Book Description

In the bestselling book Letters from Felix, something terrible hasppens at the end of vacation: Sophie's cuddly rabbit, Felix, disappears in the airport!The is very, very bad, because Sophie and Felix are inseparable.But when schools starts again, suddenly a letter for Sophie arrives from London - a letter from Felix! Over 4.8 million Felix books have been sold worldwide! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Traveling with kids
Felix is a little Rabbit who gets lost from his owner, and then travels around the world, mailing letters and postcards back home, untill he finally returns home himself on Christmas Eve.

Our world of today has become quite small because of all the travelling we do, but this can be difficult for a child to understand. Felix is a good helper here. Through his travel letters he tells in a fun and friendly way about the adventures he meets. And his stories are a good start to tell children about our adventurous world. Use an atlas or a map book when you read for your child, and you can have a good conversation about our huge world.

We travel alot, so my 6 years old Marta has been to several of the places mentioned in the book. And I have been to some more and can tell about my travelling. The book Letters from Felix is more than a book actually. It also contains all the letters sent home by Felix, so we can open them and read them - over and over again. And it also contains small souvenirs from the places Felix visited.

Lately I have heard about a little doll named Flat Stanley. He, like Felix, travels around the world, actually he spent Christmas with us here in Norway, and with our relatives on Iceland this winter. I don't have the Flat Stanley book, but I'm thinking of sending a small Felix around the world, a Felix who can write back to my little daughter about the places he visits.

Letters from Felix is a wonderful book teaching your kids about travelling and about different cultures. We love the book here in our house, and also has a huge Felix who spends every night in my daughters bed.

Britt Arnhild Lindland

A Book for ALL Ages!
I received this book as a shower gift for my son (now 3 1/2 years old). We've been reading it for over 3 years and it's still as exciting as the first time. As a new teacher, I read it to my 1st grade class. They were absolutely thrilled to turn each page -- anxious to read the next letter from Felix. A truly exciting book!

A wonderful book
My 4 yr old loves this book. Unlike other books this one makes her very curious about the rest of the world and makes her ask questions about other countries and cultures.
I would definately recommend this book.

THIS TEACHER APPROVES!!!
I am a second grade teacher who absolutely loves this book. The children enjoy reading this book as much as I do! Their eyes widen as each letter and little surprise is taken out of each envelope! The children were quite inspired by this series that they have created their own Felix-type of books. What a great concept! Read all of the Felix and Jolly Postman books...they are well worth it!

Great book!
For my son's first birthday, a good friend and my sister gave him something about Felix the rabbit (a cup and a backpack, they both live in Germany, seems Felix the rabbit is more famous there than here in USA), because my son's name is Felix. However, I waited until he's almost two to buy the first Felix book. We really enjoy the book, since we travel a lot (along last year, we flew more than 30,000 miles), and Felix knows people talk differently and they look different. With the book, Felix can already tell the cities' and countries' names by picking out the right stickers or by pointing at the map. I can tell him some of my trips to the European cities I went before he was born. We are planning a trip to Asia in May, and I'll buy another Felix book before the trip, so that we can read it on the airplane. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Dorling Kindersley Publishers never fail to create beautiful, engaging children's books, packed with fascinating information. In Celebrations, photographer Barnabas Kindersley teams up with writer Anabel Kindersley and UNICEF to create a fascinating journey exploring the cultural traditions of children all over the world. Harry Belefonte notes in his introduction, "Here is your opportunity to travel by book to nearly every corner of the globe ... [and] join children everywhere in celebrating important events in their lives." In addition to photographs of traditional costumes and customs, each child from the wide range of countries represented gives a first-person account of how holidays are celebrated. Children will enjoy learning about how kids like just like them have fun, and in the process will broaden their cultural horizons. (Ages 8 to 12) ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Gorgeous full-color large photos
I love this book and I use it all the time to teach children about other faiths and cultures. The beautiful, realistic photos make it great for sharing. When I am not using it, it makes a nice coffee table book. My only criticism is that it always makes me want to research more (not a lot of text, but the photos and illustrations make it worth having).

I love this book!
The photos are vivid and the stories are interesting. This is a great book to introduce children to some festivals and celebrations around the world.

What's missing?
I returned my copy. A book that aims to celebrate diversity should not be a vehicle for a political agenda. The two Jewish holidays covered in the book (Channukah and Purim) are described as holidays celebrated in the US and England, respectively. Israel, the Jewish state, is not mentioned anywhere is the book. Denial of its existence is a political statement that has no place in a book such as this.

Children Just Like Me (the first one)
I am a first grade teacher in Phoenix, Arizona who teaches a wide variety of cultures. Some of the children in my class are Mexican American, Spanish, Bosnian, African American, German and Native American (Navajo and Apache). Recently, during an ESL staff development class, a wonderful instructor introduced this book to me and I was absoultly amazed! It has the most fascinating pictures and text. I had to read it from cover to cover. I had to buy it to have in my class. It must be a permanent source of enjoyment for my classes for years to come. I can't wait for my students to have the opportunity to browse through this book. We will use it so much. Thank you Barnabas and Anabel Kindersley, for putting together such a fabulous children's book!

Can't say enough great things about this book!
What a fabulous book! My 5 year old daughter was delighted to see that children who at first glance appear so different also share her love for soccer, animals, noodles, etc. Each child's bio includes information about their family, home, school, church, clothing, pets and favorite food. This book has great photos, particularly of the children. Although there is much writing on each page, it is not overwhelming for her, and we can stop after one page, and easily pick it up again later. This is the first children's book that I've wanted to read by myself after she's gone to bed!

****

Four years later, I'm adding this paragraph to this review. I continue to use this book with my now 5 and 9 year old children. It's an fun way for them to learn a little more about families who live in countries that we learn about. It's easy to read something in this book that leads to a much wider discussion. They also remember a lot of details from this book that they bring up at other times, such as "People from _____ live in _______ kinds of houses!" ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Old school fun
I used to love these books in elementary school, I actually remember spending all the time our class was supposed to be at the library trying to hog the waldo books.This is clearly the best of the waldo series. I recomend this to anyone who has children or is just young at heart

Yet another masterpiece!
This book was another 'hours of family fun' work of pure art. I am proud to own this book! I wish I had children to share these hours of fun with! I will now own every Waldo book created! Even if it means shoplifting it from the library! Waldo rules, keep 'em coming Martin!! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Learning to face adversity even after a war's end
Ken's father spent WWII in the Minidoka Japanese-American Internment Camp in Idaho. Ken, the author was raised in Seattle. Shorty is stuck in the barracks without friends, surrounded by noise and boredom. No one has anything to do. His dad sees verves fraying and has an idea, Build a baseball diamond and organize games. The men make the diamond, the women improvise the uniforms. Games are scheduled under the gaze of the guard towers. Shorty scores a big hit under nervous angry pressure. After the war, he continues to be taunted, but learns self respect under the pressure of adversity. The benefit from this book, is that there is no whitewash. It is honest, and yes, he was called Shorty, cuz life is like that.

Amazing
This book is an amazing resource for teaching students about the inequalities that took place during WWII. It is a reality check to all of those who stood by and watched their fellow friends and neighbors as they were forced to leave their homes and be placed in internment camps in Hawaii. This is not just a gut check. This book served to illustrate how the simple things in life can mean everything. This book receives my highest rating and is first rate with teachers everywhere.

Kid's Eye View of Japanese Camps, Being an Outsider
I read this to my "just-turned 8" year old son who really identified with the kid as "odd man out." The story both communicates what it was like to be in a Japanese internment camp from a kid's perspective, and communicates how it feels to be an outsider (a feeling I'm sure every child has felt some time) by talking about baseball and being the "littlest" and physically different kid. A nice, serious story with a smile at the end.

Our Thoughts
Our 4th grade class at Lamar Elementary in Arkansas thought the book was very interesting. Especially interesting was the information on the Japanese-Americans being taken to the camps. We felt that the book was sad because they had to go to camps. We also thought it was neat because it tells about the past and history that we never knew before. This book tells a lot of history. It was a two thumbs up!
We didn't know about the Japanese kept as hostages.

A really moving book.
This book tells the story of a boy inside an internment camp during WWII. It deals with a lot of feelings, yet shows how determined the detainees were to survive and create an acceptable life for themselves. The story demonstrates that one must continue to strive for a good life even when conditions hold little promise for happiness. ... Read more

Book Description

More than anything, Beatrice longs to be a schoolgirl. But in her small African village, only children who can afford uniforms and books can go to school. Beatrice knows that with six children to care for, her family is much too poor.

But then Beatrice receives a wonderful gift from some people far away -- a goat! Fat and sleek as a ripe mango, Mugisa (which means "luck") gives milk that Beatrice can sell. With Mugisa's help, it looks as if Beatrice's dream may come true after all.

Page McBrier and Lori Lohstoeter beautifully recount this true story about how one child, given the right tools, is able to lift her family out of poverty. Thanks to Heifer Project International -- a charitable organization that donates livestock to poor communities around the world -- other families like Beatrice's will also have a chance to change their lives. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

a great gift idea
Buy this book and then donate a goat through the heifer foundation in a child's name. Together they make a great gift. Be creative: throw in some goat cheese and other goat items and make it a gift for a whole family.

The book is a true story of how a little girl's family got a goat that, more or less, changed their lives. Very cute story and a good cause.

a gentle book with a powerful message
Our 5 & 7 year olds love this glimpse into a life so different from their own, and loved seeing the work of Heifer International in action. This is a great way to show youngish children how a small action can have a big result, and how people can take a small opportunity, and with hard work, turn it into something that can change their life. Written with a warm gentleness, this is definitely a book for sharing.

An Eloquent, Uplifting Story
Beatrice lives in the village of Kisinga, Uganda with her mother and five younger brothers and sisters. Life is hard and the family is very poor. Beatrice dreams of going to school, but knows that the family probably will never have the money for books and a uniform, so that she can attend. And then one day everything changes; the family receives a goat. Beatrice names the goat Mugisa, which means lucky because her mother said the goat was their lucky gift. Soon the goat gives birth to two kids and the family's life begins to change. They have milk to drink and some to sell and in time, they are able to sell one of the kids to improve their lives even more. They build a new sturdy hut with a steel roof that won't leak and are even able to make Beatrice's dream of going to school come true..... Based on the true story of how one family was helped by Heifer Project International, an organization that donates livestock to poor communities, Page McBrier's beautiful and engaging picture book shows how different life can be in other parts of the world and how little it takes to bring hope and changes to developing countries. Her eloquent text is complimented by Lori Lohstoeter's rich and expressive illustrations and together, in a very simple, gentle way, they show youngsters how something, even as small as a goat, can lift a family out of desperate poverty and give them a better life. Perfect for children 4-8, Beatrice's Goat is an uplifting story told with great insight and a wonderful addition to all home bookshelves.

Great message, great charm, and fun
You can't do better than a book with a great message, that also has a charming story that kids love to read again and again. My daughter is 6 and has read this book many times. It's made her appreciate what she gets for dinner when she realizes that a whole family's food supply could be profoundly affected by owning one goat!

What a Wonderful Charity and Heartfelt Story
If you are trying to teach your children the value of volunteerism and sharing this book is for you! Not only is the story genuine and touching but it supports one of the best charities in existence today. Children all over the world have so much less then children born in the US and with just a simple gift of a goat you can help to change a family's life. What the story doesn't tell you are how goats/cows/chickens/pigs, etc. have also helped keep families from "selling" their young daughters into prostitution to support their families. If you want to do something worthwhile for a family much less fortunate then your own - - BUY A GOAT - - you'll be so happy you did. ... Read more

Book Description

Though Japanese, eleven-year-old Yoko has lived with her family in northern Korea near the border with China all her life. But when the Second World War comes to an end, Japanese on the Korean peninsula are suddenly in terrible danger; the Korean people want control of their homeland and they want to punish the Japanese, who have occupied their nation for many years. Yoko, her mother and sister are forced to flee from their beautiful house with its peaceful bamboo grove. Their journey is terrifying -- and remarkable. It's a true story of courage and survival.

Reviews (65)

Very Moving
This book, So Far from the Bamboo Grove, was a very touching and inspiring story. It really showed you a different perspective of life. Being a student at a good private school, I think that my life is much like what Yoko's life was before she fled Nanam. I can not imagine what it would be like to have my life torn away from me and suddenly be digging through garbage cans to survive. It also showed you a very different view towards World War II. Being an American, I have always believed that the Americans should win all wars, and the wartime stories I have read all have characters who want America and their allies to win. This story, about a Japanese girl, told of the struggles of being on the losing side of the war, something I had not read about before.

This emotional story tells the true story of Yoko Kawashima, an eleven-year-old Japanese girl living in Korea during the end of World War II. As danger creeps ever closer to her hometown of Nanam, she and her mother and honorable sister Ko must flee their home in the bamboo grove, without Yoko's father or honorable brother Hideyo. The story is a first-hand account of what it was like to escape the horrible war. The things that she had to survive through are so terrible, I thought there was death lurking around every corner. This story is true, and Yoko survives to this very day, making the story all the more inspirational. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to experience World War II from a young girl's eyes.

Good-bye Korea, hello Japan!
"The army wants to kill you especially," was the warning Captain Matsumura gave the frightened Kawashima family. Yoko, her mother, her sister Ko, and her brother Hideyo are forced to flee from their home during the life threatening World War 2. Unfortunately, Hideyo goes to an army factory to work before they run.
Frightened, the Japanese family takes a train to a faraway city, with no choice but to leave Hideyo behind. The 3 risk being shot by Korean soldiers on their journey of escape towards Japan. Suiside and blood flood the story with action and horrifying moments. Will the 3 survive the escape? Will they meet their father and Hideyo?
This book unfolds a true story of Yoko's life dodging Korean soldiers and making her way toward safety. In So Far From the Bamboo Grove, Yoko Kawashima tells her own life story. Flip through the pages to discover what happens to the Japanese family. But be careful; this book is a cruel and sorrow filled tale. Read it at your own risk.

A young girl's horrifying past that haunts her memory....
well, its not that horrifying...i think she wrote this book just to get everything out of her. she probably wants to let it out (like writing in a diary about your day) and also just tell others of her life. to tell others that life can be better than digging in garbage cans, watching your mother die, suffering, getting injured, being seperated with your family members, etc. to tell us that we should be glad with the lives we have now and we must love and care while we can, while we live. her book is a lesson to all of us out here. we should appreciate our lives and what we have! I'll stop now. i sound like a preacher.<

So Far From the Bamboo Grove
So Far From the Bamboo Grove
By: Yoko Kawashima Watkins
Reviewed by: J Fujii
Period: P.5
The book So Far From the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawaahima Watkins is an autobiography of the author's journey to Japan during World War II. Yoko, her mother, her honorable sister Ko, and her honorable brother Hideyo, who were living in Korea had to return to Japan because during the war, the Koreans set up a Communist Army against the Japnese. The Korean's did this to kick out the Japanese and even kill them because the Japanese had invaded Korea. . THerefore when mother, Ko and Yoko decided to escape to Seoul. However, since thwy had lived in Korea for a long time, Hideyo wanted to join the Korean army. He didn't pass the test for the army so instead he went to work for an ammunition building. Yoko, Ko, and mother were able to get on a train to Seoul, but got off when the train was attacked by airplanes. Around the same time when the train was attacked, Hideyo's ammunition building was also attacked by the communist army. Some of the boys tried to attack the army, but ended up dying. Hideyo hid behind some boxes and acted dead. Once the army left, Hideyo found his friends Shoichi, Makoto, and Shinzo alive. The four boys then go on a journey to Seoul. Afterawhile, the boys split up and Hideyo is now on the journey alone. Around the same time, Ko, mother, and Yoko were almost caught, but a bomb fell and killed the soldiers who were trying to catch them. The women took the soldier's clothes. The women then safely rode the train to Seoul. They then boarded a boat to Japan. For awhile they lived at the dock until mother enrolled Yoko and Ko in school. Soon after, mother died and then Ko and Yoko lived with a women named, Mrs. Masuda. They lives there until the ed of the book. Meanwhile, Hideyo was now traveling by foot in the cold winter. Afamily found him on their doorsteps, unconscious. The family was able to revive him and made hideyo part of his family until he left. At the end of the book, Hideyo found Yoko and Ko back in Japan.
I liked the book because it talks about journey of a Japanese family headinf for Japan and leaving behind memories of Korea, during World War II. The following quote comes from the part when Yoko, mother, and Ko are on the train to Seoul and see their house go by: "The train passed by them. I twisted my head to the right to watch. The red roof, the willow tree, and the radio antenna drew farther away. Soon they were out of m sight."
i also disliked because there was a lot of death. The saddest part was when mother died. Right before she died she said, "I wish Ko would come." Then minutes later mother died. I also disliked the book because it had alot of blood. For example, Hideyo had to use someone else's blood so he could act dead when the soldiers came through the ammunition building.
My favorite part of the book is when Hideyo finds Yoko and Ko. That scene is the only happiness in the book. It means that the love of the family kept them hoping that the other members of the family were still alive. The book tells you to never give up hope.

A Wonderful book, but sometimes a bit too violent
After reading this book. I had to stop and think: did the events described in this book this really happen? I found out later that they were real, and I was greatly surprised by this, due to their horribly violent nature. Which is why I would not recommend it for children under 14. But these graphic events, in a way, help make the book much more interesting, as it portrays the events from the point of view of someone opposite the US during the war and therefore, showing events which people from the Allied factions would not mention or would cover up. Anyone who thinks that war is all victorious glory should read this book too. It shines light on the true horrors of war and death without softening the blow.
Overall, I think it is a wonderful book, and would make a good read for anyone, except possibly some people who feel very strongly biased towards any side of the Japanese-Korean conflict during that period because of its content.
Anyone who thinks that war is all victorious glory should read this book too. It shines light on the true horrors of war and death without softening the blow. ... Read more

Book Description

Play games from all around the globe!

Learn to play Mexican kickball. Practice throwing jackstones the way kids do in Kenya.Discover how to construct a galimoto (wire toy from Malawi) with pipe cleaners.With Kids Around the World Play!, you’ll have a great time exploring the traditions of other cultures while you sharpen your wits with the memory game from South Africa called dithwai, or challenge your racing skills in the South Korean flower relay, or make your own cool bilboquet, a toy from France.

Filled with games and activities from places near and far, including China, Japan, india, Mexico, Bolivia, italy, and Russia, among many others, this exciting collection also gives you plenty of fascinating facts about the history and culture of each country.All the toys and games can be made or played with just a few simple materials easily found around the house.So get ready for tons of fun and excitement while you discover just how much you have in common with kids around the world! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Another great book...
>
> This is a fun book!! If you're concerned about
> spending more time with your kids, then buy this book.
> Many of the games, especially Egyptian Senet, German
> Muhle, and Kenyan Bottle Cap Checkers, can be enjoyed
> by all family members. Our family had a great time
> playing these games. Plus, the historical and cultural
> information about games and toys is fascinating!
> Braman has done it again! I highly recommend this
> book. ... Read more

Book Description

The Cat in the Hat introduces beginning readers to maps–the different kinds (city, state, world, topographic, temperature, terrain, etc.); their formats (flat, globe, atlas, puzzle); the tools we use to read them (symbols, scales, grids, compasses); and funny facts about the places they show us (“Michigan looks like a scarf and a mitten! Louisiana looks like a chair you can sit in!”). ... Read more

Reviews (14)

One Morning In Maine Review
I love the book One Mornign In Maine! I was read this book my my mother many times as a child and still love reading it today! The illustrations are excellent, they portray exactly what a moring in Maine could look like. You fall in love with Sal after the first page. Her adventures through the book are so exciting! Having a loose tooth to clamming with her father and getting ice cream with her little sister make us want to be there with her. Even though she is disappointed by the fact that she doesn't get to put her tooth under her pillow for the tooth fairy she learns that life goes on and she will loose other teeth. Also by being a big girl now makes up for that. This book is great for every child. Whether it's read to them by a parent or teacher it offers meaning either way. Also it is a great book to start off a unit being taught about Maine

Toothsome Adventures!
This book continues the story of Sal (from Blueberries for Sal) by introducing her father and younger sister, Jane. The book was a Caldecott Honoree as one of the best illustrated children's books in 1953.

Sal wakes up on a beautiful Maine morning. She realizes that "today is the day I am going to Buck's Harbor with my father." She is very excited. But first, she helps her little sister brush her teeth. While doing this, Sal notices that one of her front teeth felt loose. She is concerned.

Her mother reassures Sal in a very nice way that this meant that Sal is becoming a big girl. Sal also learns that she could put the tooth under her pillow when it comes out and make a wish. But she should not tell anyone what the wish is, or it would not come true. She makes her wish.

In the meantime, she needs to help her father dig for clams before they can take the boat to Buck's Harbor. Along the way, she sees many birds and animals and wonders about their teeth.

Finally reaching her father, she helps him dig. She finds a small clam, which has to be put back. Her father tells her that clams and birds do not have teeth, but seals do.

Suddenly, Sal realizes her tooth is gone. It's not in her mouth and it's not anywhere around! They look all through the mud, but have no luck. Eventually, they have to give up if they want to get to Buck's Harbor. So they head back with the clams for her mother. Sal picks up a gull's feather.

Once her father and sister and she are in the boat, they discover that the engine won't run. So her father has to row. Along the way, they talk about how a new feather will grow in to replace the feather Sal has. Sal wonders if the feather has a wish still in it to be used. She helps her sister make a wish on it.

When they get to town, her father discovers at the garage that the engine needs to have its spark plug replaced. So here's another thing that needs changing.

At the store, they discuss the lost tooth and the kindly owner gives Sal and Jane each an ice cream cone, just what they had each wished for! Jane decides she wants another one, but Sal admonishes her. "Remember, Jane, two ice-cream cones would ruin your appetite. When we get home we're going to have CLAM CHOWDER FOR LUNCH!"

This is the best book I have ever seen for taking the potential upset out of losing a first tooth. Many children do eventually lose a tooth without being able to find it. The book wisely deals with that issue as well. Anyone can do an outstanding job of handling the tooth crisis by having read this book to her or his child in advance.

The family life portrayed is very idyllic. Everyone is kind, thoughtful, and happy (even when things go wrong). For many children, this image will be a good contrast with whatever tiny domestic disturbances may occur in your household. As such, it will help any child relax before sleeping.

I admired the black-and-white pencil sketches very much. They build the mood wonderfully, even more than the words do. You will feel like you are away on vacation on a small island in Maine in the summer. Now, what could be nicer?

After you read this book, you should obviously share your own tooth loss experiences and let your child inspect your adult teeth. You can also add stories about animals that molt their skin and the trees that lose their leaves. Just emphasize that this is all progress.

Also, ask your child what activities she or he would most like to do with you and his or her other parent. You may be surprised! Be sure to allocate more time to do these things together.

See the potential for improvement in every change!

Wonderful book! Charming, satisfying, heartwarming, amusing
I just think that this book is one of the most wonderful and beautiful children's books I have ever seen! One thing that sets this book apart from most other fictional children's books is that the main characters in the book are, in reality, the author himself and his family --- his wife, Peggy, and his two daughters, who actually are named Sarah ("Sal") and Jane --- and as far as I know, the author drew them as they really looked at the time! (I especially got a kick out of the drawings of lively tousle-haired little Jane, who, if you notice, is always shown in a different cute or amusing pose in every picture she appears in! And Jane's facial features and expression in the story are particularly amusing to me, too... her father was amazingly accurate in depicting them. I should know --- I have met Jane McCloskey personally, and though she is hardly a "little girl" anymore, that is still how she looks at you!) The other characters and places in the book actually existed, also, and their real names are used, just as they are in "A Time Of Wonder". So one can sort of "relate" to this story in a closer, more personal way. I also admired how pleasantly all the characters treat each other in the story. Highly recommended!!!

A Great Story for Little Girls
My three year old daughter loves this book. She's carried this book along with Blueberries for Sal everywhere she went until they were dog-eared with pages falling out (after only two weeks!!). I think she identifies with Sal who also has a little sister. The story is sweet without being syrupy, and the illustrations are stunning.

I now need to replace the paperback with hardcover editions so the books may be shared with our younger girl later.

My Dad Loves to Share this Book with the Grandchildren
My father, originally a New Yorker, who has relocated to Maine about five times in his life because he could never leave it for long, loves to share this book with his grandchildren. If one of them loves the book, it is a happy day for Dad. First of all, the simple but beautiful illustrations really look like Maine. Much of Maine does look like a pen-and-ink sketch, and McCloskey captures that beautifully. Even the scenes that take place indoors look like Maine! Since I haven't lived in Maine myself for many, many years, I find these lovely drawings very nostalgic. And how fun is it to know that Condon's store and Condon's garage were real places? I believe Robert McCloskey even gave his characters some very authentic Maine personalities. Mainers are great -- not sugary sweet and very reserved, but lovely just the same, and that's how the various adults in this story are presented. But you don't have to have a Maine connection to love this book. It is a wonderful way to introduce very little kids to the fact that they will lose a tooth when they are five or six, and a reading of this book is a fun way to celebrate a lost tooth. Anyone can enjoy the illustrations, which are simplistic and highly detailed at the same time, and it is a nice family tale with a father-daughter theme. Our youngest son loves for his Poppy George to read it whenever they are together, and they often top off a reading with a visit to a restaurant to order a bowl of clam chowder (a food that his mentioned on the last page of this book). My poor father actually dislikes clam chowder, but our son eats it in his honor because of this story, and it is a way for them to bond thanks to One Morning in Maine. Hey, if a book can make one of my kids Grandchild No. 1, I have to give it five stars. ... Read more

Book Description

Mma lives and works in Johannesburg, far from the village thirteen-year-old Naledi and her younger brother, Tiro, call home. When their baby sister suddenly becomes very sick, Naledi and Tiro know, deep down, that only one person can save her. Bravely, alone, they set off on a journey to find Mma and bring her back. It isn't until they reach the city that they come to understand the dangers of their country, and the painful struggle for freedom and dignity that is taking place all around them.

Reviews (24)

Jo'burg Review
The Journey to Jo'burg book had a good storyline, but went by too quick. Naledi and Tiro got to Johannesburg way too quick! You couln't really learn much about them, but it gave a lot of backround info! Overall, it ws okay.

A good book
I found this a good book. When Naledi and Tiro's baby sister Dineo, gets sick, they decide to leave their small village and go to Johannesburg to call their mother to help Dineo. They discover so much about their country, about the way their skin colour changes their future and start to ask questions about why life is so unfair. Though readers found it very uninformative, at the time this book was written people were not allowed to write about how unfair the situation in South Africa was. This book said so much that it was banned for many years! It is designed to tell CHILDREN about the situation, so it can't be very gory, its just to give them an idea of the apartheid. I lived in South Africa and have studied the apartheid, this book gives the basic idea. Read it, its good.

Not good
This was a boring book. The title is deciving. It might be good for 1st and 2nd graders, however.
Nadeli and Tiro go to Jo'burg to find there mother, because their little sister Dineo is dying. But that is all that seems to happen, and they really don't spend much time in Jo'burg. Overall, it is a boring book

maryam from ababacar Mali
This is a story about girl and boy who are going to the city of Jo' burg to find the their mother. Because their baby sister is really sick. What i like about this book is that even during hard times the two kids really hold on to each other. What i don't like is the sad ending. I recommamend this book to people who like emotive strories. it's a book that could teach you lessons about life.

A South African Story
The main character in this book is Naledi. She is caring, brave, and curious. The plot of the story is as follows: Naledi and Tiro went on a journey, because their sister was very ill. On the journey they discovered how blacks were treated by whites. Some examples are: they had to sit at the back of the bus; they had to have passes to travel; they had to work as servants; and they were harrassed by the police. They went to seach for their Mma. Will they find Mma? Will they save their sister Dineo?- You should read this book to find out!- by Sierra Serrano (Age 12), Johnnie Basham (Age 10), and Garrett Kovach (Age 11) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very Infomative
This was great! I bought it off the culturegram website for 3 dollars because I was doing a geography project on China, and it was the best resource I had! It had all the information written in a way so if you needed to do a last minute reading on one part, you could find it quickly.Very, Very good. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Diana Appelbaum thanks her readers
I am so pleased to have heard from many children and parents who have enjoyed reading CocoaIce together. I hope that some of the parents and teachers who have enjoyed this book, will also enjoy reading BULLOUGH'S POND, a book for grownups published under my childhood name, Diana Muir.

Cocoa Ice
Cocoa Ice shows me two different worlds which is why I really like it. I live in Maine and have seen ice ponds and ice being harvested. It seems silly to us in Maine that people would pay money for ice because it is everywhere in the winter, but when you go someplace hot and tropical you realize the ice is something good. I like having stories that are about girls, and different places and times. Cocoa Ice makes me smile and want hot chocolate.

Great mixture of facts and story about a popular substance.
This book shows two sides of the historical journey of chocolate from producer to market -- but really it is the personal story of two little girls from two cultures who both enjoy chocolate (what little girl doesn't?). The illustrations are wonderfully evocative. We have to read this book again and again to our 4-year-old for the story, and to our 7-year-old "because it has facts in it." I am ordering extra copies to give for birthday presents for all the upcoming 5-year-old parties. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful story for preschool and elementary aged children!
My children (ages 3&4) loved this book! We rented it so much from the local library that it was well worth the money to buy it. ... Read more

Book Description

While she's in the Metropolitan Museum with her grandmother, a little girl leaves her prized yellow balloon tied to a railing outside. But its string becomes untied, and the balloon embarks on an uproarious journey through New York City. With an ever-increasing cast of wacky urban characters in tow, it soars past a host of landmarks. Eighteen famous paintings and sculptures are reproduced in this delightful, wordless book that explores the magical relationship between art and life.

Awards:

An ALA Notable Book
An American Bookseller Pick of the Lists
New York Public Library "100 Titles for Reading and Sharing"
A Child Study Children's Book Committee Children's Book of the Year ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A must for all who love New York.
This is one of my favorite books of all time. It captures the spirit of New York while showcasing numerous works of art from the Metropolitan Museum in the city. Juxtaposed together, children will love the fun drawings and adults will appreciate the cleverness contained in each page. I have bought this book as gifts for friends, and also bought two copies for myself. One sits proudly on my shelf, and I have matted and framed some of my favorite pages from the other copy to hang on my wall. If you love New York, art, and/or wonderful children's books you must discover this book for yourself.

Teachers will love this wordless book.
Wordless picture books have always held an honored place in the hearts (and lesson plans) of all teachers who promote a love of reading. YOU CAN'T TAKE A BALLOON INTO THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM takes that tradition to new heights with its exquisite detail, subtle parallel events, humor and excitement. It has all the elements of story: setting, lively characterization, the conflict and the chase...not to mention a most satisfying ending! But beyond all these delights, teachers of children of all ages will be drawn to this book for its potential to lead young minds on a quest for further information in many areas: art, art history, cultural tradition. It will find its place in creative writing lessons and in lessons about cultural history. And it will inevitably fix the images of a great museum in the minds of "readers," many of whom will find their way to The Met to discover these visual treasures in "real life." --Ann P. Kaganoff, PhD, Certified Educational Therapist; President, Association of Educational Therapists

you can't take a balloon into the metropolitan museum
So much fun! We love it as much as our daughter does. Wonderful illustrations.

NO WORDS TO EXPRESS OUR LAUGHTER !
What a wonderful READ ALOUD book -- with all the words supplied by you & you & you! Children love to help tell the story, and their eyes pick out all the jokey & fast-moving characters.

I can hardly wait for a tale of Chicago's Art Institute by the Preiss sisters who burst with imagination & talent. Tripping to the museum is shown to be the treat it truly can be, and this book makes a wonderful gift for a child or grown friend.

The guard at the museum is shown in all his quirkiness, with a comparison of him and the 3-headed BRAHMA from India. I love the diversity of hair-dos & clothes, and the hat plume which shields the body of the Greek PERSEUS (from Attorney General Ashcroft's notice?)! I also enjoyed the intertwined ice skaters compared to Degas' painting: SPANISH DANCE.

I collect book dedications; the one in this book is quite fitting. Catch up with the balloon and ENJOY!

MY GIRLS LOVE IT! BUY THIS BOOK!
I read my girls two books every night. We have a reasonably sized collection but let's face it, some children's books just don't stand up to repitition. When my oldest (5) goes to pick out a book from the shelf I get nervous -- if she picks out the fairy tale book I glaze over. You Can't Take a Baloon into the Metropolitan Museum is one of the books you just look forward to reading with your children. It's engaging, we see new things in it all the time, and it even gets them excited about art!! What's not to love?! We're waiting for more from Ms. Preiss-Weitzman! ... Read more

Book Description

So many years have gone by! So many years that no one remembers the evil duke who once lived in Cormorant Castle or how the bears came down from Sicily’s mountains to defeat him. No one even remembers that Sicily once had mountains. First published in 1947, Dino Buzzati’s sprightly fairy tale chronicles this forgotten history — the terrible winter that sent the starving bears down into the valley in search of food, as well as their struggles with an army of wild boars, wily professors who may or may not be magicians, the snarling Marmoset the Cat, and, worse still, suggestions of treachery within their own ranks. Despite the odds, the bears — from valiant King Leander to his little cub Tony, from the mechanically-minded Marzipan to observant Dandelion — triumph with bravery, ingenuity, humility, and high spirits. ... Read more

Book Description

Discover the legend of the magical trouble dolls - traditional Guatemalan good luck charms. Learn about the fascinating games, foods, crafts, and folktales of the Mayan civilization in Guatemala. Then, with your own set of six tiny trouble dolls, wish for good luck and happiness! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Bravo!
Beautiful story in a tiny book packed with lots of cultural information. A true gem.

A cultural find!
As an parent of a child who was adopted from Guatemala, I try to collect things that represent her birth country. When my 8 year old daughter came home from school with the Scholastic Book order form I was amazed to see "Trouble Dolls, A Guatemalan Legend". Surprisingly, the book is more than I imagined. There are 64 4" x 4" pages with beautiful, brightly colored illustrations reflecting Mayan weavings and life. The content is varied and comprehensive for a book it's size and includes unusual topics not found in other children's books that cover the same subject. Topics include: a pronunciation guide for speaking Maya, Guatemalan social customs, a typical Guatemalan menu, including Guatemalan hot chocolate and how to carry your school books Guatemalan style! Of course, the legend of the Trouble Dolls and four different ways to use them is included! This book has become one of my daughter's favorites that she proudly shares with her friends. They, too, have become fans of the book and have since ordered it themselves. It's a must have for any child from Latin America, particularly Guatemala, and for others interested in our cultural world. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Why is Eloise, 6-year-old resident of the Plaza Hotel in New York City, going to Paris? She and Nanny were summoned by a cablegram from Eloise's mother, and, as we all know, "If you are going to Paris France / you have to turn into French and absolutely go wild / and put adhesive tape on you / and fall down a lot and sklathe the window / and stretch into the curtain and..." Ahh, the deliciously mad logic of Eloise. She promptly gets on the phone to tell everyone--including room service--that she is Paris bound. There's so much to do--shots, passport pictures, packing ("Here's what else you have to take / Everything"), and of course the endless good-byes. Fortunately, "Sabena is the only airline / that will allow you to travel with a turtle" so Skipperdee comes along for the ride. At last, ils arrivent!

Hilary Knight captures familiar Parisian sights in his delicately hewn pen-and-ink illustrations of everything from the Arc de Triomphe to the Seine to the Champs &Eacute;lys&eacute;es to outdoor caf&eacute;s. Children will studyevery detail of each rawther extraordinaire illustration, from Weenie's snout (such as it is) peeking out from under the hotel bed to the bandy-legged, bunchy-shirted Eloise with her necklace of champagne corks. Even if children don't understand half of the quirks and language directed toward precocious grownups ("Langoustines make very good fingernails"), they'll find more than enough to delight them down to their very toes. Adults, of course, will also revel in this fascinatingly eccentric romp. And if you know anyone who loves (or will love) Paris, this book is the perfect bon voyage gift. Eloise in Paris was first published in 1957, the sequel to the original Eloise, and is every bit as wondrous. If you're in search of more Eloise (and who isn't really?), don't miss The Absolutely Essential Eloise, the original Eloise book with an additional scrapbook that tells the whole story of this impish character and her devoted creators. (Click to see a sample spread.Copyright 1957 by Kay Thompson. Reproduced with permission of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.) (Ages 5 to 105) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Eloise from 5 to 32!!!
I'm 32 years old and I LOVE Eloise - she is an absolutely delightful character! I have bought several of the Eloise books for my 5 year old daughter and she just loves Eloise as well. How fun and inspiring is it for a little girl to read about a character as whimsical and independent as Eloise?

The illustrations in this book are fantastic and really bring Paris to life for children. I have read this book at least 100 times to my daughter, and each time I enjoy it more. My daughter now wants a champagne cork necklace just like Eloise...thanks Kay Thompson for laughs you have allowed my daughter and me to share!

I love this book!!
I read Eloise (at the Plaza) and Eloise in Paris - all 'very much' Kay. I loved that woman - a very good friend of my mom's. I worked with/for her when (as a teenager) I did her musical arrangements and orchestrations for her fabulous act with The Williams Brothers - which opened in Vegas and played all over the world.

She was one of a kind (you can see her in Funny Face) brilliant musical/vocal arranger herself, world traveler, racounter, incredible lady. I've bumper into her in Rome, Paris, London, New York, LA and was terribly saddened by her death (even though she was painfully painfully thin her whole life). She was one of the great women in the history of show biz. The Eloise books are thrilling to say the least and I continually laugh every time I pick one up even after I've gone through them 100 times. I'm ordering them once again as I left mine in London and MUST have them once again. Buddy Bregman

ElOISE IN PARIS: []
Eloise's First trip to Paris, is unforgetable.
With her Nanny (Nanny), Turtle (Skiperdee), and her Dog (Weenie)...It's a Treasure. It's a keeper. It's great. A+

Eloise Is At It Again
Eloise is at it again, only this time she's in Paris. She'll miss the Plaza, but she does so love visiting new places. The 6 year old is sent for by her mother, and is flown off to Paris with her Nanny, turtle (Skipperdee), and her dog who looks like a cat (Weenie). While in Paris Eloise hangs out with Koki, one of her best friends and chaueffer and gets into all types of trouble. From sneaking around the hotel at night to losing Skipperdee and Weenie at the museum.

This is an excellent book for all Eloise fans, so pick up a copy of this book, and charge it please.

Cest moi, Eloise!
This is my favorite Eloise book. As an Eloise fan and a dedicated Travel-buff, this book is a perreniel favorite.

My sister and I had a battered copy that had belonged to my mom. Little did we know that it was a first edition. Unfortunately, with the cover missing and many of the pages creased and loose, it certainly didn't look like much.

That didn't matter to us, all the pages were still there, and we read that book, along with Eloise and Eloise in Moscow, over and over again. How happy I was to see that these books have been re-printed. ... Read more