Book Description

Twenty years ago, Robin McKinley dazzled readers with the power of her novel Beauty. Now this extraordinarily gifted novelist returns to the story of Beauty and the Beast with a fresh perspective, ingenuity, and mature insight.With Rose Daughter, she presents her finest and most deeply felt work--a compelling, richly imagined, and haunting exploration of the transformative power of love. ... Read more

Reviews (127)

Beautiful!
I love Robin McKinley's books!! I wasn't sure if I wanted to read Rose Daughter at first, because I loved Beauty so much, and I didn't want Rose Daughter to change my perception of the story. One thing, though, that you realize while reading this is that Beauty and Rose Daughter are different stories that don't need to be always compared. The writing style in this book is so beautiful it brought me to tears. It's almost beyond this earth. I love Lionheart and Jeweltongue! They are the greatest sisters in literature! They are so funny and wonderful and so completely different from eachother! Beauty is also unique. She has such a kinship with the earth and the creatures of the earth. Her character fits so well with the Beast. I loved the way this Beast had a different story behind him than in the traditional fairy tale. Robin McKinley has a way of bring you into her stories that makes you feel like you have shared the experiences of her characters. Reading this book I could almost smell the scent of rose!

McKinley tells the Beauty and the Beast legend one more time
McKinley's book, "Beauty", ranks as one of my top ten favorite books, so when I heard that she had written another book on the same topic, I thought, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" I decided to read it anyway and was I glad I did! Although it didn't grab my attention at first (those Pilgrim's Progress-type names threw me off and I kept comparing it to "Beauty"), it gradually sucked me in, and by the end, I was rooting for Beauty to stay with the Beast. I didn't care for certain characters (Master Jack, as one example) and was confused by the differing accounts of the curse/legend/story attached to the Rose Cottage, but overall, I enjoyed it. It did not have the dark, almost evil, overtones of McKinley's "Deerskin", which I was half-expecting, since other reviews have compared it to Donna Jo Napoli's "Zel", but it did have a few. I still like "Beauty" better, but it was well worth the read and I will now be buying my own copy for periodic rereading. However, I recommend to all readers that they find a copy of "Beauty" and read it, too, if they never have. Read them both!

Perfect
This was an amazing book of great literary merit. While it was not a book with much action it was wonderfully inspirational and leaves the reader with a sense of otherworldliness. It has a great twist ending and the description is such that the reader feels transported to a seprate place where anything at all is possible.

Really good!
I don't quite understand why everyone is giving this good book a bad review. I loved it...the names were a little weird, as someone commented, but what do names really matter. The characters were great, the plot was good and it kept me reading.

Boring...Hated the Ending
I wanted to read this book since it was by McKinley and I had read BEAUTY (which I loved and love to reread over and over). I had expected this book to be just as good as BEAUTY, if not better since it was longer and looked more interesting. I think it started out pretty well...but then just got worse and worse. I found parts of the book confusing...I wasn't able to picture what was going on as I am usually able to do while reading McKinley's books. I absolutely hated the ending...I know Beauty is supposed to love the Beast for who he is...but I can't even imagine a human girl marrying a huge beast. The fairy-tale ending with the beast changing into a human is much better. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent Read-Aloud
Do you have a child around the age of seven? This magical collection of read-aloud stories has been especially chosen for that age group. It contains forty-one short stories, with a few black and white drawings scattered throughout, that will take you through the entire year of seasons, holidays and birthdays. The one character that accompanies the reader throughout the whole book is Sylvia. Sometimes she is the subject of the story and at other times her mother is telling her a story. You'll read about princes, dragons, animals, fairies and more! This collection is suitable for both boys and girls ages 6 ½ to 8, but most especially seven-year olds. This book is out-of-print in the U.S. and a rare treat when you can find it!

Timeless Classic
In a world that has become disconnected to the heart, this book truly speaks to just that, the heart and soul of the child who is fortunate to listen to the wonderful and magical places Sylvia's mother takes her to in every chapter of the book. Sylvia is the little girl who is the main character and who is unfolding into the wonderful age of 7. She experiences so many wholesome, down-to-earth, yet ethereal events that will speak to the child within yourself as well as to your own child. Each chapter has episodes that are weaved into meaningful stories. Our tattered copy of The 7 yr. old Wonder Book has been read so many times and also loaned to friends who need a heartfelt story for their child. The works of Isabel Wyatt are a wonderous rare find as she truly understands the consciousness and soul of children.

Wonderful book for children
I read this book as a child over and over again. I highly recommend it for both boys and girls. It sparks the imagination and provides enchanting day-dream material for any 5-10 yr. old through the adventures of a little girl named Sylvia.

Wonderfully woven fairy tale book for reading aloud to child
I cannot recommend a better book to read aloud to children. Ages 5 to 10 are the best. ... Read more

Book Description

For nearly twenty years, Odysseus has fought terrifying giants and monsters, weathered the loss of his men, and angered gods and goddesses. Now he is trapped on the island of the alluring sea goddess, Calypso. Back in Ithaca, his wife, Penelope, and their son, Telemachus, are desperately warding off the suitors who want to marry Penelope in order to take control of Odysseus's island. Then a visit from a mysterious stranger gives Telemachus the courage to confront the suitors, and to head off in search of his long-lost father. Could the stranger be the gray-eyed warrior goddess, Athena? ... Read more

Reviews (66)

The Best "Boarding School" Book I've Read!
This book was fantastic! It has the best qualities of a science fiction book, and it has nothing that one could argue with reasonably. The plot is this: Menolly, a young girl, has at last been recognized as a wonderful musician, and is sent immediately to the Harper Hall of Pern. There, she encounters all sorts of surprises, such as that the instrument she picks as the best of a roomful for herself was once the Masterharper's, or that there is so little everyone knows about fire lizards, intelligent flying reptiles of which Menolly has nine. She makes friends in Camo, a dimwitted kitchen assistant who loves her fire lizards, and Piemur, a fellow student. Over the time she spends at the Harper Hall, Menolly grows into a masterful musician, and earns the right to become a Journeyman. This book is good because there is no magic, so it won't offend any church. It has marvelous plot dexterity and, well, rhythm. I would recommend this book for searchers of books beyond Harry Potter, SF lovers, or anyone who enjoys a good read.

One of My All Time Favorites!
Dragonsinger is the second book in the Harper Hall Trilogy and is the sequel to Dragonsong. It starts right after the previous book ends, with Menolly arriving in Harper Hall a-dragonback. There she begins her musical education with the masters of music. Menolly always thought that harpers would be different and that she would fit in among them, but she finds that people are the same wherever you go. All of the other girls are jealous of her musical talents and do not want her living in their cottage. The boys insist that she has no place with them and her nine fire lizards make her stand out even more. Still, she is Masterharper Robinton's special apprentice and he seems to believe in her and to love her new songs. As Menolly struggles to find her place among the harpers of Pern she will discover much about herself, as well as the remarkable secrets about fire lizards and eventually find an honored place among the Harpers of Pern.

Even though I have enjoyed all of McCaffrey's books, the Harper Hall trilogy has always been my favorite. I first read this book when I was in junior high school and simply loved it. I have read my copy time and time again. McCaffrey has a nice, smooth writing style with great descriptions so readers will have no trouble visualizing the life on Pern. She also does a nice job of throwing in little recaps so that those who have not read Dragonflight and Dragonquest can still understand what is going on. I simply loved the world of the Harpers and think that any reader of fantasy will enjoy this enchanting series.

Menolly Finds Her Place
DRAGONSINGER is the continuing story of Menolly, the heroine of DRAGONSONG. In this book, Menolly, now revealed as Petiron's lost apprentice, comes to the Harper Hall. This center of musical learning is more, and less, than Menolly thought it would be. She is forced to face opposition and prejudice from the music masters and her fellow students. However, the care and understanding the MasterHarper, Robinton, give her make the transition less painful. So do the friendships of Piemur, an impish singing apprentice, Sebell, a journeyman harper and Robinton's right-hand man, and Camo, the sweet but dull-witted kitchen drudge. Menolly faces her demons and triumphs in true fairy-tale fashion. Another favorite book, read so many times it is in tatters.

Dragonsinger
In Dragonsong we were first introduced to Menolly. But in Dragonsong we know her as the misunderstood girl at her father's sea hold. In Dragonsinger we come to know her as the happy girl at the Harper Hall, where all the best music is. Menolly is by far the best apprentice harper in Harper Hall, which may be her biggest trouble. When everyone but another apprentice named Piemur hates her for her ease at playing even the most difficult of songs jealousy begins to be a part of her daily life.

In my opinion this is the very best of all the Pern books.

Possibly my favorite novel by Anne McCaffrey
I've read this book many times. It's a lot more lighthearted than Dragonsong. At times, Menolly might be a little aggravating because she seems to care a little too much what others think of her, but then she has enough backbone to stick up for herself when one or two petty characters try to take her down. Most readers are going to know that she'll succeed in the end and become a harper, so I don't think I'm spoiling anything by stating that. The novel is more about finding out what happens to Menolly during her first crucial week at the Harpercraft Hall and how she wins powerful people to her side with her unassuming personality.

This is a great book about one of the more influential characters in the Dragonriders of Pern series. Dragonsong and Dragonsinger are also great books for pre-teens and are short enough to be accessible for children. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Great Folktales for Boys & Others!
This is a great collection of folktales specifically selected for the author's sons and grandson. The stories are interesting and exciting - they'll hold the attention of the most reluctant reader. Disguised under the fun tales are great lessons of character and integrity that boys today need so desperately to hear. I highly recommend it to parents, teachers, and kids! ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. "While other mice are gathering food for the winter, Frederick seems to daydream the summer away. When dreary winter comes, it is Frederick the poet-mouse who warms his friends and cheers them with his words."--Wilson Library Bulletin. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Fredreick shows us the value of poetry and the arts.
This children's book is about a field mouse named Frederick who discovers he is a poet. All the other field mice are working hard to prepare for winter; but, Frederick seems to daydream all the time. When winter comes we see the value of his daydreaming and the importance of poetry and the arts. The book was a 1968 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children. I recommend the book highly.

A beautiful introduction to the value of poetry for all ages
Frederick is the story of a mouse whose preparations for winter include gathering sunbeams instead of grains. When all their winter stores are used up Frederick warms the hearts and stomachs of his mouse family with a poem capturing the warmth and color of summer. This book introduces the value of poetry and spiritual food to readers of all ages with timeless illustrations.

a must-read for all children
I am happy to read among the reviews that this book has been as important in other people's childhoods as it was in mine. I never owned the book but would borrow it from the library every single week. I could cite Fredericks poem at the end of the book and the story never lost its appeal. I purchased it for myself when I was 22 and I am happy I did.

Leo Lionni has the rare gift of creating a wonderful story with little means, keeping it simple and yet rich. A review complained how this book doesn't promote children to do their chores, and I don't think this person has understood the book, which is sad. Lionni does not intend to moralize, he only wants to show that there are many things that are important in life. Food is important, but so is hope. Frederick is just the mouse who can bring back hope in his fellow mice when all hope seems to be lost. He fills their hearts with warmth and sunshine when he tells them to closer their eyes, imagine the warmth of the sun and the colors of spring. How can you not think this is a beautiful book??

Frederick understands quality of life....
Frederick seems to be lazy and self-centered. However, he is the free spirit, the artist, the dreamer, the one who stops to smell the roses. When winter comes, he shares all the richness he saved up, bringing warmth to everyone else's heart and soul and teaching us to appreciate diversity. Great for Fall themes, enrichment for mammal themes (mice) or seasons, and for teaching us to look for the value in others, even when it is hard to find. I love this book and use it in many different ways with many different ages of children.

Frederick nurtures the soul
In this world where our children and grandchildren are being pressured to "produce more, bigger, better, faster" -- in this world of buzzwords like "measurable results" -- Frederick is a haven of comfort and food for the child's imaginitive soul. For all of those children and parents who have a dreamer's spirit and a poet's soul, this is a lovely book. I read it to my chidren, and now that I have grandkids coming along I have bought copies for each of them. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (17)

A delightful trickster story.
This children's book is a retelling of an African-American folktale about a lazy bear and an industrious rabbit, a trickster, who grows different crops on the bear's land. Sometimes the bear wants the top of the crops while the hare takes the bottoms. Other times the bear demands the bottoms. Each time, the hare grows a crop which makes him the "winner" in the deal. The book was a 1996 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children.

A new classic - well worth buying!!
It seems Mr. Rabbit is in a bit of a fix. After losing that race to Turtle, he's in a bit of a financial jam. So, he goes to Bear and makes a deal.

The Rabbit family will plant and harvest the crops on Bear's land. Rabbit will split the crops with Bear 50/50. All Bear has to do is decide which half - tops or bottoms - he wants.

Unfortunately, whether the crop is potatoes, lettuce, corn, or radishes, Bear keeps picking the "wrong half".

This is a hillarious story that kids of all ages will appreciate. For visual interest, the book is designed to flip from top to bottom (as opposed from left to right).

Janet Stevens' artwork alone is worth the cost of the book!

Enjoy!

Heads and tails
When I first picked up the charming, "Tops and Bottoms" picture book by Janet Stevens, I was initially certain that this was a kind of Brer Rabbit tale. It had all the markings of it. Animals in clothing tricking one another out of food of one sort or another. The hero was a hare and the villain a bear. But on reading this book I was in for a shock. A staple of the Brer Rabbit tales is the idea that sometimes luck and laziness go hand in hand. Brer Rabbit is forever tricking the other animals into doing his work for him rather than the other way around. But in "Tops and Bottoms" we have a very familiar message to contend with. Hard work pays off.

The book is drawn in a rather original format. Rather than holding the book with the spine horizontal, instead this tale can only be read with the spine completely vertical. Pictures are long here, rather than wide, and the result is an eclectic new way of telling a tale. It's enormously effective. In this story, a lazy bear owns most of the land. One day, Hare decides its time to buy some of his own land back. He strikes up a deal with the prematurely hibernating neighbor and the two become business partners. If Hare does all the work, Bear can chose the part of the crop he prefers. Either the tops or the bottoms. It soon becomes clear that Bear is no match for the sly hare. After all, when Bear chooses the tops, Hare plants carrots. When Bear understands his mistake he chooses bottoms and Hare plants lettuce and celery. And when Bear demands both the tops AND the bottoms, Hare plants corn and gets the middle. In the end, Bear learns the benefits of hard work (and staying on top of things) and Hare has enough money from the crops to own his own land again.

A word of caution: If you're using this book with the intention of utilizing it to teach youngsters about farming cycles, cease and desist. In the course of this tale, Hare harvests his crops three times over the summer months. His youngsters also weed the garden of unusually hardy dandelions each and every time Bear instructs Hare to plant again. Still, as complaints go this one's fairly petty. The story is funny and well written. Hare has a wonderful way of roping Bear into the deal, coming off with phrases like, "Yes, sir, Bear, we're in this together. I'll work and you sleep". Better still are the illustrations. From Bear's permanently loose tie and oversized shoes to Hare's gaudy carrot covered Hawaiian shirt, the characters here are alive and kicking. Stevens also has a great talent drawing vegetables. I've rarely seen the stems of radishes as wonderfully rendered as they are in this book. And best of all, Hare is aided and abetted by his hard working kin. Baby rabbits fill the pages, usually hiding over, under, above, and through every vegetable in the book. My favorite moment was the scene in which Hare presents the tops AND bottoms of the corn. There, in the lower left hand corner stands Mrs. Hare, studiously removing the roots of the plant to place in the "bottoms" pile.

In effect, Janet Stevens has taken the essence of the Brer Rabbit tales and switched the message about 180 degrees. And you know what? It doesn't matter. Because Hare still gets the best of Bear and the story is a well-told romp. Add in the gorgeous pictures and the amazing format and you've got yourself a bonafide hit. As great read aloud books go, this is definitely one of the best. A highly recommended story time favorite.

Wonderful!
I enjoyed reading this and looking at the pictures as much as a child. To me, that's a real hit when you have both the child and adult looking forward to the reading.

What a shrewd bunny!
The characters are amazing... and amazingly easy to impersonate.
My children love when I give each of the main characters (bear and rabbit) a different voice. The story is really about entrepreneurship, but the little ones only need to know the difference between a root vegetable and a leaf vegetable. Anyway, my kids cannot look at a corn field now without saying "Tops or Bottoms"? And that to me is the best compliment given to a book. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Delightful
I was fortunate to hear the author speak in the early 90s in my hometown of Syracuse, NY. He is an engaging storyteller. It was then that I discovered his book. The artwork in this edition is rich and appealing. The vignettes of each moon, combined with the illustrations, make an appealing canvas for young and/or exploring minds.

Traditional View of Seasonal meanings
This book is an excellent work of Native American children's literature. Joseph Bruchac is a well-known Abenaki story-teller who profiles in this book the thirteen moons of the year, and profiles for each moon what is important about that season to different Native Nations. The artwork is a beautiful compliment to the story. If you are looking for a solid and sensitive look at inter-tribal stories for children, this is a great place to start! ... Read more

Book Description

"It's a pillar," says one. "It's a fan," says another. One by one, the seven blind mice investigate the strange Something by the pond. And one by one, they come back with a different theory. It's only when the seventh mouse goes out-and explores the whole Something-that the mice see the whole truth. Based on a classic Indian tale, Ed Young's beautifully rendered version is a treasure to enjoy again and again.

"Immensely appealing." (The Horn Book, starred review) ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Have you ever seen such a sight in your life?
Ed Young is nothing so much as an artistic version of Eric Carle. Not that I have anything against Eric Carle (author of "The Hungry Caterpillar") but in "Seven Blind Mice", the artist has imbued his book with such amazing colors and textures that it's a wondrous delight to look through. The story is the classic folktale of the seven blind men and the elephant, rendered mousey. In this story, seven blind mice (not the usual tailless three) come across a large elephant. Each mouse feels a different part of the elephant and comes up with a different idea of what the large object blocking their path is. The moral of the story is summed up nicely at the end as, "Knowing in part may make a fine tale, but wisdom comes from seeing the whole".

Each scene displays the colorful mice (each a different vibrant color) against a black background. These cut-outs are positioned perfectly in each scene to convey movement, mindset, and personality. Though they may be similar shapes, they are by no means identical. But I really can't convey the beauty Young has created here. The elaborate papers used for the elephant's skin or the evocative mind's eye scenes of what the elephant might be. Each time a colored mouse describes what the elephant is (whether pillar or spear or cliff) that object appears on the opposite page in brilliant beautiful papers the color of the mouse describing it.

Pretty doesn't describe it. Beautiful comes close. But spectacular is the most accurate statement that can be made about this book. Now go buy it.

The seventh mouse took his time.
This book was wonderful. The illustrations were so bright and distinct. There are seven blind mice tring to figure out the identity of an object by feeling it. The first six mice make their decisions very quickly, therefore making the wrong choice. The seventh mouse takes his precious time. He runs on top of the object. He runs back and forth. When he finally makes his decision it is the correct one. This book would be great in teaching children to look at every angle of a situation before making a decision.

Kids learn that wisdom comes from seeing the whole
The Indian story of the blind men and the elephant has to be one of the most popular and familiar tales from the sub-continent, and the well-known story receives some nice twists in this book written and illustrated by Ed Young. This time around it is "Seven Blind Mice" who are one day surprised to find a strange something by their pond. They all cry "What is it?" and then run home. Each day, one by one, they investigate the mystery and each returns to report something different to the others, insisting it is a pillar, a snake, a cliff, and so on.

Young, who previous wrote and illustrated "Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story from China," works in collage for this volume. When we first see the mice they are a row of brightly colored tails against a field of black. Throughout the book the vibrant cut-paper collage on a stark black background makes for a very strong visual impact. The elephant, or I suppose I should say the real elephant, is made from textured and crumpled paper. Even though the mice are blind, each one imagines what they have discovered to be the same color as they are; for example, it is the Green Mouse that feels the trunk of the elephant and reports that he has found a snake, which is also colored green.

"Seven Blind Mice" is a Reading Railroad book aimed at younger students (K-Grade 3). The book works on several levels, because in addition to colors and days of the week, there is an emphasis on counting as well, all of which would be topics in a Kindergarten curriculum. Classes can also discuss what it is like to have a disability, differences and similarities between animals, favorite days of the week, and many other topics off of this book. Plus there is the story's moral: "Knowing in part may make a fine tale, but wisdom comes from seeing the whole." Of course, even young readers will not miss out on how it is the only female in the group, the White Mouse, who is able to put the parts into a whole.

Seven Blind Mice
The book Seven Blind Mice is about seven blind mice that notice something unusual by their pond. Each of the mice goes to the pond to investigate the object. After each one comes back from their investigation they have a different result from the others. Until the white mouse goes to investigate and comes back, and tells them that it is all of the things they said it was. The lesson that this book teaches is that you can all have your own opinion, but you'll be smarter if you look at everyone's. This book should be read by children ages four through seven because I think anyone younger wouldn't understand, and anyone older would think it is uninteresting. I thought that the book was good, but a little boring. It lost my attention half way through the book.

OkaY
WeLL, I reAD THis Book and I MUSt saY ThaT I aM MoSt hORrIblY diSApPoinTEd! FroM AlL thE PoSItivE RevIEwS I EXpected THat tHIs WaS GoinG tO Be a GREAT BooK ThaT I WouLD ReallY ENjoY! It WasN'T! IT alsO WASn't HorRIble EitHER! It was MEdioCRE. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Inspired by the ancient masterpiece The Aeneid, by Roman poetVirgil, modern-day author Penelope Lively has penned a poignant retelling of thearduous journeys of Trojan warrior Aeneas. Doubtful young readers will be amazedat how readable and downright gripping these old tales really are, from thedevastating ruse the Greeks wreak on the city of Troy, to the tempestuous seasthe escaping Trojans cross and recross, to the violent battles they fight, allin the name of finding their true homeland.

Illustrator Ian Andrew's evocative, scratchy illustrations set the stage foraward-winning author Penelope Lively's text, which captures all the terribleexcitement and bittersweet emotions of these ancient travails and mythicalencounters with supernatural beasts. Moved by this retelling, readers willsurely want to seek out other epic classics, perhaps Rosemary Sutcliff'smasterful retellings of Homer's Black Ships Before Troy: The Story ofthe Iliad and TheWanderings of Odysseus: The Story of the Odyssey. (Ages 9 and older)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Will appeal to any student of Greek mythology and history
Ian Andrew illustrates In Search Of A Homeland, a story of the Aneid and a tale of war which will appeal to any student of Greek mythology and history. Chapters present the story with plenty of illustration and color: it's hard to peg the readers and age group of this title, which will reach from grades 5-8. ... Read more

Book Description

Unable to fall asleep one night, Harold uses his purple crayon to create his very own bedtime fairy tale.

... Read more

Reviews (4)

2nd best of the series
Impossible to beat the original "Harold and the Purple Crayon", this is certainly the next best thing. This story is appealing to a somewhat older child than the original story, as it is a bit more complex. It is better than "Trip to the Sky", which has an odd story line that children do not follow as well. The new books that go with the television series are weak in comparison to the books written by Crockett Johnson.

Gets the imagination going!
You have to love Harold and his purple crayon! You never know where they are going to take you. In this adventure, he and his crayon meet a king who is sad because there are no flowers in his enchanted garden. Well, Harold finds the reason for this crime and takes care of it.
Well written and in such a nice rhythm. Your child will ask questions, think up scenarios, and wonder aloud at what will happen next.

I'm a kid again
This book is filled with such imagination. It is a great book, if your a teacher or a daycare assistant, to read to the kids and have a fun project.

It's so cute!
This was the cutest book I've ever read. If you're thinking about reading a short story this summer, read "Harold's Fairy Tale:Further Adventures with the Purple Crayon." By: Crockett Johnson. Remember this book deserves five stars. Have fun reading! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Jessica's Review on a Nice Shot
I think that this book was a page turner. I have read almost all the Myth-O-Mania books and this one really stuck out. It was the best one in my opinion. All of them in the series are funny with Hades as the narrater bringing all of the events to life. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good laugh once in a while but loves to read. Although it isn't a very long or hard book at all. Teens who just think that every book is stupid may want to pick this one up. I thought this was going to be stupid when our teacher gave us the series to read. It turned out to be a very interesting and fun way to learn about mythology. So go to the library or a book store and get this book because it's GOOD!

Love is in the air
This book was an extremely funny book, and is the second Myth-O-Mania with Cupid. Inthis one Hades meets the beautiful mortal Psyche at a wrestling match, and soon after the Show-offy goddes Aphrodite discovers mortals have stopped worshipping her because of Psyche's beauty. Cupid is sent to make her fall in love with the smelliest mortal alive, but falls in love with her. Since he is a teenager he doesn't want Psyche to see him so hideous, so he and Zeus have a brilliant plan...This book is just as good as the first three and hsi garrunteed yo make you laugh. ... Read more

Book Description

In this exciting interpretation of the legend of how papermaking spread throughout the world, a Chinese grandfather and his grandson are captured by the great sultan of Samarkand. They bargain for their freedom by agreeing to teach the Arabs the art of making paper. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Reading Jim Rumford's "The Cloud Makers" in Russia
My mother shipped this book to me when I was living in Russia this past Christmas. I sat down one evening with a 9 year old Russian boy and his father who were ignoring a party going on around them to read and translate this story into Russian. The father knew English fairly well, but his son, who had only studied English for 3 years, corrected his father many times because the son understood that you need to study the pictures to correctly translate the story - not just read the words. Jim Rumford's beautiful watercolors made all the difference. Spasibo, Jim ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (4)

A huge dissapointment for furry fans
This fable seems like a furry lover's dream - beautiful illustrations depicting two anthropomorphic tribesmen and their adventures in coming of age. However, when you read the text, it hits you: these characters are not furries at all. They are MEN with the names of animals. The story isn't bad, it's well written and inspirational, and the illustrations are worth a purchase for those interested in furry art. However, if you're interested in a good furry story, as opposed to a good story about men, look elsewhere as you won't get one, despite the illustrations. A major letdown for fans of the talking animal genre.

A Story to Share Again and Again
I have given more copies of Crow and Weasel away than any other book in recent years. It is the most beautiful portrait of male friendship available in any genre for children or adults. I most often give copies to young men facing some important transition in their own lives...graduation from high school or college when they too will be asked to go beyond what is familiar, and in doing so, will learn more about themselves. This is a story to share with those you love again and again. As Lopez says, "If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed..." This is just such a story.

Lessons learned from a weasel...
...and a crow, and many other insightful characters within "Crow and Weasel" have stayed with me since I first read it almost 10 years ago. The story itself is vibrant, almost to the point of actual narrative. Beautiful landscapes and dialogue throughout lend themselves to the imagination; I feel very much a part of what I'm reading-a true escape. And I like that it teaches me by surprise. Everytime I finish this book, I find that my joy in diversity, my desire to be kind, and my reverence for the natural world have grown. Tom Pohrt's illustrations are each works of art, and complement the story perfectly. I wish they were available as prints. Share this book with the young, and then go share it with everybody else.

Excellent book teaching social skills and diversity
This is a good book that can be read to or by children ages 7-15. This book could be read in 2-3 hours and has natural breaks that allows you to return to the book a number of different times. The story is interesting and keeps the listeners or readers attention. I teach special education for behavior disorder students and this book is useful in teaching a variety of different social skills. I also have to sons that have enjoyed the story line and the messages that the story contains. The illustrations are colorful and add life to the books content. I highly recommend this book for any youth library. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Feathers And Fools
This book is great. I would recommend this book to everyone. In this book the swans and peacocks are enemies. This book is for all ages. The peackocks and swans had a fight, but some swans flew away. If you like great illustrations read Feathers And Fools by Mem Fox.
By: Lauren M.

A Lesson In Conflict
Once again Mem Fox has captured an essential humancondition. Like so many of her previous picture books, Feathers andFools, lyrically pulls us into a story rich with meaning. We use this allegory in our Unit of Inquiry focusing on 20th Century Conflicts. Students are full of observations which they apply to history and to their personal lives. Perfect for use in IB-PYP schools. The beautiful illustrations by Nicholas Wilton successfully augment this tale of fear and new beginnings. ... Read more

Amazon.com

At last, the true story behind the Princess and the Pea! (Come on, did you really think a princess could feel a pea through 20 mattresses?) In this retelling of the classic fairy tale we're finally presented with the pea's-eye view. This fresh green perspective allows us to see that the tiny legume held lofty expectations from the early days in the pod. We also learn something we suspected all along--the whole thing went down a little differently than rumors held. (One can imagine a whole line of revisionist fairy tales recast from the eyes of crucial inanimates--the beanstalk, the glass slipper, the red riding hood.)

Grey's bright, whimsical illustrations will help distract readers from the text's choppy timeline and odd capitalization, and observant young viewers will spot early on a key player in the finale. Note: While the story may give kids a new respect for vegetables, we can't promise that means they'll start eating them. (Ages 4 to 8) --Brangien Davis ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An enjoyable read--again and again and again and again
As the mother of a two-year-old, I am delighted when I find a book that both of us enjoy reading, since books get read over and over. This is one of those delightful books that we share.

The storyline is clever: the tale of the princess and the pea, as told from the pea's perspective. We learn about a prince who just can't seem to find the right princess (even when threatened with having his allowance withheld), the very polite princesses who sleep like babies on the multiple-mattressed bed, the pea's resolution to "do something!" and what comes of it.

The charming illustrations add to the attraction: vegetables of various sorts adorn the walls; even the queen's eyes are made of peas; and the front and back inside covers detail the "before" and "after" scenes in the palace garden.

While my daughter enjoys this book at age 2, I know that older children would be delighted, as well. A beginning reader could probably master the text after a few times through with help; in addition, the notion of telling a fairy tale from the perspective of some lesser character is one which could be used as a creative writing exercise in the early grades.

As for me, I will be on the lookout for more gems from Mini Grey!

A Very Smart Pea Indeed
I died laughing reading this book, it was absolutely darling. The pea is a very smart one, having undertaken the task of making a princess seem acceptable for the queen, and when the pea learns of the woman's identity, he is very surprised! As will you be.

A lovely tale for male or females, this book has enchanting illustration that draw the reader in to the plight of the pea. ... Read more

Book Description

In his final quest, Gilgamesh, still mourning the death of his dear friend Enkidu, sets out to find the key to immortality. His journey is perilous. He must fight ferocious serpents and wild lions. He travels through bitterly cold caves, across scorching deserts, and over the fatal waters of the Sea of Death. Finally he arrives at the palace of Utnapishtim, the only human who knows the secret of immortality. Utnapishtim sets Gilgamesh a test to stay away for six days and seven nights, but Gilgamesh fails. His last hope, a flower of eternal youth, is eaten by the goddess Ishtar, who exacts her revenge. Finally, Enkidu comes from the underworld to show Gilgamesh true immortality: the king will be remembered for his good deeds, courage, and love for his people. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Buy all three
My children and I are beginning a study of ancient civilizations and I bought the three Gilgamesh books to expand our coverage of ancient Sumer. These books are just amazing! The story itself is powerful but I wondered how the author was going to tone down some of the violence; not to mention the fact that Shamat was a prostitute in other versions. Ludmilla Zeman has brought this story to children with intensity and grace that comes as a complete surprise. I especially liked her painting of the chaste kiss between Shamat and Enkidu with the explanation that Shamat taught Enkidu to speak and together they explored the ways of love. Very tender.

In her illustrations, Ludmilla Zeman has made an attempt to incorporate actual historical artifacts. These are all high-quality books in every sense and I cannot recommend them highly enough. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

short stories of pirates
This book features an enjoyable group of short stories about pirates, from different countries. No blood and guts here, although one tale from Africa is a little spooky. The stories can be read aloud, or read by elementary scholl readers. The softcover version of this is very nice, with a strong glossy cover with endflaps like a hardcover. The endflaps are to be used as bookmarks. Nice colorful painted illustrations on every page.

An excellent Pirate Book
I am the mother of two boys ages 3 and 4, who love Pirates. This is a great book. It gives you a collection of Pirate stories from around the world and we have a lot of fun picking which story we will read. A fun book for young and older.

It's about time!
This gorgeously illustrated collection of Pirate lore from around the world is a refreshing switch from violence-glorification usually found in Pirate stories. The focus in these stories is on adventure rather than gore. I have younger kids, and although this book is aged for 9+, it was perfectly suitable for them. ... Read more