Book Description

Will anyone take on Jake Semple?

Jake Semple is notorious. Rumor has it he burned down his old school and got kicked out of every school in his home state.

Only one place will take him now, and that's a home school run by the Applewhites, a chaotic and hilarious family of artists. The only one who doesn't fit the Applewhite mold is E.D. -- a smart, sensible girl who immediately clashes with the unruly Jake.

Jake thinks surviving this one will be a breeze . . . but is he really as tough or as bad as he seems?

Reviews (44)

Survivng The Applewhites Book Review
Surviving the Applewhites, is a witty story about a
family out of the ordinary. Each member has his or her
own individual talent and come together at the end of
the book to put on a unique version of the Musical The
Sound Of Music. In this story, the Applewhites except
a boy into their home named Jake Semple. Jake has been
kicked out of many institutions and schools and this
home school called "The Creative Academy", is his last
hope. The setting of the story is modern time, which

makes all the mishaps in the book believable. Jake is a
unique character because like many teenage boys, he is
rebellious and causes some problems. The dialogue used
in this story provides the reader with a clear,
descriptive insight to the characters. For example,
the youngest Applewhite boy named Destiny, is a
typical, curious little boy who just wants to be
treated like everyone else. He especially likes Jake
and is always following him around. Destiny likes to
ask Jake all types of questions, and even dies his
hair to look just like Jake. The words and vocabulary
used in this book are precise and mainly to the point.
It is a very easy book to read and follow. The reader
can see the use of figurative language in the story,
when the schoolroom Jake's classes are held in, is
being described. A banner decorating the wall reads,
"Education is an adventurous quest for meaning of the
life, involving an ability to think things through"
(pg 27).
In the story, there are many observations and
dilemmas that occur that almost kill the plot. It also
kills the major dramatic question of the book which
is, Will the group all pull together, over come all
the problems that have happened and still put on this
modernized version of The Sound of Music? This makes
the reader want to continue reading to the end, to see
if this question is answered. The pacing and style are
very appropriate in this book. Each event proceeds
after the next one and one event leads into another,
in an organized manner.
This book could be enjoyed and appreciated by various
groups of people. It would mainly be found in an upper
elementary school or middle school classroom. There
are references made in the book and some concepts
talked about, that show this book needs to be used
with older children. It also is a neat book because it
gives a great background and incorporates the famous
musical, "The Sound Of Music". I always loved that
musical and I am sure many people do too. Mentioning
The Sound Of Music is a great eye catcher to have in
the summary of the book, because someone might see
this and automatically pick up the book because he or
she likes this musical. This book can be used in a
classroom, to teach children not to give up and that
everyone has a special talent inside them. He or she
just needs the opportunity and time to show it.

A Crazy Family and School
In the book Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie S. Tolan, a bad city kid, Jake Semple, has been kicked out of every school he's been to. He was taken to a school called the Creative Academy, where you study what you want to, when you want to. A family called the Applewhites owns the school and they both are crazy, chaotic, and creative. During his stay, Jake learns new things and his life starts to change. He becomes part of a production of The Sound of Music along with other Applewhites. Through this school Jake finds deep inside himself who he really is, without being a bad boy.
We personally thought the book Surviving the Applewhites was a great book. We really liked it because it was funny, especially when a four year old named Destiny tried to dye and spike his hair. Many times we could relate to the characters because their interests and personalities were a lot like our own. It was very fun to read because of these things. We would recommend it to sixth - eighth graders or anyone who wants to read a really great book.

Disappointing 45th Review
Tolan's writing could have been more than just an average farce. The protagonist, a troubled youth, does not test for trust and acceptance with his arrival to the eccentric Applewhite household. She misses an opportunity to challenge the reader to wonder whether they could tolerate and overcome his past and form a bond.

surviving the applewhites
this book is about a sixteen year old boy by the name of Jake.
one day his parents stop a car outside their house. they asked the person driving it if they had any drugs, and to their surprise, it was an undercover cop ! oops, bad idea! anyway, the cop read them their rights and off to jail they went. so with his parents in jail, jake was sent to live with his grandfather and his grandfather lived with this wierd family , the applewhites.after awhile, jake gets tired of being bored so,
he decides to get into a little trouble! so, he gets aciggarette and smokes it ! if you want to find out if he gets into trouble , read the book.

APPLEWHITES REVIEW
SURVIVING THE APPLEWHITES IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ. THE WEIRDNESS OF THE APPLEWHITES AND JAKES PUNK ATTITUDE REALLY MAKE THIS A SPECTACULAR BOOK. THIS BOOK WOULD PROBABLY ENTERTAIN KIDS IN 6TH TO TO 8TH GRADE THE MOST BUT ADULTS WOULD GET KICK OUT OF IT BECAUSE OF ITS TINY SINCE OF HUMOR. AS A 7TRH GRADER I READ THIS BOOK IN ABOUT 2 WEEKS READING WHENEVER I HAD TIME SO THIS IS A QUICK BUT INTERESTING BOOK. BUT DON'T LET ME SPOIL EVERYTHING FOR YOU , READ IT AND ENJOY FOR YOURSELF! ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

When it comes time to tell the class what she did on her vacation,Olivia isn't at all nervous. In fact, she remembers it quite clearly--she wentto the circus, you see. "But when we got there, all the circus people were outsick with ear infections." What are the odds? But the show must go on!Fortunately, Olivia jumps right in to help out--riding elephants, posing as theTattooed Lady (she draws on the pictures with a marker), taming lions, walkingtightropes, juggling, clowning around, and more. In a marvelous fold-out,four-panel spread, our porcine heroine even reigns supreme as the Queen of theTrampoline. "And that's how I saved the circus. And now I am famous." Olivialooks proud. Her teacher looks mad. Ian Falconer shines in this dryly hilarioussequel to his 2001 Caldecott Honor Book Olivia. The charcoal andgouache illustrations perfectly capture Olivia's earnest expressions. Beprepared to be charmed anew! (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Olivia...You've Gotta Love Her.....
It's Olivia's turn to tell the class about her vacation, and she can't wait. "Olivia always blossoms in front of an audience." And so our feisty little pig begins the story about her day at the circus. Of course, all the performers were out sick with ear infections, but "luckily I knew how to do everything." She tames lions and walks tightropes, performs on stilts, juggles, and even rides a unicycle. Then she clowns, swings high on the trapeze, and is Queen of the Trampoline. Finally, she ends her show as Madame Olivia and her trained dogs. "And that's how I saved the circus. And now I am famous." Olivia is very proud. Her teacher is exasperated. "True?", she asks again and again. "Yes, to the best of my recollection", answers Olivia..... Ian Falconer has bettered last year's, Olivia, debut, and fans won't be able to get enough of this adorable and precocious little pig with her queen-size imagination. His witty, yet simple text is kept to a minimum and really captures the preschool mind. But it's his charming and clever charcoal artwork, with just a creative splash of color here and there to highlight his scenes, that really makes this book stand out. Both children and adults will laugh out loud at the antics of this delightful little heroine. Perfect for youngsters 3-7, Olivia Saves the Circus is a must for home libraries and a picture book kids will beg to read again and again. Olivia is back and better than ever!

Call me a fuddy duddy, but...
Yes, okay, we parents can appreciate the humor, and yes, the drawings are pretty adorable and the pig is cute and it's a smart, snappy tale - but - but -
BUT
Has anyone bothered to notice that Olivia is basically miserable? That she is sarcastic and lonely? That her relationship with her mother is disconnected at best? (My wife, when reading the part where Olivia comes home from school and answers her mother's clearly rote question of how was school with the rote answer 'fine,' invariably adds, for the sake of our 2 and a half year old - 'but of course we don't do that, we tell Mommy all about our day, whatever happened, good or bad.' or words to that effect....)
I'm all for stories about sad people (or pigs), but it would help if we knew they were sad, not just given a lot of pop cultural whip-smarts and irony and cleverness and told that that is happiness. It isn't. If you read this book to your child, please: make it clear to them how isolated Olivia is. If you don't, you're liable to create your own miserable little clown - amusing now, but there will be hell to pay in later years....

Lying is okay?
The book is funny, but it advocates lying. It makes lying 'cute' and does not explain the consequences of lying. I will not want my daughter to read it and think that lying done right is acceptable.

Original is MUCH better
This book teaches lying. It is not as good as the first.

We will keep it because we like Olivia in general. But, like another reviewer, I feel as though I need to explain many of Olivia's behaviors to my child. ("Right now Olivia is pretending", "She should have told the teacher the truth" and "Olivia and her Mommy need to spend some time together talking") I wish Mr.Falconer had been able to make these explinations for me...

We are still holding out hope for the Olivia and Missing Toy.

There are better spunky imaginative kid stories
On a first, not-so-critical read, the story was enjoyable. The pictures, in black and white accessorized with red (see cover for example), are charming, serene and elegant. The poster of Eleanor Roosevelt in Olivia's bedroom can actually make it worth reading and is definitely a five star detail. The spotlighting of a different circus act on each page was great for my 2 1/2 year old who loves the circus. Olivia is a spunky and imaginative child. She is also spoiled and obnoxious with a badly stereotyped mother (passive) and female teacher (presumably anti-imagination and -fun). There is definitely a need for positive assertive and independent creative female protaginists in children's stories but there is no need to assume that the only alternatives are passive or killjoy older females. The pejorative portrayl of the teacher is enough to make this book a definite do not read. Given the problems with education and the images that children already receive, the last thing we need to do is unnecessarily make it worse by propogating more negative stereotypes about school. Olivia's attitude in responding to her teacher and her mother is unfortunately too realistic - there's no need to assume that such obnoxious behavior is admirable as long as one can be clever and individualistic. Adults need to take responsibility for the character traits that we are willing to validate as admirable and provide "people" in books and other media that we want children to emulate. For truly more admirable spunky and creative girls, try Pippi Longstocking, Amelia Bedelia, Pirate Pink, or Treva ("Trouble with Trolls"). The Caldecott Award is given to honor artists/illustrators, which also happens to be a key component to books for very young children. And this book is beautifully and uniquely illustrated. But given the nature of our society and the problems that parents and children must face, we need to be more diligent in what we expose our children to and that means being willing to take a stand and say no to books that don't remove the pejorative stereotypes and negative values. There are literally 1000s of books out there for young children. It's actually very easy to find really good stories-- with beautiful illustrations - so there's no need to have to settle for this story. ... Read more

Book Description

This rockin', rhythmic railroad adventure celebrates the uniqueness of America and the beboppin', doo-woppin' sound of jazz, from jammin' New York City all the way to New Orleans. With bold, powerful art by the "New York Times" best-selling team of Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, H. L. Panahi's text comes alive with a pulse and beat all its own.

Reviews (10)

An "amazing" book!
This is an excellent children's book. I use it every year in my classroom because my students can identify so well with Grace. There are so many language arts activities that can be used with it. Grace is an unforgettable character. She knows what she wants and is undaunted by would-be obstacles in her path. With the help of loving family members she can do anything she sets her mind to!

The Beauty of Childhood Superbly Done
A child's imagination is one of the purest forms of expression. Author Hoffman has captured that innocence in this superb tale. Grace, like so many youngsters, spends much of her day in the pleasures of "acting out" the characters that populate the pages of the books she reads. She feels that she can do and be anything that she desires. The theme of pursuing one's dreams is the type of message to which all can relate.

As one turns the pages of this beautifully illustrated book, one can enjoy the little girl's imaginary adventures. When Grace learns of the part in "Peter Pan," the reader is able to identify with this as a part of school life. The illustrator has also balanced the classroom with children of varied ethnic and racial backgrounds. This is a plus in the age of being "politically correct."

The language of the book is reflective with the age of the intended reading audience. With a little adult help, the average primary child will "read" this one with great relish.

The resolve of the adults in the family to encourage Grace in pursuit of her dreams is refreshing. Most of us let barriers prevent us from doing the same.

This is one great children's book!

Amazing Grace
Synopsis: Grace is a little girl who loves stories of all kinds, but especially adventure stories and fairy tales. Grace enjoys acting out the most exciting part in each story, no matter if that part is Hiawatha or Anansi the Spider. When she can, she makes her friends and family a part of her story-plays, but Grace can act out all the parts in a story on her own too. When Grace’s class is scheduled to perform Peter Pan, Grace knows immediately that she wants to fly in the part of Peter Pan. Her hopes are soon dampened, however, by classmates who tell her she’s not “right” for the role of Peter Pan. With encouragement from her Ma, and help from her Nana who takes Grace to see a ballerina from Trinidad, Grace realizes that she can be anything she wants to be. The result is a very amazing Peter Pan.

Evaluation: Amazing Grace is a lovely picture book story that stars a feisty heroine. The watercolor illustrations of Caroline Binch are as vibrant and real as Grace herself, and they reinforce the plot by depicting aspects of Grace’s life with Ma and Nana, and how Grace enthusiastically acts out the characters she loves. The illustrations are particularly effective in communicating the movement and color that characterize the world of Grace’s imagination. Young readers will relate well to both Grace and to her story. Grace is the kind of person that many of us â€"kids and adults alike-- long to be: a fun, take-charge kind of girl who sees life as an exciting adventure. Grace’s story, though simple enough to be told in a picture book, incorporates some traditional plot elements, including a problem for the heroine to overcome and a resolution to that problem. Amazing Grace would be a good addition to Kindergarten through 2nd grade reading curriculum for several reasons. It brings multi-culturalism into the classroom through its dynamic main character. It tells a positive message story about a girl who follows her dreams, without being preachy. And, it includes eye-catching illustrations that bring the heroine and her story to life.

Inspiring Tale with Superb Illustrations
This inspiring tale celebrates the innocence of youth, presents lessons of equality, and encourages children to pursue their dreams. Illustrator Caroline Binch provides stunning watercolor drawings that compliment the text. Recommended for children ages 4-8, this book will be enjoyed by children and adults.

As the mom of a very creative child, I appreciate the realism offered via every illustration. The watercolor drawings by illustrator Caroline Binch captivate the reader, child or adult. The detail is remarkable, adding immense compliment to the story. I appreciate the realistic expressions on each character. After the initial read, I gazed back at each illustration. In addition to facial detail, the props within the pictures are realistic. It is no surprise that this book is a Reading Rainbow Book.

On the page in which Grace is acting Anansi the Spider, we see her on a schoolyard type of bar. She is looking forward, her eyes exhibit a serious glare, her feet dangle with confidence, and her arms are postured in a stern manner. This child has a mismatched outfit, her right tennis shoe is untied, and she is using pantyhose for the webs. This illustration supports the text, "...and wove a wicked web as Anansi the Spider." But more importantly this - and other - illustrations show true childlike creativity unfolding. This is a mere example of the multiple high quality drawings.

After initial read of Amazing Grace, My daughter told me that she thought it was really sad that the classmates questioned Graces ability to be Peter Pan. This led to open discussion with regard to gender and race prejudice. Thankfully my daughter doesn't exhibit prejudice thoughts, but this story allowed her to realize that some children are subjected to prejudicial judgment of others.

When I asked My daughter what she liked about this book, she told me that she likes Grace. She expanded on this by telling me that Grace has a lot of fun, has a Mom and Grandma that love her, and that Grace does what she wants to do. In addition she told me, "The pictures are beautiful Mom!"

There are multiple messages in this story. Overall my reasoning for adoring Amazing Grace is that the tale is good and the illustrations are superb. But the true measure of success is based on the reaction that my child has. It is books like this that lend toward my 7-year-old maintaining adoration for the written word.

You Can Do Anything
This story is about a girl that pretends to play the parts of all kinds of different people and one day thiers a play and she wants to play the part of Peter Pan and some kids tell er she can't then she goes home. Later on they her parents tell her she can do anything she wants as long as she puts her mind to it, and she did. ... Read more

Book Description

Ask Annie your most complex interpersonal relationship questions. Go on, we dare you!

All letters to Annie are subject to publication in the Clayton High School Register. Names and e-mail addresses of correspondents guaranteed confidential.

High school junior Jenny Greenley is good at solving problems ... so good she's the school newspaper's anonymous advice columnist. Even if solving other people's problems doesn't make her own -- like not having a boyfriend -- go away, it's still fun. But when nineteen-year-old screen sensation Luke Striker comes to Jen's small town to research a role, he creates havoc that even levelheaded Jenny isn't sure she can repair ... especially since she's right in the middle of it.

Can Jen, who always manages to be there for everybody else, learn to take her own advice, and find true love at last?

Book Description

Welcome to Echo Falls.Home of a thousand secrets, where Ingrid Levin-Hill, super sleuth, never knows what will happen next.

Ingrid is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or at least her shoes are. Getting them back means getting involved in a murder investigation rivaling those solved by her idol, Sherlock Holmes, and Ingrid has enough on her plate with club soccer, school, and the plum role of Alice in the Echo Falls production of Alice in Wonderland. But much as in Alice's adventures down the rabbit hole, things in Ingrid's small town keep getting curiouser and curiouser. Her favorite director has a serious accident onstage (but is it an accident?), and the police chief is on Ingrid's tail, grilling her about everything from bike-helmet law to the color of her cleats. Echo Falls has turned into a nightmare, and Ingrid is determined to wake up. Edgar Award–nominated novelist Peter Abrahams builds suspense as a smart young girl finds that her small town isn't nearly as safe as it seems.

Reviews (3)

Really Good!
I just loved the book Down The Rabbit Hole! It really fit into a childrens mystery. I couldn't put it down for a second because there was so much suspense! Every page i read i just wanted to keep reading so i could find out what happened next. I really recommend this to anyone who loves mysteries and suspense!

Harriet the Spy meets Sherlock Holmes
In Echo Falls, thirteen -year-old Ingrid Levin-Hill idolizes Sherlock Holmes for his ability to see the obvious, which mostly people miss, but is proud of being named as Alice in a local production of Wonderland.

However, Ingrid has a new role as life imitates art when someone murders "Cracked-Up Katie" just after the unfortunate victim was visited by the teen sleuth as she rushed from her orthodontist to soccer practice.When the newspaper report the murder, Ingrid worries that the cops will pin the rap on her since she left her soccer cleats at the crime scene.She decides to sneak into the house to reclaim her sneakers.Meanwhile, the police chief wants to interrogate Ingrid on her soccer cleats even as she is beginning to like her adversary's son.Still Ingrid realizes she has to be better than Holmes if she is to get the top cop and a killer off her back.

Sort of like of Harriet the Spy meets Sherlock Holmes; DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE is a terrific young adult amateur sleuth tale.The story line is fast-paced and loaded with action and plenty of twists as Ingrid tries to solve the case out of fear of lock up.The support cast either enhances her sleuthing, her personality, or her hometown.Though her older much bigger brother got away with sibling violence sending the wrong message to the youthful audience, readers of all ages will appreciate Ingrid Levin Hill, teen detective.

Harriet Klausner

Abrahams amazing again!
If you pick up this book make sure you have time to finish it in one sitting because you won't be able to put it down.
Like Harry Potter, this is an all-ages work. Abrahams is an amazing talent whose work thrills me every time and now he's writing for a younger audience which means more people can appreciate his books. If I can't convince you, read the jacket comments from Stephen King. Reviews like that aren't just handed out . . . read the book!
... Read more

Book Description

CD of Pictures at an Exhibition included. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Pictures at an Ehibition
A wonderful picture book which brings true story, art and music together I have ever read. They harmonize well. Reading this book with the accompanying Mussorgsky's music is one of my greatest enjoyment,especially when in late afternoon. I highly recommend this book to the students who now are learning art or music but do not have much time for reading. It is a good opportunity for them to get started from it and will bring in something for them. ... Read more

Book Description

What simpler way could there be to express to children the beauty and the harmony in the world around them than through the lyrics of this song by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele, made famous by the great Louis Armstrong? And what better visual accompaniment than the bright colorful artwork by award-winning Ashley Bryan depicting children of many backgrounds (and Louis Armstrong himself) performing a puppet show that brings the lyrics to life. Here is a book of brightness, wonder, and hope to be shared by all. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

What a wonderful book!
This is a fantastic book! My six and three year old children are already on their second copy - we wore out the first! Both of my daughters love to read it - actually sing it - over, and over, and over. They're fascinated by the pictures as well.

Of course, once they learned to sing the song, it was so easy to introduce them to the music of Louis Armstrong. This book was the perfect bridge. Now my six year old asks me to play "Lewis" for her when we're in the car.

Ultimately soothing
I first saw this book being read/sung to the children in my preschooler's class. I purchased the book for my son and to my amazement,my 1 year old LOVED it as well. The illustrations are bright and captures my baby's attention, he'll sit and "read" the book for minutes! Now, whenever my kids are starting to "meltdown" all I have to do is start singing the song and they both immediately search out this book!

What a Wonderful World
The lyrics to the song, "What a Wonderful World" by David Weiss and Bob Thiele come to life as Ashley Bryan imagines a wonderful world and creates this image in the form of a puppet show. Through the puppet show and the bright colorful illustrations the young audience is captured and can easily relate. It is a great book for young children! It is a book of hope for children and the world!

Note to teachers: This book is great for teaching diversity. Use the book and set it to the music of Louis Armstrong. The children will love it and adults will be moved. Let your children create props for their own puppet show or let children illustrate the book and put together for a class book. Then use Louis Armstrong's music again with the children's class book.

Its colors and text burst with joy!
This book is a joyful, moving tribute to Louis Armstrong and our wonderful world. My kids loved it and it brought me to tears. The words explode with emotion in the colorful illustrations. It is almost as good as hearing Satchmo singing that song. And - like the song - when it's over, you think to yourself, "Isn't it great to be alive!" My only criticism: The book should come packaged with Armstrong's recording.

WONDERFUL!!!
This book is absolutely wonderful, after meeting the author himself I can say his truely colorful personality comes out in this book! I would read this one over and over to my son. ... Read more

Book Description

In the tradition of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Little Princess come Noel Streatfeild’s tales of triumph. In this story, three orphan girls vow to make a name for themselves and find their own special talents. With hard work,
fame just may be in the stars! Originally published in 1937.
... Read more

Reviews (48)

a childhood must-read
Ballet shoes -- and all of Noel Streatfield's "shoes" stories -- were by far my favorite books as a child. My copy of Ballet Shoes is nearly worn out from being read so many times. The mix of fantasy and reality is perfect -- it sparks a child's imagination of what could, just maybe, happen to her. Interestingly, the "shoes" series was given a bit of publicity in the recent flick "You've Got Mail;" perhaps one of the movie's writers was a fan of Streatfield as well? In any case, I'd recommend this book to any child . . . and any adult wishing to relive childhood through the eyes of three orphaned -- but very lucky -- British children.

A delightfully good book!
I didn't actually read this book until I was an adult, but I still enjoyed it very much. Streatfield did a good job with describing the characters of Posy, Pauline and Petrova. Each girl has her own individual characteristics, personality and background. In the book, you'll see their struggles to acheive their dreams; Pauline as an actress, Posy as a ballerina, and Petrova as a pilot. Girls who are theater-minded will relate best to Pauline and Posy; tomboys will relate better to Petrova, who dislikes her ballet and theater training and puts up with it only because she knows she's helping the family out financially. Petrova is the sort of girl who is interested in airplanes and cars, and could care less about being an actress or dancer.

However, while this is a charming story, it is very unrealistic in some ways. The girls, all of whom were orphaned in infancy, never wonder about their real parents, and Posy seems perfectly content with the fact that her mother abandoned her. Gum, who brought all three girls home, simply drops out of their lives before they're old enough to know him -- he never writes to them, comes to visit, asks about them, anything. Yet this never bothers the girls, and they accept his absence as a fact of life. All the girls' problems center around some aspect of their work; there are never any issues about things outside of it.

Even the ending, while touching, seems a little amiss. Instead of worrying about who she will live with(Posy and Pauline are both moving away to different places when promising opportunites arise for them) Petrova is wondering how she will make the Fossil(the name she and her sisters chose for themselves)name famous. If I was in that situation and my two sisters were going to live in two different places, with each of my guardians going to live separately with them, my concerns would be a little more practical. Thankfully, at this point Gum shows up and solves the dilemma.

In spite of that, this is a sweet, charming book, just delightfully good reading. I think that it would have been even better with some subplots regarding personal, non-work-related issues in the girls' lives, such as wondering about their real families, and what it would be like to have a dad. For this reason I give it four stars. Most likely this style of writing wasn't popular for children's books in Noel Streatfield's time. Nevertheless, I still find it a very enjoyable book, even at 28 years of age, and still recommend it heartily for any young girl.

A Great Kids Book!
When I read this book I wanted to read it every night. Since I've finished reading it (boo hoo!) I've wanted to read more of the Shoe Books. I completely fell in love with the characters from this book, and met them every night when my dad read it to me. I think kids just like me will love this book. (...).

Best Book
The Ballet Shoes was a very good book. If you dont like ballet you probably will not like it. It was a very interesting book.I would recommend it to everyone.

simply an enjoyable read
I usually read sci-fi trilogies and the like. Then I heard so many nice things about this book that I had to read it. It was a happy story about the three little girls was interesting and funny. By reading about the bygone era of the 40s, I learned a lot about the issues of that time period (the illnesses and social issues), and the culture (proper attire, tea time, and formalities). I also some about Shakespeare. Anyway, I'm an adult and I would recommend it. --anjchang ... Read more

Reviews (5)

charming introduction into art for youngsters
This book serves more than one purpose. It is a short, but entertaining read for a child or for a parent to read to their children. The story is about Marie, a young girl in France who is loved by her poor, but hard-working parents. They work long hours to save money to send her to ballet school - as it is her dream to become the world's most famous ballerina.

When her father becomes ill and can no longer afford to pay for her classes, the famous artist Edgar Degas offers to pay her for modeling for him. He is mean, short-tempered and impatient with Marie, making her hold poses for hours until her neck aches.

One night, however, she finds out just a little of what is under the surface of Degas' rough exterior and feels sorry for him, giving him her long hair ribbon.

Even her modeling pay cannot sustain the cost of her classes, so she must give up her dream. Later, she and her parents receive an invitation to a gallery showing of Degas' work - the center piece is the only sculpture of his ever displayed during his lifetime - it is of Marie - and unlike other statues, hers is wearing a tutu and the beautiful hair ribbon she gave him.

The story is not only entertaining, but it tells children that while some people may act mean or rude, it may be because they are hurting on the inside - and extending friendship to someone who behaves in such a manner can truly make a difference in their life and in yours.

The story is peppered with illustrations of Marie and her family, as well as photos of Degas' paintings and of course, his famous sculpture. Information about the names of the paintings and the museums where they are displayed is also cited at the end of the book.

This doesn't have to be just a book for girls - even young boys will see a universal truth - we can always have dreams and even though they may not come true the way we envisioned them, we never know what wonderful surprises are around the corner.

Charming little book with lovely illustrations
This is the story of Marie van Goethen, a young dancer at the Paris Opera Ballet School who posed for Edgar Degas (1824-1917). He created the sculpture, "The Little Dancer" based on Marie's likeness. This was the only Degas sculpture to be exhibited during his lifetime. This charming figure was wearing a tutu and a wig.
The illustrations in this children's book are beautiful and even some of Degas' own paintings are included. I wish that more of Degas' life had been included in this story. I also feel that this book would have been perfect if more of his paintings were displayed with descriptions of each work of art.
This book is a good introduction to Degas and should be targeted towards lower elementary students.

A moving story
This is not only a book for children, but also a moving tale illustrating the life of Degas. It is enough to bring tears to the eyes of any lover of Degas art.

This book connects real life with art
This is a wonderful book that helps children (and adults) see the reality that lies behind art. My daughter was first introduced to this book at the age of 8. Now she notices the "Little Dancer" every time she sees it. Knowing the background of both Degas and his young dancer has made the art itself more interesting.

Fabulous integrated arts book!
This book teaches not only about the famous French impressionist Degas, but also would be enjoyed by any child who loves dance. It documents the true story of Degas' dancer paintings as well as one little girl's love for ballet. It's equally inspirational and educational. Perfect for the classroom or the home! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A lilting story
I first bought this book because I was fond of the author. Reading it the first time to my daughters' first-grade class, I cried. The author, Libba Moore Gray, perfectly captures the dance of the changing seasons and how the mother and daughter celebrate. After I finished the book that first time, a very rough-and-tumble boy asked, "Is that book poetry?" Of course it is! The best kind: the kind that reaches children.

A Treasure
I gave this book to my mother for Mother's Day after being introduced to it in one of my teaching methods classes. Gray uses words like paint on a paintbrush, dipping into serious deep blues and greens while tossing in dashes of bright yellows. Colon's illustrations enhance the carefully chosen and eloquent words, bringing them to life. This is truly a book to be shared by daughters and mothers.

My five year old loves this book!
I have a five year old blind daughter who loves this book. We read it every night at bedtime, sometimes 2 or 3 times before she falls asleep. She cant see the pictures but she loves the combination of words. "With a grin and a giggle, a hug and a whistle, we'd slap our knees and mama would say, Bless the world, It feel like a tip-tapping, song-singing, finger-snapping kind of day. Let's Celebrate!" And so we did. I love this book as much as she does, And I love to hear her recite it to me word for word. If your thinking about buying this book, think no more. You wont be dissapointed with My Mama Had A Dancing Heart.

A great book for any daughter who loves to dance
I was immediately captivated by the cover of "My Mama Had a Dancing Heart." Raul Colon uses a unique technique that combines colored pencil and watercolor washes with texture added by using scratching tools. Now that I know that I can look at these gorgeous illustrations and see what that means. I especially like the way in which the scratches add a dynamic sense of motion to the pictures and will make a point of tracking down more of his distinctive artwork. Libba Moore Gray's story here is about the love of dance, passed from mother to daughter as a great gift of love. If you have a daughter who loves to dance, whether she dreams of being a prima ballerina or not, they will love this colorful and enchanting book.

An excellent picture book for all
Melodic memories touch a young ballerina's heart as she recalls dancing with her mother through the seasons, stopping for sassafras tea in spring and hot cocoa in winter. Together, author Libba Moore Gray and illustrator Raul Colon mesmerize readers with rhythmic text and surreal paintings, setting the dancing mood. Tip-tapping, plash-splashing, and squish-squashing are the musical words Gray plays for ears, engaging listeners and giving the text a natural flow. Text separated from illustrations allows for appreciative rather than overwhelmed eyes. The text and illustrations follow a seasonal pattern, making the story predictable. Colon effectively portrays the ballerina's fond childhood memories by combining watercolor, colored pencils, and etching, creating a distinctive texture, while his use of cool colors and light hues accentuate the mother-daughter bond. With a white background border for each painting, illustrations resemble a photo album. Reaslistic characters in action result from the incorportated use of curved line and shape. Continutity in artistic elements reflects the serene tone and allows for natural movement from page to page. Share this mother's dancing heart with young listeners. This picture book warms the heart and will be enjoyed by all readers. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If I Ran the Circus is a grand rhyming Seussian hymn to every child's grandest and wildest plans. Behind Mr. Sneelock's ramshackle store, there's an empty lot. Little Morris McGurk is convinced that if he could just clear out the rusty cans, the dead tree, and the old cars, he would have no further obstacles to using the lot for the amazing, the world-beating, Circus McGurkus. The more elaborate Morris's dreams about the circus become, the more they depend on sleepy-looking, innocent Mr. Sneelock, who stands outside his ramshackle store sucking on a pipe, oblivious to the fate that awaits him in the depths of Morris's imagination. He doesn't yet know that he'll have to dispense 500 gallons of lemonade, be lassoed by a Wily Walloo, wrestle a Grizzly-Ghastly, and ski down a slope dotted with giant cacti. But if his performance is up to McGurkian expectations, then "why, ladies and gentlemen, youngsters and oldsters, your heads will quite likely spin right off your shouldsters!" Welcome to the big top. (Ages 4 to 8) --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (10)

for circus fans
My 6yr old daughter picked this book out at the library because she saw a poster of it being held by Jonathan Lee Iverson - the ringmaster for Ringling Bros. She fell in love with the circus at age 4 and had to read this book when she saw the poster. She was so upset when it was time to return it that I decided to buy it for her and give it to her when she completes kindergarden. She looks for it every time we're at the library. It's a tongue twister for adults (what Seuss book isnt't) but actually kind of fun as you get into it. Lengthy too but if you have a circus fan I'm sure they'll love it too.

Perhaps the most perfect Seuss!
If I Ran the Circus is a delightful cross between the tongue-twisting Fox in Sox and the classic Cat in the Hat. I read it to my children until they begged me to stop. Then I read it to my wife. It demands to be read outloud with the greatest of enthusiasm, almost child-like glee, drawing out the unique word combinations and stunning metre and rhyme. Fabuluous.

One of Seuss's finest
Absolutely topnotch Seuss--a rollicking, over-the-top display of his art, word play, imagination, and humor. The Foon, the Drum-Tummied Snumm, the Organ McOrgan McGurkus, the spouting whales--all are among Seuss's most delightful creations. This book is bursting with optimism and energy, and to read it well to a child you have to give it your all.

I'm surprised this book is not mentioned very much in the current burst of interest in Seuss (2004 is his birth centennial). It's a marvellous tale and it would be a shame for someone to go through a childhood (or parenthood) and miss it.

If I Ran The Circus
My dad bought me this book when I was quite young and to this day it is still my favorite book. I read it when i'm having a bad day and it always makes me smile. It has something for everyone. As a kid I liked the language and the amazing drawings. As an adult I like the idea of the dream of running a circus, so to speak.

From Childhood to Adulthood
This is the one book I would not let my parents put down as a child and now with my first child on the way I have a new copy to read aloud to him. The book is a fabulous adventure that never gets old. If you need a reason other than the wonderful story and its characters, try challenging yourself to read it all the way through with out getting tounge-tied. My father never could! ... Read more

Book Description

Phillip comes from a circus family, but all he really wants is tobe a regular kid. After persuading his parents to let him move in with his aunt anduncle, he winds up in Hardingtown, where everyone is wild about dodgeball. Whenhe gets slammed in the face with a speeding ball in gym class, he decides totake the dodgeball bully to court. But can a circus boy take on the UnofficialDodgeball Capital of the World?

This uproariously funny middle-grade novel carries an inspiring message aboutsticking to your beliefs, however unpopular they may be. ... Read more

Book Description

OLIVIA, the spirited heroine of the bestselling books Olivia, Olivia Saves the Circus, and� Olivia...and the Missing Toy, has a new showcase for her inimitable talents and imagination; her very own theater designed to introduce children of all ages to the magic of the stage.

OLIVIA is good at lots of things, including singing, dancing, and being in the spotlight. Starring in productions of Swan Lake, Turandot, and Romeo and Juliet, Olivia is in her element as leading lady extraordinaire in this elegantly constructed set that promises hours of fun.

TEATRO OLIVIA INCLUDES:

• Enchanting scenery, including three full stage sets!

• Six Olivia paper dolls in ravishing costumes, and three Ian paper dolls!

• Teatro Olivia's very own Playbill (trademark sign), featuring revealing plot summaries and scintillating biographies of the players!

• Extra stock for budding set designers to create their own backdrops!

Pull the doors open. Fold down stage. Hang backdrops. Play! ... Read more

Book Description

JoJo's Circus is a stop-motion animation series which follows the adventures of JoJo, an adorable and curious clown who lives in Circus Town with her family and best friend, a pet lion named Goliath.JoJo's Circus encourages kids at home to try movement activities along with JoJo and her friends, while learning about the values of kindness, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. ... Read more

Book Description

Aunt Cora is determined to turn two orphans, perky Hilary and sullen Rachel, into members of her dance troupe. But Rachel wants to keep Hilary from being one of Wintle’s Little Wonders–is it selfishness or something else? Misunderstandings and a spoiled cousin combine for a tale full of high drama. Originally published in 1957. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Dancing Shoes
I think this book is really great and is one of my favorite books. Ten year olds Rachel and Hillary Lennox have to go live with their Aunt Cora in London after their Rachel's mother dies. Rachel is a worry rat who is always worrying about Hillary. Hillary is an oraphan whom Rachel's father adopts when Rachel was 6. Before their mother died, Hillary was doing ballet with Madame Raine. Madame Raine thought Hillary should go to the Royal Ballet School. Aunt Cora to Hillary's luck teaches a dancing school but Aunt Cora doesn't want Hillary because they had no realation. When Aunt Cora sees Hillary doing ballet on the front lawn she imeditley changes her mind and wants to take both of them. Rachel has a cousin named Dulcie. Dulcie is a spoiled brat and always gets her way. Her father Uncle Tom doesn't like that though. Uncle Tom was Rachel's mom's brother. A few days after their arrival Aunt Cora starts traing them to be Mrs. Wintle's Little Wonders. (Aunt Cora is also known as Mrs. Wintle) Read the book! you'll probably enjoy it!

"Dancing Shoes" will waltz away with your heart
How can it be that a book about a dancing school in 1950s London would make such an impression on a klutzy American 12-year old in the late '70s and early '80s? A compelling story and appealing, cleancut prose have made "Dancing Shoes" a staple -- albeit dog-eared -- book in my library for more than 15 years.

"Dancing Shoes" started my long "pas de deux" with Noel Streatfeild's "Shoes" series. Streatfeild describes the day-to-day lives of Rachel and Hilary -- two orphans who find unexpectedly themselves living in a stage-training school with their brusque, stage-mama Aunt Cora -- in such a way that the reader can feel the warmth of the footlights and the pinch of their tap shoes. The plight of untalented Rachel among the dancing troupe of Mrs. Wintle's Little Wonders was very true to life, and her triumph over her spoiled cousin at the end of the book gives hope to all little girls who aren't so light on their feet. This and other "Shoes" books will be passed on to my own daughters.

A MUST READ LOVABLE BOOK!
I received this book when I was about 8 years old. I took one look at it and thought, "I am NOT going to read this. It's a BABY book!" I never touched the book again until 3 years later, when I was 11 years old, and decided just to try out the book. OMG! Was I wrong! This was not a baby book! The story of Rachel and Hilary Lennox and their lovable (in a villainy way)conceited cousin, Dulcie Wintle, is a charming book that every one (and I mean EVERYONE) will love.

Rachel and Hilary come to live with their Aunt Cora, who runs a dancing (ballet, acrobatics, musical comedy, etc.) school, when their mother dies. Aunt Cora is set on making them both "little wonders" but Rachel finds that she disdains it, having no talent for those types of things. Hilary, however, finds that she loves it, and has a real talent for it, too! But Rachel doesn't want Hilary to be a "little wonder," let alone love it! Hilary was going to go to the Royal Ballet School of Dancing before their mother died, and Rachel is set on making her go after her mother's last words for her were to make sure Hilary went on with her dancing.
Misunderstandings will get in the way, as Hilary grows more and more with the "bad" type of dancing, becomes competition with Dulcie, and Rachel comes to find that dancing may not be her thing, but that doesn't mean that stage is not...

Dulcie -- my favorite childhood villain!
I've always adored books set in England ... and it started with the Noel Streatfeild books that I devoured as a child. Of all of the Shoes books -- and believe me, twenty years ago I read every single one I could get my hands on -- this is still the best.

The two heroines are so likable and yet so different from each other; Rachel is introspective and quiet, Hilary is vivacious and fun-loving. What this means is that every little girl reading it can identify with one or the other. Streatfeild is at her best when it comes the book's character development. Rachel's reaction to her mother's death, and her changing relationship with her sister, are very well-drawn and utterly convincing.

Best of all, this book has Dulcie -- the character you love to hate. And every single person gets her comeuppance in the end; the reader's desire for poetic justice is fufilled in a most suprising but totally convincing way. It's a wonderfully satisfying read, and the kind of book that you can read again and again ... even as an adult.

Absolutely brilliant
I can't remember when I first read 'Dancing Shoes' - judging by the writing in the front cover, I must have been pretty young - but I have never stopped loving it. Though my copy is now dog eared and I practically know it off by heart, I read it about once ever four months.

It is the involved and moving tale of Rachel and Hilary, both ten years old when the book begins. Hilary was adopted by Rachel's parents when they were both four, and has always felt part of the family. She is a promsing ballet dancer (her real mother being one) but is lazy, and doesn't take the work seriously. Rachel, who is serious in everything she does, watches all of Hilary's lessons and keeps her working hard. Their father, a famous film star, died when they were seven. When the book opens, their mother has just died too, leaving them orphans.

They are taken to live with Rachel's aunt and uncle, Cora Wintle and Tom Lennox. Aunt Cora, or Mrs. Wintle as she is commonly referred to, runs a stage school for children called Wintle's Wonders. Throughout the book she is mean, oppressive, selfish and cold hearted torwards first Rachel, and then Hilary. Uncle Tom is an artist, and the opposite of Cora. He nurtures Rachel, who feels misunderstood and out of place in a dancing school, and tries his hardest to make things better. Their spoilt cousin Dulcie is a brilliant dancer, and thoroughly conceited. Pursey is the kindly and fat house keeper who becomes their mother figure.

'Dancing Shoes' focuses on Rachel's trials and tribulations, mainly trials though, and how she reacts to the situations and characters around her. Everything about it will pull you in and make you feel like you're really living her life. Although at times it is heart breaking, it is suitable for children and adults of all ages. The ending is very fitting, even though it is somewhat bitter sweet. Please, do yourself a favour and buy this for yourself, your daughter, grand daughter, neice, cousin, sister... whatever. It is fantastic! ... Read more

Book Description

This soft, lovable Angelina with movable arms and legs is a perfect likeness

of her picture book counterpart--right down to her winsome smile. She's 9-

inches tall, she's costumed in a removable tutu, and she's packaged in a

see-through box that folds out into a theater stage. A miniature paperback

edition of the original Angelina book, Angelina Ballerina, accompanies

the doll making this an irresistible gift for any child.




... Read more

Reviews (10)

My daughter's Idol
My daughter has fallen in love with this book and the character of Angelina so quickly. It is a wonderful book with beautiful illustrations and we enjoy reading it so much. My daughter was already interested in ballet but this book has brought her imagination to a new level. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a young girl.

Fun for any aspiring ballerina
Katharine Holabird's "Angelina Ballerina" is fun for any aspiring ballerina. Angelina Mouseling--a wee white mouse--loves to dance, to the exclusion of all other activities. She won't clean her room, she won't help clear the table, she listens to neither her mother or her father because she is dancing, dancing, dancing at every waking moment. Everything changes when her parents recognize that her interest needs to be taken seriously. Mr. and Mrs. Mouseling do just that when they go shopping and come home with--ooooh!--a ballerina's tutu for Angelina to wear.

Shortly thereafter, Angelina begins ballet lessons. Her perseverence pays off and she becomes a famous ballerina. In the interim, however, the attention her parents have paid to her love of ballet pays off in the form of her willingness to do all the things she didn't want to do before, because now she can dance all she likes in ballet class and in recitals.

I agree with the comments that have been made about the subdued sexism here. Angelina is presented as someone who is too fast and too nimble for the boys on the playground, but later in the book--once she has gotten what she wants--she is described as letting the boys catch her after all. It's a jarring note in an otherwise perfectly charming book.

Special mention must be made of Helen Craig's detailed, charming drawings. She doesn't completely anthropomorphize the mouse characters--they are clearly little animals, with anatomically correct limbs and quivering whiskers, but Craig somehow manages to humanize them and make them utterly winsome and dear. All around a very nice book for the aspiring ballerina!

Adorable Book For Your Ballerina
Angelina Ballerina is a little mouse, whom loves to dance. She dances all over the schoolyard, and through the house. Finally her parents enroll her in a ballet class, where she becomes one of the best students.

Angelina Ballerina is enjoyable for little ballerinas of all ages. Not only will it encourage your little ones to read, but to also have faith in themselves when trying something new. The illustrations will also make you and your little ones smile in excitement. A must have book for all ballerinas.

My daughter's favorite!
We bought this book at a festival of books. The author did a reading and then signed the books. Ever since then, my 5 year old, Xotchitl, has not put it down! It is a great book! She is hoping that Santa Clause will bring her the rest of the Angelina books!

Best Children's Ballet Book
I think that Angelina inspires young dancers to fulfill their dreams. She is spunky and delightful. It's the perfect little gift for a young child. They don't have to be interested in ballet to enjoy this book. I am a pre-professional ballet dancer. This book means a lot to me for it was my favorite book when I was younger and it still is one of my favorites. ... Read more

Book Description

Winterhope.

It didn't sound like much, but it was a big idea. A very big idea.

It all started when Hart Evans zinged a rubber band that hit Mr. Meinert, the chorus director. Actually, it started before that, when Mr. Meinert learned he was out of a job because the town budget couldn't afford music and art teachers. Mr. Meinert got so mad at Hart that he told the sixth graders he'd had it -- they could produce the big holiday concert on their own. Or not. It was all up to them.

What happens when a teacher steps aside and lets the kids run the show? Not what Mr. Meinert would have predicted. And not what Hart Evans would have guessed, not at all.

Out of chaos, infighting, compromise, idealism, and finally, a fragile peace, the sixth grade choral concert was born. And they called it Winterhope.

But would it be the last holiday concert of them all? ... Read more

Book Description

Three orphans are forced to enter a theater school by their grandmother, a famous actress. Unable to pay the tuition, they are given scholarships from the now-grown orphans from Ballet Shoes. Will they be able to live up to their patrons’ legacies? The children are ready to run away–until they discover their hidden talents. Originally published in 1945. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A delightful companion to Ballet Shoes; don't miss it.
Sorrel, Holly, and Mark Forbes, whose father has disappeared in World War II, come from their grandfather's vicarage to live with their previously unknown grandmother, the great actress Margaret Shaw, in wartime London, and attend Madame Fidolia's school. They are "adopted" by the Fossil sisters (Pauline and Posy in California, Petrova flying in the war), and adjust to their talented cousins and new family. A vivid look at theatre life and London; delightful characters; a book that will enchant young and old. When will all this series be reprinted?

Everyone needs to read at least 1'shoe' book.
Theatre Shoes was the first of Noel Streatfield's 'shoe' book that I read. After I finished it, I went straight to the library to get more. I love reading about how normal kids [poor and orphaned] can become great at something. In this particular one Sorrel, Mark, and Holly are living with their grandmother, who has almost nothing, in London. This 'shoe' book [along with the other ones that I have read] talks about their troubles and how hard they work to earn money by preforming [even though they do not want to] and how each one of them finds their own special talent. You get to know the charecters so well that you feel like you are one of them. The events in the book seem so real. I just wish Noel Streatfield had written more than just 10 of them.

Theater Shoes
This book is about siblings named Sorrel, Mark, and Holly Forbes. After their grandfather dies they go to live with their grandmother because their mom is dead and their father is a sailor in the war and he is missing. In London with their grandmother they are forced to go to a stage school. At first they are upset about this but then they finds out they are part of a famous stage family. after a while they find that they have talents in the theater and start to enjoy the stage school. I really enjoyed this and thought it was really interesting. But if you don't like theater you might not enjoy it as much.

Re-read it as an adult!
This marvellous book I know by the title Curtain Up, which I've had since I was about nine years old. It is a perennial favourite on my book shelf - although written for children, there is plenty in it to keep even an adult reader gripped until the last page. Noel Streatfeild's sense of humour for a start and the gritty realism of her descriptions of poverty still hold strong today. And who can't identify with Sorrel, Mark and Holly's when they yearn for an attache case, not wanting to be different from other children at school? We've all been there, to some degree or another.
There is something infinitely comforting about slipping back between the covers of a book you enjoyed as a child. A highly enjoyable book.

Great Book For Young Dancers
I love this book! I like to dance, and I think that the girls who are interested in this book will be dancers or actresses, etc. I think that it is a good story about children my age learning to love dancing and acting as I do, and I would definately recommend reading this book! I have read this book and Dancing Shoes, and I cant' wait to read Ballet Shoes! I am not sure if non-dancers or actresses would like this book, but I sure did!
It is about three children named Sorrel, Mark, and Holly, who, after a period of time, find that talent runs in their family. But Sorrel is rivaled by her cousin, Miranda, who thinks she is better than them. But they prove her wrong! Sorrel learns to love acting, while Mark sings, and Holly dances. I'll probably read it over and over again years to come! ... Read more