Book Description

After rain comes down, the sun comes out and dries the puddles. But the water isn't gone. The heat from the sun has turned it into water vapor-it has evaporated. Eventually, this moisture in the air condenses to form new clouds. Soon the rain will fall again. Read on to find out all the ups and downpours of the water cycle!

Reviews (1)

Where Does It Come From?
Down Comes The Rain is an excellent book that introduces to young children the formation of rain and where it actually comes from. It also discusses the transformation of water into ice and also the evaporation of water. Children can understand the book through its simple terms and colorful illustrations. Rain is just one of the many things that young children often wonder about. It is a very good book that can be added to any elementary classroom when discussing a unit on weather or simply to have at home to read togther on rainy days! Many hands-on activities, such as putting a teaspoon of water into a saucer and coming back to see that it has evaporated into the air, can be done by using this book. I have added this book to my list that I plan to use in the classroom! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

this is a great book
bought this for my son. a great way to teach kids to respect and take care of Mother Earth. illustrations are absolutely beautiful and the text is easy to read. one of my son's favorite books.

A Book for All Ages
This book is one that people of all ages will cherish. In gentle language and dramatic illustrations artist Schim Shimmel reminds us that we are all children of the earth. This fragile planet and the living things upon it depend on us for their survival. It is a message we all need to hear.

This Book was Very Warm and Touching
Hi! My name is Jacqueline. For all you people out there who like touching stories and animals, boy do I have the right book series for you. Well, there is this really cool author named Schim Schimmel. Here is one of his books, Dear Children of the Earth: A Letter from Home. It is about how Mother Earth and the animals that live there need you. Here are two of his sentences in the book, "My children, when my people do a little thing to me, it becomes a big thing. So it is very important for each person to stop doing things that hurt me, or hurt their sister and brother animals." The book is a very touching and heartwarming story. It made me feel like the animals were my friends. It is very easy to read. I would recommend it to five year olds and up. I only read two books. I hope you read all of them. I can't tell you any more but you can find out!

Very touching
I guess I am over-sensitive but the first time I read this book I cried. Its like a letter that Mother Earth is writting to her children. Its a great book. I read it to the kids where I work and they enjoyed it, and they LOVED the pictures.

Beautiful Artwork!
Wow! The illustrations in this book are amazing. All kinds of animals are pictured, from dolphins to elephants. Many of these paintings were of large cats such as tigers and were especially good. Each was vividly colored and interesting with settings such as the oceans or Africa. You don't have to be a child to enjoy this picture- book! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Fun book for child and parent alike
My four year old daughter loves this book. I use it as our homeschooling text for science and nature study, but it is not like a textbook at all. It is a compilation of seven separate titles in the Usborne First Nature series: Birds, Trees, Flowers, Butterflies and Moths, Wild Animals, Fishes, and Creepy Crawlies. Each chapter contains games like hunt the bumblebee in the Butterflies and Moths chapter, and watch the leaf bud open (on the upper right corner of each page) of the Trees chapter. My daughter is fascinated by the fabulous illustrations, such as the giant beetle in the Creepy Crawlies chapter, and the sharp teeth of the Dragon Fish in the Fishes chapter. The text is interspersed throughout the illustrations and is informative and entertaining. I am amazed at how much I learn each time I read part of this well-done book with my child. I highly recommend it!

Wonderful Elementary Natural Science Text
Many Christian parents struggle with finding science and nature books that are free of evolutionary propaganda.

This sound pictorial primer offers facts, activities and good quality illustrations for your child's early forays into the realm of natural science. Be sure to look at Usborne's other offerings; you will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sally can't wait. This affable black Lab and her human pal (appearingonly occasionally as a partially offstage arm or lap) are going camping in themountains. She's read all about the animals up there--rabbits, bears, moose,owls, beavers, skunks--and is itching to get to know each and every one. Theyload up the van with gear and plenty of dog food, and Sally snuggles down tosleep for the long ride, while visions of songbirds and berry-munching bearsdance in her head. This irresistible canine is well acquainted with road tripsafter her earlier trip to the beach (Sally Goes to the Beach). Doglovers especially will be amused by Sally's innocent ramblings and her dreamyfixation on food. Internationally acclaimed artist Stephen Huneck createsfantastic hand-carved woodblock prints of the stocky Lab (who also starred inhis My Dog's Brain) andmiscellaneous mountain critters, creating the kind of art that will linger longin a reader's memory. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A book for any age!
Sally Goes to the Mountains is a book I would give as a gift to any dog lover from 4 to 94. It's colorful illustrations, charming and witty captions, subject matter and size makes it the perfect coffee table book. I'll cherish mine forever. I can't wait for the next "Sally" book and plan to visit the huneck.com website to choose a special framed print from this very special book.

With bright, superbly crafted woodcut prints
In Sally Goes To The Mountains, author/illustrator Stephen Huneck draws upon his award-winning expertise to take young readers on a romp with a fun-loving black Labrador named Sally. Sally goes for a ride to the mountains where she encounters bears, moose, rabbits, and skunks! There are berries to pick, sticks to fetch, and a lake to swim in. Huneck's bright, superbly crafted woodcut prints perfectly capture the joy of a dog's outing in the mountains for young readers. Also highly recommended is the earlier volume of Sally's adventures, Sally Goes To The Beach (0810941864, [price]).

A must have for Huneck fans and animal lovers.
I bought this book for my mom as a present. She already owns the other "Sally" books and loved this one too. The illustrations are beautiful and very whitty. My favorite is the giant moose with Sally. The Sally books aren't just for Lab owners or children--any pet lover will enjoy them.

The Fun Continues!
After buying and reading "Sally Goes to the Beach" I couldn't wait to go out and buy this book-"Sally Goes to the Mountains!" Not only does my daughter love this book but all of my friends and their friends. Anyone with a dog (or not) will love this book! The images are bright, colorful and fun. In this book we to go to the mountains with Sally and experience fun adventures with her. I would highly recommend this book for anyone with dogs, a sense of humor and taste for adventure. Not to mention my daughter who keeps asking what and where Sally's next adventure might be. I know I can't wait to find out! ... Read more

Book Description

Kids will love all the interactive adventures in the Nature Trailseries.Each book features touch-and-feel pages that stimulate a child'scuriosity and make learning about the natural world an entertaining experience. Feel the sticky nectar of a flower, then turn the flap to reveal the stickytongue of an anteater.Touch the leathery feet of a seagull, then turn the flapand find a crab scuttling over the rocks.Every page is filled with MauricePledger's stunning and detailed illustrations and endearing animal characters. Hit the trail in all four adventures: By the Seashore, In the Forest, In theRain Forest, and On the Mountain.Kids will also love Maurice Pledger's StickerBooks and Peek-and-Find Books. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This book is awesome!
This is a great book for introducing children to a variety of textures. It does this by incorporating typical seashore elements with textures a small child can feel. In addition the reader has to hunt for hidden treasure throughout the book. This provides a fascinating learning experience for young children. Our one year old absolutely loves it! ... Read more

Book Description

Most children have jumped into piles of leaves or helped their parents rake the yard, and everyone has wondered: Why do leaves change color? Activities that a child can do with leaves and even a list of places known for brilliant fall colors that readers can visit with their families is included. "An informative concept book."—BL.

... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fairly detailed book for early elementary children.
I have this book in my preschool classroom, but it is not one that I read at storytime. We use it as a resource when one child begins to question how or why the leaves change color. It is a helpful resource for me as an adult to understand the process, yet in simple language and with pictures to make it interesting for children. ... Read more

Book Description

Charming illustrations and playful rhythmic verse make real-life learning fun by taking babies and toddlers on an adventurous discovery of water and its many sources.

Squeezable and floatable, Water, Water, Everywhere can be enjoyed in and out of the tub. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fun to read (and chew on)
This book is fun to read to a baby of any age. My son (who is 6 months) sometimes likes to look at the pictures, but also likes to chew on the book (gums only of course), which is perfectly fine since it is made of a waterproof material similar to that of an inner tube. Not my favorite book in the collection, but I do like taking it out from time to time. ... Read more

Book Description

It's the easiest and most fool-proof tree identification guideavailable.Four visual keys--die-cut leaf, bark pattern,distinguishing flower, seed, or nut, and photo of the full tree--anddescriptions of height, shape, habitat, and more combine to give acomplete picture of North America's forest and backyard trees.Inaddition, TREES is a cultural history--of the mighty White Oak andCalifornia Redwood, the tree that grows in Brooklyn and the importantWhite Ash, as useful for Native American bows as for the powerful batsof our national pastime. 50 individually die-cut cards, full-colorthroughout. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A cute guide to trees for kids and parents alike...
My kids find the Fandex format easy to use, and the information on them accessible. We have several, and they're fun for all of us to use together.

I like the fact that each page has illustrations that show the leaf, bark, and seeds. There is a brief description of the tree, some history as well as typical usage. Each page has the following descriptive categories: Leaves; Bark; Flowers; Fruit or Cones; Seeds; Tree Shape; Habitat; Range; and Other Names. Mind you, this is not a complete and scientific field guide for adults, but rather a book a family can take out on a day hike and have fun using.

The only quibble I have about these decks is that sometimes when they're completely fanned out, the edges of the illustrations get caught up in each other, making it hard to close them properly. But other than that, they're cute, informative, and a nice format for kids.

Disappointment
I was very disappointed with this "book." I felt the variety of trees found in this collection to be far too minimal. If you plan on learning about trees in the winter, good luck. The primary method for identification is based on leaves. Although you can identify trees based on bark, etc. it would take hours with this manual. Also, it is far to bulky and awkward to comfortably carry along on a hike.

a stroke of genius
I read a lot of field guides, and the format of this one is a stroke of genius. You match the leaf to the die cut leaves at the top of the "book" and you're well on your way. My kids also adore it.

Excellent, easy to find what you're looking for
This guide is very easy to reference the tree that you are looking for without having to read a tremendous amount of information in typical identification guides.

concise, wonderful color pictures,historical antenotes.
The Guide is good for initial identification to instruct and interest children. It also contains enough important information to impress the nature lover. The historical data and other interesting information makes for good reading. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

all paths to the divine
I am angry, and as one reviewer made no effort to read this book and just blasted other people's religious views with total bias and disregard for other people's feelings and spiritual paths, I think I shall do the same! I give this book 5 stars hoping that will somehow negate the negative review of the other reviewer! If your one true god is so special then go praise him, and leave us alone! We will do what is right for us! We will teach our children what we think is right, which is not to judge, to be open minded, and to turn their backs on bigots like you! (But more importantly, to pity you and be sad that bigots like you still exist in the 21st century!)

Did you really think that posting an attack in the guise of a book review (a children's book no less!) was going to make any of us go... "Oh wow.. He is right! I have seen the error of my ways!" and take off running to the nearest church! You must not be very bright either.

From what I have heard, this book is awesome, and when my child is born I will read it to her and teach her the truth as it came to me! I will also teach her that all paths to the divine are wonderful extensions of our divine nature, which is a blessing from the God and Goddess NOT a curse! I can't think of a better gift to give my child.

Wonderful children's book!
This book presents pagan condepts at a level and in the language children can understand.

I bought this book for my grandson, and while he is only 4 years old, he understands some of the chapters already. I read the chapter to him, then he asks questions and we talk about it.

This book was written for the 8 to 10 year range. Younger kids can understand some of the concepts, while older kids can easily grasp the meanings. It's also a good book for adults just starting on the pagan path.

I recommend this book to the young and the young at heart alike. Great beginner's book!

Mountains, Meadows and Moonbeams By Mary Summer Rain
An excellent book for the pagan family. I loved reading this to my children and watching them light up knowing that they were not alone and not to be feared as so many of the children at school had tried to convince them. My children understand now that it is ok to be different and that God in all His/Her compassion, is not just loved in one way, but in many ways, by people all over the world. To love God is to love yourself and all around you. To share God in all the ways of the world is to walk without fear or prejudice. I will be getting more of her books for my children in the future. Mary's books are wonderful tools to help my children grow with love and understanding instead of fear.

A wonderful way to learn and understand.
I love MMM. I read it to my grandchildren ages 5 and 2 and it even held the interest of the two year old. It is a wonderful way to teach children who they are inside and how to tap into that inside. Very easily understood. The children loved the poetry as well. While I was reading it to them, my husband said that it was interesting even for adults. I think it is wonderful that such a book makes it easier for children to learn and they don't have to search most of their lives for the truth.

A Wonderful Teaching Tool
I bought this book when I myself started the awakening to myself and God. What better way to start learning than from a child's view? I bought this book to read with my Grandchildren who are sighted so they may may better understand who and what they are in reference to God and all that is. The children are the future caretakers of our Mother Earth and thanks to Mary Summer Rain they both have a chance. ... Read more

Book Description

Angel Morgan's family is falling apart.

Her daddy is in jail, and her mother has abandoned Angel and her little brother, Bernie, at their great-grandmother's crumbling Vermont farmhouse. Grandma spends most of her time wrapped in a blanket by the wood stove.

There is one bright spot in Angel's world -- a mysterious stranger who teaches Angel all about the stars and planets and constellations. Carving out a new life proves harder than Angel ever imagined. But she feels a tiny spark of hope when she remembers what the stranger said -- that she is made of the same stuff as stars.

Reviews (10)

Powerful Prose; Powerful Characters
Without a doubt, my two favorite writers for young adults are Madeleine L'Engle and Katherine Paterson. Ms. Paterson has written a number of novels (Bridge to Terabithia, Jacob Have I Loved, Lyddie, etc.) that are among the best I've every read. This novel may not reach the heights of some of her previous books but it is still a worthwhile read.

I have probably shed more tears over Katherine Paterson novels than any other writer except, perhaps, Dickens. They both have an incredible ability to create realistic characters that you can really feel for as well as a deep perception for the effect that death and abandonment can have on people. As I began reading The Same Stuff As Stars I didn't think this novel would have the same effect but I must admit that it did. In the character of Angel, continually abandoned by everyone around her but still a strong girl, Paterson has done it again.

It is her ability to create these realistic characters, however, that also turned me off to this book. I found the characters of Verna and, in particular, Bernie to be so unpleasant that the first half of this novel was nearly unreadable for me. Once these two characters disappear from the novel, I liked the book to be much better.

But is it really fair to dislike a book because the characters are created too well? It's a personal assessment but a fair one, I think. But this book still has many things to recommend it, not the least of which is the astronomy motif which appeals to me very much as a math and physics teacher. Another personal assessment, perhaps, but it works both ways. Ultimately, this is a book that still rates better than just about anything out there. I would highly recommend it.

You'll Enjoy This One....
You can't help but root for Angel as she navigates the adult world on her own, also acting as an 11 year old surrogate mother to her 7 year old brother, Bernie. You have to wonder what adult in her short life taught her how to be so responsible, as her mother is an alcoholic who keeps abandoning them, and their father is in prison. Still, Angel soldiers on in spite of finally being dumped on their great-grandmother who doesn't seem to move much from her rocker and survives on pork and beans. The three need each other and it was enjoyable to see them work out a living arrangement, including getting Angel and Bernie into school. It was also hauntingly mysterious when the "Star Man" began introducing Angel to the stars. We also love the librarian who offers books and love. But the story jangles when mom comes back and snatches Bernie out of school. And we can't quite believe mom is going to come back into the fold after she ends up in the hospital after being in a car crash. (Doubtful she won't light out again.)
This was a good read but not quite as brilliant as "Bridge to Terabithia" and "Jacob Have I Loved". However, I can't quite shake how lovely Angel's introduction to astronomy was. I just found the ending a bit too pat.

A very moving story
I thought this story was a very powerful story about Angel and her little brother, Bernie who goes through hard times. It's touching and shows how some kids have to live. It showed me how hard Angel and Bernie had it, Their Dad in Jail and their mother who was negligent. Does have some bad language, but I highly recommend it.

Same Stuff as Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed Katherine Paterson's book Same Stuff as Stars because it is an excellent example of realistic fiction. The themes that are present in this book are common to many children in today's society. Imagine being motherless and fatherless and having to rely mainly on yourself for support. Angel is eleven years old in this story and is trying to take care of her younger brother. She is desperate for a real home, unlike her current situation of living with her poor-grandmother. A stranger who is able to explain the night skies is truly all she has to make a difference in her life. Will this stranger's wisdom be enough to eliminate her loneliness and overcome her tragic circumstances she faces each day?

Loved it...
Patterson's story of Angel will grab you from page one. She is a survivor, as she deals with one flaky mom and a convicted father.
Then when she befriends the starman, you see her find even more self-confidence. I loved the star metaphor in this book, and the relationships of brother, Grandma, and Angel. I plan to share excerpts with my middle schoolers. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

More successful than expected
I bought this book for my son as it was recommended reading in his homeschool program. My son is not really "into" books but he really loved this one. He loved it so much that he wants to learn more about Vincent Van Gogh and see more of his works. (My son is only 7.)

This book is a great way to introduce your kids to Van Gogh and several of his most popular works.

SuperbSunflowers
This is a great stroy for young children. It gives good insight into the life of VanGogh at a child's reading and interest level. The illustrations are great. It is a great lead into an art lesson.

Engaging Story, Exquisite Illustrations
This is the second year I've shared this book with elementary school students as part of their art appreciation curriculum, and we've all enjoyed it immensely. A touching story children can relate to, excellent for introducing the life and work of Vincent VanGogh.

Brilliant
I think this story demonstrates a very sensitive handling of a small part of the story of Vincent van Gogh, in terms which a child would find very easy to understand. My only worry is that when my children are old enough for me to read it to them, I will have trouble choking back the tears.

Meet Vincent van Gogh.....
"Where Camille lived, the sunflowers grew so high they looked like real suns - a whole field of burning yellow suns." So begins Laurence Anholt's engaging picture book about the relationship between the postman's son and Vincent van Gogh. As the story unfolds, Camille and his family befriend and help this strange painter. "Vincent came to live in the yellow house at the end of Camille's street. He had no money and no friends." Vincent painted day and night, portraits of Camille's family, the sunflower fields, even the starry night. "But no matter how hard Vincent worked, he could never sell any of his paintings." His work was never appreciated, and in the end the townfolk told him to pack up his paints and leave. "Listen Camille," said his father, "people often laugh at things that are different, but I've got a feeling that one day they will learn to love Vincent's paintings."..... Based on actual events, this simple and evocative story has a powerful message of tolerance and compassion for those who appear odd or unusual, and march to a different drummer. Mr Anholt's gentle and empathetic text is complemented by his lovely and expressive watercolor illustrations, and include reproductions of some of van Gogh's most famous paintings. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, Camille And The Sunflowers is an inspiring introduction to the artist, Vincent van Gogh, and his paintings, that shouldn't be missed. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (26)

Green Angel Review
Green Angel by Alice Hoffman is a mystical story about a 15 year old named Green. Green has more than a green thumb. She is so in tune with the natural world that she can literally hear the green beans as they climb the vine and can coax the flowers into blooming. Green's world is forever changed when her family goes off to the city one day and never returns, victims of a horrible fire. Green's world, her garden and her heart are now covered with a thick layer of gray ash. With the help of a ghostly dog, a wise woman, and a mysterious hooded stranger Green is able to slowly clear away the ash. As the countryside begins to once again green up, she discovers that she herself has learned how to live in this strange new world.

Green Angel is a great book!
Green Angel is the story of a girl, Green, who loses her parents and sister in a fire. She is left with only her sister's terrier, Onion. She inks tattoos of bats, ravens, and roses into her skin, wears her father's heavy jacket and boots, and begins to call herself "Ash". It takes an experience with a ghostly white dog, a mute boy, and an old neighbor to turn her back into Green.

Green Angel is an excellent book and has a good moral to trust in you. You should read it!

The guilt of a survivor
GREEN ANGEL by Alice Hoffman is a beautiful tale - a long poem, really - teeming with lyrical prose that is reminiscent of Francesca Lee Block's books. At a mere 120 pages, it doesn't seem to last long enough.

Green was once a calm, serene, and quiet young girl. One day, after her family goes off to sell produce for profit without letting her tag along, Green is angered. But her anger changes to sorrow when she finds they won't be coming home. A catastrophic conflagration has swept the earth, taking lives. It leaves behind black ash, making the world a dark and ominous place in which the daily task of living is a challenge. Now Green, filled with guilt, must be self-sufficient, despite the fact that, at the very same time, she must recover from her loss and her guilt that refuses to subside.

I felt Hoffman's poetic tale to be a downer - it's not once sugary sweet or overly heartwarming, sappy, or happy. Green changes to Ash, as does her personality. She dons black clothing adorned with thorns. Drawings scrawled in black ink cover her arms and legs. The pain of the thorns pricking her flesh does not faze her, nor does the remainder of the adolescent population, happy on their parents' liquor and dancing all night.

Readers suffer with Green as she, a believable protagonist, picks up the pieces of her life in a courageous effort to move on. Her story is told poetically, beautifully, and eloquently, therefore flowing naturally. Despite being short page-wise, it isn't an easy read. Ages 12 and up recommended.

Green Angel
Do you like books that seem tragic but turn out good in the end? Well, Green Angel is the book for you. Green (the main character) is a shy teenager who loves gardening, which is how she got the nickname Green. She has a little sister who is the exact opposite of Green. One day her family had to go to town but Green stayed behind. There was a huge fire and she never saw her family again. Green was half blinded by the ashes in her eyes from the fire. After that her life totally changed. She changed her name to Ash and selfdestructed. She chopped her hair off, gave herself black tattoos, and messed with her clothes. When she went into town to trade, people thought that they could take advantage of her beacuse she was half blind. Deep inside, Green was still there. She would go to her neighbor and clean her house because the old woman couldn't do it. Ash took in and fed wild animals. She also took in a boy her age who wouldn't talk or show his face. She called in Diamond. Will green ever return to Ash's body?
I totally liked this book. It made me think of how people deal with deperession and anger. This book is for anyone who likes happy endings. So stop reading this review and go buy the book!

Very, Very Good...
I loved this book! It's about a girl who loses her family. She is very shy, so I could relate to her. I strongly reccomend this book! ... Read more

Book Description

The sun and the moon shine down on a young boy as he spends a day by the

sea. "Sun shines on the mountains, sun shines on the sea. Sun shines on my

pillow, and says wake up to me."




... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great illustrations
My 17 mo daughter loves this book. She loves to point out the sun or the moon on each page. She hands it to me to be read to her at least once a day.

great first read
my son is 3, and he really likes this book. it has large print, so he can read some of the words. he talks about sunshine and moonshine during the day, and he got it from this book. it's memorable and easy to read over and over. get it. ... Read more

Book Description

My Nature Journal is a unique keepsake journal specifically designed to help children build a lasting personal connection to nature.

This book is interactive, creative and fun! It offers a blend of exploration, discovery and reflective activities that help kids understand and appreciate nature.

Children, parents and educators will all enjoy using My Nature Journal. It's a wonderful way to spend quality time together in nature. For ages 8+ ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fun, factual, and highly recommended for ages 8 to 14.
My Nature Journal with its fill-in worksheets may not be appropriate for library lending, but parents should consider this for kids with an affection for natural history: kids ages 8-14 will find it packed with suggestions for nature activities which encourage observation andnote-taking skills. From exploring insects and butterflies to creatingpoetry and observing the sunset, this pairs facts and easy observationalinstructions with fun pages of fill-in guided activities in the outdoors.Colorful and encouraging with a very bright cover inviting participation.

Fabulous for kids, parents and teachers!
My Nature Journal is enthralling in its simple but complete approach to enjoying and learningabout nature.For children of all ages either at home or at school, the book includes great natureactivities for adultsand children to do together.And My Nature Journal effortlessly combines reading, art, writing and science throughout the nature explorations.Thebook provides colorfulbut detailed illustrations of the five naturalworlds: woodlands, meadows, ponds andstreams,

seashore, and twilight. Highly recommended for parents, educators, homeschoolers and kids'clubsas a simple and enjoyable way to approach nature. From The Science SpidersNewsletter, January 2000.

Great for Big Kids too!
This is a wonderful journaling tool for children and families alike. As a homeschooler of an 10 year-old, I found this an excellent adjunct for field trips.There are over 40 activities that will have you exploring the woods, the meadows, wetlands, and things that go (?) in the night! Thedrawings are delightful! Rediscover the beauty of nature in a fun andinformative format. From field notes to leaf rubbings, your buddingnaturalists will be eager to try the simple yet educational exercises. Minedid...and so did I! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

A Sweet Book
I absolutely love this concept book. My preschool children love it too. I have 4 & 5 year olds and this book is a great jumping off point to all sorts of Springtime themes! I have read many of Eve Bunting's books and all are wonderful; I highly recommend them all.

Colorful, playful, nostalgic, bright and fun.
Looking for the perfect book for kids to understand the concept of 'how a seed grows'...? This one is great, and shows the development of the seeds, from beginning to end while bright illustrations show what fun the garden brings home to the little boy who grew his own 'sunflower house' and shared it with others. How one seed can grow into a plant that supplies even more seeds to sow, and bring pleasure not only for one season, but many seasons thereafter that others may enjoy as well. ... Read more

Book Description

‘Children and adults of various ages, races, and physical abilities tour a public aquarium to look at many of the world’s marine creatures. The language is almost lyrical…[and] the story is alive with color and action.’—SLJ. ‘A versatile author at her best.… In the large, cheerful illustrations, action-filled spreads are varied with portrait vignettes, and underwater scenes with the visitors’ enthusiastic responses.’—K.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 1994 (NSTA/CBC)
1993 "Pick of the Lists" (ABA)
1996 Garden State (NJ) Children's Nonfiction Award ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent to introduce young children to visiting aquariums.
My son is almost 3 and loves to read this book along with me. We have supplemented this book with actual "field trips" to a local aquarium and he enjoys the relationship between what we read and what we see. The author has included many interesting and informative facts without "going over" the little ones' heads. We recommend it!

A beautifully illustrated trip to the Aquarium.
My visit to the Aquarium captures the feeling of being at the Aquarium with its beautiful illustrations. The author has very thoughtfully included a diverse gathering of people who visit this Aquarium, including a young girl who is using a wheelchair. There is so much information to teach a child who is reading this book about fish, sealife nad other water resources. My daughter exclaims her excitement when looking at the illustrations in this book. It is truly a visit to the Aquarium with out ever having to leave the house. We have renewed this book three times from the library and have decided to add it to our perminent collection since it is liked by every member of the family, adults as well as children. We know you'll love it too

An absolutely wonderful book for the entire family !
Akiki's 'My Visit to the Aquarium' is another wonderful addition in her series of children's books about nature and science. For us, it became the inspiration to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium while on vacation in California. I can still recall my six year old son's excitement as he acted as our "tour giude" from the knowledge he gained from this book. Beautifully illustrated. ... Read more

Book Description

When Ms. Frizzle's class takes a field trip to the local weather station, they end up in a hurricane. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The magic school bus inside a hurricane
I liked this book because it is a good way of showing what a hurricane looks like, how they work, what i can/can not do. It talls you how they are formed and where you can go to be safe from a hurricane.

Aw, heck. What's not to like?
For those familiar with the "Magic Schoolbus" series, Mrs. Frizzle's adventures with her class all have a similar plotline. Mrs. Frizzle explains some scientific topic, whether it's the solar system, the dinosaurs, etc. and then lures her children onto her special schoolbus for an adventure. During the adventure the only child that is regularly singled out as the perpetual schlamatzel is Arnold, a boy who doesn't care much for adventures, thank you. In the end, the class is safe and has learned quite a lot, despite themselves. Even Arnold. Then there is a "letters" section in the back where readers wishing to complain about scientific inaccuracies (in this case, how dangerous it would be to be caught in a hurricane) are one-upped by already existing letters. The particular plotline in this hurricane obsessed book was not too dissimilar from the others, and was a lot of fun. I used to read these books to kids that I babysat back in my high school years, and certain types of children love them. The pages are always busy with text, speech bubbles, experiments that kids can do at home, and various factoids sprinkled hither and yon. I do wonder how long these series will last before it is regarded as hopelessly dated by the young. Please note that the review previous to my own was last written in 1997. Currently the show is doing well as a tv series, voiced by Lily Tomlin. Just the same, it would be very difficult to read this book to a group of kids. The books are relatively small and crammed with so much extra text that children will want to handle them one on one, rather than with a large group. Each book would pair well with a companion non-fiction book on the same topic.

This imaginative book has the creativity to keep kids alive.
I'm a kid and watch the Magic School Bus on TV. The books are even better! When Arnold gets lost in a hurricane on one of Ms.Frizzle's wacky field trips, the kids need to know the parts of a hurricane to find him. I thought it was creative and funny to include a radio that knew everything and could dance. By the time Ms.Frizzle's class goes on the real field trip, they have become experts on hurricanes. The weather team is amazed at the intelligence of the students. This book is great because it's not like those other books that lag on and on about one subject without any excitment. The Magic School Bus books make subjects like hurricanes, fun to learn about . I liked how the kids knew more than the weather team. I give this book two thumbs up!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

When you know "the other way to listen," you can hear wildflower seeds burst open, you can hear the rocks murmuring, and the hills singing, and it seems like the most natural thing in the world.

Of course it takes a lot of practice, and you can't be in a hurry...

In fact, most people never hear those things at all, but this book tells you about two people who did -- one who was very good at it and one who took a long time learning.

As in their other books, Byrd Baylor and Peter Parnall bring us close to the essence of the natural world. Thanks to their unique talents, their books are for us the experience about which they write and draw. ... Read more