Amazon.com

"Harry was a white dog with black spots who liked everything, exceptgetting a bath." Taking matters into his own paws, he buries his family'sscrubbing brush in the backyard and runs away from home before they can wranglehim into the tub. Harry gets dirty playing in the street, dirtier at therailroad, and dirtier still playing tag with the other dogs. When sliding downthe coal chute, he actually changes from a white dog with black spots to a blackdog with white spots! Of course, by the time he gets home he is completelyunrecognizable to his family--even when he does all his clever flip-floppingtricks. In a stroke of doggy genius, he unearths the bath brush, begs for abath, and the rest is history. Youngsters will completely relate to the urge torebel, the thrill of getting dirty, and, finally, the reassurance of family.Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham's Harry the Dirty Dog, first publishedin 1956 and now rereleased with splashes of color added by the artist herself,is one of those picture books that children never forget. (Ages 3 to 8)--Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Harry the dirty dog is a classic kid's story
I remember reading this book when I was in school and I always enjoyed it.

Harry takes off from his family, and gets so dirty they don't recognize him. He has a fun time around town, but when he realizes his family does not know him, he needs to have a bath to prove that he is their dog.

This is a cute story, which my 7 year old loves to read over and over. A five star read for kids of any age.

To wash him is to know him
The book I read was Harry the Dirty Dog. I like this book because of the illustrations. The dog in the story is cute. I also like the plot of the story. The dog doesn't like to have baths. He runs away and gets dirty. He is so dirty his family does not recognize him. Finally he begs for a bath and gets one. His family realizes it is him.

Adventure and Drama
Harry runs away to avoid a bath, sending the reading along for a journey through all the dirtiest (and most fun) places in the nearby city streets. Of course all adventurers eventually have to come home. Here the story does a wonderful parody/reversal on the recognition scene in the Odyssey, where it is Harry who can't be recognized for his "disguise" of a black sooty coat with white spots. Eventually though the power of the dreaded bath, he's finally revealed and reunited with his family.

In the bawth, in the bawth
A trip back in time to 1956. Let it never be said that fantastic female illustrators are a new phenomenon. Margaret Bloy Graham's attention to detail and delightful characters back in the day resulted in this lovely tale of a filthy dog. Perusing the pages of 'Harry the Dirty Dog', the reader is drawn into a delightful story that encompasses all times and all places. It is a story that has stood up well over the years.

Harry is a white dog with black spots who is NOT fond of baths. After hiding his scrub brush and hi-tailing it away from his home, Harry becomes so terribly dirty that he resembles a black dog with white spots. When his own family doesn't recognize him, Harry must take drastic measures to make his way back into the family's heart.

Harry's an adorable little mutt. The book isn't making any intentional social commentary, but I did love the variety of places Harry got into. Look, he's playing near the construction workers! Look, he's down at the railroad! Look, he's sliding down a coal shoot! It's nice to see jobs in a kids book that aren't all posh upper middle class desk occupations. Admittedly, sometimes the book's published date is obvious. Where, after all, are all the black people? Any minority at all? This is a world full of white white whites. Still, how much do you hold a book accountable for such things when it is thoroughly lacking in any other problems?

Harry's family members look like nothing so much as early prototypes of Harry Bliss (the New Yorker cartoonist), by the way. Those big black Orphan Annie eyes. Altogether, this is a good book for any adult that wants to remember a time tinged in nostalgia. Kids will feel for Harry, just as they are relieved that he makes back home okay in the end. Any child that loves doggies will adore this book. It may even serve those adults that want a story that applauds the virtues of keeping clean. A fine piece of work.

A Terrific Story!!!
This is a very simple, but powerful little tale, with the dog taking the part of the teacher. The dog hides the bathtub brush because he doesn't want a bath and then he runs away from home. Then he goes on an adventure and gets dirty and even dirtier as the tale goes. Then he comes to his senses and returns home, only to have the family not recognize him, until...he finds the brush he hid and then it all turns out alright. The artwork is pretty basic and wonderful and it communicates the story so well. A very well done book. Kudos to the writer and illustrator!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Quezada creates stunning pots in the traditional style of the Casas Grandes people, including using human hair to make brushes and cow dung to feed the fire. This real-life story is written in the form of "The House That Jack Built," and relays how Juan’s pioneering work has changed a poor village into a prosperous community of world-class artists. Illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner David Diaz. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

My kid is obsessed with this book
The absorbing subject matter of this book, presented through catchy rhymes and alliteration and strong, colorful illustrations, has completely captured the imagination of my four-year-old. For three days now, he's been "Juan" almost exclusively, following ants to a vein of "the very best clay, all squishy and white," pretending to make vessels for every conceivable purpose, and peppering me with questions about Mexico, pottery-making, and Juan himself. I've had to draw the line at cutting my hair for paintbrushes and gathering the "dried cow manure" left by the neighborhood dogs. "The Pot That Juan Built" appeals to pre-schoolers' burgeoning interest in rhyme and other aspects of language; making things out of simple materials; and the world around them generally. I give it my highest recommendation!

Excellent, Beautiful Book!
I'm appalled at the lack of love for this book! I am a teacher of a 3rd grade classroom in California where my children are learing about how humans use the world around them to create their life and build their culture. This book is a perfect tie-in to this concept. The illustrations are beautiful and I found the rhymes to be intelligent and descriptive. Two thumbs up from me, and 48 thumbs up from my class!!

A Modern Classic
This is a beautiful book, in illustration and in content. It is the true story of Juan Quezada, a potter, and a celebratory tale of the village of Mata Ortiz, Mexico. Quezada's discovery of ancient pottery methods transformed Mata Ortiz from an impoverished village into a prosperous community of world-renowned artists. The story is cleverly told in the form of "The House That Jack Built". It is sing-song-y in it's rhythm and children will be enraptured by the story Ms. Andrews-Goebel has written and the beautifully vibrant illustrations of Caldecott Award winning illustrator, David Diaz. A more complete story of the famous pottery is told on the facing pages, providing intricate details of a fascinating process. A photo-illustrated afterward follows Quezada through the process of creating a pot, from the digging of the clay to the completed product. This book is a great addition to any child's multicultural library and informs us of one of the great contemporary and nationally recognized Mexican artists. DELIGHTFUL!!!

not a good seller
The pictures are very nice. But as other reviewers have said, the structure and layout is fatally flawed and the writing style more appealing to adults who grew up knowing "The House that Jack Built". I'm finding it's not a popular seller. As a bookstore owner, I'm also finding that the publishing industry is more and more out of touch with consumer demand. That even goes for many of these smaller companies. Lee & Low, I admire your multicultural aim, but shake up your editorial dept. please! Many of your books are too similar, the writing trite and stilted. Do more humor, go deeper, be more original in style and content!

not impressed, kids were bored
The art is not as stunning as in some other recent titles, but certain design elements are unique and make for an interesting composition. I encountered resistance when reading this story to my kindergarten class. They lost interest when I reached the historical information on the right side of the book. It was an interesting idea to incorporate the true facts of Juan's life, but I think the structure and layout of the story suffers from this dense presentation of facts. As for the poetry, I would have been more impressed by an original voice and rhythm uniquely suited to its Mexican subject and setting, and not borrowed from a Classic nursery rhyme. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

hilarious and easy to read
Being an intermediate french student, I was searching for easy to read french books and stumbled upon le petit nicolas. This is one of the most hilarious books I have read. The adventures of petit nicolas and his "copains" are very enjoyable. The french in this books is very easy to read something that even a beginner level french student can read. Nothing like a fun book like petit nicolas to boost your confidence in reading french.

Wonderful!
Rene Goscinny is a wonderfully talented author who has blessed the world with a timeless classic in Le Petit Nicolas. Jean Jacque Sempe's fabulous illustrations add a hilarious twist to an already entertaining book. The funniest chapter is one called "Je suis malade." In this chapter, Nicolas gets sick from eating too much candy. He must stay home from school the next day to recover but he sure can cause a lot of trouble from his bed! This book reminds me of Beverly Cleary's Ramona and it also reminds me of the little prince. I read this book to my brothers every night before they go to bed. The grammar and vocabulary are simple and easy to read. I highly reccommend this book for anyone and everyone who like French and to anyone who simply enjoys a great book!

Very funny
There is no better way to improve your French than by reading this book (and the entire series). Shortly after meeting my fiancee (a French speaker) I began learning French. We would read this book together...it was a wonderful experience. The story is hillarious and it is not too difficult (I read it without too much trouble after having lived in Geneva for about a month). This series is written in every day language, so you will pick up lots of phrases that you wouldn't learn in a class or in an "adult" book. If you like to laugh, I am sure you will love this book.

Entire collection of "Petit Nicholas"
The entire collection is more than just great!Nothing can compare! I enjoy reading them from time to time. And it's certainly good for the french learner for it's easy to read. But it's a pity that the collection contained only few books as I always feel hungry to read more about Nicolas and his classmates' "betises".

this town ain't big enough for the two of us
Bought this to develop French reading skills. It's a kids' book, of course, and I'm a grown-up, but it absolutely cracks me up. Each chapter is a little short story following Nicolas and his gang of friends. Imagine Our Gang or Peanut, but in French, and ten times funnier because of the cultural incongruity. Nothing like reading a chapter before lights out and stumbling across, "Bouge pas, Oklahoma Kid!", "Tu le regretteras, Joe!" And the tiny little cartoons that go along with the story -- cracks me up! ... Read more

Book Description

This autobiographical story tells of ten-year-old Sookan and her family's suffering and humiliation in Korea, first under Japanese rule and after the Russians invade, and of a harrowing escape to South Korea. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Great history lesson
Have you ever thought about freedom? What you ever thought about when your next meal would come? Have you ever thought about living under oppression? Living in today's world, there are many that live under fear and oppression. This is exactly what a ten-year old Korean girl Sookan is going through. She lived during the 1940's under Japanese military rule. What we take for granted today were rare commodities at the time.
I would highly recommend this book for the study of oppression and freedom in the time of war. This story although fiction really did happen in our history and is interesting to read. This story happened during World War II. However, because of what happened in the Western world, all the bad effects in Asia are almost ignored. We tend to study only our history, but there was more damage done to the rest of the world other than the Western and European countries.
One of the main universal concerns in this story is freedom. Although living in the U.S, everyone wants freedom. But what is truly freedom. Not wanting to clean our bedroom, is that freedom? Is wishing to speak your mind out loud a freedom? One of the most powerful quotes that rivet the heart is on page 164 when Sookan and her brother are trying to escape " It wasn't worth hiding anymore. It was now or never. We could see the fence..." Life and death was not a question when freedom was at hand. Many people go to great distance for freedom. This book is the best place to find it.
This book can tie into history and Language arts as the book touches all bases of humanity and survival. It is appropriate for sixth grade and up.

Year of Impossible Goodbyes
Year of Impossible Goodbyes is a great book for children between the ages of 9-12. It teaches children about other cultures and gives them some history. The story takes place in Kirimni, a town in Pyongyang, North Korea. Sookan is the main character in the story. She is ten years old. In the time of World War II, Sookan's family was under the rule of the Japanese. The family tries to flee to the South but are captured and punished. After the war is over, the Russians take control of Sookan's family. Sookan and her brother Inchun run away to the South and are reunited with their father. There are many universal concerns in this book. But one very important universal concern in this book is freedom. Sookan and her family try to do the impossible to be free and to be able to live peaceful lives. The book gives us insights to these struggles in order to gain that freedom that they strive for. I highly recommend this book to children and adults.

Year of Impossible Goodbyes
Amanda Vo
4/30/04

Have you ever read one of those books that you know you're never going to forget and just wanna read over and over again? Well, Year if Impossible Goodbyes by Sookan Nyul Choi is one of those unique books. It's about this girl, who is ten years old. She has a brother named Inchun, who she loves very much, a mother, and an aunt. This book takes place during World War II, so it gives you a lot of history, as well as a story about a girl accomplishing her fears. One day, her mother decides that the time is right to run away, to be free. Along the way Sookan and Inchun lose their mother. They have to continue their journey on their own.

This story is simply amazing. Sookan is one of my favorite characters, she has strong ambition and would sacrifice anything to help her little brother. Year of Impossible Goodbyes is still my favorite book after all this time. This definitely is a "must read" book. It will surely grasp your attention.

THIS BOOK IT SSSSSSSSOOOOOO GOOD!
This book is like the bomb!!! seriously!~ I mean at school when the teacher was reading it I was like falling asleep and then the teacher assigned us that we have to read ch.4 and I was like THANK GOD! only 1 chapter, so I came home that night and snuggled into my bed and then I was like oh chapter 4... piece of cake and then I was like reading and reading, and the I accedently read to like what ch. 8 and then we had to eat dinner so I put the book down, and then after dinner usually I go and watch TV but then today was different! I went back into my room and started reading the book again. Seriously! I CAN'T put the book down then all of a sudden I finished the book and then it was like what 8:30 so this book really grabed my attention and I'm thankful that Ms. B gave me the book to read. Now it's like I know the history of Korea and I know what really accually happen in the Korean and World war. This is an amazing book and I hope people my age (...) will read this book too!

great story, yet sad and touching.
This book has a great plot and is so descriptive that you feel like you are right there with her. This story is quite sad though, I must admitt. If you don't like sad stories, don't read it. Otherwise, GO FOR IT! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Little pieces of heart in a little book
This book is fun, a charming introduction to dim sum, and even a little bit educational for adults -- I'm hoping I can do more than point next time I go for dim sum. The rhymes are simple and catchy, and the illustrations (with pictures made from scraps of fabric) are intriguing. My baby daughter is mesmerized by the book and stares at each page intently as I read. As an added bonus, after reading "Why oh why, my little sho mai, why do I love you so?" aloud several times, I have taken to calling my daughter shao "sho mai" (little meat ball). This is BY FAR one of our favorite read aloud board books.

Wonderful!
My sister-in-law bought all four Amy Wilson Sanger books for my kids, starting when they were about 6 months old, finally buying this new title recently (the kids are now 18 months.) They absolutely love all her books. The rhythm is perfect for little kids, and the illustrations are colorful and fun. The books are also somewhat educational for grown-ups - I didn't know the names for all the dim sum myself.

My only gripe is that, while she puts definitions on the back of this one, there's no pronunciation guide. ... Read more

Book Description

Why do the storks no longer come to the little Dutch fishing village of Shora to nest? It was Lina, one of the six schoolchildren who first asked the question, and she set the others to wondering. And sometimes when you begin to wonder, you begin to make things happen. So the children set out to bring the storks back to Shora. The force of their vision put the whole village to work until at last the dream began to come true.

Winner, 1955 Newbery Medal
Notable Children's Books of 1940–1970 (ALA)
1963 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award

Reviews (21)

Each time I read this book, I love it more.
This is so much more than the story of a group of school children trying to bring storks to their Dutch fishing village on the North Sea. It is a story of people - people everywhere. It is a story of how important people are, irregardless of their age, physical condition, or how they make a living. It encourages us to go beyond what we see on the surface. It shows us that when we help others and care about others, good things will come to us. The children originally wanted to lure storks to their little village because the storks were said to bring good luck. Little did they know that storks would send good fortune ahead in the form of new-found friendships, help for others, and a community that came closer together than it had been before. Miendert DeJong does a masterful job of telling the story and providing strategically planted links as the events take place and unfold. I am an elementary teacher in Cabarrus County, NC. I have read this book to my children each year for many years. When I ask my new class if anyone has heard of the book, no one raises a hand. By the time we finish, the children feel like they have been right there with Lina and the boys. They have also grown to realize that Janus was far from being the mean old man that they met at the beginning. They realize that he just needed to be needed. Each time I read the book, I see more and I learn more. Don't read this story just once. You will be walking over a hidden treasure.

Breathlessly exciting!
Ok I'll admit I was very skeptical. The premise does seem a bit dry. School children band together to find a wheel to put on their school and attract storks....I was not excited by the prospect. Thank goodness I decided to read it aloud to my children anyway! Some parts of this book are so exciting and suspenseful that I literally had sweaty palms during the reading.

And just because it is a rousing good tale doesn't mean that there aren't some wonderful life lessons to be learned by it as well. Perserverance. Friendship. And the reality the EVERYONE has something to offer to common good. This is a timeless story with appeal to all ages. Grown-ups will enjoy reading this aloud as much as their children will enjoy hearing it. I confess....I read to the end because I couldn't wait for the next read-aloud session.

The most stupidest book I have ever read!
This book is so boaring. I mean storks! Thats for like 5 year olds. This book is for people who like nice calm books. This book doesn't even have have any action,unlike Buffy the Vampire Slayer or the Angel series. If I reccommened any books i reccomened Charmed, Angel, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer books.

A Classic Story With Heart and Soul
Meindert DeJong's literary voice is one of a old man sitting on a bench telling this charming tale with realism and character. This story takes you away to Shora, a small, fishing village where life has a pace of its own. The characters, mostly children, develop fully within the context of this inspiring story about their determination and ability to change their world. It is definitely one of those books you read furiously and hate to have end.

Wow
My title sums up my feelings about this book. The name "The Wheel On the School" sounds too much like a child's song than a Newbery Medal. When I started reading it though, I was hooked. It has a very original plot and is written by a great writer (He has won the most Newbery Medals and Honors ever). The basic plot: a girl named Lina goes to a school in Holland with five other kids. She decides to try to get some storks to come to her village, and all the school kids try to help her. I would highly suggest this book to anyone who does not mind reading a book this long. ... Read more

Book Description

Here's the first all-visual reference to present vital factsand statistics about kids - specifically for kids.Jam-packed withgraphs, charts, maps, and clever graphics, 'Kidbits' lets kids see andunderstand more about the interesting subjects that touch their lives! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Facts in a flash!
A librarian recommended this title for quick access to loads of facts, charts, and graphs presented with colorful visuals and understandable text. After using it my 10 year old became inspired to create his own graphic representations for research projects. This book is a must-have for students who need quick access to information in order to create visually and intellectually appealing reports.

Unique, appealing, and crammed with really cool info!
This book is filled with graphs, charts, maps, and graphics that present all kinds of information visually. It is unique fun, unlike any other reference book you've ever seen! It's definitely the book for information in the new millennium! ... Read more

Book Description

The skies are alive with kids racking up frequent-flier miles, writes Travel and Leisure. The Children's Travel Journal keeps young globetrotters busy and entertained during any trip and also serves as a keepsake that vividly preserves their memories. The format is thoroughly kid-friendly. Pages on the right side of the book are ruled, with scattered words and phrases to prompt writing. For example, on the Restaurants page, kids are encouraged to think about new tastes and best desserts. The left-side pages are blank for drawing, pasting in mementos, and additional writing. Throughout are witty illustrations, maps, and borders that await the traveler's crayon. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Perfect travel journal for young kids
My daughter is delighted with this journal. It prompts a child to write about things they may not have thought about. It contains a lot of the same information that adult travel journals contain (e.g. record of expenses), but in a kid-friendly format with illustrations. I think it will be a great thing for keeping my daughter busy on the plane ride. ... Read more

Book Description

Alexander Cold and his best friend, Nadia, the heroes of Allende's City Of the Beasts, are reunited in a new adventure. This time, Alexander's fearless grandmother and International Geographic are taking them to another remote niche of the world -- a forbidden kingdom tucked into the frosty peaks of the Himalayas. Their task: to locate its fabled Golden Dragon, a sacred statue and priceless oracle, before it is destroyed by the greed of an outsider.

With the aid of a sage Buddhist monk, his young royal disciple, and a fierce tribe of Yeti warriors, and armed with the power of their totemic animal spirits, Alexander and Nadia fight to protect the holy rule of the Golden Dragon.

Reviews (10)

The best bbok ever
this was a very good book i liked it alot because it was good and funny and very goo which is why i liked it

kingdom of The Golden Dragon was my homework assignment
Kingdom of The Golden Dragon was my homework assignment. It wasn't what I expected but turned out to be a very good book. It starts with a young prnice and a lama(teacher)on the himalayan mountains going to a yeti village. Throughout the book you get introduced to some charters like; the Collecter, Nadia ,Alexander,and his gradmother. The Collecter wants to obtain a rare stautue that can "tell" the future, and the stautue is called the Golden Dragon. The statue is at the kings temple so he calls the specalist to do his dirty work for him. It's not so easy to make it tell the future. To do this you need to learn a sercret lengeague that only the king and prince know.If you want to find out want happens next read it for yourself.

Good, but not as good at its presequel
This book is pretty good, but not as good as its presequel, City of the Beasts. It has just as much magic, possibly more action, but it isn't as focused, and has too many points of view and different stories.

Great Ending
Soon after Alex Cold gets back from the
Amazon, he gets ready for another trip with his
grandmother, Nadia Santos, and the rest of the
International Geographic team.This time they
are going to the Forbidden Kingdom to research
their way of life.When they get there they
become interested in the Golden Dragon, a statue
that supposedly has mystical powers.Soon, Nadia
is kidnapped, drawing them into a plot to save
Nadia and the Golden Dragon.
I liked this book as much as Ms. Allende's
first book in this series, City of the Beasts.
At the
beginning of Kingdom of the Golden Dragon there
was a part that
included the legendary Yetis. This was very
interesting and I expected Ms. Allende
would continue to include this legend in other
parts of the book, but
she only used it again in the last part. I found
this disappointing. Unfortunately, some of the
action dragged on in the first half of this book,
but in the second part there was a much faster
pace, which made for a great ending.The ending
nicely brought the whole book together, leaving
no loose ends.I recommend this book especially
if you enjoyed City of the Beasts. FROM FLAMINGNET.COM
For more preteen and young adult book reviews visit www.flamingnet.com

Kingdom of the Golden Dragon
I found this book so wonderful that I own both the audio and the Hardback! Allende has captured the essence of the Himalayas and some of the Buddhist belief's!I love the book and I love Allende, she can write about her native land---I have most of her other ones, and bring anticipation to other types of lives! KINGDOM OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON was an amazing book, filled with mystery, mayhem, and adventure, that will have readers clinging to their seats in anticipation of what is to come next, and unable to put this gripping novel down at all. (Or stop listening to it!)
... Read more

Book Description

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is unlike any other situation in theworld today. It's in the news daily, can spark intense emotionalarguments, and influences American foreign policy.

Yet, a real understanding of this heated conflict is hard to come by.

In Understanding the Holy Land, Mitch Frank offersstraightforward explanations. Answering questions from "What isintifada?" to "Why is peace sohard?" Frank carefully covers the significant developments of thiscomplex disagreement.

Written in a question-and-answer format for sixth-graders and up, andillustrated with black-and-white photos and maps, this book will helpyoung people understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and itssignificance to the world. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Understanding the Holy Land
This book should be read by anyone of any age who really wants to understand the full story of the conflict in the Middle East. Mr. Frank offers an empathic and stunninly clear explanation of the cultural and political background and beliefs of all parties to the conflict. He includes a tremendous amount of information, making this complicated subject accessible and shedding light on a situation most Americans know little about. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Book Description

In My America, Lee Bennett Hopkins weaves together fifty poems -- grouped by geographic region -- to create a remarkable portrait of the United States. Here is America in all its stunning variety, from the dramatic seacoast of the Northeast and the rippling cornfields of the Plains States to the shimmering deserts of the Southwest and the majestic redwood forests of the Pacific Coast. But here, too, are the ties that bind this nation together -- the hopes and dreams of those who live in our cities and towns and on farms.

The voices of beloved poets like Langston Hughes, Carl Sandburg, Nikki Giovanni, and Lilian Moore blend with new voices to sing not just of landmarks like the Mississippi River, the Grand Canyon, and the Everglades, but of daily life across the land. Complementing these personal, moving visions of America are maps of the regions and fascinating facts for each state.

Stephen Alcorn's brilliant, textured artwork makes this book a feast for the eyes as well as for the imagination. Impressive for its breadth, depth, and beauty, My America is a volume readers will savor as they read it time and time again. It is fitting homage to our wideranging, ever-changing land. ... Read more

Book Description

The train of states is rolling by --
rush to the window and watch it go!
The very first car? The very first state:
Delaware, of course,
followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia ...
fifty in all.
The caboose? Washington, D.C.!

Look closely! What do you see?
State birds, state flowers, state trees ...
forty-three presidents! Can you find them all?
Can you spot the flags, heroes, animals, and landmarks
adorning the train of states?

Clickety clack, clickety clack.
Rush out the door, rush to the track.
Where is the train going? Come along!
Over the prairie, over the mountains,
down a green valley, and into a billowing tent.
It's time for a party --
it's time to celebrate
the fifty states!

Reviews (11)

Pumped Up!
It's more than a book. It's more than a toy. It's a glimpse of our world at play. The inclusion of stunning photographs, from cultures and places that most readers have never visited, qualifies this as a "coffee table" book. We have all seen clowns who manipulate balloons into the shapes of dogs or other animals. But, hats? The authors of this book traveled around the world making "crowns" out of balloons, and photographing the people wearing them. Illustrated, step-by-step instructions are given that allow any person with a little creativity to make some fantastic designs. The Balloon Hat Kit provides hours of entertainment for ages 9 to 90. Readers are encouraged to participate in the art of making balloon hats because 30 balloons and a pump are included in the kit. The "Seven Reasons to Make Balloon Hats" will win over even the most doubtful. What I like most about this book is its promotion of the concept that all people of the world are more alike than different. The photos prove that the authors achieved their goal of uniting people across the global through laughter and a sense of fun.

Great
Hi all. You wouldn't believe this, I've met these people! At an Art camp. They came and showed us dozens and dozens of pictures likt the one in Thailand with a flower. It was a couple years back and they had planned to buy a book for us when it came back. They said they are going to go on Jay Leno and Rosie O'donnel. Well, I just got the book and I am advancing in balloon art. From crazy hats to a pup dog. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone! All ages!

Downright fun!
This is a great gift for any age. I got this book and kit for my 44th Birthday and did I have a ball with it. The book itself is beautifully photographed. It is amazing to see where the authors went and who they shared their wonderful, creative talents with. Even if you don't want to make balloon hats the book is a coffee table must. The kit part is loads of fun. The directions are easy to understand and within minutes we were making wonderful, goofy, silly hats, including my 5 year old son and his friends. A gift that will bring lightheartedness and lots of laughter and fun to all. I suggest buying extra balloons, once you get started you won't want to stop.

Great for beginers
This book has all the basics. What you learn in this book will help you make any kind of balloon hat you can think of!

The Inflatable Crown Balloon Hat Kit
I've order several balloon book but this is the best! The colorful balloon pictures are magnificant and the instructions are easy to follow. What really stands out in this book is how they have traveled all around the world to bring smiles to people faces with their creativate balloon hats that they have made. ... Read more

Book Description

In her classic books, Laura Ingalls Wilder lovingly described the many little houses she and her family lived in as they traveled across the American frontier. Today, these houses have been preserved as sites and museums that thousands of fans visit every year. The Little House Guidebook contains detailed information on these sites, as well as guidance on where to eat and stay, and other places to explore in the surrounding areas. Special features included colored tabs on each chapter for easy reference, a room-by-room tour of Laura's Rocky Ridge Farmhouse, and a walking tour and street map of De Smet, Laura's little town on the prairie, as well as guidance on how to get to the sites, where to eat and stay, and other places to explore in the surrounding areas.

Lavishly illustrated throughout with beautiful full-color photographs of Laura's houses and memorabilia, and gently colorized versions of Garth Williams' original art from the Little House books, this guidebook is the perfect companion for anyone who wants to visit Laura's little houses or just read about them.

Reviews (7)

Invaluable Resource for Little House Fans
William Anderson has done a fabulous job in painstakingly documenting everything there is to see from New York to South Dakota that has anything to do with Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" series. Ever wondered what happened to Pa's fiddle? Or if the house dug out from the banks of Plum Creek is still intact? This book has the answers. Complete with color photographs, addresses, phone numbers and maps, as well as ample background information, The Little House Guidebook is a must have for Little House fans everywhere. Even if you never get to visit these places, this book will take you there.

Good source for touring sites, rehash of some old material.
If I were to take any books along with me on a LIW journey, it would be this one. The reason for a lower rating is because I was disappointed in a rehash of what to find at the Little House sites that was already published in another of Anderson's titles.

Great Book!
Laura!

Superb Reading and Travel Planning Book
The Little House Guidebook is filled with the museums, houses and visitors sights about the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family.

Beautiful, accurate photography amazes your eyes as any fan dreams of visiting each and every place. The first photo on the page dedicated to Walnut Grove, only 45 minutes from my hometown, is exactly how it looks today. A large sign just uphill from Plum Creek states where the sod house was.

Thanks to this wonderful book, our family knew all the best places to visit, shop at, and devour historical facts of. It even led us right to the church bell Pa had given his last three dollars for. We'll use it again on all our future adventures.

This book was well researched, written and photographed. It glorifies my Little House ongoing collection.

If you are a fan, or know someone who is, this book would be a fabulous gift, just as it was given to me for my birthday.

Excellent Little House site resource!
We used this book to plan our May trip to Kansas and Missouri. The directions were accurate and the information definitely added to our trip. We stayed at the Rosewood B&B (in the book, Kansas) and had a good time. This book is a must for any Laura Ingalls Wilder fan! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A soothing tale that builds with each verse
The PBS show "Reading Rainbow" featured this book; James Earl Jones read it; I fell in love with it and have been giving it as a gift to friends ever since. The gentle story unfolds line by line, with a tender rhythm that entrances: "These are the cows, all hungry and dry, Who mooed for the rain to fall from the sky..." Ultimately Ki-pat, who's watching his herd, brings rain to Kapiti Plain by launching an arrow into the sky. But the charm is in the telling. My 11-year-old still obliges me and lets me read it to him every once in a while.

A good review.
The Bringing The Rain to Kapiti Plain, by Verna Aardema pictures by, Beatriz Vidal is about. The Kapiti Plain when there is no rainfall there and all the animals are dehydrated. Little boy's dad is sick and cannot shot the rain down form the big black cloud above the Kaptit Plain. So the little boy has to do the job for his sick dad.
I think little kids would be interested it this book because it help to understand some or little world around you. It teaches you to care for some animals and to help people that need some help.

The Best Little People Book
Oh my Gosh! This book is so wonderful. I read it as a kid and I have it completely memorized it from cover to cover. It sounds even better when you say it from memory to people. They are like, Whoa! I am going to buy it for my kids.

I love this book :)
I was just looking for it today (unsuccessfully), even though I'm thirteen. I love looking back on all those picture/rhyme books, and this has to be one of my favorites. It's one of those books that is meant to be read aloud! The words roll off your tounge. The pictures are rather amusing, too.

Kapiti wasn't a plain in my neck
This book was a nice book and I will like to read it again.
I like that the good writer added alot of detail's and the birad
drop a father on kapiti plane and drought. ... Read more

Book Description

Togo wasn't meant to be a sled dog. He was too feisty and independent to make a good team member, let alone a leader. But Togo is determined, and when his trainer, Leonhard Seppala, gives him a chance, he soon becomes one of the fastest sled dogs in history! His skills are put to the ultimate test, though, when Seppala and his team are called on to make the now-famous run across the frozen Arctic to deliver the serum that will save Alaska from a life-threatening outbreak of diphtheria.

In the style of Akiak, winner of the Irma S. and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, along with five state awards, Robert J. Blake's detailed, carefully researched oil paintings complete the story of the adventure that inspired the internationally famous Iditarod race. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Togo the real hero of the Iditarod
I read this book in my third grade class. It is an exciting story about the sled dog Togo. Togo has the heart of a real hero because he wanted more than anything to lead a dog team. This book makes you cheer for Togo. I used to think Balto was the hero of the Iditarod until I read this book. I love the beautiful pictures drawn by the author. It is a book I will keep forever.

Wonderful Togo
Togo is a beautifully written book for children. The character of this special dog shines through these pages to inspire young and old. Also a great read for adults who love animal stories.

Togo
Togo is a great book for children to learn about courage and determination. A must for dog lovers! I highly recommend this book for any child. ... Read more

Book Description

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

Reviews (1)

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

Reviews (1)

A Fun Way to Learn the Alphabet!
This children's book offers an inviting glimpse into West African traditions. From "A is for Africa" to "I is for Indigo", the author Ifeoma Onyefulu uses important aspects of West African life to represent each letter of the alphabet. The book is appropriate for kids of all ages. My daughter is one year old, so I simplify the book by reading just the first sentence of each page, such as "V is for village". The text continues to describe that "V is for the village, where many people live together, sharing the same traditions and beliefs. The old people in the village teach the young ones the old customs, as they were once taught themselves." The photographs in this book are not only beautiful, but very representative of West Africa. Every child interested in Africa should have this book! I am looking forward to reading Ifeoma Onyefulu's other children's books. ... Read more

Book Description

King Shahryar kills a new wife every night, because he is afraid she will stop loving him. But his new bride Shahrazad has a clever plan to save herself. Her nightly stories--of Sinbad the Sailor, Ali Baba, and many other heroes and villains--are so engrossing that King Shahryar has to postpone her execution again and again... This illustrated edition brings together all the Arabian Nights tales in an original retelling by award-winning author Geraldine McCaughrean.

(paperback reissue of ISBN 0-19-274500-X) ... Read more

Reviews (8)

WOW
Absolutely the best work of fiction EVER. Indeed, I too wish, that there were 1001 stories or even 1.000.001 ones inside this lovely book but all good things must come to an end.
Anyways, if you wander, why 1001 nights? - here's the answer.

Two brothers, both Kings, have both been victims of cheating wives. They both kill them and their lovers but later on, one of the brothers, King Shahryar can't stand the loneliness in the dark so he comes to a decision to marry a new wife fetched by his Counsellor, every night then kill her next day after because he believes that "All women are fickles" and that "None of them love their husbands for more then one day"...so he marries a new wife each night until the streets began to get emptied. Then, when 'no other girl' is left, Shahrazad, the eldest girl of the King's Counsellor, becomes his 1001-st wife. Unlike other wives, Shahrzad survives because...

Do not say you read books if you didn't read this one!

Highly recommended

text by Geraldine McCaughrean;illustrations by Stephen Lavis
Oxford University Press, 1993. Stories (meant for children) include fables, romances, narrative jokes,and fairy tales, linked to one another by the King and Queen's own love story. Shahrazad's attempts to stave off execution by telling just one more story have been expanded to fuller effect than in many versions. The book is written in a style that is clear, gripping, and poetic, conveying the flavor of the original and preserving the context of a magic, jinni-ridden desert world. 12 color plates and many b/w illustrations.

Fine!
This is one of the most famous classic fictions. I have just read some of the stories but I find them very interesting. For example ' Princess Lila and the three brothers' is one of the most fanastic stories. This story is about three princes in order to marry the beautiful Princess Lila, They went far far away to find the moset wonderful things on earth. The one with the most wonderful things can marry the princess. I think their ' wonderful thing' is really wonderful. Do you want to know what's the wonderful thing? Do buy one and find out the answer! You will be surprised!

Good, but not what I was looking for.
If you know some of the stories already, this review is for you. The stories deserve 5 start, but in my opinion for a book about 1001 stories, it ought to have all 1001 stories. Otherwise, it should say that somewhere in the title, thus the lower score.

1001 Nights
I have not bought this book in English, but I actually bought it in Bosnian. It is slightly bigger than the English version and all I can say, it is wonderful. Although the language is very "explicit", it is still very entertaining. ... Read more