Book Description

Reviews (5)

THE LOST IS FOUND
Granted the Lone Star State is a large one - many miles and every sort of terrain imaginable from plains to lakes to hills to cavernous waste.And, this is where Sasparillo has lost his way.

How in the world will a tiny, friendly armadillo find his way home in this vast area?Never fear, there are those who help and in this case it's a strong eagle.

Yes, a magnificent eagle befriends Sasparillo and carries him across the sky as the little armadillo searches for his home.

Youngsters love a happy ending, and Sasparillo finds one.

Great book!!
My daughter loves armadillos, so when I saw this book at the library, I had to bring it home.It is great.It took her interest in armadillos and combined it with geography.The author did a great job of intertwining the fact that there are 50 states and linking that with the continents and our place on earth and the planets in the solar system.For us, this is definately worth purchasing!!

Emma says....
it's a very good book but it needs more details about other places.I really liked the postcards because they looked so real.If I was going to places, I would write postcards to my friends.

Signed, E.J.W.

A must for everyone who loves childrens books
I checked out thisbook from our local library because of the colorfulillustrations, but as soon as I got it home I knew I had discovered atreasure.My children loved the rolling, tumbling word play and I lovedthe fact that they were learning as I was reading.Ms Cherry does awonderful job of drawing you into the story and her illustrations aredelightful.I have added this book to our home library and look forward toseeing new stories from this wonderful authoress.I highly recommed it toany one with children or a love for Texas.A must to own.

Intriging, Entertaining, and Educational
Lynne Cherry once again writes a story that is cute, fun, and contributes to childhood development.By using characters that are far from ordinary and very likeable she creates an enjoyable story that gives children an idea of where they are in the universe. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Lisa and her dog, Penny, learn the basics of mapmaking in this delightful sequel to Measuring Penny

Lisa's class is learning how to make maps. The teacher says they can make maps of anyplace, so Lisa starts with her bedroom. She includes all the things that people will need to read the map, such as a scale and a key to the symbols she has used.

Her dog, Penny, helps with the map. This gives Lisa an idea: Why not map Penny's world? Making maps is so much fun that Lisa and Penny decide to visit some of the exotic places that they've drawn-but they won't forget to take a map along!

Now available in paperback, this engaging sequel to the bestselling Measuring Penny will delight teachers and students alike.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Example of Simple Map-Making
This book follows the path of a dog and the maps made of her neighborhood. These maps are very simple and easy to follow. They are straight forward and amazingly uncluttered. The legends help to show why they are so important in map-making. This is a wonderful guide to introduce children to maps and also to use as an "template" for creating your own maps. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great book for all ages!!!
Betty Pace should be the foremost author in children's health books. She takes a subject like inner ear problems and makes it not only enjoyable, but interesting to read! I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a son or daughter who may need any type of medical treatement, or to anyone who wants to see how to explain something on the level of a child. I'll be looking forward to seeing more books from this author in the near future!

A wonderful book to read to a child before ear tube surgery
This is a perfect book to help ease the mind of a child that might be frightened of ear tube surgery. Just have mom or dad or both curl up in a comfortable chair with the child that is about to have ear tube surgery,get the book and read together. This should remove a lot of fear a smallchild might have.

Excellent to prepare kids for the hospital experience.
This book explains in a child friendly way what to expect from the first visit to the doctor, through the entire hospital experience.It is done in a way to make children anticipate the experience with joy, not fear.Iwould highly recommend this book for anyone with a child about to facehospitalization for ear tubes.

Child-friendly explanation of having ear tube surgery
The story is very child-friendly and presentsChris getting ear tubes in a non-threatening way - for children as young as 3 years old.The story allows a child to see what will happen at the hospital - going to sleep and be able to hear better.The story made my daughter very comfortable about going to the hospital and having her ear tubes.It made what could have been a scary experience be exactly the reverse.In addition, the story talks about after surgery -wearing ear plugs.My daughter accepts her ear plugs much better because of Chris's experience.I highly recommend this book for parents of young children who are having ear tubes for not only a 1st time but also the 2nd, 3rd or 4th time. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!
This book is great, and my kids love it. My children were breastfeed to at least age 1. It is an act of nature, so get over it people! I choose to feed my children the natural way rather than feed them some man made crap. This book shows and teachs even the youngest child about our bodies and what the different parts are used for. I love the whole series and applaude the writer for giving us these wonderful books about topics most find taboo.

Touch my breasts?! Be my guest!
"Breasts" is such a creative, humrous book filled with interesting colored drawings and what not. I enjoy this book dearly! I sit by my fire place every evening with my boy friend, reading him this wonderful book. I shall cherish this forever....breats...

Two Stars Seems Appropriate
Yes, this is a cartoon book about breasts. There are no actual photographs, the cartoons are reminiscent of cave drawings, and the text is somewhat stilted (perhaps it's the translation) and often hilarious (whether intentional or not). For those who don't know (and I hope this isn't considered a "spoiler"), breasts (at least the female version) are useful--particularly for babies. Lots of babies get milk from a mamma's breast and this book covers the process nicely and with simple words and (even simpler) drawings. If you want to teach a young child about breasts, this may be the book for you.

hysterical book about the function of breasts/breastfeeding
A candid and realistic discussion of male and female breasts, and why they are different. A big focus on breastfeeding as the (only real) function of the breasts. Breastfeeding portrayed in a wonderful light and the milk production process is explained in simple terms. I began reading this to my breastfeeding 1 year-old and he loved it then and continues to love it as a weaned 3 year-old. There are many funny parts. Highly recommended to read to children who are exposed to breastfeeding and who feel breasts are a normal body part to see and know that breasts have a real and important function. Great to read to older children in preparation for the arrival of a new sibling who will be breastfed. This book is not in any way sexual or titillating and does not treat breasts as a sexual toy for adult men.

Thorough and hilarious
I bought the Japanese version of this book in a 2nd-hand bookstore. Even though there were no English words anywhere in the book, I could totally understand what was being communicated by the illustrations.

The children and adults drawn in the book are endearing and expressive. And I laughed outloud in the bookstore as I thumbed through it. The expressions on the characters' faces are just adorable. Adults of my parents generation were a little too shy or aloof when the topic of sexuality or body parts came up. Many adults of my generation state quite clearly that they will do it different, but it's hard to know how to break the ice on such topics when your only experience was with parents that acted as though the subject matter was taboo. My own parents were pretty forthcoming, but I know that was the exception and not the rule.

A simple and to-the-point book with a simple and to-the-point title. ... Read more

Book Description

Ms. Frizzle and her class visit the Hugh Mann Costume Company to learn all about skeletons: why we need them, what different bones are for, how doctors fix them when they're broken, and lots more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Ghost Of John
Mrs. Frizzle's class gets some skeleton costumes, and they are all missing something. They go to the costume designer to get some spares, but they are frightened by The Ghost Of John! Will they get over the fright? ... Read more

Book Description

Bilingual tale of the Mexican Jumping Beans. Snappy, rhyming text in both Spanish and English. Great science supplement. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Lucas and His Loco Beans
Lucas tells the story of a summertime visit to his grandfather's ranch. He and his grandfather share love of nature. On a trek into the mountains, Lucas learns about the Mexican Jumping Bean and how his abuelo (grandfather) collected them to play with as a boy. Lucas can hear a clicking noise coming from the bean and can see that the seed itself moves. Grandfather tells Lucas about the moth larva that inhabits the bean until it turns into a moth.

This book is written in a lively, rhyming, bilingual style, with English as the main language and English meanings given for the Spanish words used. It is an exciting story, whether your language is English or Spanish. There are four pages at the back of the book with jumping bean facts in both English and Spanish, and then a neat multiple-choice quiz on word meanings.

This book is both entertaining and educational, and in case you wish to purchase Mexican jumping beans to observe the life cycle of the little critter that lives in them, purchase information is included in the book.

Beverly J. Rowe, Reviewer for Myshelf.com

Lucas and His Loco Beans
This is an enchanting childen's story that is so well presented any parent would be delighted to read along with their children all about these loco beans. ... Read more

Book Description

In this first of a trilogy, the Universe tells its own life story of chaos and creativity, science and struggle. Time after time the Universe nearly perishes, then bravely triumphs and turns itself into new and even more spectacular forms. Eventually it turns stardust into you. This story begins in the very beginning, and ends with the formation of Earth. The second book From Lava to Life: The Universe Tells Our Earth Story tells of tiny new living things and ends with giant dinosaurs. In the third book, mammals rise and so do you (available spring 2005). ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Important Book to Read and Share
Jennifer Morgan's Born with a Bang is an great read for all ages. Imaginatively and beautifully illustrated, it opens eyes and minds to the new learnings of recent decades.

Supported by helpful scientific discoveries detailed at the end, I found this book very helpful to share with my children and grandchildren. Ms. Morgan's enthusiastic insights into the wonderful new learnings helped me to absorb the "Universe's story" into my current understanding of where I came from, how I got here and what it takes to protect life on Earth.

I am grateful for this book and suggest it for book and church reading groups of all ages. Her next book continues the learning and I look forward to her third and last of this series.

For all ages
I'm giving this book to my grandchildren although I recommend it for adults who are not familiar with the new story of the evolutionary universe. It is accessible, well-written, carefully researched and stunningly illustrated. In the spirit of Thomas Berry and Brian Swimme, the book, while faithful to science, begins to open doors to the remarkable insights offered by our new origin story.

magic and more
Born with a Bang is a unique book....at once visually stunning, scientifically rich, accessible to kids and adults, entrancing, and most importantly...presenting a new (to me) way to think and feel about who we are and how we got here.

Learning what could be the important lessons in life, while being entertained and often amused....I'll take that anytime. Can't wait for more from Ms Morgan and Ms Andersen..

Born with a Bang, The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story
I was entertained by this imaginative, yet scientific "telling" of many transformations that the Universe has gone through from the Big Bang up to the formation of our solar system. The book assumes consciousness precedes material manifestation. I have seen children listen wide-eyed and pleased to have this story told from the point of view of the "first person". It makes what could be dry cosmological science seem very personal. I especially appreciated the scientific markers in the back of the book which revealed a number of new conclusions that were unknown when I went to school. The illustrations are amazing and evocative.

An Eye Opener
I purchase several copies of this book at a time and give them away to families I know with young children. As a student of the universe story and Director of an environmental organization that bases its work on this material, I find the book to be entertaining (for adults as well as children), and scientifically very solid. I read it to myself over and over. The "first-person" approach is enchanting, especially for kids, It removes the fields of cosmology and astro-physics from the realm of the abstract and renders them delightfully understandable. If you or your kids are curious about how the universe came to be (and our place in it as humans), run, don't walk to this book (and its sequel, "From Lava to Life"). ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. "In a delightful tale told in rhyme, the Bears cope with weightlessness, meteor showers, and moon dust. A winner for beginning readers."--School Library Journal. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Send Your Child's Imagination to the Moon!
Although Amazon advertises this book for ages 4-8, my wife and I started reading this and other Stan and Jan Berenstain books to our children from 18 months and up. Always a delight, our kids would laugh at the silliness while learning a lesson about life. We started a great habit of reading two or three books before bed, and the kids loved them. Soon, they would memorize many of the phrases, beginning a lifelong passion for reading.

Every kid should experience reading books by the Berenstains while growing up. The characters are well developed, the rhyming phrases help kids become enthusiastic about reading, and the messages about life make them think. Bears On The Moon got my son and daughter asking questions about space and interested in the great beyond. Combine this with other fun Berenstain Bear books and your kids will sit enthralled as you turn the pages. Highly recommended.

The Bears go sci-fi!
"The Berenstain Bears on the Moon," by Stan and Jan Berenstain, is one of the best in the authors' excellent series of children's books. In this installment, Brother and Sister Bear, accompanied by their excitable pet dog, take a rocket trip to the moon and back.

Although the book's primary purpose is entertainment and literacy education, the Berenstains do get some of the science right. The portray the gravity-free environment of the space ship's interior during the voyage, and they also show that the gravity on the lunar surface is much less than that on Earth.

The book is illustrated in the typically appealing Berenstain Bears style. Particularly fun is the orange, green, and purple-colored rocket ship used by the intrepid space travelers. And the rhymes are equally fun. Example: "Two little bears / and one little pup. / They are off to the moon, / going up, up, up!" This irresistible adventure tale is definitely a high point in a beloved book series.

My toddler's favorite bedtime book!
My two year old son wants me to read this book to him several times a day. He never tires of hearing about the bear's adventure, and I think that he enjoys the rhythm of the words. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Top Sercert by John Gardiner
crazy! Exciting! The book was exciting because something was always happening.It is a story about a boy,Allen Brewster, who wants to do a science project on human phytosynesis.His teacher, Miss.Green doesen't like his idea and makes him do his project on lipstick. He figures he will do his project on human phytosynesis top secert. When he figures out the way to human phytosynesis but when he tells people no one belives him.his faces tons of adventures on the way like getting the president and growing roots. The book made me never what to stop ;it was exciting.I liked all the problems in the book.If he did one thing another problem always came up.It was an on going adventure.Getting sick is one thing but getting bugs is an another story. In conclusion this is one of the best books I ever read. I hope you read it too.

Top Secret keeps you guessing!
I just read this book aloud to my 4th grade class and they loved predicting what would happen next. The events of each chapter are exciting and often humorous. It also happened to tie to our plant study in science since Allen believes he has solved the mystery of human photosynthesis!
The one thing my class didn't like was the ending-they are calling for a sequel. They plan to write to Gardiner to ask for a follow-up. What happens to Miss Green? What happens to Allen?

Can You Keep a Secret
Human Photosynthesis! Thats Allen Brewsters great but wacky idea.

Allens mean science teacher Ms. Green wants him to do a project on lipstick. But Allen is still going to do his project on human photsynthesis. Will he flunk or solve the mystery?
How is he going to do it and why? Join the story of Allen Brewster in Top Secret by John Renolds Gardiner.
I recomend this book to science fiction lovers and people who want a good mystery. I liked this book because I love science fiction.

A great "science" fiction book.
My 8 year old son does not read a lot but he read this book in 3 days and then started reading it again. He learned alot about plants and the scientfic theory while reading this book. He just loved it. We had some great discussions!

The best book ever!!!!!
This book was so good. I love to read, and it kept me in suspence the whole story, untill it ended. I wish there were more books like it in the world. It has comedey, but it seems like it almost could really happen when you read it. I love this book and would order it all over again if I could. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

New uses for old toys
My kids got tired of their toys. i got tired of buying them new ones. So I found this book and discovered through it....new uses for the toys they already had. It was like buying all new toys. I cannot recommend this book enough if you don't want to go out and buy new toys. And, it teaches kids the science behind the toys, which is an added benefit.

This is Fun +++++
I bought this book at a bookstore and liked the content. It is a very easy to use book to use with children. I have used it with my kindergarten kids and my kids who are older at home. There are so many good ideas and concepts to learn that even we teachers can learn from it! I like the book very much...in fact so much that I am going toget this author's other books through Amazon!

Science in Seconds with Toys
My kids got tired of their toys. We do not have the money to buy new ones, so my eye caught this book. I LOVE IT!!!. The book gives a whole new adventure to our kids toys. They not only learned some important science concepts with them...they now look at all of their toys and try to think of other ways to use them. This book saved me money and taught my children some important academics! I highly recommend! ... Read more

Book Description

50 Problem-Solving Activities That Link Math to Key Events in U.S. History
American History topics such as Colonial America, the Pilgrims, Paul Revere's ride, are the springboards for math problems including, estimation, measurement activities, and more! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

great, great! great !! great !!!
you gotta get everything by this author, former editor of Scholastics DynaMath magazine ! ... Read more

Book Description

It's the perfect recipe! Sylvia Branzei's wildly disgusting scientific facts and Jack Keely's zany, totally gross art come together in the latest reissue for the best-selling Grossology series. In the spirit of "stealth learning," the kid-friendly grossness of Hands-On Grossology invites teachers and kids to enjoy and learn science from a wide range of really gross experiements. Budding Grossologists will be able to get their hands dirty on over 40 projects like:

* Pee Pee Capacity

* The Peristalsis Pinch

* Homemade Deodorant

* Fake Snot

* The Spit-O-Matic

Hands-On Grossology is perfect for "Grossologists" ages 8 and up.

Illustrated by Jack Keely ... Read more

Book Description

When Keesha discovers mold on her sandwich, the class takes off on a tour of the mini microbe world, and they learn first hand that these little creatures can have HUGE effects. Ms. Frizzle proves that there is always more than meets the eye in this GIGANTIC adventure. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good for Microbiology, weak on Bio-Chem
Ms. Capeci explains the basics of microbiology and the structure and behavior of bacteria, but she entirely neglects RNA recombination. This is a shame, because RNA recombination is the most interesting part of microbiology.

The bio-chem is a little weak.

I will say, however, that I have cribbed bits of this book for my thesis.

Great introduction to Microbiology
It uses the common language to explain what is a germ. I think it is a great introductory book for young reader on the subject of microbiology. It does have all the latin names and need some help with adults (or dictionary) for proper pronounciation. The only little disappointment I feel about this one is the note for proper pronounciation of those scientific names of microbes and taxonomy (only a few). ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Little Thumb Ventures Beyond the Usual
Little Thumb is a delightfully humorous story told partly from the thumb's perspective that includes a positive, playful plot and imaginative suggestions for engaging one's thumb. Having taught preschool for 20 years, I was glad to see Ms. Dionne address this sensitive, timeless topic so creatively. And the illustrations are charming and colorful. This story guides teachers and parents as well as young children.

A fun-filled way to discourage thumb-sucking
Little Thumb is a delightful blend of rhyme, imagination, and fun. Instead of lecturing preschooler to early school age boys and girls about thumb-sucking, it uses child-friendly illustrations and verse to encourage little ones to put their thumbs to better use. Highly recommended for parents, daycare centers, libraries, and dentists' offices. ... Read more

Book Description

In a follow-up to her very successful book Mary Ann, Betsy James has chosen tadpoles as her next subject. The ones growing from the eggs Molly found in the pond are more fun than her new baby brother. Under Molly's tender care, the tadpoles grow and thrive. But when they become frogs, a brokenhearted Molly must return them to their pond. How will she ever be able to part with them? In a surprise ending, it is her baby brother who helps his big sister in a most unexpected way!

More than a book about frogs and their babies, Tadpoles shows how all living things grow-including people. Betsy James's exuberant illustrations capture the ups and downs of the relationship between a child and her new sibling, while cutaway pictures on the pages accurately detail the tadpoles' growth. Combining science with storytelling, this book gives good advice on how to care for tadpoles-and little brothers! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Works on several levels
This book is great not only for children who are interested in frogs and the natural world, but also for children with a new sibling. The story beautifully illustrates the process of tadpoles becoming frogs, but it also cleverly paralells the development of a younger sibling. The little girl at the center of the story watches over the course of a summer as her tadpoles develop along with her baby brother, who learns to crawl, then to walk. Like her froggies, his legs are developing, too. This book was interesting on both levels to my 2-1/2 year old son, who also has a new brother. Very enjoyable, with good lookiing illustrations. ... Read more

Book Description

In her second childrens book project, internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter captures the momentous night in 1910 when a father held his baby in his arms as Halleys Comet streaked across the Jackson skyline.Inspired by renowned author, Eudora Welty, and her stories of growing up in Mississippi, Ms. Carpenters words celebrate the special love shared between a father and a daughter and how lifes magical moments remain with us throughout our lives.Like an old tattered scrapbook overflowing with remembrances of days past, this touching story and Dan Andreasens stunning illustrations stand as a timeless tribute to the beauty of lifes memories and that night so long ago when Halleys comet soared through the sky. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

When Halley came to Jackson, to London... I fell in love
I loved the song first. Mary Chapin Carpenter sang me and my wife through our courtship. I am English, Tracy's American by birth (and southern by the grace of god). Tracy bought me the book for Christmas. Reading it and listening to the tape reminds me of when we first met. Now we live in Alabama, I look up in the sky, see the same stars my family in the UK see and the song seems to talk to me about that too.

Beautiful
This is an amazing book and tape.The illustrations go beautifully with Mary Chapin Carpenter's words.My kindergarten class loves it as do I.I bought an extra copy to keep at home.

Absolutely wonderful.
I've bought and given away 16 copies of this magnificent book. With its glorious pictures and haunting song, parents love it as much as their tots.

A perfect bedtime book
I will admit that I love MC Carpenter's music but I had not heard the song until I bought the book for my 3 yr old.While it's true that he doesn't get the passage of time connection, he simply loves the sound of the wordsand the pictures.I love the sweet story.Soft and comforting are theadjectives that fit both the books illustrations and the song itself.Myson plays the song over and over as he gets ready to go to bed.It's oneof those books that will hold a special place for us as he grows older.

Great pictures, but Chapin is weak.
Nicely executed, with wonderful pictures, but I wonder if this one isn't more appreciated by adults. My little 2 year old doesn't get the the underlying message. Maybe when she gets older. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (19)

Makes you think, and touches your heart.
Trudy (Tru) Walker is an everyday teenager. She has dreams of hosting "The Trudy Walker Show," and having fancy dinners with Brad Pitt because of its sucess. Her twin brother though, was stricken with asphyxia, and is a little less than an everyday teenager. The book, told from a diary point of view, tells of Tru's coping with the differences in her brother, and trying to survive preteen life herself. I could not put it down, and actually stayed up late reading it. :) Besides its great lesson, you can really feel Tru's emotions toward people who make fun of her brother.

The book is written in a compelling style, and really has stayed in my memory.

The book is very touching, and makes you think about bullying, and touching someone else's heart. Tru really cares for her brother, and I hope that there are other people like Tru who stand up for others, and love themselves int he process. This book is great for kids of any age, and could also do well as a read-aloud...

Touches your heart
Tru is a girl who in the beginning seems very snobby.But deep down she's terrific!She doesnt seem like she loves her mentally disabled brother-but she loves him more than anything!Along the way,the times she stands up for him,is just numerous!its a terrific book and i recommend it alot.She enters a video contest,and the winner's tape is shown on tv.Can you guess who she did it about?I have only seen the movie.And i was looking for the dvd,sadly they dont have it.BUT I WANT IT SO MUCH!I swear,i cried for like an hour,the movie rocks.Now i have to read the book.

Tru Confessions
I really like the novel. It was very descriptive with people, places, and things. It also had a wonderful selection of characters with great personalities. The explainations really caught my attention. It's excellent reading.

The best part of the book was when Tru was showing her film to her friends. I thought that it was funny how they all thought that it was borning. And Eddy was very bored except for when he saw himself.

I think that the most vivid story elements were Tru and her imagination. She just had such realistic dreams. As well as the steps she took to persue them. She had downfalls and up points. Another vivid element was the theme of the story. Tu wanted to succeed in the filming industry and that dream and theme is realistic.

Great Story
This book is so good! I love books that are writen like journal. You will love it. trus brother is handy cap but he is a good brother. You will love it if you read it.

Sad but Happy
Tru is a girl who in the beginning seems very snobby.But deep down she's terrific!She doensnt seem like she loves her mentally disabled brother-but she loves him more than anything!Along the way,the times she stands up for him,is just numerous!its a terrific book and i recommend it alot.She enters a video contest,and the winner's tape is shown on tv.Can you guess who she did it about? ... Read more