Book Description

Little Nutbrown Hare loves Big Nutbrown Hare as far as he can reach and as high as he can hop. But Big Nutbrown Hare loves him as far as his long arms can reach and as high as his strong legs can hop. Well then, Little Nutbrown Hare loves Big Nutbrown Hare right up to the moon! That is very far, but it’s just halfway to Big Nutbrown Hare’s love for Little Nutbrown Hare.

With endearing watercolors by Anita Jeram that capture a deep and tender bond between the characters, Sam McBratney’s touching bedtime story seeks to measure the immeasurable: the love between a parent and a child. ... Read more

Reviews (182)

Love unlimited - a powerful message for children
I was browsing through the children's department of my favorite local bookstore, looking for a gift, when this title caught my eye. I settled down on the floor for a read, and fell in love.

Big Nutbrown Hare is getting ready to put Little Nutbrown Hare to sleep for the night, when Little challenges him to guess how much he loves him. Little stretches his arms wide and says, "This much!" Big stretches his arms even wider and returns the love. Little keeps finding bigger and bigger ways to express his love for Big, and each time, Big outdoes him by virtue of his greater size. Finally, Little has to stop and ponder, and then triumphantly claims that his love for Big goes "all the way to the moon." That's a lot, Big concedes, and satisfied, Little settles down to sleep - and misses Big's whisper that he loves him "to the moon and back."

For children anxious about being loved, I can't think of a better story to illustrate how limitless their parents' love really is. No matter how much you love me, Big is saying, I love you that much and more. A comforting message, and one that Little can sleep on.

One of the things that makes this book unusual is that both hares are male. There is no lack of books about the love of mothers for their children, but Daddy-love is harder to find. I love the message here.

The pen and watercolor illustrations are wonderful. The animals are perfectly drawn - not cutesy, not cartoony, they are big rangy hares, with remarkably expressive faces. No cute little fluffola bunnies here...

I recommend this book as a valuable addition to your children's library.

Still brings tears to our eyes
In this tender story about a father putting his child to bed, Sam McBratney effectively conveys the depth of the love I feel for my own children, but am often unable to put into words. Little Nutbrown Hare wants to tell his father, Big Nutbrown Hare, just how much he loves him, but no matter what measure Little Nutbrown Hare chooses, his father always loves him more. For example, Little Nutbrown Hare loves his father as high as he can hop, but Big Nutbrown Hare loves his son as high as he can hop, and he can hop much higher. Finally, the tired little rabbit tells his father he loves him right up to the moon. Big Nutbrown Hare kisses his son good night and whispers, "I love you right up to the moon-- and back."

Anita Jeram's pen and ink and watercolor illustrations of father and son gracefully capture the love they feel for each other. She hasn't drawn the typical cute little bunnies found in many children's books; she's drawn creatures capable of expressing emotion. The expression on Little Nutbrown Hare's face as he's falling asleep is one I've seen on my own children. Her pictures also show an incredible range of movement, from stretching arms as high or as wide as possible to very gently kissing a sleeping child on the forehead.

This is one of my favorite books. It's a standard part of any "new baby" gift I give, and everyone who has received it from me tells me that they cried when they read it. I still cry.

A Wonderful Book!
This is one of the sweetest books out there. My daughter and I love to read it together. My only compliant is that this book didn't interest my daughter until around her second birthday, I assume because of the lack of color. The illustrations from an adult perspective thought are beautiful, as is the message.

Not just for kids
I bought this book not for a child but for a close friend who is going through a very difficult time in his life. I picked it based on the title alone, because it seemed like it'd have the sort of message I wanted to share with my friend. When I read it, I was delighted by the very simple story of two characters trying to define the size of their love, in a way very much like a game I used to play with my mother. Some people feel that the story is very competitive and I can understand that opinion, but I never felt that way when I played that game with my mother, nor does the book feel competitive to me. To me, the message is simply about love, and the undefinable, unquantifiable nature of it, and the way that no matter what kind of analogy you create for how much you love someone, it's still not big enough.

Besides the message of the story, and soothing illustrations, what really made this book a favorite was the lack of definition for the relationship between the big and little hares. A lot of stories mention in one way or another how the characters are related, and usually they're parent and child. This book makes no mention of how the two characters are related, or even if they are related in any legally-recognized way; you can take it to be whatever you want, whatever fits. Because of that, it's a particularly good fit for our odd mentorship-friendship, or any other nontraditional relationship.

So sweet
I love that this is the first book I ever read to my son. It is so sweet and perfect to show how love is boundless... ... Read more

Book Description

A young woman holds her newborn son
And looks at him lovingly.
Softly she sings to him:
"I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always
As long as I'm living
My baby you'll be"

So begins the story that has touched the hearts of millions of Americans. Since publication in l986, "Love You Forever" has sold more than 15 million copies in paperback and the regular hardcover edition (as well as hundreds of thousands of copies in Spanish and French).

Now this bestseller is available in a bigger hardcover edition. Made from new film with a dust jacket added, this 10" x 10" new edition will be appreciated by all of the book's fans who want a bigger, keepsake edition of their favorite book. ... Read more

Reviews (428)

The very best story a parent can read to their child
This story has been sort of a family tradition for us. It was shown to me by my grandmother just before she died and the message was so touching that I went out and bought it for my daughter; only it remains with all my personal keepsakes! I defy any parent to read this story to their child and not come away from it with a tear in their eye and squeezing their child just a little bit tighter. It is the amazing yet true story of how a child can drive a parent crazy with their behavior but the parent can still love them with all their hearts, no matter how old they get. It also shows how that love is shared in the feelings of the child. It reminds me of what my mother always said to us "I may not like the things you do, but I will always love you". Someday I will pass this book on to my daughter; maybe when she has children of her own, but for now I'm buying it for a young friend of mine who with her new baby boy is just beginning to know a love so strong as one has never known before they look at the face of their "very new baby... and rock them back and forth... and sing 'I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be.' "

all-age appropriate
This book was given to me by my mother when I had a house-full of 4 children under the age of 4. I was busy, and set it aside for a day or two, until she said, " Read the book today, then call me." I read it, called her, and was told that she had terminal lung cancer. This book was the only way my mother could tell me how she felt about me. She was never one to be open about her feelings, and I honestly cannot remember her telling me she loved me, until the last 6 months of her life. By then I was over 35, and she started with this book.
I would recommend this book for any age, any gender. The love it speaks of is one we all need to remember, and share with those close to us, even if we have to do it by sharing this book.
Yes, there are a couple of extremes...climbing in her grown son's window?....but the message is one of importance. Read it.

A 15 year old girl's perspective.
I adore this book! My mom read it to me all the time when I was little. This is a wholesome book that sends a message of love, not death to a child. I'm sure there are a handful of children who focus on the ending, but not many. And the adults who focus on the ending are obviously unable to handle the concept of death. This book doesn't send a message of incest or inappropriate interaction between a mother and child. It tells the story of a loving relationship between a mother and son that lasts beyond the realm of childhood. In fact, when I have children of my own, I will buy my own copy (perhaps sooner) and read it to them.

A wonderful story of unconditional love...
This is a wonderful story. It brings tears to my eyes each time I read it to my girls - and my girls love to hear it. I give a copy to each and every friend and relative who gives birth and they have all loved it too. I have never read another book that so clearly defines unconditional love. Shame on those individuals who harbor so much unhealthy mental garbage that they cannot see the true emotional beauty in this story.

A True Classic
I have loved this FICTIONAL story of unconditional love since the moment I read it 15 years ago. My sons love it, as it reminds them of how their parents will always be there for them.
However, if you harbor sick, twisted feelings against Mother/Mother-In-Law or if you still need more therapy to sort out your "baggage", this might not be the book for you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

To say that this particular apple tree is a "giving tree" is an understatement. In Shel Silverstein's popular tale of few words and simple line drawings, a tree starts out as a leafy playground, shade provider, and apple bearer for a rambunctious little boy. Making the boy happy makes the tree happy, but with time it becomes more challenging for the generous tree to meet his needs. When he asks for money, she suggests that he sell her apples. When he asks for a house, she offers her branches for lumber. When the boy is old, too old and sad to play in the tree, he asks the tree for a boat. She suggests that he cut her down to a stump so he can craft a boat out of her trunk. He unthinkingly does it. At this point in the story, the double-page spread shows a pathetic solitary stump, poignantly cut down to the heart the boy once carved into the tree as a child that said "M.E. + T." "And then the tree was happy... but not really." When there's nothing left of her, the boy returns again as an old man, needing a quiet place to sit and rest. The stump offers up her services, and he sits on it. "And the tree was happy." While the message of this book is unclear (Take and take and take?Give and give and give? Complete self-sacrifice is good? Complete self-sacrifice is infinitely sad?), Silverstein has perhaps deliberately left the book open to interpretation. (All ages) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (345)

Deeply powerful
I had read and treasured The Giving Tree as a child, but I had largely forgotten it when I discovered a copy in a children's book store last year. I picked it up and showed it to my friend. "Look," I said. "I remember this book. What a cute story it was." We read it together, in the bookstore, for the first time in many years.

I nearly cried. What I remembered as a cute and slightly silly children's story is in fact an extraordinarily powerful parable of life and faith. The wisdom and simple power of this book still holds, even after all these years. We have lost a very fine author who wrote some of the greatest children's books in our language.

This is Essential Reading For Fans Of Children's Literature
The Giving Tree, written by Shel Silverstein, is a controversial story for children. People either hate or love it. Like The Little Prince, The Giving Tree ultimately delivers a message which is both moving and profound. The illustrations, rendered in simple black and white line drawings, tell the story of a tree and the little boy who comes to visit her every day. As the story progresses the boy grows into a selfish adult who does nothing but take from the tree. He takes and takes until nothing is left of her but a stump. Finally one day the boy returns as a beaten down old man with no place left to go. The tree, always happy to see him, offers the old man the only thing she has left. She offers her stump for him to rest on. The Giving Tree is a powerful metaphor for the unconditional love parents and children share. Frustrating, sad, and ultimately beautiful, this is a story no child should miss reading.

Preston McClear, author The Boy Under the Bed

The spirit of giving with nothing expected in return
This is my favorite book of all time. In fact, I have designed the nursery for my newborn around this book, with the main focus of the room being a mural showcasing the cover. I believe the book shows that giving without expecting anything in return can be fufilling. The last line in the book states this, "and the tree was happy", what better lesson for a parent to teach their child. Sure you can look at the dark side, and focus on the selfishness of the little boy, but I choose not to. Shel Silverstein purposely left the meaning up to the reader for interpretation.

The Power of Simplicity, Taps into the Deeply Human
There's not really a "plot" in this story in any traditional sense. It is a series of vignettes in the relationship between a boy and a tree. The symbolism is pretty straightforward, the tree representing parental nurturing, but there is nothing trite about it. This illustrations are simple black-and-white line drawings. Somehow this simple book really packs a punch. All I can really say is that I have never once, ever, in dozens of readings, whether alone or to the kids, made it through this book without crying. It's simply...touching.

Further Comments: Silverstein was one weird, scary-looking dude. If you're interested in very idiosyncratic people, Google him and you'll be surprised. He has several other children's books with which I'm only vaguely familiar (I remember Where the Sidewalk Ends being on the shelf at my grade school, but I'm not sure if I ever read it. I think it's a collection of poems). I'd love to see some of those reviewed.

(...)

inspirational
I first read this book 3 years ago when I started working with children...my reaction was that this kid was a selfish little (...). As I have matured I've realized that children are supposed to be selfish and as a child care worker or parent it is our job to sacrafice everything that we have for the benefit of the child and then to give a little more. Personaly I think the highest point that a parent or teacher can reach is that of a stump. Everytime I feel myself tiring as the kid next to me at the dinner table eats 2 servings of potatos and leaves nothing for me, I picture myself as a stump and I pass them the rolls. ... Read more

Book Description

Approx. 1.5 hours
2 cassettes

When ten-year-old India Opal Buloni moves to Naomi, Florida, with her preacher father, she doesn't know what to expect.She is lonely at first--that is until she meets Winn-Dixie, a stray dog who helps her make some unusual friends.Because of Winn-Dixie, Opal begins to let go of some of her sadness and finds she has a whole lot to be thankful for.


... Read more

Reviews (351)

Winn-Dixie, A Real Winner
A story of friendship, loneliness, and sadness. A sweet girl, named India Opal Buloni just moved to Naomi, Florida with her father, a southern baptist minister. She comes to town without a single friend or a mother when a dog, named Winn-Dixie enters her life.

Anyone who has ever had a dog they love will appreciate this story. He is smart, sits through church services, and takes on very human-like characteristics. Whenever he gets happy, he opens his mouth and shows an endearing smile.

With help from her new pet, India Opal makes many unique friends in her small, quiet town. She befriends a librarian who has candy that tastes like strawberries, rootbeer, and sorrow. She meets up with an ex-criminal who went to prison for playing his music in the street. She visits an old woman every day who all of the town kids think is a witch.

Although written for a younger audience, I would strongly recommend this book for anyone. This is a Newberry Honor book divided into many small chapters,each with an endearing story. Everyone is sure to enjoy Because of Winn-Dixie.

Need a good read...
A story soon to be a classic and a must read for anyone who has ever felt lost in the world. This story is about a young girl and her father. India Opal and her father the preacher move to a new town in northern Florida. She has trouble making friends and her father keeps himself emotionally distanced from her. He asks her to go to the grocery store and she goes but comes home with something that wasn't on the list...a dog that she named "Winn-Dixie," and it is because of Winn-Dixie that her life starts to make changes.

This book is an enjoyable read for any age. The author has done a wonderful job of setting the location of where the story is taking place, whom the character's are and gives the reader the feeling of being in the story. The text is not hard to read but some of the dialect could be difficult. There is a bit of understatement in the book that may be hard for younger reads to understand but not enough to discourage reading, the writing style is one that fits the story line.

On a personal level I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt lost in the world and needed a friend. Having grown up moving around in the southern states I truly connected to this book and if nothing else this is a great book about a girl and her dog.

A ok
I recommend this book to anyone 13 or older because it's a really good book about friendship. For example, when the pet employ asked her if Winn-Dixie was her pet, Opal said, "He's not a pet he's my best friend." Also I recommend it to any one who loves dogs because Winn-Dixie is in many parts of the story. For example, when Winn-Dixie is in the store making a mess, the manager said that he was going to call the pound. Opal said to the manger," Wait that's my dog. Don't call the pound." She said to protect the dog from going to the pound. In conclusion, if you like a book about friendship and animals, this is the book to read.

Touching and uplifting!
I first heard of "Because of Winn-Dixie" several years ago, when Kate DiCamillo was interviewed on NPR soon after its release. Having lived in FL for many years and being well aware of the Winn-Dixie supermarkets, I suppose the idea of the story and its name intrigued me. I purchased the book some time ago, but as with many other book collectors, I set it aside and didn't get around to reading it till just recently. Although it's written for children, I must say it has appeal for all ages! I was deeply moved by the sweet story, and especially Opal, who someone else expressed my thoughts exactly when they likened her to Scout, from "To Kill a Mockingbird"(my all-time favorite story). She obviously is wise far beyond her years in the way she brings together the diverse personalities and ages of the people she meets in her new home, a small FL town called Naomi. Opal unconditionally loves her funny, quirky mongrel of a dog, and we certainly can't help but love him as well! We should all be so lucky as to someday meet such a gentle spirit as Opal and her Winn-Dixie. My highest recommendations for this touching and very uplifting little gem!

I Almost Shed A Tear
Opal has just relocated, with her father, Preacher, to Florida. One day, while in the local Winn-Dixie, she finds a big, ugly dog. She names the dog Winn-Dixie. When she gets home, her father is disappointed, but reluctantly agrees to let Opal keep the unusual dog. Winn-Dixie helps Opal make new friends in Florida, and it's Because of Winn-Dixie that she finds happiness in her new town. ... Read more

Book Description

Alexander knew it was going to be a terrible day when he woke up with gum in this hair.

And it got worse...

His best friend deserted him. There was no dessert in his lunch bag. And, on top of all that, there were lima beans for dinner and kissing on TV!

This handsome new edition of Judith Viorst's classic picture book is sure to charm readers of all ages. ... Read more

Reviews (76)

a terrible day book
i discovered this book when i was in grade skool and i remember running home and telling my mom all abt it, how it was just like what i used to go through. it's abt this little boy named alexander who has the worst day of his life (or so he thinks.) he wakes up with gum in his hair, goes to skool with no dessert in his lunch, finds a cavity at the dentist's office, wants the sneakers with the red stripes but his brother got them first so he has to have the plain white ones, has lima beans for supper, and is forced to go to sleep in train pajamas. it's such a cute book simply becuz you know kids go through it everyday. if ever yr child is having a bad day, read them alexander and see if they don't improve attitudes just a little.

Still makes me laugh
I'm 17 years old and still remember and enjoy reading this book from when I was younger. A friend of mine and I recently got together to go read children's books all day at the local bookstore, and I was delighted when I found "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" sitting on the shelves ready to be read. Alexander is a typical little boy who believes every obstacle in his life is leading to the end of the world. I laughed the whole way through the book, relating to him on several levels. I think the book is wonderfully written for all audiences; while a child may life, an adult may look at Alexander's tale and reminisce about their own childhood when they received plain white sneakers instead of ones with racing stripes.

Run-on sentences and extremely negative energy.
Allow me to quote the first page of this book:
"I went to sleep with gum in my mouth and now there's gum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning I tripped on the skateboard and by mistake I dropped my sweater in the sink while the water was running and I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day."

This is not posting on an Internet forum about your favorite movies where you can write what, how much, and however you want; it's a book written for children, and we can't have blatant mistakes such as run-on sentences. Therefore, I'm wondering how this page, as well as many other sentences in the book, made it past the editor(s).

As I finished the first page, the five year old child I was reading to, looked at me funny and wondered why I seemed out of breath. Even she noticed the run-on sentences and found it an awkward listen. So for the rest of the book, where I deemed it appropriate, I paused as if there were actual periods and commas where there should be.

Not only is this book an expert at run-on sentences, but it also showcases an extremely negative attitude in a boy. That may have been justified had the book addressed the issue by the end, but it alas, it doesn't. It just plays it off as if it's normal for children to be this negative. Many people wrote that they can relate to this child and his negative experiences, but if you stretch it, you can say that in reference to many other children's books as well.

Negative people give off negative energy, and without ways to deal with this issue, this is not the kind of book I want children exposed to.

An extremely negative character and ugly grammar does not make a good children's book. I would give it no stars if Amazon allowed it. This is the worst children's book I have ever purchased.

I found a kindred.
As a child plagued with bouts of unluck, I thought I'd found a kindred when I stumbled over the beleaguered Alexander and his tale. He was everything I was. I found this book tucked away in an elementary school's library at a very young age and thought it was hysterical....and I felt the utmost empathy for Alexander, of course.

Everyone has days like these. Grownups can also surely relate to it. I know I still can. It's a great book and I don't see why so many people have posted negative reviews; perhaps they never have bad days??

Children will find a delightful and compassionate friend in Alexander; I would reccomend this book - vehemently - to anyone with children. Or without - if you'd simply like a good smile.

Makes every bad day better!!
This book is great. I read it in a children's literature course in college and I remembered it when I was pregnant with my first son. I know that he'll grow to love Alexander and his very bad day!! Wonderful!! ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Simply Hilarious!
Truly a masterpiece! After many readings, this story still makes me laugh out loud. With only a few simple lines and a minimal amount of dialouge, Mo Willems has created a memorable character in this coniving pigeon who will do anything to drive a bus.

The local librarian told me that this book was a big hit at story hour, with the children actively telling the pigeon "No! You can't drive the bus!" Maybe I still have the mind set of a preschooler, because I found it just as entertaining, so much so that my best friend gave it to me for my 43rd birthday. In my opinion, it's one of the best children's books of the year.

True story.

This new book is sure to become a Caldecott Medal winner
I bet this new book will be a future Caldecott Medal winner. It is sure to delight both children and adults alike. Children will love the story of that little blue pigeon and it is sure to make parents remember with a smile the willful nature of the three year old. This book is a must for your children's library. Five time Emmy Award winning writer and animator Mo Willems is sure to gain further recognition for his latest venture.

Simply but Funny
This is an absolutly funny book. It's as much to read it as it is to hear it being read. It's along the lines of Click, Clack, Moo - you're children will wonder why you're chuckling more than they are

A Great Read Aloud for Librarians & Teachers
The concept of this story is simple: The bus driver has left you the responsibility of watching his bus. Of course, there is a certain pigeon who would really love to take it for a spin and he will try every excuse in the book to get his way. This book is absolutely hilarious! When I read it to a group of children ages 4-11, they all loved it. Whenever the pigeon begged to drive the bus, they all responded with an enthusiastic, "No!" They laughed the entire time and not one child's attention was focused elsewhere. This book is simply a lot of fun!

I love this book
Oh, my gosh. Let me start by saying (...) I love this book! My Language Arts teacher read it to my class and it is soo funny. Anyone can appriciate the cleverness and funniness of Don't Let the Peigion Drive the Bus. Don't pass it up. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The irrepressible mouse heroine of Chester's Way and Julius, the Baby of the World returns for another true-to-life and very funny episode. Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger--until he takes away her musical purse because she can't stop playing with it in class. Lilly decides to get revenge with a nasty drawing of "Big Fat Mean Mr. Stealing Teacher!" but when she finds the kind note he put in her purse, she's filled with remorse and has to find a way to make things right again. Children will sympathize with Lilly's impulsive mistake and laugh uproariously at the witty and expressive pictures of the very human mice. In a starred review, Publisher's Weekly called this book "sympathetic and wise." (Ages 4 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (36)

HOORAY FOR LILLY!!!
This is a book that adults will appreciate as much as children. Pay close attention to all that's happening in the illustrations. You can't help but love Lilly, she means well but like any of us she finds herself in trouble. Mr. Slinger, Lilly's teacher is a hero. This is a must read for all kids. Makes a great gift, look for a purple plastic purse and movie star sunglasses to go a long with it! After reading this book you'll find yourself looking for and falling in love with all of Kevin Henkes' books! Wow! That is all I can say. Wow!

Aesop would be proud, multi-level morals and fun
Kevin Henkes spins a wonderful tale that appeals to many age groups with the fun story of Lilly and her new purse. Lilly loves her teacher and school, but her normally attentive nature is put to the test when she brings her new purse and accessories to class one day. Woven with lessons about the importance of patience, listening, and responsibility, the story is accompanied by colorful and simple illustrations depicting the young mouse Lilly and other characters in ordinary classroom situations every child can relate to. Your children will love reading this with you; you'll have to read every delightful caption. Something in the story will make adults laugh every time they read it too. Very well rounded and enjoyable work.

Fashionista rodentia
It is my understanding that "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse" is the book that really launched Kevin Henkes from mere picture book drudgery to children's book stardom. Though he'd been churning out stories that spoke to kids and their qualms ("Owen", "Chrysanthemum", etc.) Lilly grabbed the world's spotlight and focused it squarely on her cute little shoulders. Though she'd already appeared in two previous Henkesian creations ("Chester's Way" and "Julius, the Baby of the World"), this was Lilly's first foray as a protagonist with her name in the title. As such, the book has been turned into a stage play, been read by millions of small children, and gives spunky kids someone they can identify with and look up to. In short, she's a pip.

Lilly is mightily pleased with her life at the moment. She loves school and she adores her teacher Mr. Slinger. Mr. Slinger (undoubtedly a relation of Miss Twinkle from "Chrysanthemum") is the coolest prof in the world. He wears crazy colored ties, refers to his students as "rodents", provides yummy tasty snacks, and has a penchant for patterned shirts. Lilly is determined to someday be a teacher all thanks to Mr. Slinger. Unfortunately, Lilly's Slinger-love takes a downturn when she brings her new purple plastic purse to class. Noisily displaying it at an inappropriate time, Slinger confiscates the item until the end of the day. In anger, Lilly draws a mean portrait of her teacher and hides it in his book bag. But when the young girl opens her returned purse outside of school, she finds a note reading, "Today was a difficult day. Tomorrow will be better", and some yummy snacks are included. Suddenly wracked with guilt, Lilly decides to make up with her teacher and by the end the two have reconciled joyfully.

Now I was lucky enough to see the Minneapolis Children Theater's production of this particular book (combined with some of Lilly's other adventures to pad it out). And though I'm not a weepy gal by nature, I found myself tearing up during the reading of Mr. Slinger's note to Lilly (i.e. "Tomorrow will be better") as well as when I read the picture book. I don't tear up during children's stage productions and I CERTAINLY don't tear up when reading picture books. Yet here I was, all of 26 years of age, and bawling over the succinct sweetness of Slinger's comforting note. How many books have done this for you recently? How many picture books?

The tale is filled to the brim with the Henkes touches a person expects from his work (be sure to notice the Krazy Kat reference in Lilly's dining room). As per usual there is the comfortable family containing loving parents. And best of all, that wonderful way Henkes has of bringing a happy child to life on the page. No adult reading this book would want to be anyone BUT Mr. Slinger and no child reading it wouldn't want to know him. As for Lilly, she walks the fine line between precocious and precious. And wins. If you're a Henkes fan you won't want to miss this delightful star-making turn. If you're not a Henkes fan, do what you can to cure yourself of this ailment and then immediately read and enjoy this book. It's worth the effort.

The Book Cracks me Up!
I babysit all of the time so I am always looking for great books to read to the kids. This book I read to myself. It is so funny and I love how Lilly is so ostentatious with her purse. She is exactly like I was at that age and I love the message of not impulsively taking revenge on someone before simmering down. I recommend this book to everyone and I promise you will love it! I even named my Hamster after Lilly.

Great lesson in restraint, but hard to read...
I found this book to be very difficult to read aloud again and again. When I taught Kindergarten and preschool before that, I read this book to large and small groups of children and found it tedious and too wordy. For example, why have a line like "Lilly even wanted her own set of deluxe picture encyclopedias." Perhaps some of you may love the dozens of new vocabulary words, but I would rather not have to explain for the umpteenth time what "deluxe," or "diva" means, when the story already has many other new words that are more developmentally appropriate for this target group of readers (i.e., unique, jaunty, considerate, uncooperative...). Anyway, perhaps it is just me being picky, but I didn't care for this story much as a read a-loud. There are many books that I find much more worthwhile. If you have a child who could use a lesson about self-restraint, however, this book may be better than nothing. ... Read more

Book Description

It's hard to be five.
Just yelled at my brother.
My mind says do one thing.
My mouth says another.

It's fun to be five!
Big changes are here!
My body's my car,
and I'm licensed to steer.

Learning not to hit? Having to wait your turn? Sitting still? It's definitely hard to be five. But Jamie Lee Curtis's encouraging text and Laura Cornell's playful illustrations make the struggles of self-control a little bit easier and a lot more fun!

This is the sixth inspired book from the #1 New York Times best-selling team of Today I Feel Silly: & Other Moods That Make My Day and I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self Esteem.

Amazon.com

Have you ever dreamed of being locked in a departmentstore at night? The endearing story of Corduroy paints a pictureof the adventures that might unfold (for a teddy bear at least) insuch a situation. When all the shoppers have gone home for thenight, Corduroy climbs down from the shelf to look for his missingbutton. It's a brave new world! He accidentally gets on anelevator that he thinks must be a mountain and sees thefurniture section that he thinks must be a palace. He tries topull a button off the mattress, but he ends up falling off the bedand knocking over a lamp. The night watchman hears the crash,finds Corduroy, and puts him back on the shelf downstairs. Thenext morning, he finds that it's his lucky day! A little girl buyshim with money she saved in her piggy bank and takes him home toher room. Corduroy decides that this must be home and thatLisa must be his friend. Youngsters will never get tired of thistoy-comes-alive tale with a happy ending, so you may also want toseek out Dan Freeman's next creation, A Pocket forCorduroy. (Ages 3 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (45)

This is such a touching story
This story shows that it doesn't matter what you look like or what other people think of you, someone will always love you for who you are. After reading that book I always wanted a bear just like Corduroy with the missing button and all. I thought how it was so cute that the little girl came back with all her piggy bank money and bought the tiny bear that didn't even look new. Most kids will see things in the store and beg for it then forget about it once they are told no. There must of been something about Corduroy that you will have to read to find out.

Everyone should know this lovely book!
Cordoroy is the perfect children's book. It is a gentle, sweet tale of a little bear in cordoroy overalls waiting to be purchased in a department store. A real little girl sees him and falls in love with him, but her mother says she doesn't have money to buy him and he's missing a button. After the store closes, all the toys with faces close their eyes except Cordoroy. Instead, he travels the department store searching for a button because he didn't know he was not perfect. He does not solve his problem. Cordoroy is back on the toy shelf the next morning. The little girl, Lisa returns to buy him. She takes him home, sews on a button, and provides him with his own little bed right beside hers. "I've always wanted a friend!" he says. This beautifully illustrated book has a simple text and huge appeal to anyone with a heart.

Fuzzy wuzzy was a bear
Children have been fascinated with the idea of dolls and toys that can talk and move, from the Newbery winning, "Hitty: Her First 100 Years" to the more contemporary (and better known) "Corduroy". This particular tale focuses on a bear, his small unassuming quest, and the girl that eventually becomes his friend. The book feels more like, "The Velveteen Rabbit" than "Toy Story", but kids will quickly come to enjoy (or at the very least, understand) Corduroy's wish for a child to love him.

Living in a department store with other toys and dolls, Corduroy is a stuffed teddy bear in overalls. One day a doe-eyed girl and her patient mama spot the bear and the child is instantly entranced. Unfortunately, her mother points out that the bear is a little worn down and is even missing one of the buttons on its overalls. Upon hearing this, the bear is distressed and resolves to, that night, locate the missing item. After taking an unexpected ride up the escalator, Corduroy finds himself in the store's bedding area. He tries (unsuccessfully) to prise a button off of a nearby mattress, but succeeds only in alerting the local night watchman to his presence. The next day, however, the girl returns with her own allowance money and quick as a wink purchases the bear, missing button and all. She even sews a new button back onto his overalls, and the two are fast friends.

The book, when you look at it closely, almost seems to resemble a series of woodcuts, painted with watercolors later. I don't know if this was the case, but if so the author/artist, Don Freedman, is certainly adept. I've never seen woodcut faces as well presented as the ones here. People are smooth and rounded, and Freedman apparently doesn't have any problems with round curves. Moreover, I was impressed that the little girl and her mother that view Corduroy are black. Originally published in 1968, this was a bit of a big deal back in the day.

Today, the story of the little bear who wanted a friend is as poignant and simplistic in its telling as it was when first it came out. Anyone who read (or had read to them) this book as a child will instantly remember the scene of Corduroy tugging and tugging the button on the mattress in an attempt to remove it for himself. It's a sweet story all in all. I think people feel a great deal of affection for "Corduroy" because they can identify with the little unwanted fuzzy guy. He's a cutie, there's no question.

Fun bear story
A brown teddy bear sits in a toy shop waiting to find a real home. He catches the eye of a little girl, but her mother says she can't take him home because he's missing a button on his overalls. Determined to find a home, the bear goes on a nighttime hunt through the store for his button. The hunt almost ends in disaster. But the next morning the little girl returns to the store and takes him home at last. The book is not scary. The human characters are shown to be African Americans. The book has about 250 words.

Sweet little tale about a bear
The Corduroy books are sweet, easy tales about a stuffed bear and his BIG adventures. Easy reading, nice pictures. ... Read more

Book Description

Star Crossed Lovers

When Romiette Cappelle meets Julio Montague, she feels as though she has met the soul mate who can rescue her from her recurring nightmare about fire and water. But like the Shakespearean characters whose names echo theirs, Romiette and Julio discover that not everyone approves of their budding romance. In their case, it is because Romiette is African-American and Julio is Hispanic, and the Devildogs, a dangerous local gang, violently oppose their interracial relationship.

When the Devildogs threaten to teach them a lesson, Romiette and Julio come up with a risky plan to escape from the gang's fearsome shadow. But things go terribly awry, and the two find themselves caught up in a deadly reality more frightening that Romiette's nightmare -- and in a desperate struggle to avoid the tragic fate of Shakespeare's famous young lovers. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Good Book!
A modern version of Romeo and Juliette with some twists kept me turning the page for more excitement. Julio Montague moves from Texas to Ohio because of gangs at his old school and falls in love with the beautiful, African American girl Romiette Cappelle. What happens though, is that the Devil Dogs - a gang at this school - threatens the Hispanic boy of the dangers of seeing Romi. When both of them reufse to stop liking each other, the Devil Dogs take matters into their own hands and create a nightmare for both Romiette and Julio that they will never forget. This wasn't the best book I've ever read, but it was still pretty good. Don't judge it based on the title because you'll be surprised at how different it is from Shakespeare's version considering you can only take the story line so far...very good book overall.

Great modern twist to Shakespeare's classic play
For my ninth grade English class, we were assigned to read the play Romeo and Juliet. That's why, when at the library, I spotted this book and decided to read it. Compared to the original play, this book was wonderfully sweet and romantic. African-American Romiette Cappelle (called Romi) and Hispanic Julio Montague are the two heros this time. Both sixteen and juniors in high school, they meet over the internet and develop a strong relationship, that even objections from a local gang cannot deter. This book chronicles thier journey to an open relationship that overcomes racial boundaries. I recommend this book for approximately ages 9-14.

Romiette and Julio
Romiette and Julio have become very close since Julio moved to Cinncinati from Texas, but a gang in their school( the devil dogs) decide that their diffrent cultural relationship should be put to a stop. The young couple with the help of there friends Ben and Destiney come up with a plan to get the gang off there backs. The plan goes wrong and Romiette's worst nightmares come crashing down on her and Julio is the only one who can save her. The novel is appealing to your sense of love and adventure. If you like to read about young love that has a strain put on it and pulls through you will love this novel that follows along the lines of Romeo and Juliette.

A pretty good book
Jimmy Gross

Romiette & Julio; Sharon Draper; New York; Simon Pulse, 1999. 320 pages.

Romiette & Julio is a pretty good book. I would highly recommend it to young people

that have just finished reading Romeo & Juliet. The plot is similar to Romeo & Juliet,

with a twist on names and places, but the story takes place in the world of today.

Romiette & Julio can be used to better understand Romeo & Juliet because it is

about gangs and the psychology of today's youth, particularly in cities full or crime,

drugs, and shootings. Romiette is an African American girl. Julio is Mexican teenager.

When they fall in love, their parents and the gang at school do not exactly like the idea of

them being together.

The story begins when Julio moves to Ohio from Texas. He first gets in a fight with

another boy, and when the fight is over, they became best friends. His new friend is Ben.

When Julio is on the computer, he begins talking to a girl. When he asks

her what school she goes to, he finds that they attend the same school. They meet

up with one another for lunch at school and quickly fall in love. The gang has

something against Julio and threaten him all of the time. The gang kidnaps Romiette and

Julio, and I suppose that you will have to read the book to find out what happens to

them, because I don't want to give anything away.

The author's writing style is exciting and entertaining. Sharon M. Draper does a very

good job of making the book suitable for teenagers. She has a very good style, relating to

teenagers in today's time using today's language. She uses gangs and real life situations,

showcasing kids who are having similar problems today, as the Romeo & Juliet of

yesterday.

The book makes it very clear as to the time period, place, and setting of the story.

The author tells a lot about who the characters are. The book describes Destiny, who is

Romiette's best friend, who happens to be psychic. The book also portray Ben, who is

Julio's best friend. The author also descriptively depicts the gang called the Devildogs.

The story takes place in Cincinnati, Ohio. Julio moved from Corpus Christie, Texas.

The author's voice is very good. The author does a great job of changing tones, and

sounding either emotional or angry. She can make Romiette and Julio sound like poets,

and have the gangs always sounding angry or against everything.

I feel that the book achieved its goal. I feel that the way Romeo & Juliet is

written makes it just about impossible to understand. The author made a book with

today's English and made it easy to understand.

I think the book left out very few things. I cannot think of anything. One thing

I think is the book should have gone further into the future instead of just a few

weeks. (at the end).

I am not sure how the book compares to others on the subject, because I have not read

any others. Compared to Romeo & Juliet, I think it is a lot better because kids can

actually read and understand what they are reading, and also they can relate with it a lot.

I think that Romiette and Julio was a very good book. If a kid is reading Romeo &

Juliet and doesn't understand it, they should read Romiette & Julio. I would recommend

this book to anyone.

Could have been written better
I was so disapointed at the phony plot details in this book. For example, Romi's parents make good money and are educated, but they live in a really nice house with a spacious yard that happens to be in a rough, inner-city school district? And when Ben gets sucker-punched by Julio he gets up and says "It's okay. I can tell you've had a rough day." Or Julio, who for much of the book speaks like an average hispanic teen, says "Don't worry, the principal has dispersed the crowd." Come on. The book's basic premise was cool, but the bad writing blew it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Richard Carlson has written numerous books encouraging folks not to"sweat the small stuff", and his title for teens is as warm, wise, and witty ashis previous works. His tone is one of an older family friend who manages toadvise while still maintaining the minimum level of coolness that teens requirefrom those who intend to guide them into adulthood.

With 100 different chapters, each just a few pages in length, this littlebook works especially well as a bedside companion or tucked in a backpack forthe morning commute to school. Each chapter is devoted to a single, simple ideasuch as "trust your inner signals" and "root for the underdog," and plenty ofreal-life examples from teens are used to illustrate principles. In the secondchapter, a teen volunteering at an animal shelter is used to show how just oneperson can make a difference, as she takes the time for one more phone call thatresults in saving a dog's life. The concepts are appropriate for both early highschool students and new graduates--who doesn't need an occasional reminder to"be ok with your bad hair day"? Incorporating sports, theater, literature, videogames, teachers, and parents into stories make these examples accessible to kidsof all interests, and a sprinkling of tales from the author's own teenage yearsadds an effective personal note. With plenty of suggestions for addingactivities into a teen's life--volunteer opportunities in particular--your childmay even feel encouraged to seek out new forms of positive expression simply forthe joy of the activity, rather than the old standbys of "my friends are doingit" or "I need it to get into college." --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Great For Any Teen
When I first got this book I looked at it as another book with an adult telling you useless ways to keep your cool in weird situations. Then one day I picked it up and I was amazed. The write of this seems to understand our life and doesn't lecture us about how we blow things out of proportion. All the chapters pertained to me and really helped me not to stress out so much. I think I am now a better friend and person from it. He (Richard Carlson, author) really shows us good examples and you remember things from the book as you go. I suggest this for every teen.

STRESS REDUCTION FOR TEENS
If you're "stressed out" and would like to look at ways to be a happier more contented person, you may find something in these pages that ring true for you. The book title indicates "for teens", but anyone could benefit from some of the author's suggestions. For example, when someone is talking, avoid the words, "I know."; or "dare to show enthusiam. Be a volunteer in your community-- find something that you really enjoy doing and do it! - Don't infect your friends with negative thoughts if you're in a low mood.-- Instead of making unkind, caustic comments, stay away from those close to you until you feel better; that way, you don't have to feel guilty, make apologies or re-ignite your stress worrying about any inappropriate hurtful words you might have used --Try some meditation or contemplation or yoga exercises to be more relaxed." Richard Carlson's hypothesis is- if you don't get stressed out about the small things, then dealing with more complex issues becomes easier. The book offers advice without lecturing and the topics are brief. One could read a few pages daily. Highly recommended reading. Quite inspirational, and not just for teens. Contains practical information for anyone

The best advice I've ever been given!
I admit, this was lying on my shelf for two years before I picked it up (almost). Being somewhat hard-headed, I never accepted that someone could tell me how to make life easier. But Mr. Carlson's methods and exmaples put his 100 tips into perspective... and reality. Although not all his examples are good, the principles have certainly helped me through a lot of stressful times, including keeping my cool in arguments with my boyfriend & family. It's a definite must-read for any teenager, and even parents.

*~ Some helpful Tips in this Book*~
I liked this book~ It was easy to read in 101 sections divided up. The only thing I think this book lacked was a teenager's point of view. Unlike Chicken Soup, Teen Love, and Teen Ink, a grown man is writing these tips. He had some good advice but I think some of the tips couldve been made fresher by having some kind of teenager input. Other than that theres many valuable lessons in this book and Richard Carlson did a good job (even if he is grown and not a teenager himself.) I suggest you read it! I'm sure you'll get some kind of help or advice outta it~

much needed
Being the uncle of an out-of-control teen with siblings I felt obligated to provide them with whatever I could without appearing overly concerned. This book fit the bill perfectly. All four kids have read it, each one commenting on it differently. I wish the school system was conscious enough to have "living life" classes in addition to the 3 Rs, you know something that helps kids with real-world issues they face. ... Read more

Book Description

Kit Tyler is marked by suspicion and disapproval from the moment she arrives on the unfamiliar shores of colonial Connecticut in 1867. Alone and desperate, she has been forced to leave her beloved home on the island of Barbados and join a
family she has never met. Torn between her quest for belonging and her desire to be true to herself, Kit struggles to survive in a hostile place. Just when it seems she must give up, she finds a kindred spirit. But Kit"s friendship with Hannah Tupper, believed by the colonists to be a witch, proves more taboo than she could have imagined and ultimately forces Kit to choose between her heart and her duty.
Elizabeth George Speare"s Newbery Award–winning novel portrays a heroine whom readers will admire for her unwavering sense of truth as well as her infinite capacity to love. ... Read more

Reviews (293)

ThE wItCh Of BlAcKbIrD pOnD--a GrEaT bOoK--
Kit Tyler was once a rich girl of Barbados, but upon her grandfather's death, she finds out that she now is poor. She goes aboard the ship, the Dolphin, heading for Connecticut Colony, and wishes to live a better life at her aunt's house. While on the way, she becomes friends with the captain's son, Nat Eaton, John Holbrook, a man planning on becoming a minister, and Prudence, a little girl. When she finally arrives at her destination, she tries to fit in with the Puritans, and to keep up with her lively cousin, Judith, and her gentle one, Mercy. After a number of different accidents in the family and outside, she finds becomes friends with an old Quaker woman named Hannah, that lives at Blackbird Pond, who is said to be a witch. Kit does not believe this, and she keeps on being friends with the old woman. But, the villagers see Kit as a threat to the community, since they do not trust her as being a friend to their witch, and she goes on trial. Just as she thinks she is doomed, Nat Eaton and Prudence save her. However, Kit discovers that she will never fit in with the Puritans, and planned on going on the Dolphin the next time the ship came. Finally, the ship docks, and she goes on it, for what seems to be a much better future.

My favorite part of the book was where Kit goes on trial. I thought of this at my favorite part for I think it is very interesting to hear how other people act to problems and try to blame it on someone else. I think it is very funny how people think of small problems and turn them into what sounds like a major disasters performed by a witch. I like the part where Prudence comes in, and stuns her own parents by doing what they had never thought she would be able to do, which was reading the Bible and writing her own name. I think it is not right when parents think very little about kids and think they are still their little babies that always need their parents to help them.

I recommend this book to kids the ages of 10 and up. I also recommend adults to read this book and learn the facts of how kids can do things without any help from their parents or any one else. I believe Elizabeth George Speare is a great author who has written many books that I have enjoyed. After reading this book, I came to really enjoy it. At first I thought it was very boring, but in the end, it became more interesting and fun. I also learned not to judge anyone by what people say about them, but you should always think about your judgement before actually thinking about if it is true or not. I now understand the meaning of "Never judge a book by its cover."

A FASCINATING TALE!
A witch? Someone thinks you are a witch? When Kit leaves Barbados on the lovely Dolphin ship to live in America with her Uncle, she is unprepared for what she encounters. What a surprise when she discovers that being able to read, swim, wear fancy clothes, as well as befriending a kind old woman is odd behavior for this town. In The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Elizabeth George Spears sends you on a reading adventure. The story includes a number of surprising and suspenseful events including a frightening witch hunt and a big outcry among some angry villagers against their government. Some parts of the story are a little boring, but the elaborate language and unpredictable moments bring you right back into the book. The climax of this book is the best part. It's unbeleivable and exciting. The main character, Kit, is very interesting. You will feel like you know her only after reading a few pages. Fiesty, wise, and stubborn are some of Kit's personality traits. You will also become very familiar with many of the other characters including Kit's two cousins, her Aunt and Uncle, Nat a seaman, and John and William two very interesting men, plus many more! This book has many hidden lessons in it. It teaches you about friendship, trust, bravery, genorosity, and happiness, It will fill you with sorrow and joy, and is a very adventurous story loved by many!

Diverse Religions, and History
Kit comes over to the 13 colonies becuae her grandfather died. When she arrives, she finds a place very diffrent from her former home, Barbados. She is forced by her strict uncle to be a solemn as the puritans, and to set aside her silk gowns and wear homespun dresses. she feels completly stifled by her new life, and one day, after almost cuasing her crippled cousin her teaching job, she breaks. She runs to the "meadow" where she meets Hannah Tupper, a Quaker who is shuned and thought to be a witch by many. All she really is is a kind old lady. She takes kit home and feeds her, and helps her be brave and get her cousins job back. kit goes back to Hannahs house and eventually meets Hannahs seafaring friend, none other than Nat, the son of the man who brought her to America.And yes Nat was on the boat the whole time kit was. Then one day Kit is accused of being a witch. Something not to be taken lightly in the 1600's. She is rescued by none other than Nat. Then hannah is going to be burned out of her house, or if the people have their way, in her house. But Kit goes and helps Hannah get out before the evil people come, and she gets her on a ship... whose ship? Guess. Nats. And so Hannahs gone and Kits life is drudging on a usual.... and then someone comes... like you can't guess who... and something happens...

Now that's what I call a "living" book
I just finished reading this book aloud to my 3 children. They are a tough audience but this book made the history lesson extra smooth. They were begging for "just one more chapter".

This book delves into the Puritan lifestyle,touches a bit on some of the sentiments of the colonists and their fierce independence, briefly touches on some of the archaic medical practices of the times, shows how easily innocent circumstances turned into witch hunts and sparked a conversation about how people can fall into a mob mentality and much more.

There is tons of information here to spark an interest in children to dig deeper. Our family highly recommends it!

Excellent lesson to be learned
I discovered this book years and years ago in the fourth grade. The thought of it stayed with me through the years. I bought the book for my friend's son a couple years ago and reread it to see if it was as good as I remembered. It was even better because as an adult I can see some of the most important themes of the book that weren't evident to a child. Tolerance and acceptance are perhaps the biggest lessons of all to take away from it. Independence is another. I will continue to buy this book every time a child close to me comes to the age where they can understand it. The plotline is enough to keep them interested while at the same time teaching them valuable life lessons, without them even knowing it. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Grace of Picasso; The Sensibility of Chagall
I'm a big fan of author/illustrator Patricia Polacco, and this book is one of the best of her incredible catalogue: It contains all the essential ingredients that go into a "Polacco." She returns here to her Michigan childhood, and her loving memories of her grandmother "Babushka." Polacco's detailed reminiscence describes how Babushka helped her overcome a fear of thunderstorms.

We identify with the frightened young heroine partly because Polacco so convincingly describes the power and noise of a Midwest thunderstorm. Gradually, Polacco shows how Babushka's patient, strong doses of hugs, distraction, reassurance, and the promise of a special treat gave her the self-confidence to face and surmount her fear. Analyze this too deeply and you'll recognize some basic child-rearing techniques, but Polacco infuses these with so much warmth that they seem to spring, sui generis, from some old folk wisdom held by Babushkas everywhere. The result is a genuinely exciting and lovingly told story enlivened by the fact that it is true.

Polacco's illustrations are a treasure. She has a unique style that combines American influences (Rockwell, American primitives, early cartoons) with eastern European folk art, all drawn in her trademark loopy style. She paints brightly colored, organic looking objects, people, and animals that convey emotion and invite empathy. This is a visual equivalent of a great short story, it seems that every color and line adds to the value of the narrative; yet her achievement remains informal and friendly; it never feels studied or precious. Polacco's sense of fun and tradition, her celebration of family, loved ones, and reminiscence, and her bold imagination remind me of Chagall (though not nearly as abstract.) As usual, she includes her signature goat drawings, recalling as well Chagall's animal motifs.

There's a satisfying warm glow one gets after reading this book; her other books evoke similar feelings. Although praised by many for her outstanding talents, I still somehow feel that she deserves even more recognition as one of the best ever children's book writers/illustrators. Enthusiastically recommended!

The Sensibility of Chagall; the Grace of Picasso
I'm a big fan of author/illustrator Patricia Polacco, and this book is one of the best of her incredible catalogue: It contains all the essential ingredients that go into a "Polacco." She returns here to her Michigan childhood, and her loving memories of her grandmother "Babushka." Polacco's detailed reminiscence describes how Babushka helped her overcome a fear of thunderstorms.

We identify with the frightened young heroine partly because Polacco so convincingly describes the power and noise of a Midwest thunderstorm. Gradually, Polacco shows how Babushka's patient, strong doses of hugs, distraction, reassurance, and the promise of a special treat gave her the self-confidence to face and surmount her fear. Analyze this too deeply and you'll recognize some basic child-rearing techniques, but Polacco infuses these with so much warmth that they seem to spring, sui generis, from some old folk wisdom held by Babushkas everywhere. The result is a genuinely exciting and lovingly told story enlivened by the fact that it is true.

Polacco's illustrations are a treasure. She has a unique style that combines American influences (Rockwell, American primitives, early cartoons) with eastern European folk art, all drawn in her trademark loopy style. She paints brightly colored, organic looking objects, people, and animals that convey emotion and invite empathy. This is a visual equivalent of a great short story, it seems that every color and line adds to the value of the narrative; yet her achievement remains informal and friendly; it never feels studied or precious. Polacco's sense of fun and tradition, her celebration of family, loved ones, and reminiscence, and her bold imagination remind me of Chagall (though not nearly as abstract.) As usual, she includes her signature goat drawings, recalling as well Chagall's animal motifs.

There's a satisfying warm glow one gets after reading this book; her other books evoke similar feelings. Although praised by many for her outstanding talents, I still somehow feel that she deserves even more recognition as one of the best ever children's book writers/illustrators.
Enthusiastically recommended!

The cat is the star!
This book is adorable! My daughter's second-grade teacher read it to the class, and told me that my daughter loved it, so I went out and bought a copy. The relationship between the little girl and her grandmother is endearing. The recipe looks good. And I love all the farm animals. Perhaps, my favorite is Grandmother's cat. It twists and turns into different shapes like a pretzel --and not unlike a real cat. Another added attraction about this book. Recommended!

Travel thru Time with Patricia Polacco...
I am a 3rd grade teacher who finds Polacco's work to be exceptional, not only in its' written form, but with its' vibrant, eye-catching illustrations. Polacco has a remarkable way of taking the reader back in time with her, to her very own childhood, as in "Thundercake." "Thundercake" is a universal story of a little girl overcoming her fear of thunderstorms while baking a cake with her grandmother.It is a story that speaks to many children in showing them that they can overcome their fears. I highly recommend any of Polacco's books. She will take the reader to such simple places as her grandparent's farm in Michigan,as well as to such exotic places as Old World Russia, where her family is from. Polacco is a jewel that sparkles above the rest!

Thunder fear
The story takes place in the summer in Michigan on a farm. It is summer storm season and the grandmother has her grandaughter over. The grandaughter is afraid of thunder, so the grandmother bakes a cake to take away her fears. They quickly got all the ingredients and made the cake. If you make the cake before the storm hits, you made thunder cake. I highly recommend this book for children 4 and up. This is a humorous book by Patricia Polacco.
Eric C. ... Read more

Book Description

This book offers a unique approach to one of the most pressingproblems of our time.Child psychologist, Dr. Jerry Wilde, speaksdirectly to children and adolescents in a language they can easilyunderstand.Hot Stuff to Help Kids Chill Out is an empowering bookdesigned to encourage today's youth to manage their anger rather thanbe controlled by it. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Needs some modifications!
I bought this book for two preteen boys I provide skill/therapy sessions with. It was hard for them to understand some of the sarcastic humor in the book - however if this had been left out it would have been a great book for them. Ideal for a parent, or professional to spark conversation with children.

Help children get in control of their angry reactions
Jerry Wilde, Ph.D., author of Hot Stuff to Help Kids Chill Out, proves to youth that it is their thoughts, beliefs, and ideas that make them angry, not their parents or teachers or family. This is good news. Because if other people and things made you angry, what would be the point of trying to learn to handle your anger? You would have no control. This is the basis of a branch of therapy called Rational-Emotive Therapy, and Dr. Wilde does an impressive job in this book of teaching adolescents how to use these skills all by themselves to solve their anger problems. I have used this in my practice of Child and Family Therapy with boys who were always getting into fights. They were quickly able to apply the concepts to identify rational vs. irrational thoughts, and learned that if they changed their thoughts, they could change their behavior. Other methods of anger management or problem-solving don't always work when a child is being provoked by a bully, but this method rarely lets you down. This amazing interactive workbook will really engage your child, and the author's sense of humor reaches out to young and old.

How this book helped my eight year old.
My eight year old son has a pretty hot temper and was getting in trouble at school because of it. He was also having trouble making and keeping friends. Does this sound familiar? Read on. We liked this book because he could read it himself. It also has questions as you go through to help reinforce the different concepts and apply them to your own situation. It is amusing, I colud hear my son laughing as he was reading it and he would say "Mom come and look at this, It's really funny". The book gives clear guidelines regarding how to 'Chill Out' which my son is beginning to use with VERY good effect. I would recommend this book to anyone with an angry child.

Hot Stuff to Help Kids Chill Out, The Anger Management Book
I think this book is already helping my 11-year old son. Although I could not get him to read the book himself, he was willing to listen and interact as I read it to him. Because it is very focused and relatively short, this approach worked for us. The real breakthrough came in doing one of the distraction exercises recommended. -- My son was truly amazed as a smile played over his face and he said, "It works, I can't stay mad." He still has a long way to go, but he has some new tools now to try to change his life.

This book is awesome.
I bought this book for my son, he and I sat down and started reading it and laughed from the start. My son took a great interest in reading it and is normally pretty resistant to the subject in general. The authors approach is straightforward and humorus at the same time. It is hard work trying to change a difficult trait at a young age, but this book gives good advise in a way that young people can understand, relate, and open up too. Thanks! ... Read more