Book Description

Literature Guides
A complete guide to teaching My Side of the Mountain. Includes an author biography, background information, summaries, thought-provoking discussion questions, as well as creative, cross-curricular activities and reproducibles that motivate students. ... Read more

Reviews (364)

Sam's Life in Forest
This book was great! Sam is as boy who lives in the mountains ,but used to live in New York with his little brothers and sisters.It was very crowded and noisy.That is why he is in the mountains.Sam was living in a tree in the Gribley's Farm.He found it with a map,but he didn't just read signs.He went went to the library to find it.The librarian was named Ms. Turner.Ms. Turner found it for him.He wanted to catch a falcon,So he had to go to the library to get information about the falcons.Once he got information he went up the mountains and caught a baby falcon.After,Sam trained her to catch food.They lived there for about 1-2 years all by himsef with his animal friends.The end is surely a surprise,but I will leave that to you to find out.I would recommend this book to someone who likes animals,the wilderness,and loves to read.I really enjoyed this book.I really liked the tree home he had.I also liked how he made all the pots,chimney,clothes,and food he needed to survive.I actually enjoyed the whole book!

"My Side of the Mountain" is Wonderful!! : )
My Side of the Mountain is a fun, exciting, story of a runaway, 13-yr.-old boy from New York who goes to the ancient Catskill Mountains. Kids from 8-11 would enjoy this story because they can relate to his many vistors and adventures. Sam (the runaway)makes many new friends, both human and animal. Frightful, Sam's pet falcon was stolen from her mother at a young age. And Bando got lost and fell asleep at Sam's camp. Sam thought he was an outlaw! all the kids that read this book will enjoy it throughly!

Not in a million years! Far-fetched, wishful nonsense!
Running away from home and living in the wilderness may be the dream for millions of teenage boys, but the reality of 'pulling it off' couldn't possibly be as easy as the author of this book makes it appear.

Everything Sam wants to accomplish in his tree home away from civilization, he does. He may fail once or twice, but then it all works out: He successfully hunts for food, creates flavorful recipes for grand suppers (which he shows off to visitors), sews his own winter clothes from deer hides and rabbit furs...it's all very, very simple! GET REAL! From the incredible anti-authoritarian parents, who let Sam go on his quest in the first place, to the rediculous 'dragged in by the hair' ending, this book was a disappointment. I'm a 4th grade school teacher, and this book was not on any of my students' favorites list!

My only reason for giving 2 points rather than only 1 to this Newbery Award Winner (? )is the fact that this novel does give lots of useful instruction on 'how to' cook, keep water from seeping through home-made vessels, and to entertain oneself when there is no company around.**

Interesting and informative
Written by Gene Craighead George, My Side of the Mountain explores one boy's quest for peace and quiet and his realization of what it means to be alone. An adolescent boy, Sam, escapes the chaos of his family's crowded New York apartment. Sam runs away, to the Catskill Mountains in search of space and independence. Sam feels like a free man up in the mountains. He learns to live off the land. He manages to ward off reporters, tourists, and hikers, so that he may preserve his secret living quarters. Sam faces many hardships, but his determination, to live on his own, helps him persevere. Through his interaction with neighboring animals and his friendship with his pet falcon, Sam survives hardships on the lonely mountain. Sam is content with his life in the mountains, but he realizes that he misses human conversation.

This interesting and exciting book shows Sam's journey away from his fellow humans and his need to be amongst them again. Sam's great journey is inspiring to anyone who has ever just wanted to escape for a while. The plot is developed through Sam's struggle to survive nature and his inner conflicts.

I recommend this book to people of all ages. I believe this story appeals to children because of the adventure and excitement of running away to an unknown place. Adults will find it appealing because they understand the need to be away from the chaos of crowds and cities to find a haven of peace and quiet. Our hectic lifestyles help us relate to Sam's desire for simplicity.

My Side of the Mountain-A Page Turning Novel
I would recommend My Side of the Mountain to everyone who reads because this is a very realistic, page turning, survival story which also provides great information if you were ever stranded in the wilderness as was the main character, Sam. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Asked why the writing of the My Side of the Mountain trilogy took JeanCraighead George more than 40 years, she responds, "My mother disapproved ofsequels. 'Those are trashy books,' she told me when I was a child. So I grew upand did not write them.

"But kids are wiser than adults, I learned. Letters kept arriving from schoolsand homes, saying, 'We want to know more about Sam, Frightful, and thewilderness.' 'Sequels,' they said, 'are important.' They were right."

Now, all three of George's remarkable novels about the wilderness adventures ofyoung Sam Gribley and his falcon, Frightful, are available in one handsomevolume. In My Side of theMountain, a Newbery Honor Book, Sam leaves home to fend for himself inthe Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. For a year he lives in ahollowed-out tree, befriending animals and depending on his wits for survival.In the sequel, On the Far Side ofthe Mountain, Sam's sister has now joined him, and his falcon isconfiscated by a conservation officer. Frightful's Mountain is aninteresting departure for George. Written from the perspective of Frightful thefalcon, the concluding novel in the trilogy follows her efforts to learn todepend on her own instincts in a world crawling with dangers.

Jean Craighead George is the beloved author of more than 80 books, including theNewbery Medal winner, Julie ofthe Wolves. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (13)

My favorite book ever!!!
I found this book originally when I was about 9 years old. It immediately became my favourite book, and to this day, thirty-five years later I still think of it that way. I re-read it about four years ago, in order to make sure I remembered it properly, so that I could feel confident recommending it. I still loved it. This is a great book for young people, and hopefully one that may turn young people on to reading. I'm sorry Annabella C. did not like this book, perhaps she doesn't realize it was written for young people. Oh well. Young boys should love this book, and maybe a lot of young ladies, too. Buy it.

My Side of the Mountain
I have read the first book, and it's wonderful. It gives useful information as well as adventure. It's a great, although easy, read for ALL ages! READ IT!

Excellent outdoor adventures
I loved this trilogy because I like the outdoors and falcons. They are a great read because it shows examples of how humans can take care of the earth and keep our beautiful animals safe. It teaches you skills you can use if you get lost; what to eat, how to find shelter; etc. Just a wonderful series.

Awesome book
My Side Of The Mountain is a great book for all ages. If you're thinking of running away definitely take this book with you. If you're want an adventurous book this is a book for you. This book tells you what foods to eat how to make the food and how to train wild animals. This is the kind of book that you probaly won't put down until you're finished with it. So you should read this book.

My Side of the Mountian
I think this book was great because it was one of the best books I have ever read. It is about a boy, named Sam Gribley. He ran away to live in the Catskill Moutains.
He has some friends, like the Barron weasel, and Jessie C. James, the raccoon. I recommend this book 9-12 year olds!!!
... Read more

Book Description

A lyrical creation tale of the Florida Everglades with stunning landscapes by Wendell Minor.

Reviews (3)

A 5th Grade's Class Review
We just finished reading EVERGLADES by Jean Craighead George. The storyteller was a great idea. His words really caught our attention. This book, even though it was about real life, read like a fictional story. We especially liked the way Ms. Craighead George used various synonyms to express just how many creatures were in the Everglades in the beginning. In addition to the colorful language, the incredible illustrations by Wendell Miner made the book come to life. Above all, we learned we should respect nature. A great reading experience!

A spectacular environmental story
Another spectacular picture book from one of today's greatest writing/illustrating teams, EVERGLADES isn't just a story--it's an epic, one begun thousands of years ago, when water carved this spectacular ecosystem in Florida. Jean Craighead George, author of over eighty remarkable nature books for young readers, lends awe-inspiring power to the pages of the book, while Wendell Minor's lush, colorful illustrations beautifully depict this environment, full of wildlife and vitality. The book, like Ms. George's many others, also has an important lesson to tell. In JULIE OF THE WOLVES, we see the importance of Alaska's North Slope to the animals that inhabit this seemingly bleak, barren landscape (this area is now in danger of more oil line construction). In FRIGHTFUL'S MOUNTAIN (third in the MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN trilogy), we come to know the threatened peregrine falcon, and the many threats humans have posed to it. In EVERGLADES, one feels a strong admiration toward this magnificent, but, sadly, endangered environment, and those who, like me, have never visited it, will surely long to see it for themselves. The narration is moving and fascinating, as a Seminole Indian describes to a group of children the evolution of the Florida Everglades, and inspires them to fight to help it survive. When one visits the Everglades, they will want to see the alligators, wetlands, and panthers of Mr. Minor's paintings. If you enjoy EVERGLADES, you'll fall in love with other spectacular George/ Minor collaborations, such as ARCTIC SON, the story of Ms. George's grandson who lives at the northernmost point in Alaska. As he grows up, he learns about the Inupiat Eskimos who make their home there and the tundra land around him. Mr. Minor's illustrations are quite lovely, and there's as much snow and ice in ARCTIC SON as there was grass and water in EVERGLADES. There's also MORNING, NOON, AND NIGHT, which focuses on the day-to-day lives of different animals throughout the U.S. The text it written very poetically, and Mr. Minor's illustrations of raccoons, seals, antelope, and birds are full of warmth and inspiration. And next year, a new book entitled LONESOME GEORGE will be published. This is about the famous, oldest Galapagos tortoise. Ms. George has also written a new young adult book about the Okefenokee Swamp, which is sure to be as full of environmental splendor as EVERGLADES. I can't wait to see them.

The Everglades
Jean Craighead George has done it again! What a wonderful perspective and simple telling of the history of the Everglades. As told by a Seminole Indian to the children, this story (and wonderful illustrations) produces a profound respect for the "River of Grass" and its future. As a teacher in Florida, this book was a fantastic read-aloud to my students during our unit on the Everglades. I also used George's other ecological mystery, Missing Gator of Gumbo Limbo, to study Florida's ecology. ... Read more

Book Description

Today is doomsday for a young Venezuelan Indian boy's beloved rain forest and its animal life—unless he and a visiting naturalist can save it. "George makes drama large and small out of the minute-by-minute events in an ecosystem . . . gripping ecological theater." —C. "An example of nonfiction writing at its best." —SLJ.

Notable 1990 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 1990 (NSTA/CBC) ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Tepui's Challenge
ONE DAY IN THE TROPICAL RAINFOREST
AUTHOR-JEAN CRAIGHEAD GEORGE
GENRE-ADVENTURE/REALISTIC FICTION
PAGES-66

SETTING-TROPICAL RAINFOREST OF THE MACAW
CHARACTERS-TEPUI, DR.RIVERO , A ORNITHOLOGIST, HERPETOLOGIST, MAMMALOLOGIST , AND A BOTONIST.

THIS IS A MUST READ BOOK IF YOU LIKE ADVENTURE OR THE RAINFOREST! IT'S ABOUT A BOY NAMED TEPUI AND A SCIENTIST NAMED DR. RIVERO. THEY HAVE AN URGENT PROBLEM, THERE ARE 11 BULLDOSERS AND FOUR TRUCKS CARRYING 20 CHAINSAWERS THAT WANT TO CUT DOWN THE RAINFOREST FOR FARMLAND. TEPUI AND DR. RIVERO MUST FIND A NEW BUTTERFLY TO SAVE THE RAINFOREST, BUT THEY ONLY HAVE LESS THAN A DAY BEFORE THE DESTRUCTION BEGINS. CAN THEY DO IT?

The author writes very suspenseful, and teaches us valuable lessons throughout the story. We are constantly learning more about the BALANCE of the Rain Forest and the miraculous events going on simultaneously around the main characters. I can't wait to read other books by this author. You can tell she does a great deal of research about her topics and enjoys the outdoors.

Great information Source
This book was a great information source. You can tell that the author did a lot of research for this book. It records a young boys journey through the rain forest in search of the butterfly that will save the rain forest from the bulldozers. During his journey he encounters many animals. The author gave very useful and vivid detail. However there were some points where the book was kinda hard to understand. I can also understand why some people might think this book was dull. It is just a nature book without much excitment. I recommend this book to anyone who loves nature or is doing research on the rain forest!

The gripping story of a remarkable environment
Here is another superb entry in beloved nature writer Jean Craighead George's informative and thrilling ONE DAY. . . series. The award-winning author of JULIE OF THE WOLVES, MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, and more than eighty other wildlife books for young readers does a great job of bringing to life the magical setting of the tropical rain forest. Tepui, a young boy who lives in Venezuela's Tropical Rain Forest of the Macaw, befriends some biologists who are studying the rain forest. To his and the scientists' dismay, the rain forest is scheduled to be chopped down and destroyed one afternoon. The only way to save it is to find a special butterfly that has never before been identified and present it to a wealthy businessman who wants to name the butterfly after his daughter. So Tepui and his friend Dr. Rivero--a lepidoptorist--set out to find the elusive insect. But the human characters are only a small part of the story. The rain forest is alive with thousands of species of creatures--amusing ones like a leisurely sloth, and creepy ones like flesh-eating ants. There are birds of all the colors of the rainbow, mammals like jaguars and tapirs, magnificent tree giants, and, of course, millions of insects. This is a fascinating glimpse, written in a fast-paced minute-by-minute style, into an environment so complex and diverse that there are many creatures who don't even have names, and have never seen humans. It is also an important story that all young people should pay attention to to better understand their natural world and help to preserve its unique magnificent ecosystems. Other titles in the series are: ONE DAY IN THE. . .ALPINE TUNDRA, PRAIRIE, DESERT, and WOODS. Any ecologist will also want to check out Jean Craighead George's Eco-Mysteries series: WHO REALLY KILLED COCK ROBIN?, THE CASE OF THE MISSING CUTTHROATS, THE MISSING 'GATOR OF GUMBO LIMBO, and THE FIRE BUG CONNECTION. These include information on chemicals, the ozone layer, human development, and how these things threaten our wild places and creatures.

We Gave Up on This One!
This book was a reading assignment for my 9 year old son. He could not read many of the words, he found it very dull. I can't imagine that the average 9 year old can read this book without alot of help. Maybe we gave up too soon, but it was dull!

Much good information
An unnamed butterfly must be found today in order to save this chunk of the rainforest. Loggers are already on the way to cut it all down. The premise is exciting, but the execution of the story, particularly in the beginning, is often less than pulse-stirring, weighted down by a thousand facts about rainforests. These facts are, however, by far the most interesting part of the book, and there's even an index. Once I was into the book, I enjoyed it very much. So far I have not been able to get my son to do more than open it, and I think the slow start may be the problem. This would be an exvellent book to have in a classroom during a unit on rainforests. ... Read more

Book Description

To her small Eskimo village, she is known as Miyax; to her friend in San Francisco, she is Julie. When the village is no longer safe for her, Miyax runs away. But she soon finds herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness, without food, without even a compass to guide her.

Slowly she is accepted by a pack of Arctic wolves, Mid she grows to love them as though they were family. With their help, and drawing on her father's teachings, Miyax struggles day by clay to survive. But the time comes when she must leave the wilderness and choose between the old ways an(] the new. Which will she choose? For she is Miyax of the Eskimos--but Julie of the Wolves.

Faced with the prospect of a disagreeable arranged marriage or a journey acoss the barren Alaskan tundra, 13-year-old Miyax chooses the tundra. She finds herself caught between the traditional Eskimo ways and the modern ways of the whites. Miyax, or Julie as her pen pal Amy calls her, sets out alone to visit Amy in San Francisco, a world far away from Eskimo culture and the frozen land of Alaska.

During her long and arduous journey, Miyax comes to appreciate the value of her Eskimo heritage, learns about herself, and wins the friednship of a pack of wolves. After learning the language of the wolves and slowly earning their trust, Julie becomes a member of the pack.

Since its first publication, Julie of The Wolves,winner of thr 1973 Newbery Medal, has found its way into the hearts of millions of readers.

Winner, 1973 Newbery Medal
Nominee, 1973 National Book Award for Children's Literature
Notable Children's Books of 1971–1975 (ALA)
1973 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)
Children's Books of 1972 (Library of Congress)
Children's Books of International Interest 1972 (CSD/ALA)
Gold Star List 1973 (ESLC)

Reviews (125)

Julie of the Wolves- A real winner!!!!!!
Wow! What a captivating book Julie of the Wolves was! I had my doubts at first though. It seemed as though in the first 50 pages of the book nothing happened. It almost got so boring I was ready to throw it down(that's why I gave it 4 stars), but I'm so glad I didn't! Jean George constructed a story that keeps your attention and displays impotant values and morals. It gives you a sense of understanding between the human qualties and animals. The read also gives you the inspiration of a young girl having the will to survive in the Arctic tundra. These morals remind you of the basic human structure of pesonality and spirit. If you are looking for a book to lift you off your feet away from the daily grind, this is a winner!!!!!

A great book for those who have ever felt they didn't belong
At the age of thirteen, Miyax is running from an unbearable home situation. Miyax is traveling to Point Hope, where she will take a ship to San Francisco to live with her pen pal Amy. She treks across the frozen tundra of Alaska, fighting cruel winters and starvation. She befriends a pack of wolves on her journey. They take her in as one of them. Miyax loves the wolves and she uses her knowledge of wolves, handed down by her supposedly dead father to communicate them. She makes a meal out of anything... grass, leaves, berries. When it is time for the wolf pack to go on, Miyax is forced to continue her journey alone. While Miyax is subconsciously following the pack, she ponders on her life, during dark days and long sleepless nights, Miyax discovers that the Eskimo way of life is gone with the wind, only a few traces of her past life remain. In the middle of the 1900's Americans have Americanized the large state of Alaska, and the life of their ancestors is gone.

This book is a story of survival in the wilderness, of strong strength and the will to go on. This is a great book for individuals who are fascinated with wolves, and the Eskimos. This is a great story of imagination and life, a very spiritual and enriching book for anyone who has ever felt that they don't belong.

Why on earth did this win a Newbery?!
I hated "Julie of the Wolves." By the time I finished, 15,000,000 questions were swimming in my head, one which was, "How on earth did this win the Newbery?" Although Part 1 was good, Part 2 was confusing, and Part 3 was the sorriest excuse for a Newbery award winner I have ever read.
I was expecting some grand tale which ended with the sentence, "And with that, Julie pulled up the covers of her new bed in San Francisco, closed her eyes, and went to sleep." Instead it was, "Julie pointed her boots toward Kapugen."
If you like books with weak plots and confusing sentences you must read four times to understand, then you'll love "Julie of the Wolves."

Why?
Back in 6th Grade I was forced to read this book for a school project. I was never the same. This book showed me that not all literature is good, and that some works are truly horrible. This is truly horrible. I can't understand how it could win any type of award, especially a Newberry. I am still confused as to the point of this book. Most of the time, it read like a boring textbook and what story there was was pitiful and weak. I could not feel any sympathy for the characters at all. I wish there was a rating lower than 1 star, because that's what this book deserves. I saw someone on Amazon selling it for a penny. It isn't even worth that.

Julie of the Wolves
Julie of the Wolves is a novel about a girl and a wolf pack, fighting against nature to survive. It is an inspiering book of how Julie fights for her life, and learns to live with a pack of wolves. It is a good book to read if you love adventures and the outdoors. It explains how well people can connect with nature. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Fans of Jean Craighead George's My Side of the Mountain (a Newbery Honor Book) and On the Far Side of the Mountain will be delighted to return to upstate New York's Catskill Mountains for the conclusion of her trilogy, which appears 40 years after the first title's publication in 1959. Written because a young fan asked, "What happened to Frightful?" this volume tells how Sam Gribley's peregrine falcon--that's Frightful--has to make her own way in the world after Sam is forced to release her. Although told in the third person, the story is developed entirely from the bird's point of view. George's narrative follows the falcon through a series of dangerous adventures (involving DDT, electricity lines, and unscrupulous bird traders, to name a few) as she learns to depend on her own instincts. The environmental message is slightly heavy-handed, but it's wrapped in an enjoyable story from a much loved and astoundingly prolific author. You don't need to have read the earlier books to make sense of this one, though it may help. (Ages 9 and older) --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Great book!
Frightful's Mountain is the sequel to My Side of the Mountain, and On the Far Side of the Mountain. It is about a boy named Sam Gribley. In this book Sam is worried that his falcon, Frightful is so attached him she won't be able to mate, or migrate. Will she be able to live on her own? To find out you must read the book.

Frightful's mountain
In the book Frightful's Mountain Sam's sister Alice frees Frightful from some mean people, but then Frightful gets lost trying to find Sam. While Frightful is hunting for food all of a sudden a male Falcon named Chup shows up and starts to show off by swooping upside down, Frightful mates with Chup and has three babies, Lady, Duchess, and Drum. Lady, Duchess, and Drum grow and learn to hunt by practicing on Frightful and Chup. Later in the story it's migrating season so all the birds go South to a hotter place but Frightful didn't migrate because she has survived through winter wit Sam before. Frightful has no food so she goes to find her hunting partner Mole the dog, when Frightful got there, Mole wasn't there and neither was the owner, So Frightful flies to a nearby house and sees Mole limping and bleeding and Mole had food! Usually Mole shares food with Frightful but this time Mole just snarled at her, Then two men with a net came out of the house and caught Frightful, they took Frightful inside and Frightful wiggled around until she was free at last, Frightful flew out of the house and saw a nearby telephone wire and went to land on it, the telephone wire shocked and burned her, Frightful fell to the ground, a nice man was walking near by and went to pick Frightful up, her feathers were burnt and she was shocked, she was almost dead but that's not the end so you'll have to read it to find out what happens. Peace out ya'll, Sayonara, Bye,Bye.

A Book For When You're Bored
I had to read this book for a project at school and I thought My Side of the Mountain was boring. Then I read On the Far Side of the Mountain and I thought that was better than the first. Then finally I read Frightful's Flight and I learned so much. I learned a lot about falcons and how to take care if them. I enjoyed this book and I thought it was a lot better than the first two. But I still think that this book is better to read when you're really bored.

Frightful's Mountain
" Frightful's Mountain" is a mouthful of adventure. It tells how a falcon tries to survive in the wild. This book is unforgettable. I give great thanks to Jean Craighead George; she did a wonderful job. She did so well you would not be able to stop reading. "Frightful's Mountain" gives a message that tell you that everything happens for a reason and that little animal can do a lot of things. At least I think so. I recommend this book to everyone for all ages, and I give this book a well deserved four stars.

Frightful's Mountain: A Great Book
Frightful's Mountain is about a peregrine falcon that is seraching for her previous owner. She must find out the one tree and the one mountain where he lives. She meets everything from dogs to poachers to other peregine falcons that come in her way. She finally gets back to him, but is then set free to live the life of a wild peregrine.
The reason I liked this book is because of its style. It was very much like the first book of the trilogy, except that it was from the falcon's point of view. I love adventure stories, so it is not a surprise that I believe this is exceptional literature, but this one puts you in the situation and sucks you into the text. I coundn't stop reading!
One other reason I believed this was one of the greatest books of all time is because it was so detailed. Descriptions lurked around every corner. I could almost see what was going on when I was reading! It was also very emotional and i wanted to get a tissue amnd cry into it. It was very impactful.
My favorite part was when Sam, Frightful's master, was trying to save two of her chicks that were stolen by poachers. His dog had crawled under the cabin's foundation and was met by a skunk's spray. The smell seeped through the floorboards and the poachers ran out of the building. Sam snuck in through the back door and collected the eyases in his hands. One of the poachers had run back in to get his gun and saw Sam. The conservation officers had come in just in time and had him at gunpoint. ... Read more

Book Description

Borden's father, Leon, was a logger in the old-growth forests of California. That is, until the spotted-owl lovers interfered. One day, frustrated by his father's unemployment, Borden sets out on a mission of revenge against the spotted owl but returns home with a half-starved owlet instead.
The family soon discovers that the owlet, whom Borden names Bardy, loves to take showers and watch late-night TV. Only after the whole family has fallen in love with Bardy do they realize that the conflict between nature and human industry is not so easily resolved.
Award-winning nature writer jean Craighead George tells a heartwarming story about a family and their love affair with a special little owl.

Reviews (35)

This is a light story about a serious issue.
Our book group read Owl in the Shower by Jean Craighead George. We think this book is appropriate for grades 3-5. This book's genre is fiction based on the real world issue of spotted owls. It's tone is a light story about a serious issue. The stroy takes place on the Pacific Coast of Northern California. The story's main charactar is Borden,the kid who found an owl and named it Bardy. He found the owl when he was hunting spotted owls. Bardy is a young spotted owlet that Borden mistakes as a Barred Owl because he doesn't have his spots yet. Leon is Borden's dad. He is a logger who lost his job because the government made them stop because the spotted owls are at the edge of extinction. He used to hate spotted owls but Bardy imprinted on him. We liked this because it taught us many facts about owls. We also liked it because it talks about a friendship between Leon and Bardy. We recommend this to people who like owls. We give it 3 and a half stars because it is a little slow and steady.

It's people vs. Owls!
Borden Watson's father finds out the rare owl they've been chasing is in the house. He's very mad. All day they searched and searched but couldn't find the owl. The next morning Borden goes to take a shower but guess who's in there? Yep you got it! The owl. the little boy screamed and the dad went and got his gun. Does he kill the poor litte owl? You'll just have to read this great book.

One of the best books I've ever read!
This book is awesome!I read the first chapter in the book store and I just had to take it home with me!If I could I would rate it 10 stars.

Owl lovers vs. loggers
It's owl lovers vs. loggers who hate the spotted owl for putting them out of job. It's an amazing book by an amazing author about a boy whos father was a logger and he took in an owlet that was on the ground. You won't want to miss this!

Lessons from our feathered friends
I came across this book while hunting for books suited to the educational needs of my nine-year-old cousin. This book explores the age-old conflict between economic progress and environmental concerns. The argument for both sides is presented in a manner easily understood by children of grade-school age, and although the book heavily and undisguisedly favors conservation, the humans in this story are warm, believable and not portrayed as selfish destroyers of old growth forests.
The protagonist of this story is young Borden, whose father, a lumberjack, loses his job following a government directive to preserve old growth forests in order that the habitat of the Spotted Owl may be saved. Borden's family is understandably angry, as it appears to them that the government cares more about owls than about people. Here we get the usual argument from the loggers' point of view that logging puts food on the table, that logging has always formed a substantial part of the economy, that the legislators have forgotten the role of the loggers in nation building (i.e. by providing timber for construction), that the extinction of the Spotted Owl would be no great loss to the human population and that the government should strive to protect the interests of people rather than of birds.
Borden enters the woods with the intention of killing the spotted owls that took his father's job. He finds, instead, an owlet that has fallen out of its nest. Assuming that it is a Barred Owl, Borden takes the owl home and names it Bardy. His out-of-work father develops affection for the owl and observes every stage of its growth. When Borden's father receives a summons for assault and public disorder after hitting an ecologist, he decides to bring the owlet to court with him to win over the sympathy of the judge and to convince the public that loggers are not enemies of owls. Soon, true love for the young owl wins him over and he decides to free the owl and pay the fine rather than capitalize on the owl for his own selfish motives. The family learns the consequences of forest loss when a family friend loses his job as a fisherman because the river is too polluted. Borden's father decides to retrain himself for other, more sustainable professions after he understands that change is inevitable and the welfare of the Planet is in his hands as well as the ecologists'.
The environmentalists' side of the story is that the destruction of wildlife habitats and the decrease in the number of Spotted Owls are indications that people are not managing the forests right. Indeed, the exploitation of natural resources does not mean that humans will be able to live better - it might mean that it will help people (poachers, loggers, wildlife traders etc) put food on the table for the time being, but natural resources would be dissipated quickly and human health would suffer more than if measures had been taken to sustainably manage rather than exploit resources. Every action has a consequence, this book teaches us, and if there are no more spotted owls, the rodent population would increase. If there are fewer trees then it won't be long before the loggers are truly out of work as there will be no trees left for them to cut. The loss of trees would cause the loss of vital watershed areas. There will be less fresh water for people, less freshwater fish and less clean air. People have to learn that their quality of life is intertwined with the fate of the Planet. More toys and gadgets and bigger homes do not make for a better life if the air, water and soil are polluted.
There is much to learn in this book about animal behavior. The title of this book comes from a stage in the transformation of the owlet into an adult owl. Owlets bathe shortly before they are prepared to learn to fly.
Far from being moralizing, this book is absorbing and teaches reverence for all beings, from people to owls and trees. A recommended read for children, parents and teachers. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

PRAISE AMAROQ THE WOLF!
YOU MUST BUY THIS BOOK! ok, when I was in the 5th grade, i read White Fang and I fell in love with wolves. Jean's book has inspired me in a way words cannot describe. Amaroq the Alpha, Silver the Mate of Amaroq, Nails the Beta, Kapu the next Alpha, Sister the Future Mate of Nails, Zit a son of Silver who will be killed bt Man, and Faithful Zing, the Next Beta to Kapu. YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH THESE WOLVES AND THE REST! Amaroq, Amaroq, praise the Royal Wolf! Go away royal wolf, Go away do not follow, I'm a gun at your head, When I pass the Oil Drum.

The Epic Adventures of Julie and Her Wolves
When 13 year-old Julie Edwards Miyax Kapugen runs away from an arranged marriage, she gets lost in the vast and lonely Alaskan tundra. This begins the extraordinary journey of Miyax and the wolves she befriends. While struggling to survive in the harsh Arctic winter Miyax experiences something few humans ever will. She lives as one of the pack, eating from the wolves kills and communicating with them in their language of barks, yips and tail wags. Soon she grows to loves them as she would her family. But when she learns that her father, the great hunter Kapugen, lives on, she decides to go back to him. Struggling to adjust to this new way of life, she learns that the Eskimo way of life is dying, even in her father. Then hunters endanger her wolves, and Miyax must choose between her pack and her father. This engaging trilogy includes Newbery Medal winning Julie of the Wolves, and its sequels, Julie and Julie's Wolf Pack. They are written by celebrated wildlife biologist and author, Jean Craighead George. Miyax's epic quest to find where humans belong reminds us of our beginnings, and of the creatures with whom we share this world.

Some of the greatest books.. ever!!!!!!!
I bought this pack of books, and I think these are some of the greatest books I've ever read. I've read too many... and none are the best, but these are some of my favorites! Julie Edwards/Miyax Kapugen is stuck on the tundra. She learns by watching a pack of wolves the language of them. She becomes a member of the pack, led by Amoroq. They give her food and she travels with them. She becomes friends with Amoroq's pup, Kapu, and when he is the new Alpha, Julie helps the pack stay strong throughout all three books (Julie of the Wolves, Julie, and Julie's Wolf Pack). I highly recommend this to anyone that respects animals and nature. We should all appreciate them!

Some of the greatest books!
I love animals.. and am interested in wolves most. I am eleven years old and these books are so interesting! I learned all about a wolf's life and their own language. I strongly recommend all three of them!

Three of Jean Craighead George's finest books--together!
Perhaps the best Jean Craighead George book and wolf story for children ever written, the truly magnificent JULIE OF THE WOLVES is now available with its spellbinding sequels, JULIE and JULIE'S WOLF PACK, in this beautiful boxed set. A naturalist and author of over eighty books about wildlife for young readers, Jean Craighead George wrote JULIE OF THE WOLVES in the middle of her writing career and was rightfully given a Newbery Medal for it. It's the unforgettable story of one girl's unbreakable relationship with her animal companions, and should be read for generations. Miyax Kapugen runs away from an arranged marriage, only to become lost and starving on the tundra of Alaska's North Slope. However, she soon befriends a group of wolves, and, by learning their language and social behavior, she becomes one of the pack. This is a truly stunning book; every sentence is a work of art, carefully laden with details about animal behavior, Inupiat/Yupik Eskimo culture, and Arctic wildlife. In the second book, the Eskimo girl (no longer Miyax, but Julie) has returned to civilization, to the father she thought was gone and to a pregnant white stepmother. However, the bond she has formed with her wolves is one that will never be severed. Julie is confused and disappointed to find that her father, Kapugen, has changed a great deal. He now owns a musk-ox herd and his top prioraty is not to honor and love all living things, as it once was, but only to guard the herd. Julie fears that the wolves, who prey upon musk-oxen, are in danger, and, determined to keep them safe, she returns to her second family--but only for a short time. JULIE is no less interesting than its predecessor, and has a great deal to offer. However, I must say that my love of wolves makes the third book, JULIE'S WOLF PACK, my favorite in the series. This is truly remarkable, for it is different from any nonfiction book about wolves in that it goes straight to the core of lupine existence, bringing to life how these highly social animals communicate, hunt, and survive. Kapu, the young wolf pup Julie befriended in the first book and the son of the great leader Amaroq, has taken his father's role as alpha and faces many challenges during his reign. Over the course of several years, the book covers the birth of wolf pups, the threat of disease and starvation, and the endless struggle to survive in this harsh wilderness. The result is very dramatic, and once again every word is beautiful and important. Any wolf lover will add this and all three books to her favorites list, and any newcomer to the world of these fascinating creatures will want to learn more about them and, hopefully, want to protect this threatened species. However, anyone who is really devoted to these books will want to be wary about NUTIK THE WOLF PUP, a picture book that follows the story of Nutik, who was raised by Julie's little brother in JULIE'S WOLF PACK. It lacks the beauty and drama of the other books, even though it is nice in that it teaches young children to appreciate wolves rather than falsely despise or fear them. The three paperback chapter books are together in a fine case with art by Wendell Minor, who illustrated the last two books with stunning black-and-white drawings, and I hope to keep the set until I can share Julie's and Kapu's splendid story with my own children someday. ... Read more

Book Description

Two years ago, Sam ran away from New York City to live in the Catskill Mountains. Now his younger sister Alice has joined him and is quietly living in a tree house of her own nearby. Their peaceful life is shattered when a conservation officer confiscates Sam's falcon, Frightful, and Alice suddenly vanishes.Sam leaves his home to search for Alice, hoping to find Frightful, too. But the trail to the far side of the mountain may lead Sam into great danger.

"Surpasses the original in style and substance . . . This story [is] a jewel."
-Booklist

"George has outdone herself here."
-Kirkus Reviews ... Read more

Reviews (27)

A great adventurous book.
On the Far Side of the Mountain is a great book. It's about a boy named Sam Gribley who lives in the wilderness in his tree home. During the few years he was here, he learned how to build so many devices involving the brook that flows through his mountain. Everything is great, until a few days later Frightful, his pet falcon, gets confiscated, and his little sister, Alice, runs away.
Half this book involves Sam and his friend Bando looking for Alice. Since she thought that they might look for her, she gives them clues along the way. Once they find her, there's tons of suprises awaiting them.
I decided to read this book because I read the prequel, My Side of the Mountain. However, On the Far Side of the Mountain is a much more adventurous story. This book has tons of adventure with crooks, and birds, and getting away from danger. You can learn a lot, too.
I think wilderness guys would love this book. So read On the Far Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

BOOK REPORT
In my personal view I thought this was a pretty good book. Ialso read the the first one(MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN)last year. Ithought it was better then the sequel. This book had a lot ofinformation on the wilderness in it. If I ever got stuck in the woods I would think back to when I read these two fine books. It gave you instruction on how to make a sling to hunt for food with. The book also gave information on how to make traps to [catch] various animals. I thought it was interesting when it talked about falconry and gave you descriptions of plants you could eat and couldnt eat. There were times during this book where I couldnt put it down. there were also times in the book where I wanted to put it down. The book was about a boy named Sam who lives in the mountains with his sister Alice and of course his Perigrene falcon named frightful. When Sam was outside a conservation officer came and took frightful because Perigrene Falcons are almost extinct. He is devasted. Frightful is the one who caught almost all of his food. Later in the day he thinks his sister ran away. That day was not his day. ...While trying to find Alice he is also trying to get Frightful back at the same time. There are all types of adventures in the book while trying to find Frightful and Alice you will have to read the book to find out the ending. If you read My Side of the Mountain and Hatchet you will love this book.

One great book
On the Far Side of the Mountain is an excellent sequal to My side of the Mountain. It is about a boy named Sam Gribley who runs away from New York City to live on his own in the Catskill Mountains. He lived there for over two years before his family came to live with him. After finding out the land was unsuitable for farming, the whole family leaves except for Sam and his sister Alice. Alice makes herself at home. One day she's gone but she leaves clues about where she's headed. Sam and his friend Bando track her so they can check up on her. The book explains their tactics and treks.
I first came upon this book about a month ago. My english teacher knew I had read the first book in the series so she recomended that I read the second one. I read the book in class and it turned out to be just about as good as the first one.

On the Far Side of the Mountain
On the Far Side of the Mountain is a great book! I thought it was just as good as the first book, My Side of the Mountain. The author is Jean Craighead George and I wish there were more books to the series. I especially recommend it if you like action and adventure. There are lots of parts when you don't know what's going to happen. It is very exciting. It is about a boy who has to live in the wild. You should read the first book before you read this one. I give it 5 stars!

My Side of the Mountian
The book My Side of the Mountain written by Jean Craighead was awesome. My favorite character was Frightful. She is Sam's pet bird. She dive bombs birds and animals very gracefully. Frightful helps Sam with his food supply. I enjoy her attitude. This book was great and I would recommend it to you. ... Read more

Book Description

Liza Poole lives with her mother in one of the last balanced ecosystems in North America -- the Gumbo Limbo Hammock deep within the lush kingdom of the Florida Everglades. Some may think it strange to live outdoors, but Liza feels lucky to live it strange to live outdoors, but Liza feels lucky to live in her small yellow tent amidst tropical birds and exotic plants. And at the center of this natural paradise lies Dajun, the majestic alligator who protects Gumbo Limbo's environment.

Then, one day, a state official arrives with frightening orders. Dajun is scaring people nearby -- he must be killed! Liza takes action to save the invaluable 'gator, but suddenly, he is nowhere to be found. Now, she must find Dajun before it's too late, and her search will lead her into the heart of an exciting eco mystery!

Reviews (8)

The Missing Gator of Gumbo Limbo
I have just finish reading a book call The Missing Gator of Gumbo Limbo. It's about a family who don't have a house yet, because they don't have enough money to build a house. The father was in another country, doing business around the world. He doesn't even know what's happening to his family. Many people say that they don't have house. Well they are, but the mother says that they were on a vacation. She always said that every time because she doesn't want people to know it. So now, their daughter named Liza K., is an adventures girl. She knows all the places in the forest. She even has an alligator friend. Now, she and her friends must save the forest from the people who want to destroy, but then, her alligator friend lost. Now, she's on an adventure to find the alligator and stop the destruction of the forest.

I think this book is good because it tells everybody how important the forest is to us. If we don't have a forest, then how can we live? How can we stay a life without oxygen? Where the oxygen come from? Oh well I think you know where it is. So this book, did, teach us something.

I recommended this book who loves to safe this world.

The Missing 'Gator of Gumbo Limbo
My story was about a missing gator. Travis is a gator hunter who is trying to shoot the gator. The gator is too big for the protection law. All the characters except Travis are trying to protect him. The main characters are Dujen, Travis, Liza K., and James James. Because he is a smart young man, James James is my favorite character. In my own life I try to be good and kind to others. James James is like this, he is always considerate and thoughtful.
I liked my book. I don't have a single favorite part; My least favorite part is the authors choice of where the characters lived at the end of book. My favorite part was that Travis didn't find Dujen.
I would recomend this book to a person who likes mysteries.

could've been better
I thoguht this book was OK but could've been better. It has an exiting plot wiht a hunter trying to hunt the gator[dajun] but the ending is so typical. They end up finding...oops I shouldn't give away the story...but the book's ending is not as fun as it could've been. But if you love animals and a good mystery you should definitly read this book.

A greater gator story
This fascinating novel is for anyone who has ever fallen in love with a wild place, with a wild animal, or who is concerned about our jeopardized natural world. Only Jean Craighead George could write such a comprehensible and informative children's book about nature. While they're not JULIE OF THE WOLVES or MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, Ms. George's Ecological Mysteries Series are sure to be enjoyable for any naturalist--inspiring and educational. In THE MISSING 'GATOR OF GUMBO LIMBO, Liza K. Poole lives with her mother and some eccentric neighbors in the heart of the Florida Everglades. (Anyone who was born to live in a tent and fish for food will be envious of this "wild" lifestyle.) When the woods peoples' "dragon", a regal alligator, disappears, they begin to try to track down the great beast, especially Liza K. A ranger is after the gator, for he has been frightening nearby home-dwellers, and should be shot. Liza K. and her unique friends--including a talkative African gray parrot-- go through a series of clues to find out where the gator has disappeared to. The ending, I admit, is slightly disappointing--the threat of the ranger seems to be forgotten after the gator is found, Liza K. and her neighbors must abandon their way of life--but all in all, it's a fine read. The other Eco-Mysteries should be kept in mind--WHO REALLY KILLED COCK ROBIN?, in which a boy tries to solve the mystery of his clean town's feathered mascot; THE CASE OF THE MISSING CUTTHROATS, quite a lot like THE MISSING 'GATOR; and THE FIRE BUG CONNECTION. No young naturalist or ecologist should overlook the wide, wonderful world of Jean Craighead George.

OK
I read this book in my class and it took me forever to finish it. I am a big reader but I just couldn't get into the book. I think it should have been more exciting. In my opinion, it seemed as if the author kept repeating the same information. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Dog talk is not merely whimpers, growls, sniffs, barks, and howls.According to award-winning author Jean Craighead George, it's in the tail ("the flag of feelings") and ear twists, too. In this irresistible picture book, you'll learn how to speak to your dog in his or her own language.Sniff his nose to say hello, for example. (You don't have to lick back, even though it would please him.) While you'll never be a match for your dog in the sniffing department, you can look deeply into his eyes or you can whimper to show you care. Don't growl or bark, however. ("Although it's fun, it is not very rewarding to bark at your dog. He doesn't understand your bad accent and may twist his head and look at you in confusion.")

Sue Truesdell's splendidly doggish illustrations interact with photos of Jean Craighead George herself--a woman who has been around dogs her whole life. Dog lovers of all ages will run in circles for this loving, funny celebration of the human-canine relationship. For those who prefer cats, investigate the companion title, How to Talk to Your Cat. (Ages 7 to 107) ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Great Book
Although this book is short it is great for younger children and is an over-all guide to "Dog talk".You should buy this book, I truly recommend it!

THE CAT'S MEOW! GREAT ADVICE AND HOWLING FUN ILLUSTRATIONS
Let's start simply and honestly, the same way these tomes approach their subject matter, and say these are the cat's meow! Jean Craighead George has penned two ultra-thin volumes on communicating with our best friends and felines, and each is a howling success. The Newberry Medal-winning author does what someone like Elizabeth Marshall Thomas has tried to do in books tens of thousands words and pages longer and could not. Jean, by George, had found the winning ways to teach pet lovers how to chat with their four-footed pals. Her writing is sparse: "A lick is not a kiss. It is a statement that says you're a wonderful leader." Her advice is refreshing: "Growling is aggressive
talk. Don't growl back. Dogs don't like that." As special as her words is the whimiscal use of arkwork: actual color photos of the animated author interacting with illustrations (by Sue Truesdell) of equally animated cartoon cats and dogs. (We just love the one of George on all fours, rubbing heads with a cat!) Four paws up!

More Harm Then Education
When I was given this book by a client I was thrilled.The book's a brilliant red front cover is beautifully illustrated with a cartoon dog.The inside pages are illustrated with more canine cartoons interacting with photos.At first glance it seems to be an intriguing children's book.Unfortunately the cover of this book is where all positive comments end.

I believe the author's intention in this book is to teach canine communication skills.If I am correct in this assumption, she not only failed miserably but may have caused more harm then education.

She advises "To say hello to your dog, sniff toward his nose.That's dog talk.He will answer by pulling his ears back and close to his head.What he is saying is 'Hello, Leader".Ms. Craighead-George is describing a dog who is telling their nose-sniffing-human "This is a bit uncomfortable, please stop". A dog's ears going back can be a conflict behavior.

She goes onto say "'Good night' in dog talk is physical.Rub your dog's head, ears and neck.Lower your lids and sigh into his fur. You are the mother dog licking her pup off to sleep."Although I often enjoy a nice snuggle with my dog I am relatively certain he knows I am not his mother or a dog.I was relieved that she did not suggest I lick my dog, we all have to draw the line somewhere.

Ms. Craighead-George advises "'Good-bye' is a whisk of the tail, then turning and walking off.Since you don't have a tail, swish your hand downward and show your back.If your dog does not choose to hear this unwelcome message and races after you, tell him, `I am the boss,' in dog talk, then repeat the dog `good-bye'."I will admit to frequently suffering from serious bouts of tail-envy but I'm afraid my hand waving behind my rear end is a bit of a stretch in wishful thinking.

Ms. Craighead -George crosses the line from embarrassingly silly to potentially dangerous in her section titled "How do you say `I am the boss'?"She advises, "The most effective way is to put your mouth on his muzzle.That means in dog talk that you are the leader.His ears will go back and against his head, and his tail will lower.This is his way of saying, `Yes, you are my leader'."I suspect many people who attempt this will have time to contemplate what their dog was really saying ("You have totally lost your mind and you are frightening the heck out of me") while they wait patiently in the emergency room to have their dog bite treated.

She suggests if your dog becomes anxious or confused you should "Sniff his nose to tell him not to be angry or confused.Nose sniffs are peace talk."I have a sincere concern that for a dog that is in an anxiety situation, a human sticking their face in his to sniff his nose may increase the stress level to a point where the dog may feel he has no other option but to bite the face that sniffs him.

It is cautioned in "How to Talk to Your Dog" that children should not roll onto their backs while playing with their dog or they will be saying in dog language "I am your humble servant".My own dogs must be the most misinformed canines on the planet.They have three young humble servants in their household and they don't even realize it!

I would recommend that the author stay with ridiculous but harmless comments suggest as "You can pass other messages with your eyes.Think, `I love you.I love you,' and your lower lid will involuntarily come up and soften your expression.Your dog will read that and return this message by softening his eyes."

I am still uncertain to what population this book is directed.I can only hope it was not written for innocent children and will only fall into the hands of adults who will quickly realize this book for the nonsensical hogwash that it is.

Good book, but assumes too much of children
This book shows young people the joys of communicating with dogs, from how to recognize dog talk through body language to the various ways animals communicate through whimpers, sniffs, and barks. The book, however, assumes that young children will know not to apply these very "hands-on" techniques to strange dogs--a very dangerous assumption that could lead to dog bites. The book offers two suggestions that one should never do in front of an aggressive dog: one is to wave a newspaper above the dog's head, the other is to sniff a dog's nose to calm an angry or confused dog down. Children should never be expected to calm an angered or aggressive dog down. While the book has lots of good information on dog behavior that could benefit both children and adults, it lacks the cautionary requirements to keep kids from getting bitten by dogs too.

A Doggone Good Book
Did you know that dogs don't just use their voice to communicate, but also their eyes, nose, tail, ears and even body position?Jean Craighead George has written a charming and humorous book that will not only help you understand your dog, but help you "talk" right back to him.As she explains on page one, "No one will ever love you as much as your dog does". He will be your friend for life, so why not speak his own language.Ms George's easy to read and informative text coupled with Sue Truesdell's delightful illustrations will make you a canine communicator in no time.This is the perfect book your whole family can enjoy together and a must read if you have or are planning on getting a dog.So find out what you dog is really telling you...and talk back! ... Read more

Book Description

Celebrate the cycle of the day, as the earth turnes to and then away from the sun, and meet a wide array of animals from America's east coast to the west as they work and rest, eat and play, just as humans do.

Jean Craighead George's lyrical greeting to the day becomes a sweeping panorama of the American countryside with Wendell Minor's evocative, dramatic paintings.

Good morning, the dawn,
when the earth is turning from night to day
and waking begins.

00 Kansas Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award Masterlist

Reviews (4)

Not only do I love this book, but my babe does too
Sure the pictures don't exactly match the words, but the pictures are beautiful and the verse is lyrical. This is my near two-year-old's favorite book. She walks around the entire time saying, "Morning, Morning, Morning."

I also think that this would be a perfect book for a family interested in observing daily rhythms and routine, especially Waldorf-oriented families.

A Naturally Wonderful Children's Book
A great children's book with wonderful illustrations that will spark young children's interest into the animals they may send around them.

I have always loved George's work and now there is a book that even the youngest of children can enjoy, from this nature loving Newberry Medal-winning author.

To date I have bought four copies as gifts for friends and family members who just had newborn babies.

pictures don't match the words making it an annoying book
The illustrations are realistic and high quality. I have issus wth the organization of the verses and the verses not matching the illustrations.

One problem lies in that each verse cites up to five different animals and that not all the animals are pictured on the pages. This is very confusing for my four year old who asks me where a certain animal is pictured and it simply is not there. Other pages where the verse references time of day (afternoon) and no animals, show animals. Why not have pictured simple landscapes with skies that relate to that time of day instead? For example the picture for noon doesn't even show a sun, let alone a bright shining sun, it shows a close up of bison, and bison are not mentioned in that passage at all.

Sometimes the animals within one passage are not even related to each other by habitat. An example is mentioning a stork, killdeer and a cardinal in the same passage. Yes, they are all birds but they just aren't in the same habitat, preventing them from being depicted in an illustration together. I'd have prefered mentioning three ocean dwelling creatures within one passage, even if some were birds, some fish, and some ocean dwelling mammals.

I do love picture books that feature seasonal themes or time-of-day themes. I also love books that feature animals.

I have never seen such an annoying arrangement of verses and such a mismatch of words with illustrations in a picture book for young children. For this confusion and annoyance, I grant one star. I dislike it so much that I can't stand to read it to my children and am donating it to my local library.

A simple story for young readers with superb illustrations!
This is simply a wonderful book! I truly enjoyed using it while tutoring a fourth grade remedial reader because it was simple, yet beautifully worded and superbly illustrated. Each illustration is a marvelous nature portrait in itself. My fourth grade student (who happens to be very interested in science) savored each lovely portrait, as we talked about the animals and environments depicted in each one. Though the words are few and simple, the book avoids being overly childish. Rather, it respectfully presents the cycle of the day (morning, noon and night) and the beauty of various animals as they act in their natural environments throughout the day. ... Read more

Book Description

"Billie Wind lives with her Seminole tribe. She follows their customs, but the dangers of pollution and nuclear war she's learned about in school seem much more real to her. How can she believe the Seminole legends about talking animals and earth spirits? She wants answers, not legends.

"You are a doubter,"say the men of the Seminole Council and so Billie goes out into the Everglades alone, to stay until she can believe. In the wilderness, she discovers that she must listen to the land and animals in order to survive. With an otter, a panther cub, and a turtle as companions and guides, she begins to understand that the world of her people can give her the answers she seeks. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

The Talking Earth: Speaks Out Loud!
The Talking Earth
by Jean Craighead George

The Talking Earth is about a Seminole girl named Billy Wind who is very curious. When her tribal elder spoke of spirits everywhere there is, Billie said she did not believe in that. The religious leaders got very angry and asked what punishment she should give herself. In sarcasm, she said that she should go to the pay-hay-okee (the Everglades)and stay until she heard the spirits of the animals talk, see the magical serpent, and find the little people who lived under the ground. The people agreed while she wondered in shock because it was just a joke. She was still forced to enter the pay-hay-okee and hear the spirits herself. Therefore, she stayed there and lived with an otter, a panther, and a turtle. At the end, she endured a hurricane in a cavern and lived to tell the tale.
The reason I liked this book is because it had a lot to do with the flow of nature. It told about why the Seminoles said there were animal gods and magical things. It also said how nature has its own special type of flow and to disrupt it can result in disaster. It also had a lot of feeling into what happenned around her and why it happenned.
I also liked the book because it was very interesting. I couldn't stop reading it until I had no other choice. It grabbed me in the ears and pulled me into the book with all my senses so that I could feel everything around me. In the tense parts, I was scared for Billy Wind and I was also relieved when that part was over. It was like real life!
My favorite part was when Billy wind had just entered the pa-hay-okee. There was a great fire that burned down the whole forest that she was in. She found a strange pit that seemed to be inhabitted before. She found a baby otter inside a small tunnel and named him Petang. She also noticed there were small artifacts in the walls that were related to the Seminole's. She stayed and tried to reach home and get an archeologist to the site.

Good Imagery Makes It Confusing
The Talking Earth is a story about a young Seminole girl, Billie Wind, who is in disbelief of her tribe's beliefs on talking animals and spirits. Although she wants to believe in the culture, she does not think this makes any sense. In school she is learning the scientific reasons for things, such as pollution, and her ancestor's reasons for nature just don't match up. She goes to live in the Everglades until she hears the animals talk and sees the spirits. She does not believe it will ever happen. Throughout the story Billie grows and changes. She learns how to survive in the wilderness, and befriends animals, such as an otter, that help her. Through this experience she begins to understand her tribes beliefs, and gains a stronger bond with nature. The only problem is: is this bond strong enough to survive the challenges she meets?

The author, Jean Craighead George, does a great job at painting a picture of the Everglades through her imagery and detail. This story is also easy to relate to, as everyone has doubts about beliefs of other people sometime in his/her life. However, this detail often made the book difficult to understand. This book would be a good choice for multicultural studies in the classroom; however, the teacher would need to be reading and discussing with the students. If I had trouble with it children definitely would. Personally, I don't think I will ever read this book again, but after reading the review by a third grader, I see that it is possible to enjoy it. I believe the key to a child enjoying the book is the help of his/her teacher. So, from a future teacher's viewpoint, if you liked the book, read it to others, otherwise, stay away from it; and, if you haven't read it yet, I wouldn't recommend it.

The Talking Earth - Spouts Mud and Vomit!
Having read this book, I have made the conclusion that Ms. George likes to see just how far she can go, see if she really can kill with only words.

The book looks mildly harmless. Some transvestite on the cover with what looks like a rat. But, open it, and you shall come to find out that that little transvestite (called Billie Wind) is much more harmful than other fictional characters (see: Hannibal Lecter, Randall Flagg, Barney).

The writing style is awful. The whole book seems like an exercise in crapulence.

After reading this bundle-of-glued-pages, I am scared to death of Seminole Indian! I hope I never, ever see one!

In short: Ms. George, this is one of those Michael Moore moments that comes up all-too-rarely. In his words, Ms. George: shame on you!

J.R.'s review
I thought the book was very good. It had a lot of details and it was easy to picture what was happening in the book. Anyone who critisizes Jean Craighead George's "The Talking Earth," needs to get a taste in good books. I chose it to read in school as an Accelerated Reader Book and it was great. My teacher didn't choose it for me I chose to read it and if I had a chance to read it, I did. If you like reading about indians and stuff like that, than I suggest that you read this book. If you don't like it, than read one that you do like. Thankyou for reading my review.

Talking Earth (ZZZZzzzzz)
I thought this book was absoulutly awful. I had to read it for school, otherwise I would have stoped reading the book. I thought the book was really unrealistic and really boring. The animal gods, the little people under the earth, and petang were dumb. If I were you I would not read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Citizens of Saddleboro are proud to say that theirs is the cleanest town around. So they can't ignore the mysterious death of their mascot, Cock Robin. Some people would like to blame the citizens themselves, but one boy-Tony Isidoro -- suspects there's more to the story.

Tony threads his way through a maze of clues: Among other things, the town park is overrun with trillions of ants; nights are quiet because there are no frogs singing; the nearby river contains a dangerous amount of an unknown chemical; and the town dump is emitting strange fumes. What does it all add UP to? It's an eco mystery all right, and it's up to Tony to figure out who really killed Cock Robin.

Reviews (2)

An Eco-Mystery
Environmentalist, ecologist, naturalist, and writer Jean Craighead George, the Rachel Carson for children, will win her audiences once again with this story. The plot revolves around Tony Isidoro, a young biologist who is bent on solving the mystery of the death of his hometown's feathered mascot, Cock Robin. As he uncovers assorted clues strung throughout the town--chemical activity, sudden loss of frogs and birds--Tony must try to convince his naive neighbors that not just one thing is responsible for the bird's death, but many imbalances in the town's ecosystem, which everyone is convinced is the cleanest around. Since it's an eco-mystery, the story is grippingly told in the style of a crime investigation. From the beginning