Reviews (44)

Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets
I read some of the other reviews and one stated that this was not a book for adults - true, it's not one I would have purchased solely for my own enjoyment - but enjoy it I did. My 7 year old son and I bought the book at the book fair and this is our second go round with it as a bed time book. We enjoy it as much or more each time we read it together. My 4 year old daughter can't wait to get her own Capt Underpants book. Thank you Mr. Pilkey for a book the whole family can read together - I am waiting impatiently for the next Capt Underpants adventure, I may even let the kids read it when I'm done...stay tuned................

Totally outrageous and ha ha!
This book is the greatest book I have ever read because it is very amusing. When I heard that they made the toilets come to life I was laughing like crazy. I can't believe that George and Harold glued everyone to their seats and everyone was stuck. I liked the Pasty 2000 because all you have to do was put in a picture and the machine makes the picture come to life. I felt sorry when someone snapped their fingers and the mean old principal became Captain Underpants because Captain Underpants ruins everything. I give this book five stars because it is one of the greatest and funniest books ever. The best part was when George and Harold got to be principal for the day.

captain underpants
George& Harold are back in an epic challenge to stop evil talking tiolets destroy earth.this book is so funny with lots of adventure.
I like it and so do the kids at school.

"More Flip-O-Rama!"
"Their teacher, Ms. Ribble might say that George and Harold were 'disruptive' and 'behaviorally challenged.' ...But if you ask their parents, they'd probably say that George and Harold were smart and sweet, and very good-natured...even if they were a bit silly at times. I'd have to agree with their parents."

Dav Pilky's affectionate, "epic novel" further chronicles the adventures of George and Harold and their principal, Mr. Krupp, who turns into heroic "Captain Underpants" whenever someone snaps their fingers. Pilky unapologetically presents toilet jokes, body part jokes (the boys switch a sign from "pretty armchairs" to "hairy armpits"), and brazen disobedience at school. That's a warnng to potential buyers who can't stand this kind of juvenile humor.

But the book is for juveniles (and those in touch with their inner juvenile). Pilkey's silly jokes, gimmicks (FLIP-O-RAMA), and self-referential chapter titles are inspired insipid fun, and not nearly as violent as the Three Stooges. More mature children will appreciate Pilkey's skewering of the traditional kids' book and his celebration of low-tech, non-glossy gimmickry.

Oh, and not that it matters, but the evil Talking Toilets are defeated by the "Photo-Atomic Trans-Somgobulating Yectofantriplutonic-zanziptomiser" (or PANSY). 139 pages of fun and lowbrow humor. By the way, just in case you need to defend this book from literary watchdogs, tell them that "Publishers Weekly" called the first book in the series ("The Adventures of Captain Underpants") "the funniest book of the year."

TRA-LA-LAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! AGAIN!
"Captain Underpants and The Attack of the Talking Toilets" is a good book, and I heard that there's two new movies called "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," and "The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers," well if you are going to make these movies you should make this great book with satire of a movie too, and i'll give it 5 stars, just like I give this 5 stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The sixth "epic novel" in Dav Pilkey's hugely popular series explainsthe awful truth about Captain Underpants (he is really the schoolprincipal), details "the night of the nasty nostril nuggets," offers up"the unnecessarily disgusting chapter," and even explains how "you can'thave your cape and Edith, too."

George and Harold are "C" students (and bad spellers), but they are verygood at "saving the entire planet from the nasty forces of unrelentingevil" and also at ketchup-toilet pranks. Unfortunately, they can't saveMelvin Sneedly from getting paddled by his bionic hamster. But, frankly,they wouldn't want to, because besides being the school brainiac, Melvin is also a tattletale. When his robot-making hobby backfires horribly, Melvin transforms himself into the Bionic Booger Boy instead of a bionic superboy. Can Captain Underpants save everyone from this "greenish, glistening behemoth?"

Pilkey is the superhero of boy humor, stuffing his heavily illustratedbooks with comic-book inserts, "flip-o-rama" animation, and all thegross-out jokes an elementary-school kid could stomach. Fans will wantto get their hands on Captain Underpants and theBig Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy Part 2: The Revenge of theRidiculous Robo-Boogers as well. (Ages 8 and older) --KarinSnelson ... Read more

Reviews (11)

This book will get your son to read!
This is the book that got my 7 year-old son to love reading. What more could you ask for? It was a great reading experience for both of us to share. We took turns reading out loud together, and thoroughly enjoyed laughing at all the silly adventures of the characters. I think part of the charm of this book (to boys) is the language--words like "booger" and "poopie" are hilarious when you're 7. The Captain Underpants series of books is great because it lets boys be boys while they learn that reading can be fun.

Smart satiric humor
First, specifically regarding The Night of the Nasty Nostril Nuggets: Our whole family loves Captain Underpants stories, and we were afraid no more were being written, so it was great to discover the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, and realize we'd get to read a part 2 later on. This book tells a typically outrageous story of the boys' good intentions gone awry, when a silly nerdy character named Melvin (hey, not disparaging nerds, been called one often) accidentally turns himself into a pretty icky monster, and the usual twists and turns occur, leading to a cliffhanger that is resolved in Part 2, The Revenge of the Ridiculous Robo-Boogers.

The whole Captain Underpants series is wonderful. I was happy to discover it a couple of years ago, as my son was a very good reader, but completely uninterested in books. This series changed that completely. And I appreciate the gentle pokes at sexist principals, well-meaning but myopic school librarians and slightly suspicious cafeteria ladies; just a few of the personal memories that led me to homeschool my own children. George and Harold get into all kinds of trouble, but they really are kinda warm and sweet, especially as you get to know them throughout the whole series. Anyone who sees these funny, well-thought-out books as negative or subversive is really not getting the message at all.

WAY grosser than the others...my son just LOVED it :)
My son has been reading this series from the beginning and even though he is beyond this reading level he loves these books just as much as he ever did! I like to let him read things just of the fun of it and he sure thought this book was fun...with a capital *F*...

He wanted to read the book out loud to me so I was able to get the full effects of the *nasty nostril nugget* theme... I hadn't heard him laugh out loud so much, in a long long time. It was very nice to see.

The book is set up like the others in that george and harold write cartoons through out and my son just loves the cartoons. The main characters were all included although some of them were a bit different than in prior books. Some of them also had more or less involvement in this book.

I think this book was very heavy on the whole *nostil nugget/mucus/gross out theme. At times it was a bit much for me but for him...it was total and complete enjoyment. He was roaring with laughter the entire time.

There are so many books that are hard or painful for him to read in school. So many books he is required to read that are either a challenge or quite sad... I think it's important that he read books like this to remember the simple joy of reading... and this book, for him, was joy.

Captain Underpants Lost Its Humor
I'm a huge fan of the Captain Underpants books. Ever since the fifth book came out, I've been dying for the sixth one to come out. When I finally got to read it, I was disappointed. First of all, George and Harold's teacher is now extremely nice. She was much funnier when she was extremely mean. Second of all, Melvin's hamster is now a regular in the series. New characters always make things worse, even if it is a hamster. Third of all, the book focused too much on Melvin. Not enough George and Harold.

The best book ever!!!!!!!!!
This is the best book ever. I also own part 2. I own #1,3,,and 5. I can't wait for the next book. You can find more Dav Pilkey books like Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot. Let's get back to the book.This book is funny. I like the Flip-o-rama in this book.After I get all the books I am going to read them again.After I read all the books I'm going to start reading Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot.I am going to get the collection of the books. We'll I hope they are good. ... Read more

Book Description

When the mouse-ship carrying Joseph the Bellmaker and his daughter Mariel runs afoul of a pirate rat king, they are mercilessly tossed overboard. Washed ashore and certain that her father is dead, Mariel vows revenge.

"A satisfying ripsnorter of an adventure." --Kirkus Reviews

"A female protagonist [lends] a contemporary touch to the series...perilous battles and rousing adventure." --Publishers Weekly ... Read more

Reviews (116)

FINALLY a brave, strong-willed HEROINE!
I have read books whith heroines, but those girls were never like this one! Mariel is a young mouse who is in "deep" trouble when she is thrown into the sea, but she makes it to shore. she knows nothing about her. She finally remembers when she comes to Redwall. She heads out to find the searat who tried to kill her, along whith some friends. Meanwhile, the enemy, Gabool the Wild, is going insane. And his partner has betrayed him. The partner, Greypatch, is out to take over Redwall! This book is so imaginative, funny, exciting, and sad sometimes, that anyone will love it. I love animals,and I was in heaven. Those Dibbuns are too cute!

A wonderful book, to read again and again.
This was the story of a young mouse named Mariel who set off(with 3 adventurous friends)to find her father and get revenge on the evil searat:Gabool the Wild. It is a grand adventure that I loved reading. The characters are filled with humor, wit, and courage. Yet Brian Jacques couldn't have created a character more evil than Gabool and his ruthless searats. This is a book I recomend to any fantasy lovers or lovers of the Redwall series. All I can say is:BUY IT AND ENJOY IT!!!

Mariel of Redwall
Mariel of Redwall is book number four in the fascinating Redwall series. In this book, the young mousemaid Mariel and her father Joseph the Bellmaker are captured by the evil searat Gabool the Wild on Fort Bladegirt in the isle Terramort. Joseph is locked in the dungeons while Mariel serves Gabool. She nearly kills Gabool in a swordfight; he was only saved by his henchrats knocking her senseless. Gabool has Mariel thrown into the sea on a piece of wood. In the midst of a storm, she is washed up on an island with no memory at all.
After she decides on a name, Storm Gullwhacker, Storm after that which she was washed up in and Gullwhacker after the knotted rope she uses as a weapon against gulls and other beasts. Saved by three Long Patrol hares of Salamandastron, she journeys to Redwall Abbey and uponhereing an old poem, she remembers her past and realizes that her ultimate quest is to kill the corsair that nearly killed her.
Joined by Dandin, Tarquin L. Woodsorrel, and Durry Quill, she sets out to rescue her father and make Gabool pay for her imprisonment, her father's treatment, and his lifetime of wickedness. Read on and find out what happens to the warriors of Redwall!!
I liked this bookbecause it was really captivating, and I also liked the continuation of this story, called Joseph the Bellmaker. The series is a captivating, interesting read. I recommend this book to all newcomers to Brian Jacque's Redwall series and to anyone who likes action, adventure, escapes, wars, friendship, and lovesick, gluttonous hares!!

An Amazing s prequel
The action packed prequel to the Bell Maker and take splace after Out Cast of Redwall. The young mouse Mariel and here father Joseph are captured and taken prisoner by vile sea rat Gabol the Wild.

Mariel later is tossed over board into the she where she is wast shore. Having lost her memories she names he self Storm Gumwacker. She later arrives at Redwall.

Later during the abott feast Mariel regains here memory after hearing a poem. She leaves on a quest to rescue her father and killed Gabol. Accompy here is a yound mouse named Dandin who is the first creature of redwall to wild Martins swords.

Yes this is before Cluny , Slagar, and Urban Mad Eyez were around. We also learn the origon of the Joseph bell. Which was named after Joseph Mariel father.

The bell turns out was made for the badgers of Slamadastron. Along with a Badger lord the depart to kill Gobal the wild. Engage in one of the most villiant battles in the Redwall series.

If you like this book find about the future adventures of Mariel and Dandin in Bellmaker.

Go Mariel
This is one of my favourite books in the series. The storyline is very interesting. Mariel, on her way to deliver a bell to Salamandastron, home of badger Lord Rawnblade, with her father Joseph the Bellmaker, is attacked by a searat ship. She is taken to an island called Terramort where she attacks the leader, Gabool the Wild, and is thrown into the sea. She is washed up on the shore, with no memory, but a will to survive and a knotted rope. She calls herself Storm, and the rope Gullwhacker. She is found by hares of the Long Patrol, and is shown the way to Redwall Abbey, where she makes lots of friends. One of them, called Saxtus, recites a poem which leads her to remember who she is. She then sneaks out of Redwall two days later, with a poem which tells her where Terramort is. Her best friends Dandin, Durry Quill and Tarquin come with her. Unknown to them, however, the searats have had a falling out and one of them, called Greypatch, has run off with a ship and 100 rats. He finds Redwall and attacks it. Mariel and her friends have some adventures along the way to the coast, where they find a swallow which points north because it is like a compass. They find a shipcalled Greenfang as well and sail towards Terramort. Greenfang is burnt from a battle, so a searat ship accidentally breaks the ship up and capture Dandin and Durry. Mariel and Tarquin are found floating about by the Lord Rawnblade. They meet up with Dandin and Durry on Terramort, in a secret cave where a gang of freed slaves live. They call themselves Trag and their leader is Joseph the Bellmaker. They attack the castle on Terramort and win the day when Gabool is killed by a scorpion called Skrabblag. They take the bell away and Joseph offers to take it to Salamandastron where it was supposed to go. But Rawnblade says it must go to Redwall because the spirit of Martin the Warrior saved his life. They agree and go to Redwall, where the rat Greypatch and his crew have been defeated by the Redwallers and some hares of the Long Patrol. The bell is called the Joseph Bell ad hangs in Redwall Abbey for many years. I liked this book because it has a female centre character who isn't afraid to get stuck into a fight and beat the heck out of the baddies. Martin the Warrior is important as well because he looks after the heroes and scares the baddies which I thought was really a good idea because then the heroes are sure to win. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Bedrang the Stoat has his evil eyes set on ruling over his ownempire, and will do anything to make sure that his ultimate fantasy isfulfilled. But little does he realize that the quiet, nameless mouse heis holding captive will one day turn out to be the heroic and fearlessMartin the Warrior.

Brian Jacques uses the full force of his stunning storytelling talentto unravel the mystery and adventure that unfolds in this tale ofRedwall as a quiet little mouse refuses to bow down to a tyrant andbids to fight for freedom at any cost. Brimming with cutthroatskullduggery and intellectual intrigue, Martin the Warrior is amountainous tale that introduces the ethos and passions of Redwall witha host of well-drawn characters, each with their own Achilles' heel,making them feel as real as they are magical. --Susan Harrison ... Read more

Reviews (225)

Save the sword or read the book
This is another good book from the Redwall series. This book starts differently than the others. It is told by Abbot Saxtos. In one day, he tells the story of Martin the Warrior to some travelers who know a little about Martin.
The book started at Marshank. Martin was a slave to Lord Badrang. Lord Badrang took his father's sword from Martin. One day he and some others break out from the Prison Pit. The few that break out go separate ways. Brome and Fellodoh go with the Rambling Roseship players. Martin, Rose, and Grumm are captured by Pygmy Shrews. They were made to look after the little ones. A seagull took the Queen's baby. So Martin saved him and him and his friends get to leave. They made it to Noonvale. Martin sees how many of them are willing to go and fight Badrang and get the sword back. He gets few. Then heading to Marshank, he get hundreds of animals to help fight. They meet Brome and Fellodoh. That's when the war to get back the sword begins.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes animals and medieval times combined. This is another great book written by Brian Jacques. This is one of the better Redwall books because it has more action and adventure.

Martin the Warrior is amazing!
Zack's Rating: 97%

An excellent tale about a young mouse named Martin who is captured and slaved by the ruthless Badrang the Tyrant. He escapes Badrang's fort, Marshank and joins Rose, Grumm the mole, and Pallum the hedgehog. Martin leaves safety at a peaceful place called Noonvale, and will do anything to win back his father's sword from Badrang's grasp...

Finally got the rankings of Redwall books I have read:

1.Mossflower-99% 2.The Bellmaker-98% 3.Martin the Warrior-97% 4.The Outcast of Redwall-97% 5.Redwall-96% 6.Mariel of Redwall-94% 7.Mattimeo-89%

Mitton's Martin the Warrior
I want to start out by saying that this book had a very good plot. Luke the warrior Martins son wanted to be a warrior. There was an oath he swore of not to give his sword up and he got it taken. Martin didnt want to go back like this so he went on a journey, from being in slavery, from running, his own adventure. He saved people along the way and had a dream to get his sword back. Find out if he did. This book deserves 5 starts because of how the climax worked out. It left you gessing what was going to happen. This was an excellent book for ages 10+.

Martins History
This book all about Martin the warrior. How he became a warrior. Later be a founder of Redwall. This takes place a long time ago I redwall ancient pass before Salamdasron and Redwall.

Martin is captured when he is young by the vile Stoat Badrang. He is forced to helpthe other slaves Build his fortress Marshank. Then throw in captain Clog made rang X Mate coming back for Revenge.

After bit Banrang Martin is sentence to be excuted by goals. Martin swear to take back his father sword. Beautiful rose of Novale lucking for her Brother arrives Marshank. She and Grum a mole drive of the goal and save Martins life.

After Martin, Brome and a young muscular squirrel name Felldo escape. Martin had help Feldo father. The slaves plan to help Martin all but a stuborn youn bank mole Drup. Who is later killed.

After flee the get seperated at sea Feldo and broom meet the Rambling rose Players who agree to help them rescue the other slaves in Marshank.

Meanwhile Martin has temporaly been enslave again by a pigmy shrew and her farther. A long with Rose there they meet polloum the hedhog. Polloum sex differs from the book and cartoon version. After Martin saves the life of one of her kids for a nat they are set free.

The go on have many adventures. They ecounter the Jaba tribe who tried to slaughter them for mere amusement. The meet the beautiful owl boldred. The even meet a creature with some thing sort of like ESP.

Later the meet the Warnden who later one help them in the final battle at Marshank will Martin kill Badrang and what price will be paid find out in Martin the Warrior.

Best Book by Brian Jacques!!
This book was amazing from the first pages -- in which an enslaved mouse called Martin attacks a slave-guard at the evil fortress of Marshank and is sentenced to death by the stoat Badrang the Tyrant -- to the end where...well, I had better not tell.
This book was almost non-stop action, which is rare in many books. You would not want to put this book down!! This book is possibly the BEST book that Brian Jacques has written!! There are a few sadder parts, where the pace slows down a little (but that is typical of all Jacques' books). You can read this book over and over again and find something new, a new implication or piece of irony. Best of all, instead of just two armies battling each other, Brian Jacques creates a third party -- the freebooting stoat Cap'n Clogg -- that battle both the good and bad armies.
I have only one piece of advice for you: GO BUY THIS BOOK NOW, OR ELSE YOU MAY BE MISSING THE BEST BOOK IN PRINT!!! ... Read more

Book Description

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

Reviews (10)

Time of the Pirates
Pirates Past Noon
Mary Pope Osborne

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Description

The HOTTEST Guide yet to the mysteries of Harry Potter

Secrets & clues revealed!

This Guide, extremely popular the last two years with Harry Potter fans everywhere, is your key tool for developing the skills needed to sleuth those important clues, themes, and running bits.By recognizing these hints, you'll have even more fun predicting what is yet to come.While the world awaits the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, JK Rowling has teased that her clues lie right before fans' eyes--or between their fingers.The trail is marked for books 6 and 7, but do you know where to look?

Waters’ presents her detailed hunt for clues in an interesting and provocative, yet fun-to-read manner.With this Guide in one hand and the Harry Potter books in the other, you’ll:

• read the Harry Potter series in a whole new light, delving below the surface to ferret out those sly clues buried by the cunning JK Rowling,
  
• understand better why the Harry Potter mysteries have captured such a phenomenal world-wide following as you uncover the detail to which Ms. Rowling has crafted her story and her world,
  
• amaze at how deceptively she’s hidden those clues,
  
• discover new ones on your own!

Wizarding World Press has attracted quite a following, which started with this Guide—the most popular book to analyze the clues and mysteries hidden within the Harry Potter series.Discover it for yourself.

The Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter is for you if:

• You’re new to the series and want to know what all the hubbub is about (and want to start with the best and most complete book available for capturing the themes, clues, and future possibilities).Get all your theories in one place here.
  
• You’re new to book 5 and would like to better understand what has come before.Read the Guide first, then pick out those clues in Order of the Phoenix on your own.
  
• You’ve read all the books, but it’s been a while.Refresh your memory and tighten your skills before book 6 is released so that you’ll be prepared to fully appreciate your first read-through of The Half-Blood Prince and discover more clues on your own.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HERE’S A TASTE OF WHAT’S IN THE BOOK... What secrets do Neville and Professor Snape hold?

Did you understand exactly how Dumbledore's "Mirror of Erised" worked?

Are you aware that what Harry saw in the Mirror was not accurate?

Do you know how to solve Snape's poison bottle puzzle in the room "through the trapdoor?"

Did you know there are actually 2 solutions to that puzzle?"In chapter 16 of Book 1, J.K. Rowling writes that Harry 'watched an owl flutter toward the school across the bright blue sky, a note clamped in its mouth.' Even after reading the book several times, it still catches readers by surprise when they realize that this note was the message used to trick Headmaster Dumbledore into leaving the school for a trip to London. That clue doesn't help us solve the plot of the book and it was never explained or mentioned again, but when we then see a similar clue in Book 4, we need to pay much closer attention! Look for yourself - it's awesome!"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This Guide takes the pain out of the wait for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince!

Don't be left out. See for yourself what everyone is excited about.

Note:The Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter is best read alongside JK Rowling’s books—not as a replacement (then where’s the fun ?).It does not give the plot away in advance, but there IS a spoiler warning because it discusses the endings of each of the books in chronological order. ... Read more

Reviews (91)

Hilarious and Helpful
The HP analysis within this book is well-thoughtout, in-depth, well-backed, a little cookey, and loads of fun! As long as you have the real interest to go into depth deciphering clues that J.K.R. leaves her readers in every book, every chapter, and nearly every page, this book is for you. I must admit, I'm a little biased since I like the idea that I might discover answers on my own as to the out-come of the HP books, but I like the self-discovery and discussion of others' ideas on the septology. This book is a wonderful read and really intriguing if you are a true Harry Potter fan and love long, meticulous discussions on everything Harry Potter!

Absolutely the _best_ in-depth Harry Potter Guide YET!!
I have read just about all the Harry Potter "guides," and, being an avid fan (aka: obsessed), I cannot say I have found a single better book. After begging for it as a Christmas gift, as I found the price a bit high for a college student like myself, I haven't put the book down since. This book is jam-packed with facts and histories, and theories about things even -I- have overlooked! Believe you me...once you read this, you'll be reading the first four Harry Potter books over and over again...the wait until Order of the Phoenix won't seem so long, as you become an HP Sleuth and try to find yourself what the wonderful Galadriel Waters has missed. Honestly, this is an excellent book, and please, please don't let the price fool you...this book is HUGE! Heavy, too! ^_~ Over 400 pages, filled with everything possible to make the little wheels in your head start turning. I've suggested to all my fellow fans for them to READ_THIS_BOOK!

A Whole New Perspective...
This book really gave me a new perspective into the Harry Potter books. A lot of the clues really are rather insightful, and at the very least it helps you look at the Harry Potter books differently. And really makes you appreciate Rowling's thought process while writing them. Granted, I do not believe that James and Lupin are the same person, and I do not believe that Lily is any relation to Slytherin, but what's wrong with reading about ideas you don't agree with? It just helps you sort out your own reasoning. Why is your idea so much better than the one suggested in this book? Ultimately, I think this book is quite insightful, and offers ideas you may not have thought of before. I recommend giving it a shot. :)

An amazing book
This is a really good book for finding all the "hidden" clues in harry Potter. Using this guide (and the second one) I found lots of things that I never noticed before.

Horrible RUBBISH
This is the worst Harry Potter "slueths" book ever. I would much rather read books that have to do with the legends behind the stories (ex. 'The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter') instead of this. let's get this straight...SNAPE IS NOT A VAMPIRE, and LUPIN IS NOT JAMES POTTER! this is reallllly stupid! ... Read more

Book Description

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

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

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

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

before they get iced themselves?




... Read more

Reviews (5)

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

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

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

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

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

Book Description

The Harry Potter books have become ubiquitous early texts for children, and are also a popular choice for many adults. Potter-mania has expanded to become a significant cultural phenomenon complete with a feature film and a wide range of paraphernalia. However, there has been little critical attention devoted to these books and the cultural phenomenon surrounding them. Containing powerful, thought-provoking literary themes as well as portrayals of social and cultural normalcy, the Potter books cumulatively serve as a powerful form of social text and deserve serious critical attention. Elizabeth Heilman brings together scholars from various disciplines to provide literary, cultural, sociological, and psychological examinations of the Harry Potter books as both cultural product and social text.
Covering many facets of the Harry Potter series and Potter-mania, this collection begins with a cultural analysis of marketing hype and product spin-offs. Literary and interpretive perspectives consider Harry as a romantic hero and review the books for their capacity to contain elements of every genre. Critical and sociological theorists explore how the Potter books present gender, race, class, school, family and citizenship. By providing numerous perspectives on the Harry Potter series, the contributors provide teachers, administrators, critical theorists and those interested in cultural studies with a variety of ways to read these popular texts. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

But it's just a book for children...
That was often the comment I received when I wrote my senior thesis last fall about the Harry Potter series. Specifically, I wrote a feminist criticism of the series exploring the ways in which Hermione resists and reaffirms gender stereotypes--"Miss Smarty Pants," "The Damsel in Distress," etc. Although I am a huge fan of this series (even my dog's name is Muggle), I couldn't believe that I was the only adult concerned about issues of gender, class, and so forth in the books. So imagine my delight upon finding this book...until I realized it wouldn't be published until January 2003, and I was presenting my thesis on December 13, 2002. Not only is this a well-presented and organized collection of essays from a variety of perspectives, but it is also edited by the outstanding & very generous Dr. Heilman. I wrote personally to her about my paper (and dilemma), and she provided to me the working & yet unpublished copy of her essay dealing with gender issues. Luckily, the book was released ahead of schedule so I was able to cite from her published version. My own experience with this book aside, I highly recommend it to Harry fans who would enjoy thoughtful academic discourse on the series.

Good resource for academics
I joined the Harry Potter phenomenon late in the game. Book four had already been in circulation for over two years and at 25, I considered myself well above the normal reader age. However, once I picked up the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, I was (no pun intended), spellbound. I spent the rest of that long summer weekend reading the remaining books. Since then, I have read each book in the series at least 20 times apiece. Somewhere in the middle of all the reading, I began to jot down notes, questions and observations I made- little items that I wanted to ponder afterwards. Questions such as: Why did Professor Dumbledore so prize the individual merits of courage and "sheer nerve"? Did Hermione and other female students ever experience gender discrimination at Hogwarts? What defined the social structure of the wizard world (surely one exists as is evident by the influence of the well-to-do Malfoy family)? What is it about the Harry Potter books that have such universal appeal? And most importantly, what lessons can be learned?

Shortly after Pottermania began, several books appeared on the market dedicated to analyzing the phenomenon. Some addressed broad themes, while others disseminated every detail of the book, trying to decipher each and every meaning of every word of J.K. Rowling's works. Among these is Harry Potter's World: Multidisciplinary Critical Perspectives, a collection of essays written by professors and graduate students.

Harry Potter's World: Multidisciplinary Critical Perspectives is by far the most comprehensive book of this genre. Edited by Michigan State University professor Elizabeth Heilman, the book is comprised of numerous essays separated into four perspectives: Cultural Studies Perspectives, Reader Response and Interpretive Perspectives, Literary Perspectives: The Hero, Myth and Genre and Critical and Sociological Perspectives.

As a graduate student pursuing a MSEd in Curriculum and Instruction, this book has been a wonderful guide for me and enriched my understanding of the many facets of curriculum study. Not only does it provide unique interpretations of the series, but it also stimulates critical reflection and offers deep analyses of the boy wizard the world has grown to love.

While it is appropriate for college and graduate-level classes, anyone interested in exploring the cultural phenomenon of Harry Potter should read and will benefit from this. You will never look at Harry Potter the same way again.

A must-read
"This book is a must-read for everyone interested not only in 'Harry Potter' the phenomenon, but culture as the pedagogical force par excellence of the new millennium."
Henry Giroux.

"Harry Potter's World is a fascinating attempt not only to take on the kaleidoscopic intellectual ramifications of the Harry Potter books, but to make them accessible to a wide audience." Peter Hunt, Editor, Routledge International Companion Encyclopedia of Children's Literature

"These analyses are well grounded, articulate, and conceptually wide-ranging. This book gives all of us Seekers a chance to catch Snitches of insight into our own world as well as Harry Potter's."
Betsy Hearne, author of Choosing Books for Children: A Commonsense Guide

"Reading Harry Potter's World is like having a triple-shot latté-a pleasant eye-opener. There is imagination here, intellectual engagement, surprising insights, and fresh angles of regard. All of it provides an antidote to the iconic Harry, the authoritative Harry, the stable, properly policed, and clichéd Harry." Bill Ayers, Distinguished Professor of Education, University of Illinois at Chicago ... Read more

Reviews (68)

OK, so they totally leave you hanging.
I'm always ready to buy a new Jedi Apprentice book! This one was no exception, even though I'm a year over the "recommended age level" (9-12). But anyway! You aren't here to read about me, you're trying to find out more about this book, right? OK, here's my input.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are on Melida/Daan, where two "tribes" of people are always fighting each other. They can't find anyone, except "The Young," an underground group of teens, who want to make peace. Unfortunately, student and master disagree on so many things that eventually, Obi-Wan decides to stay with Cerasi and Nield, his new friends. This leads you to wondering: What's going to happen to Obi-Wan? Does Qui-Gon want him back? (Which, of course, is why you go on to read The Uncertain Path {#6})!

All in all, this was a pretty good read - the cover's pretty cool - and you'll have to read it so you can understand what happens in 6. So buy it if you think you want it! Then go get #6 and it'll leave you hanging for #7!

Perspective of The Defenders of the Dead
Excellently written, and an incredible and ironic ending give this book a total punchline for suspense in the Jedi:Apprentice series. Neild and Cerasi are two corrupt characters that when reading about their hatred, and Obi-wan's view of their passion, gave me a sense of thought that I have never had before. Explaining so much detail, not repeating information and a excellent description of Qui-Gon's emmotion when Obi-wan decides to stay on Melida/Daan. Although one thing that I must worry about is the future elements of the story in Jedi Apprentice #6. Jude Watson displays a cunning view of how kids can make so much of a difference. Never have I seen a series of books like Jedi: Apprentice. The Young and the truce of stopping the Melida and Daan from any more war is nearly a metaphoric moral that has been intrecated into the story to the point where it displays an interesting point. It's almost as if, the kids live under abusive parents, and their emmotions are so stirred up with hatred that they will stop at nothing to fix their parents relationship. In this story it's much the same. For this reason, I love the story, the book, and the moral. I have also read every other Jedi:Apprentice book except for #6. This one is the best I have read out of the entire series.

The planet Melida/Daan is under constant war
The planet Melida/Daan is under constant war. Living in the past, they take constant vengance for things that happened 100 years ago. A band of children led by 13 year olds Nield and Cerasi known as the Young are revolting against the Elders trying to save their planet. The fight has become personal to the Jedi's Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon and they're on different sides...

I liked the Defenders of the Dead because it's about fighting for a cause you believe in even if it costs you everything. It also has strong well-developed characters as well as a great plot and of course the fact that it's set in the Star Wars universe all these things combine to make it a great book.

This book would be great for almost anyone. Its story is flexible and could please fans of many genres. The person I would most recommend this book to is the Sci-fi/Adventure fan as those are the most prominent genres in this or any other Star Wars book. I give Defenders of the Dead 8 out of 10 stars.

WOW! great stuff
this book is about qui jon and obi won going on a reshue missoin to a war torn planet, the 2 sides in the conflict just keep on killing each other and jedi and padawan cant agree on anything! if ur child likes star wars and has read 1-4 no. 5 will be awosome!

Motivating
This one book was the reason of all my Star Wars craziness. I wanted to know what happened to Obi-Wan after he left the Jedi for the Young, so I borrowed all the others from my friend E-Dean, and got hooked. I like Star Wars books by Jude Watson, like the Episode I journals, Jedi Apprentice and Jedi Quest, though I still read other Star Wars books. I actually prefer the books to the movies. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Magia para adultos
¿Quien dijo que cuando uno crece tiene que perder la magia? Una obra saga increible de historias para chicos y para adultos que conservan la magia en el corazón.

Information missing
I'm missing informations about that book In whitch language is it written ? "y el caliz de fuego" seems to be written in Spanish or Portugues ? Don't you have a short overview over this book ? I don't want to by another wrong book It's too expensive to send it back. So I dont by this book

¡muy bien!
¡Quiero Harry Potter libro numero uno!¡Me gusta muchisimo! Todos queren Harry Potter. Es fantastica.

Es realmente bueno
Siempre, a medida que avanza una saga, el tema se vuelve repetitivo, canson y aburrido. Sin embargo, este episodio es el mejor. Esta lleno de muchos sentimientos, lo que hace que sea mas interesante que los anteriores. El que espero para tenerlo en español, que no espere mas, en solo 4 dias se devora un libro del mismo tamaño que el Quijote de la Mancha!.

Excelente
Es una excelente continuación de la serie de Harry Potter, la trama es tan buena como las anteriores y la sorpresa al final del libro nos hace pedir a gritos la continuación de la serie. Ampliamente recomendado para todos los fanáticos de Harry Potter y para los no fanáticos también, pues les abrirá las puertas de este pesonaje tan fascinante ... Read more

Book Description

Slagar the Fox is determined to vanquish peaceable Redwall.Gathering his mercenary band of rats, stoats, and weasels, he advances upon the abbey with a cunning scheme-rather than making courageous battle plans, he will steal the children of Redwall from under their parents' very noses.And his prize captive will be Mattimeo, the headstrong young son of Matthias, the fearless mouse warrior! ... Read more

Reviews (190)

Read it and you'll love it forever!
"One day, you will wield the Sword, my son... But it will not make you a Warrior." says Mattimeo's father, Matthias. This is a truly thrilling book to read over and over again and you'll never get tired of it! This story is about a cunning fox, Slagar the Cruel, and he and his evil followers sneak into Redwall Abbey to kidnap the Woodland children along with Mattimeo, the son of the warrior Matthias. The evil creatures makes them slaves to sell them to the mysterious kingdom of Malkariss where an equally mysterious king rules. As Matthias and a few more brave parents and friends starts searching for their lost young ones, Redwall Abbey is being invaded by General Ironbeak's ravens.........

My favorite character in this book is Basil Stag Hare who has an ENORMOUS appetite and I love the way he acts. I also like Cheek, the very cheeky otter who accompanies Matthias and the other parents.

This is a book you have to read! This is just GREAT!

Dust In The Wind
Even though Brian Jacques' books are considered to be for children, I find that even as a teenager I can still enjoy the stories and characters that are apart of Redwall. I've been hooked to the series since 6th grade when I had to read REDWALL for a book reading compeitition. But of all the novels, I've always loved Mattimeo the most. The rich story lines, the family ties between Matthias and his son are very real, even though they are fictional mice in a fantasy book. So for the past five years I've been collecting all his novels, reading them over and over, getting all the hardcover editions for the wonderful illustrations. Though it is Mattimeo which I read the most, and the song Dust In The Wind (I can't remember the artist) is a wonderful theme song for this novel. Everytime I hear it, I close my eyes and can imagine the characters, their strengths, weaknesses, and this plight for good over evil. In 7th grade I wrote a poem about Slagar The Cruel (the fox in the novel) and won a poetry contest with it. I've read many classics over the years, from Dickens to Dumas, but it is Brian Jacques' novels that stick in my mind the most.

Review of Mattimeo (Audio Cassette)
I'm a fan of all Redwall books. I like all of them, and this was no exception. It had great imagery, a twisting plot, unforgettable characters, villianous enemies, and enigmatic riddles. There are few things in this book that I think should be changed. I thought that the ending was rather abrupt, and more of the story was left untold.

I recommend this book to ages 8-14, though some of the younger readers may need some help. (This review is based on both the book and the tape)

Mattimeo
Mattimeo is awesome! It's the story of a courageous, young mouse, Mattimeo. He is the son of Matthias, Warrior of Redwall. Mattimeo and a few other Redwall children are captured by the sly Slagar the Cruel, long time enemy of Matthias, and are being taken to the kingdom of Malkariss. Matthias sets out to find them with the help of a few brave followers. At Redwall, in the meantime, General Ironbeak and his army are attacking. The Redwallers are holding them off. They're not fighters, but they're much smarter. This book is one of the greats. You'll never want to put it down. It's one of the best Redwall books Brian Jacques has written if not the best. It has it all.

Mattimeo
The story takes place in Mossflower, a forested area where the animals of Redwall live. It takes place in fantasy times. There are no humans, just animals roam the earth.
The Main Characters: The main characters are Mattimeo who is the son of the great warrior mouse of Redwall, Matthias. Matthias is the great warrior of Redwall, whose son has been taken captive by Slagar the Cruel. Jess squirrel is an average Redwall inhabitant whose son has also been taken by Slagar. Orlando the Ax is a huge badger and his daughter Jube has been captured by Slagar. The last main character, Basil Stag Hair, is a veteran foot fighter rabbit that has an enormous appetite.
This is a story of a child becoming a man. It is told through animals that act as humans and is made from the author's imaginative fantasy. It starts with the animals of Redwall having a peaceful celebration of the new season. During the feast an evil creature, Slagar the Cruel, sneaks in and spikes the animals' drinks with a sleeping potion and kidnapped all of the children of Redwall, including Mattimeo, son of the great warrior mouse Matthias. When they awaken, they send out a search party to find the children. Matthias, Jess, and Basil discover the trail of the missing children. On their way they met Orlando the Ax who was also looking for his daughter, Jube. They found out that Slagar was kidnapping children and taking them as slaves in a slave train to an unknown realm. All of the main characters eventually unite to the same hatred toward Slagar and his band of assassins and thugs.
Brian Jacques writes in a unique style in his novels. He writes different plots that alternate through the story but eventually meet up at the end of the story. Constantly meeting new people, the main characters never reach a dull moment.
Throughout the different parts of the novel, the setting had quite an impact on the story. In the middle ages, traveling great distances was quite a task. Traveling through vast forests, expanses of mountains, and crossing raging rivers added much more tension to the story and the odyssey the animals had to complete. The setting makes the novel much more exciting to read.
All the animals in the story somewhat represent their traits. The hedgehogs and rabbits are mostly the kind abbey creatures, while the badgers like Orlando the Axe are fearsome warriors. And most certainly the Fox, Slagar, like the animal is a most cunning creature. This book clearly shows that vigilance and determination pays off. Matthias and company traveled many miles to reach their goal. This book can appeal to any age because it teaches great morals and is a spine-tingling and suspenseful action story.
I really liked this book because of all its suspense. The author kept my attention constantly from beginning to end. Even when the author was just describing the scenery; he used descriptive words so that I could envision what the characters were going through. The theme in this book is clearly to stand up for others weaker than you. Mattimeo helped the weaker slaves make it through the unbearable journey. I give this book a ten out of ten. Outstanding! Take my word for it. ... Read more

Book Description

Lief, Barda, and Jasmine continue their perilous quest to recover the seven lost gems of the magic belt of Deltora. Strengthened by the power of the golden topaz and the great ruby, they begin their search for the third stone. But they cannot know the horrors that await them in their next destination . . . the forbidden City of the Rats. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

THE CITY OF THE RATS
It is a great book. It is a book about a magic world caLled Deltora where Lief, Jasman.and Barda fight monsters, and make friends and foes. Will they survive long enough to fight in the city of the rats? Will they find the ancient gem the Topaz?

"CAN THEY RESTORE THE BELT OF DELTORA"

Don`t Get to hopeful for the Opal...
Deltora Quest 3:City Of the Rats is a pretty good book. Leif, Barda and Jasmine,venture again to find the opal,and meet the Ra Karchaz,Tom,some carnivore rats,and a giant snake named Reeah. It is a cool book,with a vairety of action and adventure.

Journey to Danger
Two gems now shine in the magical Belt of Deltora. Following the map his father made leads the company of Lief, Barda, and Jasmine to the treacherous City of the Rats. But as they travel, they run into a city of strange people. They follow strict rules and guidelines, that apparently make no sense. Like the word they always say: "Noradzeer." But when they finally make it to the City of the Rats, they understand. As they go past millions of rats to battle a giant snake, they must keep strong.

Sly moves!
Emily Rodda put great,creative ideas to make this book for any ages without missing any action and suspense. This book had it's own special personality and was very creative and suprising.She added tons of mind-boggling tricks that seem very exciting.I just wanted to say that I'm with my best, best cousin in the world(ESTHER!!!)And that we are crazy about fantasy stories!(O!& P.S!Esther told me to tell you that I brang her into this whole fantasy-craze!)See yall at!

City With Rats
This book is a very good book. This book talks about all magical thingy like magic power and magic items. There are these powerful items called the Deltora gems. In total there are seven gems. This series of gem is called the topaz. It gives you the power to see the future. There are other book too about the series.The other sereies has the red ruby which is the gem of fire, which gives them the elemental power of fire to him. ... Read more

Book Description

The third volume of theMy Father's Dragon trilogy, this adventure may be enjoyed on its own. Here, the baby dragon summons Elmer to help save his family from hunters. "Elmer's plan is ingenious and plausible, the fantasy well-sustained."--(starred) Library Journal. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Elmer's adventures come to an end
Elmer has arrived safely home, but not for long. When his friend the Dragon leaves to find his own family, he discovers they've been taken prisoner by some men who want to sell them to zoos. Now the Dragon must find Elmer in time to help his family without being spotted by other humans. But what if Elmer can't come up with a plan?

This is the final in the My Father's Dragon series. It lives up to the second book, but both fall a little short of the creativity and humor of the first. Still, fans will want to know how the series ends and won't be disappointed with the story presented here. As with the others, the storyline and vocabulary are perfect for the beginning reader or as a read aloud story.

This series is a great way to introduce kids to the joys of reading. Parents will also enjoy the clever fantasy storylines. This is a fun book in a fun series that will entertain children of all ages.

4.5* Excellent Old-Fashioned Dragon Tale!
I love children's books that open with a map, and the "Dragons of Blueland" (the third in Gannett's series about the dragon) promises adventures in such exciting locales as "Seaweed Bay," "The Awful Desert," "Popsicornia," and the "Spiky Mountain Range."

The book delivers, as Elmo Elevator, a "brave boy of nine," helps his dragon friend Boris rescue his family. The story is comforting yet cleverly exciting and humorous. The soft black and white illustrations (done by the author's stepmother, who also did the illustrations for the first edition of Steinbeck's "Tortilla Flat") are a gentle compliment to the text. First published in 1951, this is good fun!

Could have been better
Not every childrens book can be The Wizard of Oz, Charlotte's Web or James and the Giant Peach. My son and I liked this one, but I'm sure within a few months we will have forgotten what is was about. It just wasn't very memorable.

One to read over and over again
I bought this book without ever having heard of it or the author; but my son was having a dragon birthday theme, so I took a chance. What wonderful luck. It is good for children age 4 to 40! We have read it numerous times and the chapters provide comfortable break points as well. This book stirs the imagination and keeps the reader and listener interested!

I love this book.
I like this book because it's very adventurous. They find a lot of really cool things. I like all the things they make-believe and the way everything is drawn. All the things they make in the book are really creative.

Rachel Davis, age 7 ... Read more

Book Description

Take one alien, five kids, and the ability to change into any animal they touch, and you¹ve got a fantastic, unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat series best described as ³The X-Files for Kids.²Get books 25-28 in one boxed set. Great for collectors! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Best Yet
This section of the series is where the story starts to get really interesting, with Erek getting exposed,and AX discovering TV, these are the best set yet. A must read for fans.

And Non fans! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Harry Potter aficionados: remember when Buckbeak, Hagrid's petHippogriff, was put on trial by the Committee for the Disposal of DangerousCreatures? This crazy idea was not invented by Harry Potter's creator, J.K.Rowling. In fact, from medieval times all the way up to the 19th century,animals and even insects were often charged with crimes, arrested, imprisoned,tried, convicted, and sometimes executed. Harry Potter's fantastic world ofmagic has its roots in true history, mythology, and folklore; father-daughterteam Allan Zola Kronzek and Elizabeth Kronzek have now made this wealth ofastonishing information available to Muggles in their Sorcerer'sCompanion. From astrology to Grindylow to reading tea leaves to witchpersecution, this fascinating volume gets to the bottom of every magical mysteryconnected with Hogwarts. Readers learn the unusual method by which premodernEuropeans protected themselves from the cry of the uprooted Mandrake, involvinga loyal dog and a rope. (Professor Sprout's solution was to have her herbologystudents wear earmuffs). Hermione probably knew, when she was hexed by DracoMalfoy so that her teeth suddenly grew past her chin, that hexes originated inEurope. But did she know the connection between hexes and the folk magic of thePennsylvania Dutch? For fans of the tremendously popular Harry Potter series, oranyone who is intrigued by magical lore, the Sorcerer's Companion willquickly become a true friend. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (71)

Dictionary of Folk Lore
This book is well written. If you are a fan of Harry Potter and lover of folklore & mythology, you will want to read this book. It is filled with explanations on the subjects studied at Hogwarts like Arithmancy and divination. There are also explanations on all items from Broom Sticks to Witch. This book offers loads of information & facts. So hurry up and add this fun read to your library.

A Great Book and A Great Idea!
This book is fascinating to read. It is well researched and well written. Hats off to the authors for their work and for their marketing skill. I'm sure it would not be doing as well if they had not linked it to the Harry Potter phenomenon!

Some of the great facts this book that leap out are that Nicholas Flamel was (still is?) a real person, you can find basilisks living today and a lot of what people considered to be magic actually has much factual basis.

This book is still a good read if you are into myths and legends (and not into Harry Potter). It's surprising how much of these ancient myths still survive in today's world in one way or another. Good luck charms and believing in good or bad luck are only two examples. Read the book and you will find that maybe we are not that far advanced when it comes to wanting to believe in something else out there.

Shallow and not really about HP, but very interesting
A great night table book, it is arranged in short, alphabetical entries that can be read quickly. The authors seem uniquely suited to their subject-matter and obviously know their stuff. But, while they try to cite passages from the books as much as possible, most of the material just doesn't apply. JK Rowling seems to have skimmed a volume like this, then put it into a blender and extracted her own take on it all. It's liable to make purists a tad angry. It's all very interesting in its own right, though. I would have liked a lot more info on the "real" stuff, and less of a stretch to make it applicable.

Interesting, but very little to do with HP
This is a very interesting book and I read it over and over. The only thing wrong with it is that I was expecting for it to have something to do with HP, but it didn't, aside from mentioning it every once in a while. It's like an encyclopedia of monsters and magic and it's interesting, but it's muggle lore, it's what people actually believed in the middle ages and other times. While JKR certainly based some of her magical creatures on traditional folk lore, it is her book and she changed the creatures to suit the plot. By itself it's wonderful, but don't expect much insight on the books.

A Pottermanic's delight
"The Sorcerer's Companion" is a great fun resource not just for us Pottermaniacs, but also for those who have a passing interest in magic and occult lore. It's an invaluable companion book for the HP series but it stands very well on its own. Those who already have David Colbert's "Magical Worlds of Harry Potter" may want to add this book to their library; it covers a lot of areas the Colbert book doesn't and it's more comprehensive. Written in the form of a mini-encyclopedia covering everything from Amulets to Zombies, "The Sorcerer's Companion" provides links to the first four HP books (it was written two years before HP5 was published) with notations for easy reference. (Check out PA 8/154 for mention of Grindylows -- PA being "Prisoner of Azkaban", and 8/154 being the chapter and the page number of the American edition.) We learn that there are many kinds of Divination (ever heard of Astragalomancy? It's a fancy term for throwing dice) and the difference between amulets and talismans, along with a zillion other delicious tidbits of information. Want to know just what a Hinkypunk is? Or what the study of Arithmancy (the bane of Hermione's existence) involves? Did you know that the Kappa is a Japanese demon which loves cucumbers and the best way to keep it off is to placate it by feeding it kappamaki sushi? (Okay, I