorer, and his sacrifices, upon reading this book. Wording is simple and uncomplicated. A step 2 book.
Good information, good book!~ ... Read more

Book Description

Woof! Woof!

It's time for bed, but Biscuit wants to have a snack, and play, and hear stories. Will he ever go to sleep?

Reviews (13)

Should Be Biscuit's Bedtime
This is the first Biscuit book, wherein we meet the small yellow puppy and the-girl-in-purple-sneakers. It is bedtime but Biscuit, like many children, does not want to go to bed. Instead, he wants to play, snack, drink, get hugged, have a blanket, etc.

Many parents will recognize what Biscuit is doing, avoiding sleep and getting more "mommy time." But in the end, what Biscuit winds up with is to be asleep but not in his own bed, but near the little girl.

Adorable illustrations really make this a fun book for children (sometimes I have my daughter read Biscuit's part, "Woof, woof!"). A great book. Read them all.

A Comforting Story for the Beginner Reader
Biscut is a cute "small, yellow puppy" owned by an equally adorable 3 to 6 year-old, auburn-haired girl. Most of this 21-page book is in the following format:

Time for bed, Biscuit!
Woof, woof!
Biscuit wants ...

What does Biscut want? Well, he wants "to play, a snack, a drink, to hear a story, his blanket, his doll, a hug, a kiss, a light on, to be tucked in, one more kiss, one more hug, and to curl up." Thirty-five simple words are introduced and many are used over and over again so that the text eventually averages a little more than six words per page. This warm, comforting story is perfect for a child who has just started to learn to read.

First Biscuit book we bought!
This is the first book my daughter, who is 5, really got attached to. She loves it and all the Biscuit books! We just keep buying all we can find about Biscuit. Great beginner reader book!

Biscuit
This book is about a little puppy that needs to go to bed, but little Biscuit doesn't want to. He keeps wanting to play, eat, hear a story, then he goes to the little girls room to curl up with her. He finaly falls asleep when he lays on the girls blanket on the floor. I thought this book was so cute. The pictures were really good. This book teaches the children how some pets need this much attention and how they don't always do as they are supposed to.

Biscuit
The book Biscuit was about a little girl who had dog that needed lots of attention. Before Biscuit was ready to go to bed the little girl had to feed him, play with him, read him a story, tuck him in, give him a hug and a kiss and leave a light on for Biscuit. Just as the little girl fell asleep Biscuit was in her room and wants more attention. Will Biscuit ever fall asleep?? The lesson that I learn from this story is that having any kind of pet is a lot of responsibility and that you really have to be kind to your animals. The age range of this story I would say would have to be for children two to five years old. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Oh, why won't Marvin K. Mooney just please go now? In this 1972 classic for "beginning beginners," Dr. Seuss devotes his rhymes to budging the reluctant young Marvin K.: "The time has come. The time is now.Just go. Go. GO! I don't care how." But despite his impatience, our narrator certainly isn't short of ideas on how Marvin could make an exit. "You can go on stilts. You can go by fish. You can go in a Crunk-Car if you wish." Seuss's ever wacky illustrations accompany each new mode of transport, from balloon to broomstick to Bumble-Boat. And if those who are just learning find a word they don't know, chances are Seuss has simply made it up to fill out this ear-pleasing, easy-to-read text. This book is yet another fun and euphonious entry from the good doctor, a silly primer for budding rhymers and readers. (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Go, man go!
I once heard a rumor that the Dr. Seuss book "Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!" was written by the author as a kind of plea to President Nixon. Written around the time of the Watergate scandals, the rumor I heard stated that the book (a delightful collection of different ways in which Marvin K. Mooney may leave) was a cry that the President should step down and (in the words of the book), "Just go, go, GO!". Reading the story today, I wish I could say that this rumor is unequivocally undeniable, but I can't. The Marvin K. Mooney in this book doesn't look a thing like our dear departed President. If you want a picture book representation of Nixon, I suggest you locate, "The Boy Who Looked Like Lincoln". Otherwise, read this story solely for its enjoyable plot.

There are approximately two characters in this tale. One is the aforementioned Mr. Mooney who stands in purple pajamas upon a circular floor rug. The other character is an unseen narrator who appears only as a pair of hands and arms. These hands proceed to point to a watch, point out the door, and gesture in a variety of different ways as to how best Marvin K. Mooney could go. For quite some time Marvin doesn't budge, and we are treated to visual hypothetical images of him leaving ala the mail, by cow, on a Bumble-Boat, or even (my personal favorite) by camel in a bureau drawer. I don't want to give away the ending so I'll just say that the narrator is a persuasive fellow.

The book's not, perhaps, the best known of the Seussian repertoire. And, admittedly, it's not his best. Still, there's something innately amusing about trying to convince a fellow that he should leave posthaste without giving much in a way of a reason. The illogical logic of this picture book, accompanied by Seuss's lilting cadences, is great. There are plenty of better Dr. Seuss books out there, but I think that there may be some people in the world who grew up with "Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!" and will love it just as much today as they ever did. It's good clean fun, simultaneously crazy and lovely. A real treat.

Okay, but what is he REALLY saying to Marvin K. Mooney?
"Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!" is a Bright and Early Book for Beginning Beginners from Dr. Seuss, which is level before you get to the regular Beginner Books (the "I Can Read It All By Myself" books like "The Cat in the Hat"). The idea with these books is that the stories are both brief and funny, that the words are both easy and few, and the rhymes are not only simple but are not concerned with whether the words are found in a standard dictionary. Add to this pictures that make what a Zike-Bike, Crunk-Car, and Bumble-Boat happen to look like as clear as blue shoe or lion.

As the title indicates, the time has come for Marvin K. Mooney to go. We know this because a large, long and possibly adult arm, wearing a wristwatch repeatedly points an imperious finger in the desired direction of departure. While this otherwise unseen figure insists that they do not care how Marvin K. Mooney departs the premises, they sure offer a lot of suggestions, beginning with leaving on foot and ending with seven strange looking birds carrying some sort of vehicle through the air. There are, in point of fact, twenty-one different modes of departure suggested for Marvin K. Mooney in this book, and I would not be surprised if even beginning readers can think of an additional twenty-one modes once they get into the spirit of this book.

There are two things I really like about this Dr. Seuss book. The first is that it applies his considerable imagination to an extreme level as he comes up with more and more ways for Marvin K. Mooney to go. The second is that I really appreciate that Dr. Seuss employs near rhyme. Most rhymes for children are going to play it straight, rhyming "fish" with "wish" and "boom" with "room." But the good doctor rhymes "skis" with "please" and "know" with "go" (and "K" with "Zay"), thus opening the minds of beginning readers to even more possibilities for words sounding alike. This is a vitally important skill, not only for making your own rhymes (as in songs you are inspired to make up on the spur of the moment) but more importantly for being able to make more puns.

"the time has come..."
A very, very amusing early reader book. Absolutely hilarious at times with the usual great illustrations by the author. I love reading this book to my kids. It's one of the few books I can read OTT, which the kids enjoy. Certainly not one of Seuss' greatest books, but it has a fun rythm that all can enjoy and it's written in a way that makes the book seem very fast paced.

Marvin K. Mooney
I read this book when I was a little kid, to the point that I still remember all the words as an adult. This is a good story to read a child. When I had kids, I bought the book, because I remembered enjoying it when my big sister read it to me.

You can go on a Zike-Bike if you like
Another delightful Dr Seuss marvel.
A simple instruction to a guest who has outstayed his welcome is put into the wonderful poetry unique to
Dr Seuss, that is a delight to children around the world, as well as to adults who are young at heart.
Dr Seuss introduces some of the marvelous technological inventions of his world, such as a Zike-Bike, a Crunk-Car, a Zumble-Zay, a Bumble-Boat and a Gazoom.

It is a great way of teaching children reading and language, and as 'go' is one of the first words children learn to recognize, this teaches the meanings in a really fun way. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Caution: for advanced storytellers only! The tongue twisters in this book will have your children laughing for hours--and that laughter just might be directed at you! Mixing genuine words with classic Seuss vocabulary, Oh Say Can You Say gets trickier with every page.You'll start off easy with this cautionary limerick:

Said a book-reading parrot named Hooey, "The words in this book are all phooey.When you join them your lips will make slips and back flips, and your tongue may end up in Saint Looey!"

Reviews (9)

oh say can you say is a very good book
its a rhymeing book good for all ages and fun to read. It will leave you with a smile on your face wondering how he did it again. Dr. Seuss is a great author and shows you why once again in this book....

Tongue Fun for Everyone
We all know Dr. Seuss is the best,
put your tongue twister skills to the test!
Tho' this book's oft overlooked,
I am sure you'll be hooked
"Oh Say..." is a Seuss tongue-twist fest!

Tongue twisters, Seuss style
"Oh Say Can You Say?" is a collection of tongue twisters from the fertile pen of the great Dr. Seuss. Each twister is accompanied by Seuss's characteristically whimsical illustrations. The collection is introduced by a frazzled-looking parrot named Hooey.

"Oh Say" contains Seussian imaginary creatures (the Schnak, the Grox, etc.) and silly characters ("a musical urchin named Gretchen von Schwinn," the acrobatic Fuddnuddler brothers, etc.). Along the way are such tongue-torturing phrases as "Skipper Zipp's Clipper Ship Chip Chop Shop." The colorful illustrations, as one might expect from Seuss, are bursting with surreal energy. Overall, a lot of fun, especially if you love rhyme and alliteration.

Oh say can you say
I thought this was a really good book. I liked all the tounge twister. I could Hardly say most of them fast. I think this would be a harder book for younger children.

This is wonderful!
My 2-year-old loves the sounds and rhythms of the words. These are tongue-twisters that also rhyme, in that unique, Dr. Seuss style. Imaginative, wild and wonderful verses. I love reading them, as well, and my husband enjoyed them, too. Just alot of fun. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Review
This is about King Spartas and his wife, Helena. Helena runs off with a Trojan man and she falls in love with him. This angers the king so he gathers an army of Greek troops too to go retrieve his wife. The Greeks made a plan to get into the city of troy and take Helena from the Trojans. They built a huge wooden horse and they set it outside the shores of troy. Once it was inside the city, the Greek troops that were hiding inside came out and attacked the city of Troy. They ended up winning the battle and getting the girl back.
I think this book did a really good job at describing the events that took place in the battle to get Helena back. I think it is a good book for children to read cause it can tell them about the story while keeping their attention. I think a lot of books that are about mythology do not good a good job in that aspect but this one did. I think the author was trying to write a book about the Trojan wars that would really grab a child's attention and this one does.

good history resource
This step into reading book is geared for 2-4 grades. The chapters are short and fully illustrated. The sentences are kept short but the story still remains interesting. There is a pronunciation guide at the back of the book for those unusual names like Menelaus. Great reading for a unit study on Ancient Greece. ... Read more

Book Description

Ms. Frizzle¹s class has been studying the senses. But they¹re in for a real lesson when assistant principle Mr. Wilde ends up behind the wheel of the magic School Bus. He and the kids take an amazing ride into the eye of a passing policeman, the ear of a child, and the nose of a dog! On the way they learn facts about sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste. But how will they get back to school with the Friz? ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Parental guidance required
My science-loving eight-year-old son really enjoys reading books from the Magic School Bus series, and the topic and plot line of this one engaged him as well. But early into the book, he was asking me about nearly every other word. When I looked more carefully, I realized the reading level was higher than other books he had read in the series and many of the facts were things I had learned in junior high. I decided to take over, reading the book to him and explaining many of the topics in more detail. Don't get me wrong -- he really enjoyed the book and learned some "cool" new things about the senses. It just wouldn't have made much sense without my involvement.

Science
This book is based on the television show the magic school bus, with Mrs. Frizzle. The book contains great factual illustrations for the reader. The students of Mrs. Frizzle's class are learning about the senses so they get into their magic school bus and shrink down, and go into a students nose and from there they continue to the other sensory organs. I like the format of this book because it is very active instead of reading from a textbook the children can get the same information but have fun while they are learning. I also like hands on activities and this is as close as hands on with a book as you can get. It also gives small science experiments and reports that the class has written for the child to read. The author has such great imagination and brings the fun back into learning science.

Good science explanations but overwhelming for youngsters.
The Magic School Bus brings another cute story into print this year with Exploring the Senses. The story is somewhat predictable - the bus shrinks and children pop in-and-out of various parts of the body. But the basic explanations of the senses is good. Children ages 8 and older will learn about hair cells, smell cells, taste cells and rods and cones. The topics are a bit broad and children may need to read it several times to understand the science concepts. No experiments are included (unless you have a magic bus!). However, children will learn that we have many sensory cells and that each of these cells sends nerve signals to the big decoder - the brain. (From The Science Spiders(TM) Newsletter). ... Read more

Book Description

On a beautiful summer day a young girl sets up a lemonade stand and sells

enough cups of refreshment to add up to a dollar.Told in rhyme, this

delightful story combines the teaching of addition with a traditional rite of

childhood entrepreneurship!




... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wonderful combination of reading & math
My son enjoyed reading the story and the math component as well. It is easy enough for a beginning reader, and yet it can keep their attention as well.

Perfect For Teaching Money Concepts!
This beautifully illustrated easy reader makes counting coins fun and simple! Illustrations of coins on selected pages make it the perfect teaching tool at home or in the classroom! Random House has another outstanding Step into Reading title! A great ending too! ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. "The drama of natural disasters provides prime material to entice young independent readers. In this volume, the account of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius describes village life 2,000 years ago, the eruption itself and its aftermath, and the excitement when the buried town is rediscovered centuries later. A lively and factual glimpse of a devastating moment in history, in an accessible, attractive package."--Publishers Weekly. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent book for educators.
Good children's books on Ancient Rome are hard to find so when I came across Pompeii... Buried Alive!, I bought two copies for my son's and daughter's libraries.

The first chapter gives a glimpse into the lives of the people under the rule of the Roman Empire. Mount Vesuvius is introduced along with the assumption that the people of Pompeii were not aware that they were living beside a dangerous volcano.

The correct pronounciations are given for Pompeii and Vesuvius which are often mispronounced by children as well as adults.

In chapter two, the volcano erupts and descriptions are given as to how the people reacted. Descriptions are also given as to how the volcano eruption affected the air, sky, land, and sea.

The town of pompeii was buried under hot ash.

In the final chapter, chapter 3, Pompeii is forgotten. Time passes. A new town is built overtop of ancient Pompeii.

Workers, who were tunnelling for water, discover pieces of an ancient wall and, years later, Pompeii is rediscovered.

Pompeii... Buried Alive! is not only a well-rounded, excellent book, it is a necessity for teaching children about Pompeii. Everything a child needs to know are in its pages.

See a volcano
I think you ought to read POMPEII. It is very cool. I like the middle part. My desired part is at the end. My favorite part is when the volcano blows its top. By:

Makes you feel like you're there
As a 2nd grade teacher, I've been sharing this book with my students for about 2 years now. It keeps any group mesmorized! The best part about it is the way it makes kids understand that the people of Pompeii were just regular people going about their daily routines when Vesuvius erupted. They especially feel a connection with the little boy Pliny who watched the eruption from across the water and wrote about it in his later years. It is a great book to use as part of a classroom volcano unit or by itself.

Buried Alive
This was a good book. It was not what I suspected but it was good any way. What I wanted was more scary stuff. But I guess I'm not in to this Kind of book. ... Read more