Book Description

Reviews (12)

Great book for every child
I loved this book and plan to give it to everybody I know when they have a new baby. It is, as the other reviews say, a book about how all children in the world, regardless of where they live and their culture, are fundamentally the same -- they smile the same, cry the same, laugh the same, hurt the same. And it is a book that anyone can give their child regardless of their race, gender, nationality, etc., because it is so beautifully inclusive of many cultures. And I like it that the angelic figure who guides us through the book is a beautifully illustrated African man in a suit and hat. I think it's a wonderful book to welcome a child into the world. Definitely a keeper that the child will pass on to his or her children. I just bought 3 more copies today for two new babies and one to keep on hand for the next one who comes along! My other favorite new baby book is On The Day You Were Born, also wonderful for children of any race, gender, nationality, etc. because of it's inclusive language and artwork.

Teaching Our Children Right
What better way to begin teaching your child how to be a citizen of the world than by sharing this book with her? Though recommended for ages 4 - 8, it is my 17 month old's favorite book. The illustrations are colorful and enchanting, the text rhythmic and clear. The story is simple, yet profound:"love is the same, pain is the same, joy is the same, blood is the same..." "Whoever you are, whoever they are, all over the world."

Just Right...
for teaching children that the way we are is not the only way to be. Great but not heavy-handed book for preschoolers about differences and similarities, whoever you are, wherever you are...

This is who we are...
As the home educator of children from toddler to pre-school, representing a wide range of cultures, this wonderful inclusive book is soothing and almost prayerful. I discovered it on a list of books recommended by Heifer.org, a non-profit organization bringing respectful solutions to many nations affected by poverty. The drawings by Leslie Staub, gently framed with "jewelled" borders, are universal. The text, by Mem Fox, reaches deep inside of us. Indeed, every child, every adult, has hearts that are "just the same" regardless of all the differences that separate us. It is hard to imagine anyone who can think war is the answer to anything, after reading this book. I heartily recommend it.

Exactly the message children need
This book is a true blessing in the middle of our divisive world. Fox's words and the amazing illustrations are helping my two year old understand that children everywhere have boo-boo's, love their Mommies and do many of the same things she does. It is now her favorite book, probably because of the gorgeous (I cannot stress that enough) colors in the illustrations. I am buying this for every child I know for Christmas. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Terrific for Teachers!
It Takes a Village is an excellent resource for teachers.
The characters and setting are wonderful, the use of color
and pattern on the characters clothes is fun. I teach kindergarten and substitute K-6. I have yet to teach a class of any age that doesn't enjoy the book.
A must have for the classroom!

It takes a village to raise a child
It Takes A Village is the well-crafted story of Yeis who joins her mother for market day. She's been entrusted to watch after her little brother Kokou and is quite proud of her responsibility, so she heads off with her brother. Departing, she shares news that she's watching her brother all alone. Knowingly, her mother smiles...moments later Kokou is separated from Yemi and she searches through the marketplace worrying over his safety.

Not only has Cowen-Fletcher given us a moving story, but it is complemented well by her beautiful colored pencils with watercolor washes. They bring out the importance of community and the saying "it takes a village to raise a child."

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal...

Very Simple Message
It must be nice to be able to trust your village enough to have them take care of your child. The shared goals, values, and religious beliefs are important, but it really it takes two parents (mom and dad) who are committed to each other and to God to raise a child. That's real communal living.

True to Life
I lived in Benin for two years and I must say that the drawings in this book are amazingly realistic and incredibly detailed. It is a wonderful story for children and families. I usually give it to first time parents (unique baby shower gift). Regarding the previous review - "Cho" and "Yay Gay" are interjections similar to "Oh No" or "Oh My".

A nice book for deeping our understanding of other cultures.
I Love this book very much. Like Osa's Pride (Grifalconi, 1990), It Takes a Village (Cowen-Fletcher, 1994) depicts both universal and cultural specific themes. In the story, Yemi is learning to take responsibilities, watching her little brother while her mother is busy. And she is proud of being able to take such a responsibility. The positive portrayal of sibling relationship seems to be a common and preferable theme in many children's books. The culturally specific value, collectivism, is carried out through the story naturally and in an authentic manner. Cowen-Fletcher's first hand experience of living in Benin and her careful note in the end of the story add the authenticity to this story. In addition, Heath's study (1983) of child rearing practice among African Americans in rural areas of South Carolina also reveals this collective aspect of African culture. The author/illustrator is sensitive about the pronunciation of the child's name and explains it before the story. However, she does not explain the meaning or pronunciation of some Benin vocabulary in this book, such as "Yay gay" and "Cho". It would have been more helpful had she adds notes for these two words. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The book cover does not do it justice!
This book should also be marketed as a bilingual book because the English and Spanish vocabulary words are included. I like most of the Baby Einstein books, and this is one of their best. The photographs of objects are bold and colorful and the layout of the book--with similar subjects presented together (e.g. "occupations," "parts of the body") is excellent. Honestly, the book cover does not do this book justice. This book can be enjoyed by all ages.

GREAT word book!
I love this book! It has a great combination of illustrations and photgraphs of different objects that I'm teaching my son (he's 22 months). He loves pointing to the colorful images! I just bought copies for six of my friends with little kids for Christmas! ... Read more

Book Description

Ezra Jack Keats is widely acknowledged as one of the first people to feature realistic, friendly, multi-ethnic urban settings in his picture books-forever changing the landscape of children's literature in the process. Now this beautiful collection brings together nine of his best-loved stories, including the 1963 Caldecott Medal-winning book The Snowy Day and Caldecott Honor book Goggles!, plus Whistle for Willie, Peter's Chair, Apt. 3, and others. Also included is artwork from an unfinished picture book, The Giant Turnip, published here for the very first time. An introduction by celebrated critic of children's literature Anita Silvey outlines Keats's career and inimitable contributions. In addition, five of the most important writers and illustrators working in the field today share their thoughts on Keats and the legacy he left behind. An afterword describes his incredible life, from his childhood in Brooklyn to children's book legend. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not as good as the real thing
This book was a real disappointment. Keats's stories are good, but it's his illustrations that make him so wonderful. This book takes his illustrations and shrinks them down -- two , sometimes three, full-page illustrations crammed on one page. And my favorite picture from The Snowy Day didn't even make it in.

I had expected this to be the complete stories, but it's not. You would do better to buy the individual books than to buy this book.

Childhood Favorites
This book contains 10 of Ezra Jack Keats's wonderful stories. This is not cheap. (But worth every dime!) You just can't go wrong with this collection. It is a fine example of Keats's marvelous craft.

One of the things I like about this book (and Keats's books generally) is that it portrays urban settings. As a little girl growing up in a rural Midwestern town, I honestly never noticed that the main character in Snowy Day was African-American, even though none of the kids I went to school with were. That fact was unimportant to me as a child, but I can see the value of it as an adult. Exposing our children to many cultures and races can only improve the way the next generation sees the world. From the bio at the end of the book: "Childhood, in his mind, was a colorblind experience."

Keats wrote over a hundred books. It must have been hard to pick just 10 for this collection. I think you'll love the ones that were chosen, if you don't already. ... Read more

Book Description

"Knowing about your family will help you to know yourself."

That's what Miss Edgecomb, Rosey Sachs's sixth grade teacher, says when she asks her students to write stories about their families. But, Rosey wonders, what can possibly be interesting about her immigrant parents, her small Brooklyn house, and the everyday lives of her friends and relatives in New York in the early twentieth century?

Then Rosey starts remembering things she hasn't thought about since they happened, and she realizes she does have stories to tell: about Momma and Papa, about her big brother Arnold and her baby sister Sadie, about her uncles and aunt and cousins, and about Itzy Carnitzky, Arnold's best friend, who might just turn out to be Rosey's friend as well. And Rosey discovers that Miss Edgecomb was right. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Spend some time with Rosie & Family.
This book is a great look into family life at the turn of the century. It paints a vivid picture of the time in which it's set. Labor Unions, Votes for Women , Comming to America , the newfangled telephone , and more. All of these are woven into the stories Rosie tells about herself & her family. This book also encourages a love of writing and a understanding that some of the most interesting people can be found in ones own family. ... Read more

Book Description

When John Jagamarra was five, he was taken away from his mother and his home in an Australian aboriginal camp. John was half-white, and the law said he had to be educated in a mission school. But John never forgot his real home -- or his mother, whodarkened his skin with a burnt stick. A poignant tale of painful separation, abiding love, and enduring memory. "An exceptional and very emotional novel that will stay with readers long after they have finished it."--Horn Book ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very good insite into stolen generation.
The Burnt Stick is about what most of the stolen generation went through when they were taken away. The tribes were desperate to keep their children from the authroities. I think that this leaves the readers with the ever growing knowledge that the Abourignies of Australia have been terribly mis-treated in the past and still are in the present.

Stollen Generation
This story is about a young boy named John. He is Aboriginal but has light coloured skin because his father was white. His mother becomes very worried when their is word of a man coming to take all the white children from the Aboriginal camp, to teach the children the white ways.The mother decidesto use a burnt stick to make her sons skin dark. Will this work?Thisstory touched me and i think it will touch you or your childs. the story iswonderfull and so are the illustrations. ... Read more

Book Description

Celia Barker Lottridge knows that young children respond best to tales told with inviting rhythms, and better still when the stories have reassuring endings and embody simple truths. Here Lottridge has collected and retold ten remarkably fresh folk tales from Malaysia, Russia, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, China, Africa, and India. The stories, which promote cooperation and self-awareness, are complemented by serene pen-and-watercolor illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A new collection of childhood tales from around the world
The genesis for "Ten Small Tales: Stories From Around the World" came when Canadian author Celia Barker Lottridge decided the time had come to get beyond the familiar childhood stories of Little Red Riding Hood, Chicken Little, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. So she began a search of stories from various sources around the world that had the same magical properties as our traditional favorites. The rest are ten stories for children ages 2-8 that may one day become new nursery classics, illustrated by Joanne Fitzgerald.

The Ten Tales are: (1) "Four Legs, Four Arms, One Head," the tale of the strange creature a tiger encounters in the jungle in this tale from Malaysia; (2) "The Fox and the Walking Stick," a Russian/Ukrainian tale which explains why one fox does not have a tail; (3) "The Great Big Enormous Rock," based on an Indonesian children's rhyme that teaches the value of teamwork; (4) "The Old-Fashioned Bed," that comes from a variety of sources, all having to do with what it takes to put a little boy to sleep in a strange bed; (5) "The One-Turnip Garden," another Russian tale also involving a family working together; (6) "The Little Mouse and Her Grandmother," based on a Chinese traditional rhyme involving an encounter with a candlestick; (7) "Little Monkey and the Bananas," from central Africa; (8) "The Little Boy Who Turned Himself into a Peanut," and had quite an adventure, is from the Congo; (9) "The Journey of Tiny Mouse," a Khanti fairy tale; and (10) "The Magic Drum," an encounter between an old woman and a jackal, based on a version of a story from India.

One of the interesting things about this collection is how Lottridge and Fitzgerald try to make these universal stories, where it is the story that becomes more important than the culture. These tales might not become classic nursery tales, but they certainly reflect the universal elements of the best of that story form. Besides, when you tell a little kid a story for the first time, they do not know if it is a certified "classic" or not; they simply know whether or not they want to hear it again. Most of these "Ten Small Tales" they will want to hear again. And again. And again. And . . . ... Read more

Book Description

In 1886 the last of the Apache Indians, led by Geronimo, were defeated in New Mexico and sent to reservations. This is the compelling story of what happens when one of the boys escapes and is rescued by an African American family. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Run Away Home Review
I have just finished reading a suspenseful and invigorating book called Run Away Home. As a student in college I thought that this book showed a good sense of character to the time it took place. I just finished working on a unit on Slavery for my Social Studies class. This book would play a good role as a wrap up to the ending of the Slavery Unit. This book takes place in Alabama during the 1800's when slavery is just becoming abolished. It is about a slave family that just became freed. They owe their own farm and do their own chores to get by. One day the father and his little girl go for a walk down by the railroad tracks with their dog, like they always do. They came across a train that was sitting there ready to unload its cargo. They spoke with a man named George Wratten who was a interpreter and a scout for the United States Army. Sarah's father asked what was going on and he told them that they captured Apache Indians and they are taking them to Mount Vernon. While Sarah and her father were speaking to the gentleman she noticed a Apache boy escape from the train car and out the window. She didn't say anything because she didn't want to be a tattle tail. So when she arrived at home the thought of the Apache boy all alone out there worried her. One night when it was storming pretty bad out, she heard a noise. Sarah got dressed and went out to the barn to see what it was, but she knew who it was. She couldn't see if it was actually the Apache boy but in her heart she knew it. Later on the boy was discovered and she and her family took him in.
I really enjoyed this book because it makes you feel like you are right there watching all of the events take place. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a love for history or for someone who just wants to read a interesting book.

Review
I personally enjoyed reading this book. As a student in college I thought that this book showed a good sense of character to the time that it took place. I just finished a unit on Slavery, so this book played a good part in how I interpretted slavery. Sarah is a care free spirit who loves life and she also loves being free. She meets this Native American boy named Sky, who is a runaway from his tribe that was captured. She ends up finding him one day at her house and she takes him in.
I feel that this is a great book to share in a classroom setting and it is something that everyone should read at least once. After having read this book I thought about how lucky we are today in our lives, by having people around you that know and love you.

Nicole Langley's amazing Run Away Home.
My book was about a little girl named Jane. She and her father and her mother lived in a far away place.They were very poor. They couldn't get food everyday at a grocery store .They were working
class or other words they worked allday for a good day's work.They kept an indian run away boy that was apache .He got swamp fever and Janes mamma had to take good care of him until he got better .Then the sherrif guy came and tookhim away.

Run Away Home
Do you want to read a suspenseful, exciting, partially sad historical fiction book? If you are interested in reading a book about a time when people of a different backround were not given equal rights,then Run Away Home is the perfect choice for you. This book takes place down south in Alabama in the late 1800s.A young girl finds friendship in a Apache child, and they learn important lessons about family, friendship, and racism.

Run Away Home
I thought that Run Away Home was a fabulous book! I enjoyed reading it because it taught me something new while being exciting at the same time. While reading this book for a novel group, I always wanted to read ahead, it was so exciting. The way McKissack wrote this book, she taught young readers how it really was back when but she wrote it in a way that made you want to read. It was like reading the encyclopedia in a very interesting way. Sarah Jane and Sky made the book seem so very real and their friendship really inspires people to really feel like they are their. I give this book five stars!

-Christina grade 5 Manning Oaks Elementary ... Read more

Reviews (5)

I really didn't like this book.
This book actually wouldn't be something that I would choose to read. It just didn't interest me that much.i didn't really get it. they used really big words and confusing sentences. i like fun books not scary. i like the types of books that make you laugh in some parts and not scare you.

this book didn't make me want to keep reading. i wanted to stop but i didn't because i thought that it would be better if i kept on reading but it didn't get better. i have read better books and if i had the chance i wouldn't read it again.

Humming Whispers
Brooke Chichester
ELA 8
Humming Whispers/ Angela Johnson
Review
10-01-03

In the novel Humming Whispers, Angela Johnson wrote a moving story about to sisters and what they go through. As Sophy says "Blood is thicker then water".
Nicole who is sophy's older sister was only fourteen when she first started hearing the voices. Voices that no one else could here but her. People started to treat her weird Because of them and she didn't like it. Now sophy is fourteen and she is afraid to end up like Nicole. She is afraid the whispers will catch up to her and make her do crazy things to.
I very much thought this book was outstanding. The way Johnson wrote it just made you want to keep reading and reading. The book addressed strong issues of two girls and what they go through with friends, family, and secrets. I would strongly encourage anyone to read this. I really think they will love it as much as I did.
Without a doubt I believe this book was awesome in every way. It really showed how these girls lived with there secrets. It showed them with many emotions. I really liked the relationship between sophy her sister Nicole and their aunt Shirley. It sounded like they were all very close to one another. Overall this book is wonderfully written and I would read again if I had a chance.

why i like this book
This is a good book.This was a book that you could sometimes put down and others you couldn't put the book down.The author describes a lot of things well like the area that they live in well, the neighborhood around them.
Her older sister, Nicole, was about fourteen and she started to hear voices and they would never go away.She had to keep very busy so that they wouldn?t bug her as much.The voices made her do crazy things.Nicole is scared that sophy, her younger sister, will also hear the voices because she is now fourteen.Nicole was lucky that her younger sister never got the voices.
Although this story was sad, it was still good.Plenty of young people would enjoy this book and could also relate to it.

Humming Whispers
I really enjoyed this book. I think Angela Johnson is an incredible author! The story is so wonderful it keeps you guessing until the end. I like the fact that in the beginning of the book its a bit confusing but near the end of the story things make more sense.

Although the book was a little sad, I still enjoyed it. I think alot of young people could relate to this situation. Every fourteen year old child should read this book to get a glimse of other peoples lives.

The only thing I didn't like about the book was it wasn't long enough. I wish this book would go on forever.I would read this story to my grandchilden!

A great book for people who like to read.
This was a very good book.Though sometimes their was a few things that I didn't get at first,they were later explained.The auther wrote a magnifi- cient book.I was glad to have been able to read it. ... Read more

Book Description

Known for her luminescent Grandfather Twilight, Barbara Helen Berger brings beauty and power to this memorable parable from Tibet. A young boy and his yak bravely overcome all odds to get to Lhasa, giving a wise and simple message that will inspire children of any age to dream and reach for a shining goal that may seem "very far." ... Read more

Reviews (3)

This Tibetan loves this book
A beautifully illustrated book for children of all ages. My three year old and 1 yr. old both love it. The artwork is ethereal yet engaging. A must-have for any child's collection.

"Long ago in the land of Tibet..."
An old woman sitting by the side of the road first encounters a horse and rider. "How far is it to Lhasa?" "Very far," said the old woman, "you'll never make it there before night." The rider kicks his horse and gallops off toward the holy city. Next a boy walks by with his yak, "one foot in front of the other." "How far is it to Lhasa?" "Very far," said the old woman, "But you can make it there before night." And with a gentle tug, he and his yak continue on their way. They climb steep and windy slopes, cross raging rivers, and travel through a blinding blizzard on their arduous and dangerous journey, finally passing the fallen horse and rider. "He thought the dark would come and he would never make it to the holy city of Lhasa. But still the boy kept walking on and on with his steady yak, one foot in front of the other..." Barbara Helen Berger's engaging retelling of this Tibetan parable is filled with imagery and magic. Her gentle and eloquent text, with its simple and uplifting message of steady determination, begs to be read aloud and shared. But it's her stunning illustrations that really makes this picture book a stand out. Each dreamy and expressive spread delights the reader with rich, warm colors, eye-catching detail, and beautiful Tibetan symbols that are later explained in an informative and well researched Author's note. Together, word and art presents a captivating and evocative experience. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, All The Way To Lhasa works well with Don Brown's Far Beyond The Garden Gate as an introduction to Tibet's culture. "Then, in the last rays of the sun before night, he heard deep horns calling. He heard bells, si li li, and drums, dro lo lo. Emaho! He had made it-one foot in front of the other, all the way to the holy city of Lhasa."

You have to hold it in you hands
"All the Way to Lhasa" is sure to become another classic by Ms. Berger. It is sure to find its place beside "Grandfather Twilight". Words and text are harmonious and inseparable. You have to see the book. You have to hold it in you hands.

"All the Way to Lhasa" has a noteworthy quality other reviewers may overlook. The pictures are accurate in their details, accurate right down to the yak's nose ring, making the book a good introduction to Tibetan culture for young readers. ... Read more

Book Description

A young girl makes her way slowly through a Japanese garden where she spots one leaf, two carved temple dogs, three miniature bonsai, and four startled birds. This counting book introduces the youngest readers to the beauty and hidden secrets of a Japanese garden. It also introduces haiku, with ten poems that are simple and straightforward. The rhythmic haiku appear in a context that will make perfect sense to young readers. Each page contains additional information about the scene shown, and with lush illustrations, the loveliness of the garden can't be ignored. This is a picture book that works on many levels. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Counting to ten in a Japanese garden through haiku
It makes sense to adopt a non-traditional definition of haiku for this counting book that looks at the hidden secrets of a Japanese garden. So what is impressive is that the haiku in this volume follow the traditional five-seven-five syllable pattern. "One Leaf Rides the Wind" combines the haiku poems of Celeste Davidson Mannis with the illustrations of Susan Kathleen Hartung, created using oil paint glazes on sealed paper as we follow a young girl as she counts her discoveries in and about a garden. To help young readers to understand that Japanese gardens are places that encourage visitors to look within themselves to find peace and tranquility, this beautiful volume includes notesa bout Japanese religion and philosophy. This is how we learn about the shih tzu dog statues that guard gardens and temples as well as the sweet treats that are part of a traditional Japnese tea ceremony. "One Leaf Rides the Wind" is a lovely little counting book because it does so much more than simply provide ten different things for children ages 4-8 to count; it also introduces them to the aspects of another culture that should inspire them to further explanation (and which even inspires some reviewers to use haiku to express their own joy over this book).

Simply Gorgeous!
This book has it all! Beautiful words, pictures and more. It is a misnomer to pass this off just as a counting book. It is poetry, it is art, it is entertainment and it is educational too. What a thrill to be able to sound so knowledgeable about Japanese gardens when asked questions by my little one, thanks to the very discreet information portions of each well designed page. The best part was the final image where we could see the whole garden and recount our journey while counting up all the elements gathered together in a single beautiful painting. Don't miss out on this one! It will be enjoyed for years.

Took my breath away
Took my breath away
my son giggled smiled laughed
this book is a treat ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. "In this hilarious tale, Rob comes out one morning to

find that his cow Martha is 'udderly' bored with her life. 'It's eat grass, get

milked. Eat grass, get milked.' Martha wants more. In fact, she wants to walk

on the moon. Teague's ebullient artwork captures a very determined cow in a

variety of decidedly uncowlike settings and he illustrates them all with humor

and panache. Although the story-hour set will get most of the jokes, slightly

older children will be the most amused."--Booklist.




... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Creme de la creme
This is among our most ultimately favorite storytime books ever. My children, now 7 and 9, have enjoyed this since they were toddlers. The pictures are bright and interesting and the story is hilarious. Try as he may to please her, Rob just can't seem to Moooove Martha from her quest to go to the moon. The thing I as a parent liked was I never became bored of reading this aloud. There is humor for the child, naturally, but there is plenty of "clever" humor as well, to satisfy the grownup or the terribly precocious child! LOL In fact, reading this may just help children develop that quirkly sense of humor.... Anyway, Martha is just insistent enough to be interesting but not annoying. Rob is both amused and somewhat frustrated at Martha's determination, but together it's a match made in the barnyard. I highly recommend this, as do my children.

Udderly fabulous!
My son and I were hooked on this book from the first page! The characters are delightful, with the histrionic cow grumbling and throwing tearful fits in her quest to visit the moon, and the earnest owner trying creatively to help her out. The story is zany and funny (who knew cows could take a tour bus to Crater Lake?) and the words are delectably well-suited to giggly read-aloud sessions.
The owner's cross-country trip with his cow is also educational for young readers. It includes a subtle geography lesson and an introduction to the wonders of museums...plus a nice example of true friendship.
To top it off, Mark Teague's impressionistic illustrations are a marvel, and a perfect comedic counterpoint to the text. I recommend this book highly!

good moral
Good moral about compromise and wanting to get one's own way.

Pictures, as usual, are great!

Nice little story for children who've heard "the cow jumped over the moon".

No Moon, No Milk....
No Moon, No Milk i great book!! It captures your imagination right from the beginning and with every turn of the page it sticks with you. This story is about a cow who wont give any milk to Rob, until she goes to the moon. Rob and the Cow do some pretty crazy stunts to get there.

This book is very interesting, it grabs your attention right away. I would recommend this to everyone. I enjoyed this book becuase of the crazy things the cow and Rob go through together in the story.

Lynsi

Fun for all
This thoroughly delightful story of Martha's hilarious and entertaining "lunar" adventures will amuse all ages. My daughter has no difficulty getting either her father or me to read it over and over again. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A realistic look at life in Japan
Having lived in Japan, I enjoyed to authenticity of this book. The carp flags do indeed fly high on flagpoles during the Boy's Day (Children's Day) celebrations. This book give great cultural information about life in Japan. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful introduction to Maasai and Plains of Kenya
A wonderful book that use page shapes to help define the environment. My two year old son loves to look at all the differnet animals, big and small, and follow Nanta's adventure. I first bought this book in Kenya and am happy to know that it is available to others through Amazon.com ... Read more

Amazon.com

After reading this book, I guarantee that you will never visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (or any wonderful, old cavern of a museum) without sneaking into the bathrooms to look for Claudia and her brother Jamie. They're standing on the toilets, still, hiding until the museum closes and their adventure begins.Such is the impact of timeless novels . . . they never leave us. E. L. Konigsburg won the 1967 Newbery Medal for this tale of how Claudia and her brother run away to the museum in order to teach their parents a lesson. Little do they know that mystery awaits! ... Read more

Reviews (223)

An educational yet exciting book for readers of all ages.
Claudia and Jaime are two very intelligent characters that enlighten the reader as to the workings of a child's mind. Claudia, as the main character, always thinks of interesting ways for her and Jaime to live inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is a fantasy of everyone to be locked in a museum or store after all of the other people are gone. This book is a way for the reader to experience that feeling without the fear of being arrested! I believe that anyone who reads this story will become inspired by the Kincaids and find themselves wanting to learn more. The children have so much fun without hurting others or making fun of others as happens in some children's novels. Claudia is a definite role model for young girls and keeps the book interesting despite the academic undertones of Claudia and Jaime's reasons for visiting Mrs. Frankweiler. PARENTS-read this to your children to get them excited about reading.

This book is definately not 'mixed up'
I first heard about this book on a computer reading game, but I could only read bits and parts of it and when our computer crashed I completely forgot about it.
Then one day I was at the library and I saw this book for sale, but I wasn't sure if it was any good or not. I didn't want to waste my money, so I borrowed it instead. Now I wish I had bought it. This book is fantastic!

It's about a girl named Claudia who is fed up with her boring life, so she decided to run away with her bother Jamie to the Metropolitan Museum of Arts in New York City. There she falls in love with an angel statue that is rumored to have been made by Michelangelo, but no one knows for sure. Claudia takes it upon herself to find out who made it before she goes home. Her quest takes her to the home of the strange Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, where the statues true maker is revealed.

At first I had been hesitant to read this book because I thought it would have magic or some other stuff and nonsense in it, but I was pleasantly surprised. This story is about Claudia and Jamie's search for the statues maker, and it is also pretty realistic. It's interesting to see how they improvise to make life livable in the great Museum.

I think this book is tops, and it is definitely a must-read.

A timeless entertaining adventure
I read this book almost 30 years ago and loved it, I've bought copies for my friend's children and it's always a hit. Great book for kids who can identify with Claudia, who are intelligent, love art, feel a little misunderstood and crave adventure. Big kids like this book as well!

Simply Excellent
I first read this book in fifth grade. The entire Literature class was assigned to it, so we read it bit by bit during the day, and I couldn't stand waiting to know what would happen next. After three days of the teacher reading the book to us, I ran to the library and bought it for myself.

The characters and their adventures are simply delightful.

A wonderful treat for wild imaginations
Claudia feels underappreciated in her suburban household - a thing all children have most likely felt during at least one time or another. Here, Konigsburgs writes of these feelings with brutal honesty and frankness. Because Claudia is not an only child, it almost seems as if to her, and to readers, that there isn't enough love and attention to go around. Unjustly so, the poor girl frequently gets caught up in chore after chore while her siblings are off the hook.

So she will run away and teach them all a lesson in "Claudia appreciation." The Metropolitan Musuem of Art will become her grandiose and excitingly fantastic home away from home, so to speak. And younger brother Jamie will accompany her, mainly because he has saved every single penny since birth and will have money, just what Claudia needs. Yet to say she's using her younger bro merely for financial purposes would be unjust. I believe Claudia truly wants and needs the companionship.

The highlight of their one-week vacation is a mysterious and ethereal statue of an angel, titled as such. It is oh-so mysterious because everyone is unsure of the statue's creator. Some believe it to be the renown Michelangelo - but it has yet to be confirmed and 12 year-old Claudia is incessantly in awe of thee angel's beauty. She knows she cannot go home until she uncovers the secret of the statue and that will mean having to get in contact with a total stranger, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, who is the statue's previous owner. And if she refuses to help Claudia solve the mystery on her mind, she and Jamie may never get home.

FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER, first published in 1967, has been capturing the attention of children everywhere. Konigsburg has skillfully woven a loveable masterpiece that seems magical, almost too wonderful to be realistic. Yet it is. Claudia feels what so many of society's children today feel. And like many children, she keeps her feelings to herself and deals with pent up frustrations the only way she knows how, hence her escape to The Metropolitan.

I first read this novel when I was 9. I found myself relating to feeling less love from seemingly uncaring parents, due to having a sister who had no responsibilities and extra TLC because of her young age. I found myself envious of Claudia's grand escape to the musuem and I contemplated a night away from home spent at The Philadelphia Musuem of Art. That, of course, never happened. In retrospect, I realize how wild of an imagination I had. My mind was constantly roaming. Children today are just as creative - or they can be - which is why they'll much enjoy this book. Despite now being seven years older, I still frequently pick it up off my bookshelf, worn and dog-eared, to read it again and again. ... Read more