Book Description

Originally published as Gonna Sing My Head Off!, this big, colorful songbook is now reissued for the first time with a 23-song CD created especially for it. The book includes 62 of the best-loved American folk songs, with all the lyrics and easy-to-play musical arrangements of the tunes everyone remembers although they may need a little help with the words. From Maine to California, here are ”Michael, Row the Boat Ashore,” “On Top of Old Smoky,” “Home on the Range,” “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” “This Land Is Your Land,” to name a few–songs that represent the American spirit and history. With each beautifully illustrated song is a note about its origin. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

a loving Mom
It is essential that every child and mother should own Wee Sing Bible Songs!

Great Collection of Childrens Christian songs.
In preparing music for childrens programs, this book/cd collection is a great way to get started. The book contains the music for many traditional childrens songs. It has guitar chords and melody notation for all songs. For songs in a difficult key for beginng guitarists, it has alternative chord combinations to make playing easier. I purchased the CD version of the package so I can listen to a particular song without having to search for it on the tape.

One of the things that children really enjoy about this collection of songs is the hand motions/actions for many of the songs.

This was a great collection for an amature guitarist like myself to use to prepare childrens music for a variety of programs. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

A book about biographies, especially one's own
This book is as much about the search for character and calling as it is an elucidation of Hillman's neo-Jungian/neo-Platonist theory of psychology, termed the 'acron' theory. It is a very readable book, with a lot of biographical anecdotes from the lives of such a broad spectrum of famous personages as Churchill, Josephine Baker, and Yehudi Manheim. Because of this it is a joy to read, and succeeds in invoking a sense of one's own life story as an unfolding drama. One, moreover, that is seperate from the individual ego, and demands its outward manifestation at all costs. This is a well crafted book, and although sometimes quite theoretical, it never loses touch with the beauty of the biographical stories it invokes, and, in a larger sense, the drama of the individual soul desperate to bring its given talent into fruition. If you've never read Hillman this is a very good place to start. You won't be disappointed.

a refreshing antidote to reductionist, mainstream psychology
I am on my second reading of this book, having read it once a couple of years ago and let the ideas percolate in the back of my mind. It is one of the most liberating books I have ever read. As an adult survivor of child abuse, I was in therapy for over 16 years and never felt that mainstream psychologists have any idea of just how powerful our soul's nature is. A system of healing which leaves out our spiritual energies-- and our ability to transform our realities into the stuff of myth--is an impotent system, at least if you are someone whose roots run very deep. I made little progress in my own healing until I began working on the spiritual and soul aspects of my life. Hillman writes that we are not as shaped by the horrors of our early upbringing as we are told by psychotherapists. What an inspiration for transcending the past! Unlike authors such as Carolyn Myss, he offers this teaching in a way that does not blame people for their anger about the past. He simply offers a way beyond the anger and other self-imposed limits, cheerfully and graciously. The detractors of this book state that it is not scientific enough. Of course it is not scientific--it's about bringing the energies of the invisible into your life. You don't have to do reductionist studies of the principles involved to have them change your way of thinking about yourself... I recommend this book to anyone who is tired of the dry, sterile approach to healing offered by professional counselors who have not themselves explored the "realms beyond" and therefore cannot teach us how to experience them for our benefit.

This is a superb Book!
If your searching for something, looking for some direction, feel lost or depressed, this is a great book to read. It really provides a context from which to view you life from and COULD be all you need to get you back in the groove.

A REFRESHING ANTIDOTE TO CURRENT PSYCHOLOGICAL PRACTICE
One does not have to agree with everything James Hillman covers in this study of character as vocation. I found the chapter on "The Bad Seed" particularly iffy; it seems as if imaginal psychology has not yet found a way to explain creatures like Hitler, to whom the epithet "human" hardly applies, or the fatal attraction they exert on others (read Elias Cannetti's "Crowds and Power" for that). However, I have always found his books challenging in that they shake one's most profound beliefs and prejudices about the nature of the psyche. And, given the current prevalence of "victim theory," it is absolutely necessary to have someone remind us that we have a free will, that the soul is sovereign, and that we cannot go around blaming fate, God, the devil or society for the negative aspects of our lives. I found that message in the Seth books by Jane Roberts many years ago. All in all, an important book for those who have left Freudian and Lacanian systems of thought, and have accepted imagination as the soul's predominant mode of knowledge.

Good ideas, bad execution
I was ready to like what Hillman had to say. The idea that we each have a calling -- some marriage of talent, interest and drive toward a specific destiny -- appeals to me. In fact, I liked many of Hillman's concepts (importance of beauty, the parental fallacy, over-medication of our youth, abandoning the 'invisibles,' having a vision for your children).

However, the execution was attrocious. Whenever I knew anything about the studies that Hillman was quoting, I found them to be twisted out of context. I showed the section on beauty to a friend who is writing a dissertation on aesthetics, and he (my friend) pointed out a number of mistakes. (For instance, Hillman quotes Thomas Aquinas saying that beauty arrests motion. What Aquinas actually says is that it is impossible to see true beauty in the world. He says that pure beauty is only present in God, the unmoved mover. So, while to see God would be to see a lack of motion, Hillman is really stretching Aquinas's words to use this philosphy to say that taking time for beautiful things would slow down our fast-paced lives and bring us inner peace.)

Also, I wanted more detail for some of his ideas. He never really tells us how to grow down or "feed" our individual daimon. In the final analysis, I would have liked better research, more focus on how to implement his principles, and perhaps less sarcasm about any other theory that doesn't agree with his. ... Read more

Book Description

Laura's family's first home in Minnesota is made of sod, but Pa builds a clean new house made of sawed lumber beside Plum Creek. The money for materials will come from their first wheat crop. Then, just before the wheat is ready to harvest, a strange glittering cloud fills the sky, blocking out the sun. Soon millions of grasshoppers cover the field and everything on the farm. In a week's time, there is no wheat crop left at all.

On the Banks of Plum Creek is the fourth book in the Laura Years series.

Reviews (25)

On the Banks of Plum Creek
A very exciting book
Everything is going great at Plum Creek. Pa makes a new house out of wood and it has glass windows. a will pay for the wood with the money from their first wheat crop. One day a huge cloud covers the praire and grasshoppers fall from it. Laura is very exciting and daring while Mary is more ladylike than Laura is. Pa and Ma are very loving parents. Read this book to find out what happens next. This is a very catching book. Once you turn the page you'll never want to stop reading it. I liked this book because after every chapter you just want to keep going. I also liked thes book because it told what real people had to go through. The characters do amazing things. I would rate this book from one to five a six. The age group for this book I think is 8 and up. I hope you read this book!

On the Banks of Plum Creek
Laura and her family have moved to a small farm near Walnut Grove in Minnesota. They will have to adapt to Minnesota, the sod house, and a lot more. Laura Ingalls is a seven year old girl who loves to explore the creek, and is daddies little angel. Laura lives with her Ma, Pa , her two sisters Marry and Carrie, and their loyal companion and bulldog Jack. Pa goes out to get lumber and builds a beautiful new house with windows and he farms wheat to earn money. One day Pa said that in a couple weeks the wheat would soon be ready to pick. Then they see this peculiar sparkling cloud that filled the sky. Shortly after countless numbers of grasshoppers cover the field, the creek, and the rest of the farm, including Laura and her family. The grasshoppers consumed every plant including the wheat that Pa worked so hard to grow.
Mary and Laura start to go to school and on their first day they met many friends and some foes. one of their rivals was named Nellie who had a party and invited all the girls from school. Nellie was very rude and very cruel to Mary and Laura. Laura decided to have a party as well, and invited all the girls from school. Laura invites Nellie particulary to get back at her, and boy did she do a clever and a funny prank on Nellie. Then the Ingalls experienced blizzards, storms, and prairie fires which were very devastating. After all the work the family put into the farm and the wheat, their work finally payed off.
This book had lots of surprising, unpredictable, and very exciting events. If I could rate this book on a scale of one through ten, I would give this book a ten. Once I started to read this book I couldn't put it down, because I was so hooked on it. This book is fantastic and is great for every age, and great for every age, and should be enjoyed by everyone. If your looking for a great book that will excite, delight, suprise, and grasp your attention, On the Banks of Plum Creek is just the book your looking for.

JINC'S CHILDREN'S BOOK CLUB
This book captured our attention, but some club members thought the book was just "okay." We liked many aspects of the book. We liked the good descriptions of nature and people such as the one about Nellie Olesen who we thought was asinine. We also liked how the characters really cherished things that are common to us like candy. It made us realize how lucky we are. Nature plays a huge role in this story, and it made us realize how powerful yet precious nature is. The characters in the story cared for nature unlike today when we pollute our environment. Families back then had a totally different life style than we have now. In our world today it seems there are two equal sides: inside and outside. To the Ingalls there were two completely unequal sides. Outside was much greater than inside. We had one big criticism of the book. The Ingalls family seemed too perfect compared to modern families. We thought it was a little fake how everyone was always so loving and never fought. Like many true stories, this one doesn't really have just one plot or story line. It just goes from one event to the next. All in all, though, it was a good story.

Just Like the TV Show Little House on the Prairie
Remember that show "Little House on the Prairie"? Well, this is the book that it's all about. Here is the family: Pa, Ma, Mary 8, Laura 7, and Carrie 2. Baby Grace isn't born yet in this book. All their childhood adventures happen here: First day of school, mean Nellie Oleson, party with their friends, and their first real house with a doorknob! Through anything that ever happens, they know they have each other. That's why even though some things go terribly wrong, it is an adventure to them. Even so, by the end of this book, I wished they had never moved from their "Little House in the Big Woods". By the way, this is a true story. It covers approximately 2 years.
The next book in the series, By the Shores of Silver Lake, takes place about 4 years later when Laura is about 13. This large gap makes watching the show enjoyable because there is a long time period not covered in the books and these are things that could have happened during that unrecorded time. It is fun to read real history and this book is one of the best. Find out just what people do when home is a hole in a hill. What's it like to go to school in your bare feet when most people don't have shoes? What do you do when a fireball rolls into your house? What do you do for fun when TV's haven't been invented, the family owns one book, and oh yeah, there are no toys? Read this book and find out!

On the banks of plum creek
Dig in it

...
Imagine you are sitting on a hill on the grass, You stand up and walk around, You are surprised you see a door, You want to open the door but you think someone lives there; But you do look inside anyway. It is a little house. You go inside. It is called a dugout (a house under ground). This is where the Ingalls live. This is where most of the action happens in On the Banks of Plum Creek.
Nowthen, ON the Banks of plum creek is about a family. That's moves from Kansas to Minnesota. The Ingalls lives in a dugout. They harvest for a living. They have oxen and it take forever to plow the flied. Something also me happens so if you want to know what happened that get the book and read it.
Also, My evaluation of ON The banks Of Plum Creek is that it is a great book. There are many happy parts & sad parts too. A happy part is that the Ingalls have a good harvest. A sad part is that Laura almost drowns. You can read it you might not like it but I did.
Meanwhile, On the Banks of Plum Creek really don't connect to my life. I don't live in a dugout. I don't harvest for a living. I don't have oxen and a cow. Pretty much they are framers. My family is totally different. I live in a house. My dad delivers & my mom works at family dollar for a living. My family has 1 dog & 5 horses.

After all, I recommend you to read On the Banks of Plum Creek. Everyone that can read would like On the Banks of Plum Creek. Mostly 10 & up would like it the most. Both boy/men & girls/ladies would like On the Banks of Plum Creek. People that don't like to read would not like to read On the Banks of Plum Creek.

Can you see the door, did you go inside, are you in the house. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

to the point
I purchased both level 1 & 2 of the spanish language series. I also had studied two semesters of Spanish. I believe that with two semesters of college Spanish and using these tapes-for about six more months after your freshman Spanish classes- you can acquire a solid and fundamental grasp of Spanish. The courses are very untilatirian: but you will be able to have conversations in Spanish. I work at an Ct. Casino and it is a polyglot environment, and I am able to speak Spanish with people from all over the central, carribean, and south american world. you will learn standard, no slang, no lazy pronuncements, spanish. People often believe that Spanish spoken by people versus taught in school is radically different. It is not. Spanish has its aints, gottas and all that.
If you wish to read and write in Spanish, you will probably have to study in college as I did, but for general fluency the tapes can work. I do however suggest at least a semester of college Spanish or if you are a high school student two years of study. The tapes teach language in the old fashion way: you either want to learn the language or do not. you will not take this tapes into your car and use them on the way to work.

Hard to Beat
These cassettes can at first be off-putting: there's almost no English heard, and the Spanish is spoken quickly. But that's the way real Spaniards speak and as your ear gets used to the language as it's really spoken, it is truly exciting. With frequent repetition, your confidence and fluency grow rapidly. These tapes were made by the State Department in the late 50's, and some of the dialogue is hilarious: the men go out to the airforce base to review the bombers, while the women fret about their dresses and clean out the ashtrays. But if some of the social customs are dated, the rigor and clarity of the tapes are classic. For the committed learner, I don't think there's anything out in the market that compares.

I didn't start with Barron's. For the first month or two, I worked with the Learn in Your Car series -- excellent for basics. I switched to this for greater fluency -- and found them to be a superb combination.

Excellent follow up to Level I class
I have both the Level I and Level II Foreign Service Institute courses, and since I've already reviewed in detail how the Level I course works and compared it with the other major offerings out there, such as Michel Thomas's, Berlitz, and Instant Immersion, I'll keep this review brief. If you're interested I refer you to my review of the Level I class which I've also posted on Amazon.

This is basically the advanced course and continues with the same philosophy and structure as the Level I class. It is intended to get you up to speed conversationally as quickly as possible without getting bogged down in too many formal details of the grammar. The approach here is to teach you the grammar by means of many examples of individual spoken sentences and brief conversations and through substitution drills, along with brief discussions of the grammar which are interspersed occasionally between the audio sections. The big, 600+ page workbook allows you to follow along with the native language speakers, which is very helpful also. This contrasts with Michel Thomas's approach, which is just as pricey, but contains no workbook, drills, exercises, or even any memorization at all. It also emphasizes starting with the most basic sentence structures and then building up slowly from there, so that the principles are acquired almost intuitively. I also have the Thomas course and it is excellent as well, and for many people would also be a good choice. I like having the detailed workbook that this course provides, however, so I still have a preference for this one over the Thomas offering. But if you're looking for the most painless approach possible, without the rigors of any formal grammar, the Thomas course might be your best choice.

I have a pretty strong background in structural and comparative grammar and linguistics in general so I don't mind a little formal grammar, but most people don't and just want to get a speaking command of the language as quickly and painlessly as possible. For that purpose this course serves very well and is regarded by many as still the best one out there for that. Someone who masters the 24 tapes in these two courses, which is twice as much material as in most of the other big self-study courses, should have a pretty good command of spoken Spanish and be able to do pretty well conversationally.

Wonderful to help your Spanish jump up a level
I am so grateful to the previous reviewers, as I bought these tapes on their advice. I have reached the point where I can read and write Spanish well and my grammar is pretty good, but I still get lost in real world situations where natives are speaking Spanish quickly. These tapes are just the answer I was looking for.

They speak really quickly, so these are definitely not for beginners, but I am loving them because natives talk just as quickly as they do on these tapes. I also like that they include a book, because often times they talk so fast I just can't catch what they are saying, but a quick glance at the book gets me back on track immediately.

They have a lot of drills and grammar and verb conjugation practice that I really appreciate. I also think these are a real bargain for the price -- I am too cheap to pay ... for some of the others that I see have good reviews. I think these are a real bargain for [the price].

The only criticism is, as mentioned in other reviews, they are REALLY dated and you will definitely feel like you are in Ozzie and Harriet land (50's era for you ... out there reading this).

Excellent for Fluency but I wouldnt recommend for a beginner
I bought the cassette version and found it to be the best investment in Spanish that I've made. As stated in some of the other reviews, there isn't a lot of English spoken (one of the features I was looking for). I've had 4 years of Spanish prior to this (but it's been about 7 years since my last class). I bought the tapes for a trip to Spain and found them to be incredibly helpful. If you do have a grasp of the spanish language, I would recommend about a year (just the fundimentals of verb tenses), I think that you'll find these tapes the best on the market (yes better than Pimsluer). If you don't have a grasp and are looking for a basic tourist phrases etc, I would recommend ultimate spanish basic intermediate or Pimsleur 1. Some other great additions to this set are 501 Spanish verbs. ... Read more

Amazon.com

For over 20 years, kids and kids at heart have giggled at the jumbled,goofy nonsense poems of Shel Silverstein. And now, lucky readers canlisten to his mad meanderings as well with this 20th anniversary editionof A Light in the Attic, which includes a CD read by the author himself.Eleven classics, including "Twistable, Turnable Man," "The Dragon of GrindlyGrun," "Prehistoric," and "Backward Bill" are performed by the late virtuoso ofverse, while the tremendously popular book contains every one of the originalpoems that made Silverstein's name a household word: "Poemsicle," "Hula Eel,""Standing Is Stupid," "Moon-Catchin' Net," "Meehoo with an Exactlywatt," anddozens upon dozens more. Silverstein's amusing, cartoonish line drawings areevery bit as familiar and beloved to readers as his poems. Gone, but notforgotten, the creator of the irresistible poetry collections Where the Sidewalk Ends andFalling Up, left anindelible mark on children's poetry. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Book Description

Leo's a lovable little lightning bug, but he has a big problem: no light! This leads to teasing by the other bugs and an unhappy Leo. But with determination, motherly support, and a little luck, Leo eventually lights up the night. Transformed by his newfound confidence, he now laughs at himself, plays with the other bugs, and enjoys a good night's sleep. Included in this enchanting picture book -- a Book Sense 76 Children's Pick and Los Angeles Times Children's bestseller -- is a dramatic audio CD, complete with sound effects. James Muscarello's magical chalk drawings bring Leo's world to life. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

I love this book!
"Leo the Lightning Bug" is a book that has a touching message that applies to
each and every one of us. It is one of those rare children's books that
imparts a feeling of self worth and courage. It is sensitive, funny, sad, and
exciting - without a single unengaged moment. The illustrations are
expressive and delightful. The enclosed CD is especially wonderful. The sound
effects and music are beautifully incorporated into the story. The voices,
including children's voices, make the story and its characters irrisistable.
I love this book, and every child (or adult) to whom I have shown it, also
loves it. I recommend "Leo the Lightning Bug" for everyone. It will be one
book that you listen to over and over again and will want to keep for your
grandchildren!

children & parents enjoy this one
Our three-year-old son received this as a gift from Grandma and has been requesting it for reading sessions or listening to the CD version several times a day for the last week and a half. And amazingly, I am NOT sick of it yet.

Very enjoyable encouraging story but not at all preachy. The CD story is one of the best quality pre-read stories I have heard. It has music, sound effects, and several different and very expressive voices participating. At the same time it is not over-the-top detracting from the story itself.

My only critique is that on the CD the page turn signals are very subtle. But my son quickly memorized the book anyway and learned exactly when to turn the pages. Also, unlike some the books-on-tape there is no audio version without page turn signals. Both very minor issues.

This is a great value for both a beautifully illustrated hardcover book and an audio CD. A great gift!

Wonderful book!
I have bought this book for my grandchildren and have enjoyed reading it with them. Beautiful illustrations and lots of fun for young children.

Fantastic!
This is simply a must have book for your preschoolers! My two boys, ages 3 and almost 5 LOVE this book. It has a great message - you have to practice to be good at things - and the CD is very well done. You cannot go wrong with this one.

Leo the lightning bug
This is an enchanting book, so well written and beautifully illustrated and it includes a CD narrated by the author and his niece and nephew. It has a very positive message of the value of perseverace in the face of obstacles. I love this book and have given it to every child I know!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Catchy melodies, drill and student involvement make multiplication tables to twelve very memorable. A complement of self quizzing music tracks allows students to quiz themselves. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Absolutely the best multiplication resource I've ever tried.
I purchased this for use with my third grade class and I have to say that we played it so much I had to replace the tape! This collection of songs was put together with a great deal of thought. Each melody is different, very musical and very catchy. NOT the usual rap sounds that I had expected to hear. As a matter of fact, the tunes are so catchy they almost have a hypnotic effect. Even adults find themselves singing the times tables after class. (Looks a bit crazy, I know!)

What I especially like about these songs is that they also teach skip counting. The chorus of every single song is actually skip counting. So, not only do students learn all of their timetables, they can count by 6's, 7's, even 12's with no problem! The use of skip counting makes this tape perfect for grade three students as a primer and for grade four students as a resource and review.

The flip side of the cassette allows for students to test themselves.

I have had many students tell me that they do well on their tests because of these songs! I often recommend this cassette kit for home use as a fun way to review. ... Read more

Book Description

This resource is directly related to its literature equivalent and filled with a variety of cross-curricular lessons to do before, during, and after reading the book. This reproducible book includes sample plans, author information, vocabulary building ideas, cross-curriculum activities, sectional activities and quizzes, unit tests, and ideas for culminating and extending the novel. ... Read more

Reviews (338)

Pretty good but a little old fashioned and slow
I am an Elementary education major and had to view the video and compare it to the book for a lesson plan. I thought it accurately depicted a lot of things but was incorrect in a lot of other ways. It did bring the characters to life but left out some key scenes. Rontu in the movie was not one of the wild dogs from the island but was left by the Aleuts whereas in the book he was described as one of the wild dogs. Other than that I found it a bit slow and old fashioned. Overall I thought it was good and would use it with a class to view critically and to compare to the book.

Island of the Blue Dolphin
You Know what a good book is? Island of the Blue Dolphins. Scott O'Dell does a wonderful job telling this girls story of survival, physically and emotionally. This young girl's tribe is forced to leave their island after the Alutes came and killed most of the men in their tribe. The day they are set to leave, this girls little brother is not on the boat and the boat is already pulling away from the cove. So she jumps off and swims to the island to stay with her brother. Soon after she is abandoned, her brother is killed by a pack of wild dogs. Now she is all alone on the Island of the Blue Dolphins.
Scott O'Dell does a wonderful job with this book. This young girl is truly pushed to the limits. Seeing as she is living on her own for years. Her character is such an inspiration. She over came many obstacles to survive. She definitely faces conflict when her brother dies. This was probably her biggest obstacle.
I personally enjoyed this book. I found it truly inspiring. I have never read any of Scott O'Dell's books before. I believe that his other books will be just as good as this one. This story has such a good story line to it. It kind of reminded me of Cast Away. The main characters both had to survive by them self's for a while before getting rescued.

Goes beyond the typical survival book
"Island of The Blue Dolphins" is a classic in every sense in my opinion. After most of her people are killed by some Russians called the Aleuts, Karana has to live on The Island of The Blue Dolphins. While there, she has to learn how to survive alone by making shelter, her own food, etc. She also has to find a way to fend herself of the wild dogs should they turn to attack her, while also watching the seas to make sure the Aleuts don't come back. Will she be on the island alone forever? Will she be rescued by a ship? Karana has to find a way to survive long enough to find out.

"Island of The Blue Dolphins" is one of the best books I've ever read. Unlike many stories of survival, the author, Scott O'Dell doesn't ever sympathize much with what Karana has been through. In the end, it makes the book even better that he didn't reflect too much on Karana's losses. Once you get to a certain point in the story, it will grip you into reading it and not let go until the book is over. There's a lot of things about the book that you probably won't ever forget once you read it. It's pretty much a great and unforgettable book about survival and it couldn't have been written any better if you ask me.

I recommend anybody who likes great books that are about survival to get "Island of The Blue Dolphins." It's so good that it goes beyond the typical survival book, and you'll know what I mean when you finish reading it. It has elements of many other kinds of stories, and it's very compelling. It's a 5 star book without a doubt.

Pretty Darn Dull!
My daughter had to read this book this year in the 4th grade. She was so bored by it, that I had to read it aloud to her so that she could pass the weekly chapter quizes. About the only interesting or exciting events were Karana's experiences with the wild dogs. Her trip away from the island in the canoe went on for about 10 pages, and all it was about was the canoe leaking. If these are the types of books that are supposed to motivate kids to become interested in reading, I'm afraid we are going to alot of non-reading adults. UGH!

Not Quite Perfect
I read Island of the Blue Dolphins for a required reading book. The book is really good and exciting most of the time, but the end is really bad. It literally ends right in the middle of the book. Nothing is explained and it really doesn't make sense. That is why I give this book 3 stars. ... Read more

Book Description

9 complete stories at a great price!

Featuring:

Green Eggs and Ham read by Jason Alexander
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish read by David Hyde Pierce
Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! read by Michael McKean
I'm Not Going to Get Up Today read by Jason Alexander
Oh Say Can You Say? read by Michael McKean
Fox in Socks read by David Hype Pierce
I Can Read with My Eyes Shut read by Michael McKean
Hop on Pop read by David Hype Pierce
Dr. Seuss's ABC read by Jason Alexander ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Must for Parents and Seuss Collectors!
This is a terrific audio CD of our Dr. Seuss favorites. My sons love to read along in the car and at home. The celebrity readings are great to listen to. Even my husband and I listen in the car, long after the kids have dozed off. Don't miss out on this collection. Well worth it!

Seuss without the Tang-Tonguelers
If you've wearied of Green Eggs and Ham and Sam-I-Am, and would rather not Hop on Pop, you'll be grateful for this CD set with lively readings of the kid-favorites by familiar voices like Jason Alexander, David Hyde Pierce, and Michael McKean. For young readers, pair them up with the books to follow along and VOILA! Instant Readers! this year is Dr. Seuss's 100th birthday! ... Read more

Book Description

Unabridged Audiobook - 9 CDs, 10 hours, 12 minutes - Read by Shelly Frasier

When Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert of Green Gables send for a boy orphan to help them out at their farm, they mistakenly get Anne Shirley, a feisty, independent but warm-hearted 11 year-old girl. Fortunately her sunny nature and quirky imagination win the hearts of her reluctant foster parents and everyone in the community. But not a day goes by without some memorable adventure or prank in the tragicomedy of her life. Early on she accidentally dyes her "cursed" red hair green. Later, in an effort to impress a neighbor she bakes a cake, but with liniment instead of vanilla.

Lucy wrote that Anne is an extension of herself and represents the independent, "new" woman of the emerging 20th century. Individualistic, resourceful, and of a great humanitarian heart, she remains a great role model for girls and women today. ... Read more

Reviews (233)

Anne of Green Gables
"I'll try and do anything and be anything you want if only you'll keep me." This is how "Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery begins.
Anne Shirley is a twelve-year-old girl who is brought to Green Gables only to find they were expecting a boy. The Cuthberts however, are one over by this queer, imaginative girl with bright, red hair and decide to allow her to stay.
Green Gables is a lovely, little farm just outside of a small town on Prince Edward Island called Avonlea. It is surrounded by fields and forests, which hold many surprises for adventurous Anne.
Throughout this book Anne's fierce temper and wild imagination often get the better of her, but she usually manages to squeeze out of these scrapes.
Anne's melodramatic nature and fiery temper keeps you interested as you read this marvelous book.
Montgomery's humorous writing style gives life to the characters so that you feel like you are meeting them in person.
I think that this was a wonderful book filled with humor, drama and tears. I would recommend this book to anyone that has ever had a dream and loves a good book.

Review of Anne of Green Gables
'People who haven't red hair don't know what trouble is. Mrs. Thomas told me that God made my hair red on purpose, and I've never cared about Him since.'

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Upon arriving at the Cuthbert's home on Prince Edward Island, Anne Shirley, a vivacious and imaginative young orphan girl, was devastated to hear that she was a mistake. The Cuthbert's had wanted a boy. Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, an elderly brother and sister, decide to keep her, and from that moment nothing is the same.
Cracking a slate across a boy's head, getting her best friend drunk (accidentally of course), saving a baby's life, and nearly drowning herself are all part of Anne's daily life. Marilla and the neighbors couldn't help but express their disappointment with the little newcomer'at first. To most she knows, Anne becomes an irreplaceable addition to sleepy Avonlea. Anne is changing too. Gradually she becomes more mature and learns to control her sometimes fiery temper.
Anne of Green Gables is unpredictable and hilarious; you can never tell what Anne will do next! I loved her endless questions about the world, and her passionate love of life. Anne Shirley is one of the most enjoyable characters I have ever read about, therefore, I would recommend this book to anyone.

the most original child-heroine in literature
Mark Twain called Anne "the most delightful child heroine since the Immortal Alice [in Wonderland]." This story of the impulsive but lovable orphan girl Anne Shirley who wins the hearts of all and finds a loving family and community is one of the most heart-warming and enchanting stories ever written, with many millions of readers world-wide testifying to this fact.

Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert are an elderly brother and sister living together at Green Gables. They're getting on in years and they want to adopt a boy to help them run the farm, but instead by mistake a girl is sent them. Matthew is charmed by Anne from the start and wants to keep her, but Marilla is a stern and stubborn woman on the outside and at first she wants to send Anne back. Little by little, however, she too starts to fall under the spell of that spunky, charming, amusing, irrepressible redhead Anne, and they end up keeping her. The rest of the novel is rife with funny incidents of Anne getting herself into and out of trouble, and you will be amused and tickled to no end. Watch the movie too. Highly Recommended!!!

David Rehak
author of "A Young Girl's Crimes"

A really great read when you're 9 years old!
I got this book for Christmas and read it straight away. I think that lots of people would like it because not many books are about an orphan and her adventures.

A favorite of mine
Anne Shirley will always have a special place in my heart as one of my favorite literary characters. The reread delighted as much this time as the first time I read the book. ... Read more

Book Description

'A classic recording for children,' is what School Library Journal said about this award-winning recording. Also included on the tape are Outside Over There, In the Night Kitchen, and The Nutshell Library.

... Read more

Reviews (3)

"Please don't go, we'll eat you up, we love you so!"
I personally never liked Sendak's WTWTA. Or In the Night Kitchen. Or Chicken Soup with Rice. Or anything ever illustrated or written by him. So, I'm not a fan. Got it?

But WOW, was I ever wrong. I just didn't get it before, but listening to Tammy Grimes narrate and with the addition of Herr Mozart, it's like being transported into what must have been a fascinating mind who could write so well for children.

Buy this CD for your 4 year old + child with imagination to spare and he'll be begging for it. It's become a TREAT 'round these parts.

Even as adults, it's still amazing to me and my siblings
My siblings and I listened to this wonderful cassette as children and to this day treasure it. We have passed it's wonders onto our own young relatives and soon to our own children. It will stay with you forever for the words of Maurice Sendak make your imagination take flight and the voice of Tammy Grimes is so captivating; the best I have ever heard these fabulous stories read! The addition of the music of Mozart truly inspires the mind of children and adults alike.

A Wonderful Reading by Tammy Grimes
The Sendak stories read by Tammy Grimes capture the spirit and fun of the text and pictures without "talking down" to children. My kids have loved it from age 18 months to 7 (and counting). A wonderful interpretation of wonderful stories. ... Read more

Book Description

Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, is a peaceful sort who lives in a cozy hole in the Shire, a place where adventures are uncommon--and rather unwanted. So when the wizard of Gandalf whisks him away on a treasure hunting expedition with a troop of rowdy dwarves, he's not entirely thrilled. Encountering ruthless trolls, beastly orcs, gigantic spiders, and hungry wolves, Bilbo discovers within himself astonishing strength and courage. And at the ultimate confrontation with the fearsome dragon Smaug, the hobbit will brave the dangers of dark and dragon-fire alone and unaided.

J.R.R. Tolkien's timeless and beloved tale is presented in a stunning dramatization that resounds with all the excitement of a theater performance--and all the charm of a vintage radio show. Originally conceived for BBC broadcast and produced by the world's foremost creators of radio entertainment, this lavish production melds a full cast with stirring music and sound effects to bring this magnificent classic to life. ... Read more

Reviews (44)

A classic story of pure genius & imagination
The Hobbit is, and always will be, a classic adventure appealing to children and adults alike. It's just plain wonderful and if you haven't read it or had it read to you, you've missed out. It's that simple. Read it, listen to it or bribe someone into reading it to you. Buy it and save it for your grand kids. If you only own one book, this is the one to own.

(of course after you've read it you'll realize that now you have to run out and get the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy) Sorry!

Classic
I can barely believe there are those that think this book too boring & pointless. First off, the book is barely 300 pages long, if that. Secondly, it has a point, and that's to tell a engaging story. I guess some people just don't get it or go in for this kind of thing. Pointless and boring? You haven't seen such till you read certain volumes of Robert Jordan's Wheel Of Time series. For me, this book is like a doorway into another world. A wizard, a hobbit and a group of dwarves go on a quest to oust a dragon from their mountain and run into orcs, wolves and spiders on the way? Jeez, what could be cooler? I found it engrossing every step of the way. The only criticism I would have for the book might be that the latter part of the book takes an abruptly more serious tone than the first half of the book, but that's only fitting since it prepares for the more serious tone of Lord of the Rings. This book is Classic Fantasy. For the number of reviews that wanted to give this book 0 stars, even if they are only a handful, I give this book 10 stars.

Not anything to jump at...
I recommend the Mind's Eye dramatization of this. At least Mind's Eye gets the pronunciation of names correct. GahLOOM for Gollum? All it takes is listening to Tolkien himself reading "Riddles in the Dark" (I recommend the Tolkien Audio Collection) to know that these producers didn't do their homework. Also, the split narrative is a bit distracting, and Bilbo's constant hemming and hawing makes him sound like he has a mental condition. The voice casting leaves MUCH to be desired as well. Gandalf (or GawnDAWLF as they mispronounce it) sounds awful! This actor would be interesting as Wormtongue in LOTR, but as Gandalf - PTOOIE! The script is not badly written, although they emphasize some WEIRD things in the plot, like an overlong description of Elrond.

Hard to follow...
This telling of the classic story seems to have had good intentions, however the attempt to bring the action to life through the use of actors portraying elves, dwarfs etc. leaves the listener confused as to who is saying what and exactly what is going on in the story. Having not read to book I found myself having to listen and re-listen to certain portions to prevent losing the plot in all the ruckus and jabbering voices. Additionally, many of the main charactor voices sounded so similar that it was hard to know who was speaking. For fans already familiar with the story or children who may enjoy the sound effects this could be a good option, but for those wanting to hear the plot unfold unencumbered the classic reading would definitely be a better choice.

Totally makes fun of Tolkien
I got this out hoping it would be like The Lord of the Rings dramas by BBC. Boy was I wrong! The music was horrendous. Gandalf didn't sound old or wise like he should. He sounds like most of the dwarves!! (and they don't husky voice like they should.) Some of the names weren't pronounce right. Thorin was Toreen and Gollum was Golloom. BBC where did you go wrong!! And LOTR was the earlier one. Stick to that and listen to the Rob Inglis reading of this book! ... Read more

Book Description

God’s Kids Worship is a new collection of today’s top Praise & Worship recordings produced for and sung by kids 8-14 years old. Each all-new recording of God’s Kids Worship: Blue, Green, Red, and Orange will feature the most popular songs kids are already singing in church today. Included on these recordings are all of the top 25 and most of the top 100 of today’s most popular Praise & Worship songs as established by Christian Copyright Licensing International. Each recording also includes at least six hymns and traditional songs. Perfect for at home listening or sing-alongs at Sunday School, children’s church, small group, and backyard Bible clubs.Produced by four-time Children’s Album Dove nominee and multi-platinum Grammy nominee, Bob Singleton.

Songs included on God’s Kids Worship: Red

1. Celebrate Jesus
2. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
3. Thy Loving Kindness
4. Amazing Grace
5. Ah, Lord God
6. Open the Eyes of My Heart
7. His Name is Wonderful
8. I Will Sing of the Mercies
9. Trust and Obey (When We Walk With the Lord)
10. He is Lord
11. Wade in the Water
12. Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
13. He is Exalted
14. Peace Like a River
15. Mighty is Our God
16. Praise Him, Praise Him
17. Alive, Alive
18. Great is The Lord
19. I Stand in Awe
20. Wonderful Words of Life

Book Description

The first audiobook in a thrilling new trilogy about an apprentice magician and the powerful djinni he summons.

Nathaniel is a young magician with only one thing on his mind: revenge.

As an apprentice to the great magician Underwood, Nathaniel is gradually being schooled in the traditional art of magic.All is well until he has a life-changing encounter with Simon Lovelace, a rising, star magician.When Simon brutally humiliates Nathaniel in front of everyone he knows, Nathaniel decides to speed up his magical education, teaching himself spells way beyond his years.Eventually, he masters one of the most difficult spells of all: summoning the all-powerful djinni, Bartimeus.

But summoning Bartimeus and controlling him are two very different things--and Nathaniel may be in way over his head. ... Read more

Reviews (81)

The Best of it's kind
I know it's unoriginal to compare children's fantasy to Harry Potter. But when said young wizard is the standard practically all authors in the genre have to live up to it's hard to avoid comparison. The Amulet of Samarkand is the first book in the 'Bartimaeus' trilogy and it's definitely more sophisticated than Harry Potter or Artemis Fowl.

The story is of a 12 year old boy called Nathaniel who is adopted by a sour, strict magician at the age of five to train as magician himself. In this world the Houses of Parliament is full of magicians and they run the country using their own reckless methods, much to the distain of the commoners (Muggles in the Harry Potter world). As a way of getting revenge on his cruel master, Nathaniel summons a cynical, sarcastic djinni called Bartimaeus to steal an apparently ordinary amulet (of Samarkand) from his master's colleague's house to frame him.

But the Amulet of Samarkand is a very special artefact indeed and is the centrepiece of a sinister plot hatched by evil magician Simon Lovelace. Of course Nathaniel realizes this all too late as he's soon in the middle of Lovelace's evil plan. Though he does have Bartimaeus under 'verbal contract' and with the help of this disgruntled djinni he attempts to foil Lovelace.

The story is told from two narrators. Nathaniel's part is typical 3rd person perspective and Bartimaeus is first person. The book regularly switches between them after every three or so chapters. There's a lot of pathos to be had in Nathaniel's side of the story and he's definitely a stronger character than Harry Potter or Artemis Fowl and Bartimaeus's version of events are always interesting especially with his often amusing footnotes at the bottom of every page.

Stroud's world seems much more probable than JK Rowling's too. The word wizard is only mentioned twice in this book (tho it would have made more literal sense to have not been mentioned at all) and no one uses wands (magic is either done with the hands on inside pentacles with incantations instead of spells). Plus Stroud seems to stick to ancient middle-eastern mythology as his source of inspiration rather than just make up silly sounding words to add a bit of light humor (the Harry Potter books are extremely guilty of this). His cold London winter setting and slightly oppressive tone make this harder than normal children's fantasy and (for a first novel in a series) it's a highly detailed world to be immersed in. Giving the impression that Stroud thought about all this beforehand and it's not something he'll develop as he thinks about it over the course of three books.

The Amulet of Samarkand is a long book. And takes some time to get thru. I was a little put off by the middle of the book, which sagged somewhat. For this reason I cannot give the book 5/5. But it's still the most superior and intelligent children's fantasy I've read. I eagerly await 2 and 3. My copy is signed by the author.

clever, original, witty--highly recommended
As I've said in previous reviews, if you're going to set your book in England and have as a main character a young boy learning the art of wizardry, you've guaranteed yourself a comparison to Harry Potter. With The Amulet of Samarkand, Jonathan Stroud can proudly say, "bring him on--wands at 15 paces!".
With so much pallid fantasy out there, Amulet is a breath of fresh air, told in a witty, original voice within a well-constructed plot and structure focused on two complex characters. Amulet is set in an alternate England ruled by magicians whose powers come from their ability to conjure demons. The society is beset within (by a resistance movement of "commoners" as well as by the murderous in-fighting among the ruling class magicians) and without (at war with Prague). Nathaniel is a young magician's apprentice who, after being publicly humiliated, seeks revenge via the demon Bartimaeus and a powerful talisman--the book's namepiece. By the time the book closes, it will involve murder and mayhem, betrayal, the attempted overthrow of the government, ancient (and I mean ancient) grievances, several tense chase scenes, various escape attempts, political commentary, the searing intensity of unassuagable guilt, and more.
Despite all that is crammed in here, the plot moves along briskly for the most part (this despite its complexity and the use of footnotes). Nathaniel is a complex character, giving us easily as many reasons to dislike him as to sympathize with him. He is no paragon of heroism or innocence. The other and much more likable main character (or perhaps more accurately the true main character) is the demon Nathaniel summons and the trilogy's title character. Unlike Nathaniel, whose section is told in 3rd person, Bartimaeus gets to tell his section of the book himself, lending us a more intimate view and thus allowing us to empathize more directly with him. Even better, his is a wry, cynical voice, bitingly funny. He also has the advantage of centuries of experience to call upon for more material with which to sharpen his wit. His sections are simply a pleasure to read. He too is more complex than is typical in these works. For instance, a scene where he somewhat blithely is willing to kill three young teens with little remorse reminds us he is no tame funny pet for either Nathaniel or the reader.
While Nathaniel's main antagonist, an evil wizard whose plots really aren't that out of character for magicians in general it turns out, is perhaps one of the weaker characters--a bit bland in both villainy and dialogue, the various demon antagonists of Bartimaeus are all wonderful creations, especially his two long-running nemeses whom he comes across several times.
The structure moves back and forth skillfully between Bartimaeus's first person narration and the third-person description of what is happening with Nathaniel, pulling away from one to the other at just the right moments to create the greatest suspense. It is all deftly handled with no confusion whatsoever.
The story itself is well-paced and complex enough to keep the reader guessing. It ends independently but with enough loose ends to point to an obvious sequel, which I for one eagerly await. Very highly recommended.

highly original book
I'm a science fiction/fantasy fan and read books like shannara, harry potter, lord of the rings, bartimeaus, and eragon. This book was highly original in the power of magicians. It's not just like using magic to do everything and being in secret from non-magic people. the structure of it is cool because of the way it has two main charaxters and switches views. Since magicians don't actually use magic, (they summon demons and the stronger the demon, the harder he is to control so you need to be a strong magician to control strong demons) Bartimeaus is actually the one with all the power, not Nathaniel (the magician). I loved the ending of the book because of the strategic plans the main characters come up with. BOTTOM LINE-------- if you're a fantasy fan, READ THIS SERIES.

The most fun I've had in years.
"The Amulet Of Samarkand" is a truly great novel, filled with adventure, mystery, mysticism, and... humor! Jonathan Stroud brings his magic touch to a modern-day London run by wizards and over-run by demons. "The Amulet Of Samarkand" is one of those books that truly takes you out of your skin and plants you right in the story, sort of like the "scrying discs" in his book, you feel you're there, going through everything with the characters. Every aspect of this book is great, but it's the little things that make a book great, and Jonathan Stroud clearly understands this.

Firstly, the footnotes inserted in the chapters narrated by Bartimaeus (the leading demon in the story) were genius, witty, and gut-wrenchingly funny. He gave Bartimaeus an attitude filled with wit and wisdom at the same time. What's so great about the characters in this book, is that it feels the two main characters reverse position. The boy, Nathaniel, is actually difficult to like, whereas the demon in the story becomes the most beloved personality.

I can't wait for the next book in "The Bartimaeus Trilogy". Keep it up Jonathan Stroud! You're books are great. I recommend this book for people of all ages (excluding perhaps young children). You won't be disappointed.

Wonderful audio book!!!
I checked the audio version of this book out of the library for my kids to listen to in the car. It is fantastic. The narrator captures the character of Bartemaeus perfectly. Even if you've read the book, I would recommend checking out the audio edition, you won't be disappointed. My son and I were "fighting" over our walkman to see who got to listen to the tapes out of the car. ... Read more

Book Description

Learn German as it's really spoken. Berlitz German Today is arevolutionary new self-instructional course, designed both for adult beginners and for those who need to refresh their language skills. It uses a variety ofinteractive components to provide learners with a practical, comprehensive introduction to their new language. It's everything you need to study the languagefrom the comfort of your home or office. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

basic
I bought this course and have been working through it in the last month. I like this course, I remember things alot quicker when I can read along with a text book, without too much english.
I have pimsleur basic and find it difficult because I can't see the words. I have to remember strings of syllables that make up words, made harder by sounds that aren't in english. Berlitz have made an easy approach to learning basic german. I have worked through "Japanese for busy people 1" and "basic italian".

A Great Starting Place
This course is an excellent starting place for learning German. The lessons are geared toward the tourist (a lot of hotel, restaurant, and travel information), but the supplemental Learning Guide and Verb Handbook are excellent references for more in-depth study. I found the Course Book to be colorful, interesting, and easy to follow. The lessons are short - excellent for studying when you only have a few minutes at a time. I especially like the pocket dictionary, which also some grammer hints and conversational phrases. I carry it with me everyday! A great investment if you plan to spend any length of time in a German-speaking country and want to learn the language on your own.

Needs Updating
Berlitz theory, in practice since the 1870s, believes the best way to learn a foreign language is the way a baby learns a language, through listening to/repeating after native speakers. Berlitz Basic German comes with 3 hours of campy dialogs on 3 cassette tapes. I can imagine the actors in a 1940s radio studio, ringing bells, playing tapes of car engines, etc. First you're supposed to just listen to the tape to get a feel for the language, then participate with the actors, then follow the dialog in the workbook. The black and white workbook is a disappointment. Individual words are defined in the margins, instead of right over or under the German words, so it's time consuming to figure out the exact translation. An occasional grammar rule (such as a verb conjugation) as it applies to a particular word is given in the margin, but not in a way that you can easily generalize across the board. Words that are exceptions to rules are presented here and there, but not as a list where one can learn many at a time. Furthermore, grammar rules are often awkwardly written, so one must read them several times to figure out what's going on. I'd prefer a learning system that made more use of visual learning, with a colorful and more helpful workbook. Also, I'd prefer the tapes to contain some English, so one can easily learn German in situations where one can't consult the workbook such as driving or walking.

Great Set For Beginners
This was the second German set I got when I first started to learn this language over two years ago. Not only is it a great source for learning German, it's also entertaining. Each scene deals with a different situation. It's not boring drills like some sets are. This is recommended it you're new to the German language. It took me quite a while to finish this, but it was worth it. Recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

DISCLAIMER: The long term effects of listening to this audio are unknown. Scientists have detected slightly higher rates of panic, fright and free-floating anxiety amongst listeners to this audio than that found in those listeners who engaged in more pleasant listening activities.

Dear Listener,

Like handshakes or housepets, many things are preferable when not slippery. Unfortunately, in this miserable volume, I am afraid that Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire run into more than their fair share of slipperiness during their harrowing journey up -- and down -- a range of strange and distressing mountains.

It would be best not to mention any of the unpleasant details of this story, particularly a secret message, a swarm of snow gnats, a scheming villain, a covered casserole dish, and a surprising survivor of a terrible fire.

Unfortunately, I have dedicated my life to researching and recording the sad tale of the Baudelaire Orphans. There is no reason for you to dedicate yourself to such things, and you might instead dedicate yourself to letting this slippery audio slip from your hands into a nearby trash receptacle, or deep pit. With all due respect,

Lemony Snicket

Reviews (123)

MiSs.OoOo!
The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket is a nice adition to the series of Unfortunate Events. In this book, the Baudelaires are seperated in the beginning. Using Violet's superb, mechanical mind and Klaus's amazing knowledge of books and words, they get through many problems. Only this time that had alittle help from Quigley Quagmire- the triplet everyone thought was dead. Quigley had amazing information on V.F.D that he picked up traveling in the footsteps of the Baudelaires. My favorite part in the book was when they escaped from the clutches of Count Olaf and his evil crew when Carmelita Spatz attempted to push them off the mountain. Although there was a tragic ending (as always) that i won't reveal, I know we'll be hearing more about the adventurous yet sad life of the Baudelaires. Lemony Snicket is an extremely talented author who makes it easy to understand what's going on in his stories by using situations that relate to us. His books have opened my mind and made me think about what he is trying to communicate to us. It's amazing how everything he writes fits in so well and all makes sense. I really enjoy reading Lemony Snicket and I encourage you to read all of his books!

The Slippery Slope
The Slippery Slope
Written by: Lemony Snicket

This is the tenth book in "A Series of Unfortunate Events". The main characters include the Baudelaire children, Count Olaf, and Esme Squalor. Sunny is the youngest of the three Baudelaire orphans. She is only two years old but is courageous and demands independence from her siblings. Sunny has sharp teeth, a very limited vocabulary, and a strong will. Klaus is the middle child. He is 12 years old, loves to read, and is very intelligent. Violet is the eldest of the siblings and is 15 years old. She is imaginative and loves to invent things. Violet's inventions are well known among her admirers. Count Olaf is a wicked old villain who is out to get the Baudelaire's fortune. Esme is the evil girlfriend of Count Olaf. She is the "in and out girl". This means if it is in-style she'll embrace it, but if it is out she'll despise it.
The plot of the book is about the adventures of the Baudelaire children as they try to find out if one of their parents is still alive and try to find their kidnapped sister, Sunny. They encounter many obstacles and disappointments in their journey.
The setting takes place on the slippery slope of Mortmain Mountains. The mountains are freezing and are infested with evil insects called snow gnats. These insects will sting anything and everyone. It is a miserable place to be.
The theme of the book is about realistic trials and