Book Description

Read by Tim Curry
Approx. 2 hours
2 cassettes

Beware — Not for fans of happy endings!

After the sudden death of their parents, the three Baudelaire children must depend on each other and their wits when it turns out that the distant relative who is appointed their guardian is determined to use any means necessary to get their fortune.


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Reviews (675)

a deliciously dark delight!
suspend your disbelief for a moment and imagine that tim burton, edward gorey, and charles dickens were locked in a room for a brainstorming session to create a new series of children's stories. this is what i can easily see when sitting down to read any of the books in lemony snicket's dark, humorous, and cleverly written series.

they are not harry potter. the comparisons alone are ridiculous. they're not even remotely similar. apparently, a "reviewer" can find two books in the same store, one of them being harry potter, and proceed to lambast the non-potter book solely on the fact that they co-exist. i just have to roll my eyes, shake my head, and write a review whenever i see this.

by now, you know the plot of these books. yes, they're pretty much the same, and yet they're different. i think you need to gauge your own child's sense of the morose before opting to read these to them. older children, i think, will delight in them, particularly those with a slightly twisted sense of humor.

i, personally, will continue to read each book in the series, if for no other reason than to see how count olaf will turn up next!

Okay, I can't understand what all the hype is about!
First of all, I want to state that I am very passionate when it comes to 'good' children's books. The HARRY POTTER books are some of my favorite books of all time (my top twenty list). The Newbery Awards were all given to deserving books that I have adored. For a while everywhere I went, the Lemony Snickett books were being lauded as fabulous children's literature. After seeing a segment on CBS Sunday Morning, I went out and bought the whole 'shebang' (is that even a word?) at my school's book fair (I'm the counselor)! I was terribly disappointed with the first book. Yes, it is easy reading, and yes, it does introduce new words (even though my parents always said, "Go look it up, you'll remember it!"). But the content of the story is so depressing and so unhappy that I was miserable the entire time I was reading! Character development was so poor that I wasn't even sad when horrible things happened to these children. Normally I cry when a baby is kidnapped, bound with duct tape (even over her mouth) and put in a birdcage to hang from the top of a tower! Well, I didn't bat an eye (and I become a sprinkler when reading a Patricia Polacco book).
There are eight books left in my crowded library to read; I'll keep you posted if they get any better!

Very Original!
A very interesting, original story about all the bad things that happen to the 3 Baudelaire children. I absolutely loved the way this book was written and seems to flow smoothly.

However, I think that some of the situations in the book were depressing, and may be scary for very young children. Otherwise this book was wonderful, and I found myself rooting for the Baudelaire children, and despising Count Olaf and his friends.

pointless
Maybe if I hadn't heard so many wonderful things about this book (as well as the entire line of follow-ups) I wouldn't be reviewing it so harshly.
This book is nothing but pointless, weightless children's fluff. Amusing if you are under 10 years of age & looking for some light (ULTRA light) reading, but completely unsatisfying if you crack the cover expecting something more along the lines of 'Harry Potter'.
The plot is very thin, and I can only assume it's due to this being one of a series, and thus the overall tale of the Baudelaire orphans is spread over the 10+ novels that have since been released. But this left the first book with very little substance, and left me feeling like I didn't care enough to give it another go with the second installment.

The Bad Beginning
I thought that this book was one of the best books I have ever read. Lemony Snicket's writing style is interesting as when there is a complicated word he tells you what it means. I thought that there was some humorous parts where he either tells you not to continue the book or he takes you away from the book and mentions some thing irrelevant to the story. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by S. Ephatha Merkerson
Approx. 3.75 hours
3 cassettes
He wasn’t born with the name Maniac Magee. He came into this world named Jeffrey Lionel Magee, but when his parents died and his life changed, so did his name. And Maniac Magee became a legend. Even today kids talk about how fast he could run; about how he hit an inside-the-park “frog” homer; how no knot, no matter how snarled, would stay that way once he began to untie it. But the thing Maniac Magee is best known for is what he did for the kids from the East Side and those from the West Side.
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Reviews (517)

The Boy of Many Feats
Running short of books to read? You're looking for a good to read? Well look no further because Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli, is waiting for you. Jeffrey Lionel Magee, AKA Maniac, is just a twelve year old, scruffy, orphaned boy but as soon as he sets foot in Two Mills, Pennsylvania a legend is born. He's as fast as sound: bunting a frog for a homerun, scoring 49 touchdowns in one day, and beating a kid running backwards and the kid was running forwards. Unfortunutly, Two Mills is split into two ends, with Whites on the West End and Blacks on the East End but does Maniac know about the difference between skin colors? No he doesn't.
There are many events that take place in the story to move along. First, Maniac's (then Jeffrey) parents die in a famous trolley crash. Then, he goes to live with his Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan who hate each other. After that he runs away at a chorus recital and isn't seen for a year. Next, he wanders into Two Mills and makes 4 appearances that day, also getting the nickname Maniac. Next, he starts to live at the Beales. Then he leaves the Beales and runs away to the zoo. Then, he is found by an old man,Grayson, who lets Maniac stay with him. After that, Grayson died. Maniac runs away to Valley Forge waiting for death. Then he meets Russell and Piper McNab, who invite him to their run-down house which will later be turned into a pillbox. After that, he provoaks Russell and Piper to stay in school by doing "heoric" feats. After that, Maniac doesn't stay in one set place and starts goes all over. Finally, Maniac stays with the Beales forever. Those are some important events in Maniac Magee.
Many people have different opinions about Maniac Magee. I believe this is an excellant book, everything clearly stated. I would recommend it to kids who are in thier seventh month of fourth grade through their fifth grade. I liked everything about this book except one thing which is the way the McNabs' house is described with roaches and things like that. This book truly deserves its five stars.

Nothin' Scares Magee
Maniac Magee is another awesome novel by Jerry Spinelli. Jeffrey(a.k.a Maniac) Magee has very bad luck when it comes to families. He can never seem to stay with a family for very long. His parents die in a train crash. After that he runs away from his aunt and uncle. He ends up in Two Mills, Pennsylvania.
Two Mills is split into two sections. East End, which is all black people, and West End is all white people. While in Two Mills, Maniac meets a girl named Amanda Beale. She lends Maniac a book to read. Maniac then goes to a man named Finsterwald's backyard. There was a kid there. Maniac carries the "petrified" boy off the lawn. The boy ran away. Maniac is then served dinner by the Pickwell family. They didn't even notice him. After that Maniac plays baseball with John McNab and is the first person ever to hit a homerun off of him. He then ventures into the East End(Remember, Maniac is white). He meets Mars Bar Thompson. Mars Bar rips the book that Amanda gave to Maniac. Amanda comes to the rescue and invites Maniac to stay at her house. To know what happens next, you have to read this book.
I really like the way Jerry Spinelli writes. I'd really recommend this book and other books by Jerry Spinelli to people of all ages who love adventures.

Uh...no...
Right...well, I suppose you could say I didn't fully understand the point of this book. A little boy's parents die, he has to live with his feuding Aunt and Uncle and then he runs away one day. When he finds a place to live he runs away. The book is about a boy running for no reason....right...as I said I didn't fully understand the point.

my review
My name is Carmen and i'm the reviewer for the book,Maniac Magee.I think this book deserves one star, because it doesn't make sence.This book is talking about a boy who is running for no reason.I don't see why he didn't stay at home because he has to find places to sleep and it's cold at night.I cant compare this book to a movie because no one has ever made a movie like this or maybe iv'e

Rakiem's Book Review
(...) I give the book Maniac Magee five stars.The reason why I give Maniac Magee a five star rating is because I read this book in fifth grade and most of the books that I read a second time are boring but this one was different.The book is about a kid named Jeffrey Magee and something bad happened to his parents so now he's an orphan and he goes through a lot as a kid.So I think that you should really go buy this book or go check it out of the libary because this a veryawsome book. ... Read more

Book Description

A Newbery Medal Book, An ALA Notable Children's Book, A Child Study Children's Book Committee: Children's Book of the Year, New York Public Library--Books for the Teen Age.


From the Audio Cassette (Unabridged) edition. ... Read more

Reviews (293)

ThE wItCh Of BlAcKbIrD pOnD--a GrEaT bOoK--
Kit Tyler was once a rich girl of Barbados, but upon her grandfather's death, she finds out that she now is poor. She goes aboard the ship, the Dolphin, heading for Connecticut Colony, and wishes to live a better life at her aunt's house. While on the way, she becomes friends with the captain's son, Nat Eaton, John Holbrook, a man planning on becoming a minister, and Prudence, a little girl. When she finally arrives at her destination, she tries to fit in with the Puritans, and to keep up with her lively cousin, Judith, and her gentle one, Mercy. After a number of different accidents in the family and outside, she finds becomes friends with an old Quaker woman named Hannah, that lives at Blackbird Pond, who is said to be a witch. Kit does not believe this, and she keeps on being friends with the old woman. But, the villagers see Kit as a threat to the community, since they do not trust her as being a friend to their witch, and she goes on trial. Just as she thinks she is doomed, Nat Eaton and Prudence save her. However, Kit discovers that she will never fit in with the Puritans, and planned on going on the Dolphin the next time the ship came. Finally, the ship docks, and she goes on it, for what seems to be a much better future.

My favorite part of the book was where Kit goes on trial. I thought of this at my favorite part for I think it is very interesting to hear how other people act to problems and try to blame it on someone else. I think it is very funny how people think of small problems and turn them into what sounds like a major disasters performed by a witch. I like the part where Prudence comes in, and stuns her own parents by doing what they had never thought she would be able to do, which was reading the Bible and writing her own name. I think it is not right when parents think very little about kids and think they are still their little babies that always need their parents to help them.

I recommend this book to kids the ages of 10 and up. I also recommend adults to read this book and learn the facts of how kids can do things without any help from their parents or any one else. I believe Elizabeth George Speare is a great author who has written many books that I have enjoyed. After reading this book, I came to really enjoy it. At first I thought it was very boring, but in the end, it became more interesting and fun. I also learned not to judge anyone by what people say about them, but you should always think about your judgement before actually thinking about if it is true or not. I now understand the meaning of "Never judge a book by its cover."

A FASCINATING TALE!
A witch? Someone thinks you are a witch? When Kit leaves Barbados on the lovely Dolphin ship to live in America with her Uncle, she is unprepared for what she encounters. What a surprise when she discovers that being able to read, swim, wear fancy clothes, as well as befriending a kind old woman is odd behavior for this town. In The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Elizabeth George Spears sends you on a reading adventure. The story includes a number of surprising and suspenseful events including a frightening witch hunt and a big outcry among some angry villagers against their government. Some parts of the story are a little boring, but the elaborate language and unpredictable moments bring you right back into the book. The climax of this book is the best part. It's unbeleivable and exciting. The main character, Kit, is very interesting. You will feel like you know her only after reading a few pages. Fiesty, wise, and stubborn are some of Kit's personality traits. You will also become very familiar with many of the other characters including Kit's two cousins, her Aunt and Uncle, Nat a seaman, and John and William two very interesting men, plus many more! This book has many hidden lessons in it. It teaches you about friendship, trust, bravery, genorosity, and happiness, It will fill you with sorrow and joy, and is a very adventurous story loved by many!

Diverse Religions, and History
Kit comes over to the 13 colonies becuae her grandfather died. When she arrives, she finds a place very diffrent from her former home, Barbados. She is forced by her strict uncle to be a solemn as the puritans, and to set aside her silk gowns and wear homespun dresses. she feels completly stifled by her new life, and one day, after almost cuasing her crippled cousin her teaching job, she breaks. She runs to the "meadow" where she meets Hannah Tupper, a Quaker who is shuned and thought to be a witch by many. All she really is is a kind old lady. She takes kit home and feeds her, and helps her be brave and get her cousins job back. kit goes back to Hannahs house and eventually meets Hannahs seafaring friend, none other than Nat, the son of the man who brought her to America.And yes Nat was on the boat the whole time kit was. Then one day Kit is accused of being a witch. Something not to be taken lightly in the 1600's. She is rescued by none other than Nat. Then hannah is going to be burned out of her house, or if the people have their way, in her house. But Kit goes and helps Hannah get out before the evil people come, and she gets her on a ship... whose ship? Guess. Nats. And so Hannahs gone and Kits life is drudging on a usual.... and then someone comes... like you can't guess who... and something happens...

Now that's what I call a "living" book
I just finished reading this book aloud to my 3 children. They are a tough audience but this book made the history lesson extra smooth. They were begging for "just one more chapter".

This book delves into the Puritan lifestyle,touches a bit on some of the sentiments of the colonists and their fierce independence, briefly touches on some of the archaic medical practices of the times, shows how easily innocent circumstances turned into witch hunts and sparked a conversation about how people can fall into a mob mentality and much more.

There is tons of information here to spark an interest in children to dig deeper. Our family highly recommends it!

Excellent lesson to be learned
I discovered this book years and years ago in the fourth grade. The thought of it stayed with me through the years. I bought the book for my friend's son a couple years ago and reread it to see if it was as good as I remembered. It was even better because as an adult I can see some of the most important themes of the book that weren't evident to a child. Tolerance and acceptance are perhaps the biggest lessons of all to take away from it. Independence is another. I will continue to buy this book every time a child close to me comes to the age where they can understand it. The plotline is enough to keep them interested while at the same time teaching them valuable life lessons, without them even knowing it. ... Read more

Book Description

Gramps says that I am a country girl at heart, and that is true.

Thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, proud of her country roots and the "Indian-ness in her blood," travels from Ohio to Idaho with her eccentric grandparents. Along the way, she tells them of the story of Phoebe Winterbottom, who received mysterious messages, who met a "potential lunatic," and whose mother disappeared.

Beneath Phoebe's stories Salamanca's own story and that of her mother, who left on April morning for Idaho, promising to return before the tulips bloomed. Sal's mother has not, however, returned, and the trip to Idaho takes on a growing urgency as Salamanca hopes to get to Idaho in time for her mother's birthday and bring her back, despite her father's warning that she is fishing in the air.

This richly layered novel is in turn funny, mysterious, and touching. Sharon Creech's original voice tells a story like no other, one that readers will not soon forget.

A 1995 ALA Notable Children's Book
School Library Journal Best Book of 1994
Winner of a 1994 Bulletin Blue Ribbon
A Notable Children's Trade Book in the Language Arts (NCTE)
Winner of the 1997 Heartland Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature

On her long car trip from Ohio to Idaho, 13-year-old Salamanca Hiddle tells her grandparents the story of her friend Phoebe, who receives a message from a "lunatic" and who must cope with the disappearance of her mother. But beneath this story is Sal's own story, and that of her mother, who left home one day and never returned.

Winner, 1995 Newbery Medal
Notable Children's Books of 1995 (ALA)
1995 Notable Trade Books in the Language Arts (NCTE)
Children's Book Award for Longer Novels (Great Britain's Federation of Children's Books Groups)
Outstanding Books of 1994 for Middle School-Aged Teens (V)
Best Books 1994 (SLJ)
Bulletin Blue Ribbon Books 1994 (C)

Reviews (503)

Creech's Walk Two Moons
In the exciting tale of Salmanaca Tree Hiddle, Sharon Creech does an excellent job of portraying the story of this young girl's life. Walk Two Moons is a sincerely touching account of Sal's journey, told in the form of two distinct story lines. Sal's mother leaves her and her father in Bybanks, Kentucky and shortly there after, upon hearing that her mother will not return, Sal's father packs up their belongings and the two move to Euclid, Ohio. Gramps and Grams take Sal on a road trip to go visit her mother, who is in Lewiston, Idaho, for her birthday. On their way, Sal tells them of her adventures with a new friend in Euclid, Phoebe Winterbottom. The two girls act as mini-detectives trying to solve the strange mysteries they encounter together. Between the secret messages left on Phoebe's doorstep, to the lunatic they see in their neighborhood, the girls come to share experiences that impact them in many ways. With stops all along the way, Sal eventually makes it to Lewiston in time for her mother's birthday. Up to this point, Creech leaves many loose ends floating along; finally all the loose ends come together in the end. Sal realizes that through the story of Phoebe, she has learned more about herself and her own story.
Sharon Creech is a talented writer who portrays each character in a precise way. I was most impressed with the realistic description of each character and could see them in my head as I read. They were real people who had real problems that I feel most readers could connect with. The structure of the book is such that it keeps the reader interested and guessing what will happen next. There are many twists and turns in plot. Because of that unique structure, the book is one that readers will not want to put down.

"Walk Two Moons" Class Book Review
In this book review are some things that our class liked and disliked. Read this book review to see if you're interested in reading "Walk Two Moons", by Sharon Creech.

One of the best things in this story within a story is the characters. Sal is a 13 year old girl with long dark hair. She came from Bybanks, Kentucky and moved to Ohio. In this book Sal goes on a trip with her grandmother and grandfather, and in another plot, she's telling the story of trying to find out who "thelunatic" is. Sal has a new friend in Ohio named Phoebe Winterbottom. Phoebe lives in Euclid, Ohio where Sal moved. Phoebe is a worry wart. She worries about everthing in her path. Her mother disappeared and they have no idea where she went until the end of the book.

Another good thing about "Walk Two Moons" is that there are a few cliffhangers. Like when Sal and Phoebe try to find out who was leaving the mysterious notes at the end of the chapter. Another example is when Sal tells her father that she left something under the flloboards in her room at their house in Baybanks, Kentucky.

In the book "Walk Two Moons," Sharon Creech puts in good details. An example of that is the characters are described so well. In "Walk Two Moons" Phoebe doesn't like cholesterol and how Sal is emotional when either her mom dies or if her grandmother dies. Another good detail is the vocabulary in the book. Some words are gooseberry, chickabiddy, Ill-ah-no-way, Huzza, Huzzo, and Id-e-ho are some vocabulary in the book "Walk Two Moons".

There are a lot of things that are sad in this book. A lot of people in this book died because there was a really bad accident on a bus. Sal finds out what really hapens to her mother.

If you like a book that's mysterious and funny and sad, this is the book for you.

My Favorite Book!
Salamanca Tree Hiddle is a "country" girl at heart. When her father and she move to Ohio, Sal's life is turned upside down. But Sal leaves, with her strange grandparents, to go to Idaho to find her mother. Along the way, Salamanca tells the story of Pheobe Winterbottom, a girl whose mother suddely leaves her family. Slowly, Sal realizes that her own story is beneaths Pheobe's.
Walk Two Moons has to be Creech's masterpeice. No wonder it won the Newbery. :~D

Not So Great
Before reading this book by Sharon Creech, I had read Bloomability and Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech which were simply fantastic. However, I don't know how on earth this became an award winning book.

In the beginning, it is really good but the interupptions by her grandparents are somewhat annoying. Phoebe, the girl who turns out to be her friend is sort of--well, off the wall.

Also, Salamanca (the main character), to be a thirteen year old, has some dumb and immature ideas. At some points, I thought I was reading about a five year old.

It is also stupid how Salamanca finds out about how mother died.

It makes no since how her grandfather allows her to drive when she's just 13.

Overall, I give this book 3 stars.

Review of Walk Two Moons
I really enjoyed this book because it had a lot of suspenseful, sudden, scary, and sad moments. As Salamanca tells her story you can picture the places she visits, and you can feel, with intensity, what she is feeling. Although it is heartbreaking when Salamanca finds out that her mother had died, it is still an outstanding book. I would reccommend this book to anyone who likes scary mysteries. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Phyllis Newman
Two cassettes / 1 hour 54 minutes

Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny, four orphaned brothers and sisters, suddenly appear in a small town.No one knows who these young wanderers are or where they have come from.Frightened to live with a grandfather they have never met, the children make a home for themselves in an abandoned red boxcar they discover in the woods.Henry, the oldest, goes to town to earn money and buy food and supplies.

Ambitious and resourceful, the plucky children make a happy life themselves--until Violet gets too sick for her brothers and sister to care for her.

This unabridged recording will delight any child who has fantasized about being on his or her own and overcoming every obstacle. ... Read more

Reviews (86)

Fun to read for grown up kids!
When I was nine years old and in fourth grade (never mind how long ago that was) I found THE BOXCAR CHILDREN when the Bookmobile came to our school. I checked it out and started reading it, and couldn't put it down.

About two weeks ago I decided to read it again. I was still taken in and charmed by its ease of reading and its very well-written plot.

It's about four orphaned children who have to fend for themselves and they find and old boxcar in the woods and they use it for shelter and manage to survive -- surprisingly well. The ending is happy, but for the young reader, the plot can keep them on edge until the story is over.

Some might criticize this book as being "dated," but I have found that a good story will come through in spite of the chronological time in which it happenned. For myself, I found it fun and refreshing to read. Things STILL can turn out well.

I'll make a guess that parents who read this story to their children will enjoy it as much as the kids do!

A book every child should read
I've hunted and hunted through the jungle of Amazon for this particular copy to review, because I hate the modern cover (it completely detracts from the quaint illustrations within), and because this was the first one I read. It puts all the ones written since Gertrude Warner's death to shame. There isn't anything to back them up, while her originals are still strong in both the plot and the characters.

My mother brought it home from the library and said I could read it. I was about eight or so and I began right away and read it many times. I think all children should have the experience of a good "survival story", and this one is good because it's practical. No South Sea islands, just four ordinary children who are afraid of their grandfather and so make a home for themselves in a boxcar after their mother and father die.

The children are all so mature and industrious. Can you imagine four typical children of today having the imagination to do what these children did? Benny would probably have to have a computer game or something, and instead of a cute teddy bear he would have a Spiderman action figure. Jessie wouldn't be content to stay and make the place cosy for her little "family", and what would she have done with Violet and Benny while she went off with Henry to find work? Perhaps she would leave Henry to play mother while she went out alone. I suppose my whole point is, this story comes from an age when children were still children and their parents instilled good values in them and taught them responsibility. Very good example for any child to follow. But it's all very subtle. Not a bit of preaching throughout.

The pictures in this book are also very beautiful - they're silhouettes. I was always sorry that the rest of the series didn't have these same illustrations, but I did eventually become used to the Gehr and Cunningham artwork.

Every child should read this book.

Gertrude Warner Museum
I also read this book as a child. I did not put it aside till I was finished. The copy I read was signed by Miss Warner as she had been my mother's teacher. I live in Putnam, CT where Miss Warner lived. The Gertrude Chandler Warner Museum has recently opened in an old boxcar. It has been renovated and sits very near the railroad station she lived near as a child. A google search will bring up some items on the museum. I never met Miss Warner but, by all accounts, she was a wonderful woman.

Second Best Book I've Ever Read
This is a great book! Four orphans afraid of their grandfather settle down in an abandoned boxcar. Their names are: Benny, Violet, Jessie, and Henry. When Violet gets hurt they take her to the doctor and discover how kind their grandfather really is.

This book is of a series so if you like this one there are many more. These four chidren solve mysteries with their dog in future books.

Love the Series
I loved them and my kids now love them. The only problem is that some of them are a bit dated in the storyline.

I recently found a new series that is a bit more up to date that my kids like even better. (...) ... Read more

Book Description

The Pants first came to us at the perfect moment. That is, when we were splitting up for the first time. It was two summers ago when they first worked their magic, and last summer when they shook up our lives once again. You see, we don’t wear the Pants year-round. We let them rest so they are extra powerful when summer comes. (There was the time this spring when Carmen wore them to her mom’s wedding, but that was a special case.)

Now we’re facing our last summer together. In September we go to college. And it’s not like one of those TV shows where all of us magically turn up at the same college. We’re going to four different colleges in four different cities (but all within four hours of one another—that was our one rule). We’re headed off to start our real lives.

Tomorrow night at Gilda’s we’ll launch the Pants on their third summer voyage. Tomorrow begins the time of our lives. It’s when we’ll need our Pants the most. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

My favorite storyteller tells inspirational stories
Jackie Torrence is probably the most enthralling storyteller on the storytelling festival circuit today and these are some of her best stories.These stories tell of great people in her life: her grandmother, mother, and aunts mostly, whose wisdom and strength of spirit have kept her on course.Jackie is one of the most popular storytellers at the National Storytelling Festival and these are just great stories.Know someone who needs emotional shoring-up?Give them this audio!

My favorite storyteller tells inspirational stories
Jackie Torrence is probably the most enthralling storyteller on the storytelling festival circuit today and these are some of her best stories.These stories tell of great people in her life: her grandmother, mother, and aunts mostly, whose wisdom and strength of spirit have kept her on course.Jackie is one of the most popular storytellers at the National Storytelling Festival and these are just great stories.Know someone who needs emotional shoring-up?Give them this audio! ... Read more

Book Description

As Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire travel along Lousy Lane toward their new home, they fear the worst.

It's true that Violet Baudelaire has escaped some close calls before. For a fourteen-year-old, she has an extraordinary talent for inventing things. And her brother, Klaus, is also well equipped for emergencies. He has read a great deal and possesses just the sort of knowledge that can get them out of a tight spot. Their younger sister, Sunny, is also helpful in a jam. Though she is only an infant, she has four very sharp teeth, and she likes to bite things.

Still, even though the Baudelaires have great talent among them, they can't help but worry about what sort of guardian their strange Uncle Montgomery Montgomery will be. After all, these siblings are extremely unlucky and they had best be on their guard. Certainly, they will need all of their abilities if they should find themselves faced with a dreadful series of unfortunate events.

Reviews (153)

A Snake-ish Read
Book the Second of unlucky thirteen, Lemony Snicket presents to us the [continued] tragic story of the Baudelaire children as they move to another relative's home. In the first book of the series, "The Bad Beginning", we are introduced to the three Baudelaire children: Violet, a clever girl with a penchant for inventing things; Klaus, a lover of books; and Sunny, the youngest Baudelaire who loves to bite anything and everything. Their beloved parents had perished in a fire, and the orphans were sent to live with their relative, the dreadful Count Olaf. After thwarting Count Olaf's evil plans, however, they found themselves yet without a home and guardian.

"The Reptile Room" takes place in Lousy Lane, deemed one of the most horrible places in the world, and this is where our story begins. The Baudelaire orphans are being sent to live with their late father's cousin's wife, Dr. Montgomery Montgomery, a famed herpetologist (snake expert). At first it seems like things will be like life under Count Olaf's roof, but the children soon find themselves liking "Uncle Monty" (as he insists they calling him). Life has somewhat gotten back to normal, as the Beudelaire children and Uncle Monty began to make preparations for their expedition to Peru, when Stephano the hired assistant turns up at the door. Stephano...who could only be fiendish Count Olaf in disguise! What are the children to do?

"A Series of Unfortunate Events" is a cleverly written series for children written in a gothic style. Snicket delights in telling his readers that things are bound to get worse for the Beaudelaire children as the story progresses. This is not your typical run-of-the-mill children's book, as people get killed, threatened, and of course, the Beaudelaire children are constantly in danger of Count Olaf and his theatre troupe of henchmen.

One of the most interesting things that adults will find is that Snicket will pepper the storylines with allusions to literary figures, such as Mr. Poe, the caretaker of the Beaudelaire fortune. He also does a good job of explaining some vocabulary, and certain terminology, such as "dramatic irony." For more advanced readers, this may come off as an annoyance, but keep in mind that these are children's books and you'll be fine.

"The Reptile Room" is a dark and amusing tale to be enjoyed by all readers, child or adult, as we explore the situations that unveil and what the Beauledaire children plan to do to stop them.

The BEST in the series
After reading this whole series, I discovered that the reptile room is the most unique book out of all ten published so far!
The reason for this simply being, that Uncle Monty is the only guardian they like and that they enjoy being with.

This book is such an interesting read, some may call it 'unputdownable'. It begins with them travelling along a dreadfully smelly road, but soon their spirits lighten up once they see their uncle monty, the snakes in the reptile room and the fact they all had their own rooms !

Violet feels right at home designing and ttesting traps for the snakes the planned to catch on their expedition to Peru, Klaus certainly enjoyed all the reserching and the library, and Sunny became the best of friends with the deadly viper, which of course was a mis-nomer which when you read it you will understand.

Everything is fine until their life is ruined - AGAIN, by the treacherous Count Olaf, but no one can beat the baudlaire kids, so pick this book up and prepare for yet another great book by lemony Snicket and all in all enjoy reading about the mamba du mal to Count olafs unbelievable disguise.

So don't miss out on this fabulous book, you'll be glad you bought it!

The Reptile Room
I thought that The Reptile Room was one of the happiest ones in the series. They are sent to live with a herpetologist named Dr. Montgomery Montgomery. Count Olaof appeared, causing unhappiness in their lives and tried to get the Baudelaire fortune.

Hurray
The story continues with the three baudelaire orphans, as they are brought to their new home with their Uncle Monty. This book follows a very similar pattern to the previous book, but I must admit I still found it entreating, and of course hardly time consuming at all.

Lemony snicket really provides his readers with a fun filled story. I found it funny, extremely witty, and for you older people, such as I, he does tend to stick in small references that only we would catch. There were few things that I did not enjoy in the book, such as the recap on what happened in the previous tale, and some of the ruining gags, such as Sunny's speech patters, do tend to get a little repetitious at times. Still I can appreciate why the author uses these things in his books, and could see how someone of the proper age group would probably appreciate such things much more than myself. All in all a good book, and if you have kids for goodness sake, read it to them!

Another winner
Sequels frequently do not keep the promise of the first book, but it is not so here. The poor, poor orphans just can't find true happiness. It almost seems that everything will be okay, despite the many Cassandra warnings of the author, and then that dastardly villain, Count Olaf, re-appears and spoils everything.

From internal clues in the first two books, I would suggest that the setting is England or Canada. For example, there is a reference to royal gardens in book one. However, in the "Unauthorized Autobiography" the postcard has an American postage stamp: the Shakespeare commemorative from decades ago. I wish someone would comment on the setting.

The book feels British and as if it is actually directed toward adults, more so than in book one. It's difficult to pinpoint examples to demonstrate this--perhaps the definition of words is a bit more whimsical and funny.

Whatever the case, I eagerly anticipate book three. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Lana Quintal
approx. 2 hours
2 cassettes

What kind of mess has Junie B. Jones gotten herself into this time?Listen to four Junie b. Jones favorites in one audiobook collection.
In Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake, Junie B. wins the Carnival Night Cake Walk and chooses the bestest cake of all.How was she to know it was lethal weapon?
Guess who's NOT invited to Jim's birthday party in Junie B. Jones and that Meanie Jim's Birthday.
In Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren, Junie has tofigure out how she can get the handomest guy she's ever seen to love her.
In Juine B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed, Junie worries that Paulie Allen Puffer is right and she really does have monster under her bed.
... Read more

Reviews (2)

Lana Quintel's voice is perfect for Junie!
My daughter absolutley loves Junie B. Jones, so I thought these cassettes would be great for long car rides. The first thing that I got a kick out of is Lana Quintel's voice--she is just perfect as Junie. She's got a little-girlish, slightly nervous tone, which really fits. Some audio stories can really bore you to tears, which is bad for the adult driving the car, but these keep you listening and aware.
The story lines really fit for young kids (older 5's+), since Junie has to get through typical situations like loose teeth, "boyfriends", self-inflicted hair cuts, etc.
Some of the books show Junie's more obnoxious, negative self, so I just avoid them and go for the cuter stories.

Junie B. Jones First Grader at Last
I have been reading the Junie B. Jones collection to my kindergarten class from the beginning of the school year. They absolutely love the collection. At times I have found the language inappropriate for kindergarten. I have chosen to change some of the words as I read. The children do not realize and the books still remain enjoyable and fun. Barbara Park is a great author and has truley captured the uniqueness of a child's kindergarten career. All books are HIghly remcommended. I tried to keep this book until the last day of school when my students would have officially been first graders. They wouldn't let me. One of my students brought the book from home and we finished it in two sittings. Junie B. Jones First Grader at Last is a great book to read to the child who is anxious about first grade and the changes that my come with growing up. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

delightful read for all ages
this adventure book is a wonderful read for everyone! i read it when i was a young teenager, and fell in love wih it! now i have read it again and still enjoy it. the sequal to the castle in the attic, this book was filled with more adventure and suspense. recomended for anyone that enjoys fantasy and adventure!

Welcome Home to the Castle
It has been around 2 years since we read The Castle in the Attic which was one of the best adventures my son and I shared together. I was previously unaware that there was a sequel to this engaging book. After reading the first couple pages my son's came to rapt attention. "I remember this now," he said excitedly. He began remembering the charecters and adventures of the first story. Almost immediately we were captivated by this next adventure - familiar, but new. It was like coming home to the castle. Each chapter of Battle For the Castle brings a new depth of feeling and connection with the charecters - and, yes,each chapter opens to greater surprise and suspense. My son said feelingly, "I love this book." Even on Saturday morning when his favorite activity is to watch cartoons on TV, begged, instead, to hear "one more chapter!"

A great sequel to A Castle in the Attic
In this book, it has been two years since William first went with Sir Simon to save his kingdom. William is turning twelve and has to jump a train to prove that he is a man. He fails while his best friend, Jason, suceeds. Mrs. Phillips gives William the Janus tokens back. William thinks that this would be a great chance to get some training in, so he and Jason shrink themselves to start training.
Soon, they go to visit Sir Simon. Unfortunately, there is another danger in the land. Rats that eat everything living or not. William is left in control of the castle while Sir Simon goes to a tournament.
With Sir Simon gone, can William gather enough courage to save the castle and defeat the killer rats?

TOKENS OF APPRECIATION
William (who received THE CASTLE IN THE ATTIC) is now approaching his 12th birthday, but dreading the townkids' dangerous rite of passage called Jumping the Trains. Although skilled in tumbling and gymnastics, he feels outclassed by Jason, his best friend, who is both taller and more athletic (on a bike). He secretly mourns the fact that he is shorter, fearing that his stature will predestin him to failure in the world.

Then William receives a special gift from Mrs. Phillips, his former nanny now living back in England. Although she had promised to destroy the statue of the evil wizard, Alastor, she changed her mind about disposing of the special Token. This coin depicting two-headed Janus possesses dramatic magical powers. Wiilliam confides the secret of his neglected castle in the attic to Jason, who is eager to make the trek through space and time to reach the medieval world, but not without some modern conveniences: two bikes, a flashlite and;
binoculars.

Their return is timely, for Sir Simon's realm is threatened by a floating horror; a skeleton ship inhabited by fierce rats. Accompanied by young Tolliver, who learns to ride a bike, and 12-year-old Gudrin, the boys undertake to rid the land of the nauseating rodent meance. But how much can one trust a fool--a court jester named Deegan? Is it wise of Sir Simon to depart for a tournament despite the ominous warning signs,
leaving the castle in such youthful hands? This sequel is light and fast-paced. One wonders if Winthrop will consider a third one, before the boys are too old for such fantasy games. Even if she does not, heed crypic messages, trust in feminine clairvoyance and don't forget to treasure your old toys!

Teen's review
This book was wonderful. In the book William proves that although he may be looked down upon he can still do great things. Also no one believes another character. This book has alot of action but it also sends messages about how the smallest or seemingly unsignifigant people can be great. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (97)

This is probably my favorite of all the Time Trilogy books!
After reading A Wrinkle In Time and A Wind In the Door, (both of which are also fantastic) I had to read this one. I was blown away reading this! This IS a complicated book-many times while I was reading I turned back to some of the other parts to understand a bit better. But that was the delightful and interesting part about it! I loved the whole "mad dog" name thing and the way each of the people Charles visited were connected, and yet very different.

I disagree with people who talk about how it's bad that Meg is only a pregnant housewife and Calvin is a famous scientist. It says in the later books about Poly (Meg's oldest daughter) that Meg works with mathematics, numbers and all that.

I reccomend this to L'Engle or fantasy fans, especially those who've read the first Time Trilogy books. But if you can't handle complicated plots, numerous characters and different settings, wait a few more years to read this so that you can fully appreciate this book!

A Suspenseful Fantasy of Time Travel
A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L'Engle combines the threats of nuclear war in today's society with the more complicated science of time travel. Mad Dog Branzillo, a South American Dictator, frightens the whole world with possibilities of dropping a nuclear bomb on America. It is up to Charles Wallace, a 15-year-old genius, his sister, Meg, and a mysterious rune to save the world from destruction. Charles' mission is to travel back in time with a unicorn named Gaudior to alter the past. In order to do this incredibly difficult and dangerous task, he must venture inside of people's souls to live with them and change the course of their lives so that Mad Dog Branzillo will not be born as a nemesis. Guided by this almighty rune, calling on all heaven with its power, and kything, or sending messages through the mind, with Meg, he fights to triumph over evil and to seek peace.

This book delighted me because of the great mystery of the time travel. I would recommend this book to anyone else who enjoys time travel and good fiction. I would not suggest this book to a person who does not enjoy fantasy or other books of the sort. A Swiftly Tilting Planet is fun to read and I would suggest that everybody read it and the others in the series.

My absolute favorite
Out of the Time Quarter, this is my favorite, although I still haven't read Many Waters, yet.

In A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Charles Wallace must go through time and "inhabit" the bodies of various men, might-have-beens, to somehow alter the course of the present and prevent nuclear war.

I loved the concept on how everything is connected and how each of the people Charles Wallace inhabitted through each time period were all interrelated. The story ties each person in to the next, crossing thousands of years and showing how one decision from each person can change the future of the world.

It was fascinating to go back in time and experience what it was like during the Salem witch trials, the civil war, the early 20th century. It was like I was going through someone's attic and finding all this history or like I was going on an archeological dig, finding out about the past centuries.

I felt like I was actually with Charles Wallace, as if I was actually Meg, Charles's sister, watching him travel through time to save the planet. After reading A Wrinkle in Time, and then this one, I must say that there is a marked improvement in Madeline L'Engle's writing and this book captures you and takes you away to the world of the Murray's to the point that you lose all track of time in the real world.

Buy or borrow this book! But make it the book! NOT the tape!
(...)

Madeleine L'Engle is a FABULOUS author, and this is my favorite of her stories, and one of my favorite stories of all time. However (ignoring gender for a moment), I am reminded of a famous Clint Eastwood movie line:

"A man's gotta know his limitations."

Madeleine L'Engle is a fabulous and highly skilled AUTHOR. The audio edition of A Swiftly Tilting Planet shows that narration is NOT her strong suit. Do yourself a favor. Definitely GET this book, but get it in the PRINTED format and READ it rather than listen to the author's narration.

It goes without saying that my 5-star rating is for the book and not the tape.

"A Swiftly Tilting Planet" (printed) is NOT to be missed. Read "A Wrinkle in Time" and "A Wind in the Door" first.

A Little Disappointing
A Wrinkle in Time was one of my favorite books ever, so I read the sequals with much anticipation. This book was a little disappointing mainly because Meg and Charles Wallace are not featured that often. Most of the book revolves around a historical family, one side bad and one good, and the attempt to go back in time and change the outcome of events in order to prevent war in the present. The time travelling aspect is interesting, and the talking unicorn is very lovable, but I just did not find these historical characters very interesting. Also did not care for the idea that one family line can be inherently bad. Still an enjoyable read, and L'engle has many heartfelt quotations, and Meg's family is still as loving and inspirational. I was also disappointed that Meg has lost her spunkiness. But I guess that is just part of growing up, and she is growing up into a beautiful woman, just like her mother. ... Read more

Book Description

Readers will relish this companion to the highly acclaimed adventure, The Wreckers:

Young John is charmed by the Dragon, the schooner he is planning to sail to London and use for the honest wool trade.But a mysterious gentleman delivers an ominous warning to "steer clear of that ship," because the ship was "christened with blood."The ship looks clever and quick, and the crew seems to know how to man it, but with such a warning John is left to wonder how well he really knows what lies ahead.Will he heed the advice given by the mysterious man?Or will he brave the unknown on his own? ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Smugglers
This book is about a little adventurous boy named John Spencer.Johns father has bought a new ship called the Dragon.Rumor has it that the Dragon is cursed and should bring misfortune to the owner.A evil ship should be towed by an evil man, a smuggler in fact, smuggling from every port this side of London.Now this ship in the hands of John and his father, what fortune should become of them?

If you like adventure books this is the book for you.There is'nt a moment when there isn't a dilema for little John Spencer.A must read for lovers of any adventure books, or any boat books.

Andrew Yu P.3
The Smugglers
Book review

This book is about a boy named John. John had a father who bought a ship called the dragon. This dragon caused a lot of trouble to John and his father. Also, his captain was a very evil man that used to smuggle other people and products like brandy. He also tried to kill John on the way to London. Luckily, Dasher helped save Johns life several times.
I chose this book because my friend had told me that it was fun. The cover was also very interesting. The designs and the boat looked very detailed in the huge storm. The smugglers sounded like a very fun and exciting book. Once I read the first few chapters, it felt as if I had to read the rest of the book. I liked this book because it had many exciting parts and lots of action.
My favorite part of the book is when John gets shot from dasher. He got shot twice and was very scared. He talked about getting flashbacks right before you die. The reason why I liked this part is because it was very funny. A few pages after this event, it explains that the gun he used had no real bullets and just made a hole on his clothes.

Andrew Yu P.3
The Smugglers
Book review

This book is about a boy named John. John had a father who bought a ship called the dragon. This dragon caused a lot of trouble to John and his father. Also, his captain was a very evil man that used to smuggle other people and products like brandy. He also tried to kill John on the way to London. Luckily, Dasher helped save Johns life several times.
I chose this book because my friend had told me that it was fun. The cover was also very interesting. The designs and the boat looked very detailed in the huge storm. The smugglers sounded like a very fun and exciting book. Once I read the first few chapters, it felt as if I had to read the rest of the book. I liked this book because it had many exciting parts and lots of action.
My favorite part of the book is when John gets shot from dasher. He got shot twice and was very scared. He talked about getting flashbacks right before you die. The reason why I liked this part is because it was very funny. A few pages after this event, it explains that the gun he used had no real bullets and just made a hole on his clothes.

Smuggling a way to the top!
A wonderful companion to The Wreckers, The Smugglers followsJohn Spencer, a young teenager and finds a world of mystery and ofcourse smuggling on his new ship, The Dragon. A must read for all fans of Treasure Island, The Wreckers or any other books about Historical Boat runs. ... Read more

Book Description

Approx. 2.5 hours
2 cassettes

Listen to the first two hilariously hip Chet Gecko mysteries in this one audio package!

The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse
Shirley Chameleon's friend Billy has disappeared and it's up to Chet, super sleuth, to find him.

The Mystery of Mister Nice
What has happened to Principal Zero?All of a sudden he's nice.And one thing is certain: Principal Zero is not a nice guy.It's up to Chet to prove he's an imposter.

... Read more

Book Description

Reader TBA
approx. 2 hrs. 30 mins.
2 cassettes

Junie B. Jones is back on audio with a collection of the four books that began the well-loved series.

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
Remember when it was scary to go to school? 'Cause it was your first day and you didn't know anything. Meet Junie B. Jones, kindergartner. She's so scared of the school bus and the meanies on it that when it's time to go home, she doesn't.

Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business
It's pooey on B-A-B-I-E-S until Junie B. finds out that her new dumb old baby brother is a big fat deal. Her two bestest friends are giving her everything they own just to see him. And guess what else? Maybe she can bring him to school on Pet Day.

Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth
Junie B.'s having a rough week. First she got punishment for shooting off her mouth in kindergarten. And now she's in big trouble again! 'Cause Monday is Job Day, and Junie B. told her class that she's got the bestest job of all. Only, what the heck is it?

Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying
Junie B. is the bestest spier in the whole world. That's 'cause she has sneaky feet. And her nose doesn't whistle when she breathes. But guess what? Junie B. might be real sneaky. And real peeky. But when she spies on Mrs., she could get into real trouble!

... Read more

Reviews (56)

What's with the grammar?
I've read these books many times to my son who just turned six years old, and we're anxiously awaiting Junie B's experience as a first grader. Junie B. is a somewhat sassy, very entertaining little girl who copes with a variety of problems and issues typical Kindergarteners face each day. These are charming little stories, with cute illustrations, and Junie B. is clearly loved by her parents and has plenty of friends. My son pays close attention to these stories, and whenever my wife and I say, "We'll see" to him, he says, "We'll see is another word for no," which is a common Junie B. saying. But I have one concern, and I've docked a star from the rating because of it: Barbara Park's mode of narrating through Junie B. has her using an abundance of incorrect verb tenses (i.e. "we never had much guests" and "so she just holded my hand.") As a result, since our son is just beginning to learn to read and acquire a basic command of the language, we're constantly having to correct the incorrect word usages he's picked up from these books. It's charming in print, but not nearly as much when your youngster starts picking that stuff up.

Junie B.
I have all these except book 4.

Stupid Smelly Bus: Remember when it was scary to go to school? Cause it was your first day and you didn't know anything. Meet Junie B. Jones, kidnergartner. She's so scared of the school bus, and the meanies on it that when it's time to go home, she doesn't.
A Little Monkey Business: It's pooey on B-A-B-I-E-S until... Junie B. finds out that her new dumb old baby brother is a big fat deal. Her two bestest friends are giving her everything they own just to see him. And guess what else? Maybe she can bring him to school on Pet Day.
Big Fat Mouth: Sometimes life is P.U. Junie B's having a rough week. First she got punishment for shooting off her mouth in kindergarten. And now she's in big trouble again! Cause Monday is Job Day, and Junie B. told her class she's got the bestest job of all. Only what is it?
You also get the book Some Sneaky Peeky Spying.

OUTSTANDING Book Series
Junie B. books have propelled my 6 year old daughter into the wonderful world of reading chapter books on her own. She loves them so much that she can't put them down, and she recently started a Junie B. "library" collection. In her words: "I love Barbara Park (the author). She's SO good at writting the way kids talk and think. Barbara Park and Junie B. rock."

As a parent, I was skeptical at first. About a year ago, a neighbor (who is very heavy-hearted and serious about life) said she didn't like the books because she thought Junie B. had too much of an attitude. She loaned us one (The Stinky Smelly Bus) so that I could see for myself. I was hesitent, but read the book to my daughter. In summary, although Junie B. is far from perfect, she is surrounded by very clever, compassionate adults, she always learns from her mistakes, and she has a big heart. Additionally, the interest in my daughter's eyes and the big belly laughs she let out during the reading convinced me to buy a second book in the series.

I'm now a full force supporter of Junie B., and I enjoy seeing my daughter trade the various books in the series with her friends at school. Junie B. Jones books are their (and my) FAVORITE BY FAR! Thank you Barbara Park for lighting up my daughter's reading world and keeping it fun and interesting!!!

A final note: I do NOT recommend these books for children under six; they may misinterpret the wonderful messages Barbara Park is conveying, and focus only on Junie B.'s "spirited" personality (just as some of the other reviewers here have done!).

AN EDUCATION STUDENT FROM INDIANA
I have read the reviews, and then proceeded to read the numerous books about Junie B. Jones. I have had numerous education classes on teaching reading. I fell in love with Junie B. She is 6 years old. How do 6 years old talk?? They use 100% correct grammar?? I am 22 years old, and even I don't se 100% correct grammar; nor if you anaylsis yourself, I'm sure you may realize, HEY me either. Granted when I read the first book of Junie, I was like HOLD up.. was that a mis-print?? But to be honest, take any 6 year old, that is the way they talk. Lots of schools use these books because it is on the child's ability level in reading. Children enjoy reading, children enjoy humor-- this promotes the love for literacy. Barbara Park, provides a read ablility level for many students in schools today. Some who are in the 6th grade level still only read at a 2nd grade level. Some have had bad experiences with reading-- they hate reading. This is absolutely horrible. Children should love to read; in life, reading is required in practically everything-- and its important to bestill upon all children that reading is FUN-- and they can all be successful too, although behind in reading levels. The worst thing as a "soon to be teacher" is to know that there will be children out there that will have no desire to read. Number one, because they can't; number two, because they find no interest in the materials they are being forced to read. Barbara Park is an excellent author; she really makes the children understand how Junie B. feels-- and as far as the grammar, granted it caught me off guard as well the first time, but you can use this book to kill lots of birds with one stone. The book provides an opportunity for students to be successful readers, become fluent in reading, have fun doing so, and it is important as a parent or teacher to talk with your child about reading. When this communication is used, talk about how when writing or talking, we have better ways of expressing ourselves. Make sure to address that Junie B. is 6 years old, and as she gets older much like the child, her grammar will increase to that of the social norm of "correct grammar." But until she reaches that stage of her educational career, I would suggest that we allow students to read these books, they offer material that the child can relate to and be successful at. You might even learn a thing or two from Junie-- so sit back and read the lesson Junie learns in all her books. Because if you fully read, she may do mischievous acts, however a valuable lesson is gained at the end of every book that talks about why she should not have acted the way she did.
With that being said, get to reading, and allow children to grow with Junie B. Jones.

We're Addicted!
As a literary agent who represents children's and young adult books, I am always on the prowl for great stories. And did I ever find them with the Junie B. books. My five-year-old daughter is just beginning to read, and we have spent endless hours enjoying the Junie B. series. As parents, it's our job to use books as a teaching tool. As we're reading the books, I'll stop mid-chapter and ask my daughter what's happening at that particular moment in the story. Her retention and comprehension level is amazing with these stories. And, we talk about why Junie B. may be doing an inappropriate behavior, and we chat about what she would do in situations similar to Junie B. To me, there is nothing better than to discuss a great book with a child and to listen to their opinions and the Junie B. books are the best I've found yet. ... Read more

Book Description

Taran dreams of adventure, but nothing exciting ever happens to an Assistant Pig-Keeper--until his pig runs away.A chase through the woods leads Taran far from home and into great danger, for evil prowls the land of Prydain.With a collection of strange and wonderful friends whom he meets on his journey, Taran finds himself fighting so that good may triumph over evil--and so that his beloved home will not fall to a diabolical fiend. ... Read more

Reviews (181)

Just the beginning....
Like all great fantasy series, the Prydain Chronicles will resonate with you for a long while after you put them down. The Book of Three begins the legendary adventure of Taran, Eilonwy, Fflewddur Flam, Gurgi, Doli, and Gwydion. The heroes are witty, warm, and wise; the villains are frightening, chilling, and insidious. You will laugh and shudder by turns as Taran faces the Death Lord's minions on his search for the cute and prophetic pig, Hen Wen.

Lloyd Alexander's writing is first-rate and grand, like listening to a superb storyteller. His paints a vivid landscape peopled with truly unique characters. There is some argument about similarities with Tolkien, Star Wars, C.S. Lewis' Narnia, etc. Actually, you can take any epic about the battle of good and evil and point fingers, but isn't a good story worth another excellent retelling? This is one those rare treasures you read as a child, and rediscover as an adult again and again.

Why? Besides the lovely writing, the characters aren't simple bystanders or perfect people caught up in the action. They make choices (and mistakes), face consequences, and struggle through personal challenges. It's reality in an unreal setting. In this first book, Taran, in a rush to grow up, leaves his post as Assistant Pig-keeper to become a Hero. Everyone who has ever been an adolescent can relate to wanting to break away. Finding yourself is the hard part, and one aspect of the series is about this universal phase.

But it isn't all Serious and about Learning A Lesson. There is cheeky humor, poked at our valiant, though sometimes too earnest Taran. Things can't go according to the great Hero Plan with Eilonwy cutting him down to size, Doli scoffing at the young 'uns, and Gurgi wanting "munchings and crunchings" all the time. This is one of those books that you will feel ends too soon. Be sure to have the next one close at hand, because The Book of Three is just the beginning once you have tasted Alexander's magic.

Brilliant fantasy
I have often jokingly told people to read this before reading JRR Tolkein because it's "Hobbit"-lite. But my jest is with all affection. "The Book of Three" is the first of five books (not including the 6th of short stories) involving the fantasy world of Prydain. Lloyd Alexander borrows heavily from Gaelic and Welsh mythology to create the tale of Taran, Assistant Pig-keeper for the enchanter Dallben. In this book we are introduced to Taran, a boy on the cusp of manhood eager to take part in the adventures of the world. Dark forces under the direction of Awran, the Death-Lord threaten the lives of all in Prydain, and none is more feared that the gruesom "Horned King". After leaping "headfirst into a thorn bush" young Taran finds himself face to face with this dreaded champion of darkness who has come from Annuvuin in search of Hen-wen, the oracular pig under Taran's charge. I won't spoil any more of the story except to say that this book introduces many of the characters that appear later on in the rest of the series: the stubborn and lovely Princess Eilonwy, the king-who-wants-to-be-a-bard Fflewder Flam, the cantankerous Doli of the fairfolk, Coll- the warrior turned farmer, and more. Lloyd Alexander's fantasy tale, in my opinion, rivals that of Tolkein as a richly crafted work with wonderful images and a deep understanding and appreciation for the thoughts and feelings of a young man like Taran. The text is easy to read, and the story flows smoothly along. Each book can stand alone, but together create a magnificant epic tapestry. The names of the characters are a little hard to get used to, but not impossible. This is the kind of book you can read out loud at bed-time to young childern. The plot is engaging enough for the little ones and deep enough for adults to appreciate. I recommend this book to just about anyone, and especially for children who are old enough to be reading completely on their own and have reached that point where they are "into" adventures. The best thing about this book (and the series) is that what little violence there is is not glorified, there is no gratuitous sex, and there are morals espoused without sounding preachy. And its the kind of story that girls and boys can enjoy and its perfect for pre-teens and early teens. As the books progress, young teens can "grow" along with Taran, and understand some of his angst. All around, a most