Reviews (24)

Sweet Story, Beautifully Illustrated
My two year old son loves The Very Quiet Cricket; and this book, along with "Brown Bear, Brown Bear...", have been his bedtime favorites for months. Toddlers and parents alike will enjoy the repetitive and rhythmic nature of the verse (my son heaves a very dramatic sigh every time I read "...but nothing happened, not a sound." The simplicity of the tale lends itself nicely to parental embellishment, which is great for those who like to add a bit of their own drama to a story. I love the fact that I can tailor my reading of it to suit the hour or my son's mood, making it shorter or longer, exciting or soothing. Eric Carle's illustrations alone make this book a worthy addition to any child's library.

I agree with the reviewer who complained that this is not "first reader" material, but I would add that "The Very Quiet Cricket" is more about the joy of reading than about teaching the mechanics of sounding out simple words.

Attention getting illustrations
The Quite Cricket book is another favorite from Eric Carle. I have almost every book he has written. My favorite is The Very Hungry Caterpillar but this is a tie for second.. I loved how he illustrated all the other insects in the story especially the dragonfly. The large drawings would hold the attention of a young child. This isn't a book for a new reader some of the vocabulary is a little difficult. The only draw back to this book is when the battery that makes the cricket sound dies, it is rather expensive to replace.

Great Illustrations & Story, but...
My 8 1/2 month old is fascinated by the wonderful artwork and the chirping sound. I expect he'll enjoy the story when he can understand the words. However, there's an inconsistency in the text that drives me crazy. The three crickets are referred to as "he" and "she," but the praying mantis and worm are referred to as "it." Argh!

Our child loves this book!
We received this book as a gift and Grandma ended up getting the board book version for our daughter because she loved it so much (and wanted to look at it more often than we did)! The illustrations are great, like in all of Eric Carle's books.

She loves getting to the end of the story, but will also turn back to look at favorite pages.

We have a few of the other Eric Carle books and enjoy them as well, but this one stands out right now and it doesn't look like her interest is going to fade any time soon.

Very Provocative Bugs
The Very Quiet Cricket is a great book, and while difficult, I suspect most children will like this much more than their parents suspect. Like all of Eric Carle's books, my son (2 ½) loves The Very Quiet Cricket. The art is, as always, amazing, and he really enjoys repeating the phrases on each page. The formula seems to draw out his inquisitiveness; this book nearly always stimulates more enjoyment than others do. In particular, he enjoys the chirping sound the book makes when you turn to the last page. He'll ask to have the book read to him as many as four times in a row.

This is a challenging book for young kids, more so than many of Carle's others. I think the interesting insects and provocative words and sounds are part of why my son likes it so much. It may be some time before he really masters that vocabulary, but I love that Carle challenges his young readers in this way. I can unconditionally recommend this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the titles for the younger crowd in the Beginners Books series, My Book About Me has an unusual interactive twist--you make it up as you go along. On each page there's something new to complete, from "I weigh ___ pounds" to "My teeth. I counted them. I have ___ up top. I have ___ downstairs."It's a simple idea, but with a surprising amount of educational value--getting children to name their home country, to recognize and draw in the color of their own eyes, learn their telephone number and address, to name favorite clothes, foods, and colors, and more. Finally, there's a two-page spread where each owner of the book can write his or her own story. Illustrator Roy McKie's style is halfway between the P.D. Eastman of Are You My Mother and the mainstream Seuss of Cat in the Hat and Thidwick: The Big-Hearted Moose. (Ages 4 to 8) --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Every kid should have this book
I've bought a stack of these for gifts- give them to every primary-grade kid you know! My son (& nephews & godchildren, etc...) all LOVE this book! It's a perfect way to get a reluctant writer to start writing. With Dr. Seuss' usual wacky illustrations & wit, the child fills in blanks about him/herself, home, favorite activities, etc. You should have seen my son counting how many windows in our house!

It is a family tradition
I found a copy of this book that was given and done by my hubby when he was a little boy. It is so cute to look back on. I loved it so much, I had to look it up for my 2 children. I found it and now my 9 year old son has one, my 7 year old daughter has one and I have ordered one for my little baby on the way. It is a family tradition with us. We love it and it is fun to run around the house and to talk with your child to fill out the pages of this memory book!!

GREAT book!
My six yr old just rec'd this book for her birthday. She is thrilled and eager to complete the book. We will treasure this book always. I'm going to purchase several myself to give as gifts.

i love my book about me!
i got my book about me from one of my aunts for my 5th birthday, and she helped me fill it out. i'm now 24 and still have it, and love it! unfortunately, my mom didn't get any for the older 3 of my siblings, who are now in their teens, but i have other younger siblings (we have a whole heard!) and i plan to get it for them, and also buy a few extra copies for when i have children. (if it's still around, i might just get one for every year!) it's the perfect gift for a child between 5-7. and it's nice to look back and see the ways that things, and people, change and grow. every parent should get this book for each of their children. you won't regret it! it's a great keepsake, directly from your child!

My Book About Me, by Me Myself
I'm so glad to see this book still in print. While my 21 yr. old is all grown up, we hoot about some of his answers back in first grade (example: what do you want to be when you grow up?), and just smile at others (my friends are:...., foods I like/dislike are...) So many of the answers can be in checklist form, just perfect for those who can't yet write, but think big! So now..I'm ordering this for some of my little first grade friends! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Lois Ehlert, beloved illustrator of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom andmany other bold, beautiful picture books has outdone herself with this gorgeous(seriously breathtaking) celebration of butterfly metamorphosis. "Out in thefields, eggs are hidden from view, / clinging to leaves with butterfly glue. /Soon caterpillars hatch. They creep and chew. / Each one knows what it must do."As the gentle rhyme unfolds, we turn the small, partial pages that form thelarger spread of fabulous foliage in this lush, oversized book. Before our eyes,the eggs turn to caterpillars, the caterpillars to cases, the cases to lovelybutterflies. "They pump their wings, get ready to fly, then hungry butterflieshead for the sky." The colors become increasingly dazzling, each butterflyspringing to life with Ehlert's color-soaked cut-paper magic. Several pages ofbackground material conclude the book, labeling different kinds of butterfliesat different stages of development, from the buckeye butterfly to the paintedlady to the monarch. A "Butterfly Information" page clearly labels butterflyanatomy and answers basic question about these fascinating fluttery insects, a"Flower Identification" page showcases butterfly-attracting flowers such as thepurple coneflower (echinacea), phlox, and lantana, and the last page offers afew pointers on growing a butterfly garden. (Ages 3 to 6) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Elegantly beautiful.
This is not a storybook, but it is a book to be loved. With interesting art in vibrant colors, the book describes the life cycle of the butterfly in poetry and then presents more detailed information on moths and butterflies -- and about which flowers will attract them. The inventive art, on odd-size pages, is outstanding. Some of the art is geometrical, some looks like paper cutouts layered to look three-dimensional. And don't worry about the dust jacket -- if it rips, just pitch it -- the gorgeous art is repeated on the book cover itself.

Waiting For Wings Soars!
This delightful story explains the life cycle of the butterfly in a clear, enjoyable way that young children will understand. The rich language with many action verbs and the author's clever use of rhyme make this book appealing to young children. The size of the illustrations are consistent with the story grammer as the pictures are largest at the point of climax in the story- when the butterflies are ready to fly. The illustrations are very brilliant in color which will appeal to young children. The end papers and title page are illustrated and a part of the story. The cover opens up to a large flower garden with the title on the right side. Descriptions of butterflies, flowers and how to grow a butterfly garden are included.
This book will help young children gain a better understanding of nature and enhance their early literacy skills at the same time.

Toddlers and Babies, too!
I have a three year old daughter who must be read to before sleeping. I also have a three month old baby girl who is often in the bed with us while we read. Often, the baby is restless and cries before we finish our books. Waiting for Wings is a fabulous solution. I find this interesting AND educational for my toddler. In addition, the colors are bright and contrasting, allowing my baby to be entertained while the book is read.

Just O.K.
... I was disappointed when I actually got the book. It may be good for the 1-3-year-old set, but my 4-year-old is much more sophisticated about butterflies than this book addresses. For the same money, there are alot of other books that have more beautiful artwork. Don't waste your money-check this one out from the library instead!

My daughter loves this book!
My 3 year old daughter loves this book! Beautiful drawings of flowers and butterflies. The drawback was that for a couple months after getting this book, we had to read it every night, and we had to name every butterfly on every page. "What kind of butterfly is this?" "That's a Monarch butterfly." "What kind of butterfly is this?" "That's a Tiger swallowtail butterfly." I'm sure that's good in the long run, but holy cow, she was obsessed with this book! :) Thankfully, the obsession dwindled a bit, and now we can enjoy our occasional readings of the book together. I do recommend this book! ... Read more

Amazon.com

No education is complete without a large slice of Greek mythology. And there's no better way of meeting that literary quota than with the D'Aulaires' book. All the great gods and goddesses of ancient Greece are depicted in this big, beautiful classic, lovingly illustrated and skillfully told. Young readers will be dazzled by mighty Zeus, lord of the universe; stirred by elegant Athena, goddess of wisdom; intimidated by powerful Hera, queen of Olympus; and chilled by moody Poseidon, ruler of the sea. These often impetuous immortals flounce and frolic, get indiscreet, and get even. From petty squabbles to heroic deeds, their actions cover the range of godly--and mortal--personalities.

The D'Aulaires' illustrations have a memorable quality: once pored over, they will never leave the minds of the viewer. Decades later, the name Gaea will still evoke the soft green picture of lovely Mother Earth, her body hills and valleys and her eyes blue lakes reflecting the stars of her husband, Uranus the sky. No child is too young to appreciate the myths that have built the foundation for much of the world's art and literature over the centuries.This introduction to mythology is a treasure. (Ages 10 to adult) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (78)

Should be required reading!
I checked this book out of the library dozens of times as a child. The stories and intrigue of the Greek pantheon, combined with the outstanding illustrations, make this book a must-read for any child (or adult) with more than a passing interest in history, or religion or mythology. To this day, not having seen the book in nearly 20 years, I can recall vividly the illustration of Argus with his hundred eyes, standing in Hera's chamber. Or Athena, springing fully formed from Zeus' head. Another thing I like is that the authors didn't sugarcoat any of the Greek myths, which were as red in tooth and claw as Nature herself. To me, that would have destroyed the impact and power of these stories. This book is truly a classic of kids' literature.

A treasure from my childhood.
This book has been in print for at least 40 years. It was my introduction to Greek mythology when I was in elementary school in the early 60s. Now, a very educated middle aged man who has read Homer, Hesiod, Ovid, the Athenian playwrights, and all the great literature based on the mythology, I can tell you that 75% of my basic knowledge of these myths still comes from my devouring, re-reading, absorbing D'Aulaire in what can only be called a child's fantasy paradise. I have no children, but if I did and could gift them as I was gifted, I would count myself a successful parent if I did nothing more than introduce them to this book. The gorgeous illustrations are still burned in my memory. How any team of writers could depict Kronos devouring his children, Arachne being transformed into a spider, and so forth, and not make it frightening to a small child--well, this book is a miracle. Check it out and may your family cherish it.

Audio Book is captivating, enchanting and wonderful
No need for a lot of words here, it is just excellent, and probably my favorite audio book ever. The talents of Broderick, Poiter, Newman and Turner simply inspire me. Enthralling, interesting, as well as addictive.

This is the Basics.
An adult friend gave me a ripped but still good book of this
, I read it, and there was the start of my myth-mania.

Great Book, even better on tape
These stories hold my 6-year-old spellbound, as well as the rest of the family! Consider getting the audio version, though, read by Paul Neuman, Kathleen Turner, Matthew Broderick and Sidney Poitier. Talk about great listening! Their readings are fantastic. And you don't have to worry about properly pronouncing all those Greek names! ... Read more

Book Description

On a special field trip in the magic school bus, Ms. Frizzle's class goes into outer space and visits each planet in the solar system. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Best children's science series ever.
The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System is one is a series of science adventure books by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen (Illustrator), all of which are trulky excellent. The chart the adventures of Ms. Frizzle and her class as they go on some really interesting field trips.

The books operate on several levels. They work as adventure stories as the manner in which they get diverted from an ordinary school field trip to the adventure at hand is always entertaining. The illustrations are truly wonderful and add to the story line very effectively. The books do in fact contain a lot of basic information about the topic at hand, so your kids are actually learning something as they read. And, as a final bonus, the books always involve some sore of class socialization issue, so your kids are exposed to some real life classroom issue, (here it's a Miss know-it-all type) and strategies for dealing with them as well. On top of all that, the books are just plain fun.

A great series for late pre-schoolers and early elementary age kids. So, what are you waing for? Jump on the Magic School Bus and have some fun!!!

Magic School Bus Lost in Solar System
Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System
By Joanna Cole
Illustrated by Bruce Degen

In the beginning of the story the class is going to the museum. But it is closed for construction so Mrs. Frizzle pulls a lever and they blast off in to space. The first thing they go to is our Moon then the sun then Mercury then Venus then Mars. Then they come to the Asteroid Belt. They lose Mrs. Frizzle and on the way back to Earth they find Mrs. Frizzle in the Asteroid Belt. And in this book Arnold's cousin comes with them and she keeps on touching Mrs. Frizzle`s things when she is gone When she is lost they tell her not to but she does anyway. This book tells me all about the universe. And the plants and when they get back to earth they make a project about the Solar System. I think that anyone could like this book. I say it would be good when you are studying the universe. That is the time you should read this book. Like I said it could be good for everybody I'm 9 and I still like this book so I bet you will to. I like this book because it is very interesting.

The Magic School Bus
This book is about a class who goes to the musuem but it is closed. So they see it up close. Janet was bragging about everything. After the trip they had learned a lot

I think the book is about being nice. The book is about learning new things. Learning new things is part of life. The book is saying to learn. The book is telling us to try new things.

I think the book is nice. The book has a series. It teaches you stuff. It also is funny. It's my favorite. It's fun to read.

Magic school bus "lost in solar system"
I like this book because it has to deal with the solar system and i like to learn about space. It does a very good job teaching you about it, and the book was really fun to read. I like how the bus turnes into a space ship and goes to all the planets.

Star Light, Star Bright
Not content with what Earth has to offer, Ms. Frizzle takes her class on a field trip of outer space for the fourth installment of this acclaimed science series, "The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System." Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen are bright as ever in their latest out-of-this-world adventure.

The Friz was already planning for this field trip at the end of her previous voyage, "Inside the Human Body." She informs her students that they're "going to the planetarium to see a sky show about the solar system." And since the kids have already swam through water ("At the Waterworks"), dug up rocks ("Inside the Earth"), and been digested ("Inside the Human Body"), an afternoon at the planetarium seems like a walk through the park. Or, better yet, through the solar system!

There is only one thing dimming everyone's shining star. Arnold's cousin, Janet, is visiting for the day and she isn't exactly the quiet type. She's a regular Ms. Know-It-All, expressing her opinions whenever she feels like it. "I know all of you will be nice to our guest," says Ms. Frizzle. And with that, the class blasts off for the planetarium.

However, it looks like the Friz's mission has been grounded. The planetarium is closed for repairs! But that's when the magic school bus takes matters into its own hands. If you can't bring the stars to you, simply go to them yourself!

The students in Ms. Frizzle's class learn all sorts of interesting facts about outer space. They get up-close and personal with the other eight planets - Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. They are educated on universal bodies such as the Asteroid Belt, meteorites, the Sun, various moons, and rings of the planets. They even find out about things such as gravity, orbits, sunspots, various temperatures in space, etc.

Then something happens that threatens to end the students' quest of knowledge through the solar system. What will Ms. Frizzle do? And even though Janet is a bit haughty, is she the only one that can save the entire class from drifting off into space?

Once again, Cole and Degen prove they have no boundaries. Mixing humor and truth - and not to mention a dose of drama - author and illustrator lead Ms. Frizzle's class and readers alike on an intriguing journey of the solar system. Written in 1990, "Lost in the Solar System" is yet another solid effort from all those involved. But would you expect anything less at this point?

The end of this book, like the three before it, has useful information on what was fact in the story and what was made up. And, like she's done three times before, Ms. Frizzle leaves the reader another clue as to what spectacular exploration she has rolled up her sleeves during our next encounter. Dolphins, fishes and sharks - oh, my! If her outfit is any indication, readers had better start packing their diving suits right now!

As Ms. Frizzle herself would say, "Buckle up, class. We're going down!" ... Read more

Book Description

Which letter of the alphabet does Elmo like best? Elmo likes A, because juicy apples begin with A. But the word baby begins with the letter B, and Elmo loves babies.
Oh, no! Can you help Elmo decide? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Best Alphabet Book
This is one of my daughter's favorite books and it also the best ABC book that I've come across. Elmo tries to decide what his favorite letter is, from "D" is for dogs, "I" for imagination, and "Z" for Zoe. Each page has the letter highlighted and a reason why Elmo likes the letter. This books has a good pace and pleasing pictures. It's a great addition for anyone trying to teach the alphabet in a fun and exciting way. ... Read more

Amazon.com

He may be an old standby, but he never lets us down. When in doubt, turn to the story of the cat that transformed a dull, rainy afternoon into a magical and just-messy-enough adventure. There's another, hidden adventure, too: this book really will help children learn to read. With his simple and often single-vowel vocabulary, the good Doctor knew what he was doing: hear it, learn it, read it--laughing all the way. The Cat in the Hat is a must for any child's library. ... Read more

Reviews (109)

This Cat's ALL THAT!
"In a world gone horribly wrong,full of giant mutant cats attired in fancy costumes,baring boxes full of horrendous oddities,and overly dictative talking fish...a young boy and his sister Sally,find themselves trapped,and under the spell of the want to do bad things!".....that's how the movie trailer would read anyways. In reality....this is the classic book that nearly every child,and adult should read,or have read to them. Two children left at home by their mother,on a boring rainy day,and told to behave. Enter the Cat In The Hat....who's goal in life,seems to be doing anything but behaving! The childrens goldfish is the voice of reason,but he is easily out voted,by the want to have "fun". But as we learn,fun that is without boundries,is fun that causes trouble! I remember this book as a child,and we all delighted in a Cat in a Hat,but how soon we would wish we were as smart as a fish! A great read for ALL,and a must for any childs library.

One Classic that should be in every parents' collection.
As a parent of a toddler, I occasionally find myself losing interest in some items in our collection, especially in those that my child wants me to read over and over. Not that I won't acquiesce, mind you, but some five-page works that are perhaps less imaginative than others are harder to approach with a high degree of enthusiasm. This book is not one of those.

Thank goodness there is nothing in this book (written decades ago) that can in any way be deemed "politically incorrect." While my experience is solely with a two-and-a-half year old, I assume that this book would be interesting for older children, and is also geared to those learning to read. I can remember the animated feature that used to run on CBS every year (probably thirty years ago), but the book is far better.

It is the tale of a cat who attempts to provide entertainment to a couple of children on a rainy day. A terrible mess is made in the process, but the Cat in the Hat "always picks up his playthings," and I believe parents can get some use out of this desirable character trait evident in the titled feline.

The Suess rhymes and rhythms are terrible fun, and I have have yet to tire of them. It keeps the attention of my two year old, which is pretty good for a book of this length. The pictures, while a bit bland, are amusing. I recommend the purchase of this classic.

Satanic Undertones! Buyer beware!
I cannot believe that there are still parents out there who havent figured out the simple underlying theme to this book! Clearly the "cat in the hat" represents a satanic creature or symbol, whose sole purpose is the corruption and temptation of the children. He is DEMONIZING them! The fish represents reason and sensibility (God), and the author has made the cat satan... so look at this: Cats EAT fish! (...)Suess has basically said in his story that Satan will eventually devour all that is good and will corrupt all of his children while he watches helplessly from his glass prison. Parents BEWARE!

The Cat in the Hat
A book from my childhood - who could forget - it is Dr. Seuss, gang - you will love it I bet!

Cat in the Hat - a hard-hitting novel of prose and poetry
"The Cat in the Hat" is a hard-hitting novel of prose and poetry in which the author re-examines the dynamic rhyming schemes and bold imagery of some of his earlier works, most notably "Green Eggs and Ham", "If I Ran the Zoo", and "Why Can't I Shower With Mommy?" In this novel, Theodore Geisel, writing under the pseudonym Dr. Seuss, pays homage to the great Dr. Sigmund Freud in a nightmarish fantasy of a renegade feline helping two young children understand their own frustrated sexuality.

The story opens with two youngsters, a brother and a sister, abandoned by their mother, staring mournfully through the window of their single-family dwelling. In the foreground, a large tree/phallic symbol dances wildly in the wind, taunting the children and encouraging them to succumb to the sexual yearnings they undoubtedly feel for each other.

Even to the most unlearned reader, the blatant references to the incestuous relationship the two share set the tone for Seuss's probing examination of the satisfaction of primitive needs. The Cat proceeds to charm the wary youths into engaging in what he so innocently refers to as "tricks." At this point, the fish, an obvious Christ figure who represents the prevailing Christian morality, attempts to warn the children, and thus, in effect, warns all of humanity of the dangers associated with the unleashing of the primal urges. In response to this, the cat proceeds to balance the aquatic naysayer on the end of his umbrella, essentially saying, "Down with morality; down with God!"

After pooh-poohing the righteous rantings of the waterlogged Christ figure, the Cat begins to juggle several icons of Western culture, most notably two books, representing the Old and New Testaments, and a saucer of lacteal fluid, an ironic reference to maternal loss the two children experienced when their mother abandoned them "for the afternoon." Our heroic Id adds to this bold gesture a rake and a toy man, and thus completes the Oedipal triangle.

Later in the novel, Seuss introduces the proverbial Pandora's box, a large red crate out of which the Id releases Thing One, or Freud's concept of Ego, the division of the psyche that serves as the conscious mediator between the person and reality, and Thing Two, the Superego, which functions to reward and punish through a system of moral attitudes, conscience, and guilt. Referring to this box, the Cat says, "Now look at this trick. Take a look!" In this, Dr. Seuss uses the children as a brilliant metaphor for the reader, and asks the reader to re-examine his own inner self.

The children, unable to control the Id, Ego, and Superego, allow these creatures to run free and mess up the house, or more symbolically, control their lives. This rampage continues until the fish, or Christ symbol, warns that the mother is returning to reinstate the Oedipal triangle that existed before her abandonment of the children. At this point, Seuss introduces a many-armed cleaning device which represents the psychoanalytic couch, which proceeds to put the two youngsters' lives back in order.

With powerful simplicity, clarity, and drama, Seuss reduces Freud's concepts on the dynamics of the human psyche to an easily understood gesture. Mr. Seuss's poetry and choice of words is equally impressive and serves as a splendid counterpart to his bold symbolism. In all, his writing style is quick and fluid, making "The Cat in the Hat" impossible to put down. While this novel is 61 pages in length, and one can read it in five minutes or less, it is not until after multiple readings that the genius of this modern day master becomes apparent. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The perfect first space book for those almost-readers, There's No Place Like Space takes us on a whirlwind tour of our solar system, with a few constellations thrown in for good measure. Cat in the Hat (along with beloved Thing One and Thing Two) straps on his space suit and rhymes his way among the nine planets, presenting important facts along the way. Where else could your preschooler learn phonics and astronomy at same time? "A planet can have satellites that surround it.Uranus has lots of these objects around it" is just one example. This is a fine addition to the library of any young stargazer--few books are written with this many facts furnished in such an easy-reading manner. (Preschool to early reader) --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent!
My 4 year old LOVES this book. It presents accurate information about the planets in a simplified, fun way that young readers (and parents, too) enjoy. If your budding astronomer or astronaut is looking for simple, fun, colorful books about space, this is the best!

A wonderful book!
I cannot say how impressed I am with The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, they truly are wonderful books. There's No Place Like Space! is fun to read and helps children understand space and our solar system in a fun rhythmic way. My son loves this book and has shared it with his pre-school class with high praises from his teachers. The information in this book will give a young child a good base of knowledge for future learning.

Loved by both young and old alike
This book is wonderful! I feel that any time a book sparks the interest for young people it deserves high praise. My daughter enjoys all of the books in the Dr. Suess Learning Library Series, but especially this one. ... Read more

Book Description

Spring had finally come and everyone in the village was happy, despite being poor - everyone except the miserly landlord. Mumbling and grumbling, he sat all alone eating a bowl of cherries and glaring as the villagers sang and danced in the meadow. Then, quite by accident, he swallowed a cherry pit. The pit began to sprout. Soon the landlord was the wonder of the village - a cherry tree was growing on top of his head! What happened to the cherry tree and to the wicked landlord is a favorite joke in Japan. Allen Say tells the story with wit and vitality, and his beautiful drawings complement this classic Japanese tale. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

My daughter and I love this book.
My three-year-old daughter and I happened across Under the Cherry Blossom Tree by Allen Say at our local library. It was different from any other kids' book we had read--strange, funny, and maybe a little disturbing. (Face it. We're talking about an old man with a tree growing out of his head.) But because of the humor, the beautiful illustration, and the poetically just ending, it soon became our favorite.

One problem was that the library wanted it back. The other problem was that it was out of print.

You won't know just how happy I was to find that Under the Cherry Blossom Tree had been re-printed until you read this book for yourself. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Poor Horton. Dr. Seuss's kindly elephant is persuaded to sit on an egg while its mother, the good-for-nothing bird lazy Maysie, takes a break. Little does Horton know that Maysie is setting off for a permanent vacation in Palm Springs. He waits, and waits, never leaving his precarious branch, even through a freezing winter and a spring that's punctuated by the insults of his friends. ("They taunted.They teased him. They yelled 'How Absurd! Old Horton the Elephant thinks he's a bird!'") Further indignities await, but Horton has the patience of Job--from whose story this one clearly derives--and he is rewarded in the end by the surprise birth of... an elephant-bird. Horton Hatches the Egg contains some of Theodor Geisel's most inspired verse and some of his best-ever illustrations, the dated style of which only accentuates their power and charm. A book no childhood should be without. (Ages 2 to 7) --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Review
This is the tale of a bird that has an egg but he gets bored sitting on it. He decided to ask Horton the elephant to sit on the egg for him. He says he will and the bird flies away to go on vacation. He sits and sits on the egg and the bird doesn't come back. Eventually people find the elephant sitting up in the tree and he will not leave because he promises he will sit on it for the bird. Some people take him to a carnival as a show. Then the bird shows up at the carnival and sees the elephant on the tree. The egg starts to hatch and the bird comes back to take all the credit for it but when the egg is hatch it is an elephant bird.
This is a story that shows that you can't just let someone else do all the work and expect to get something. This is a great moralistic tale and I think Dr. Suess does a really good job illustrating this point. I think that this is a great book for children because it teaches them a lesson and it is a fun story at the same time. It also has great pictures as all of Dr. Suess books do.

Excellant Lesson to be learned
This playful and imaginative book is about an elephant that comes across a bird that is extremely stressed and does not wish to sit on her egg anymore. So Horton decides to sit on the egg so the bird can take a break. Well the bird ends up taking a tropical vacation and doesn't want to return. Well Horton very patiently sat on the egg through sleet and rain and the most horrible conditions. Well some people decide that this is a hilarious site and feel that he should be on display for all to see. So the men dig up the tree in which Horton is patiently perched and is taken down south. When Horton and the tree reach the south the mother bird finds Horton just as his egg starts to hatch and she demands it back. Horton is very displeased and states that he did all the work and deserves the egg. Well just as that was said out of the egg jumps an Elephant bird, which is a trophy for all Horton's hard work.
Dr. Seuss yet again did a wonderful job with rhymes and engaging children to read. I love the moral that was being put into place that if you work hard and stay focused then it will all pay off and you will be rewarded in the end.
This is one of my favorite Dr. Seuss book if not my favorite. I have always been a fan of his ability to draw children in and engage them in reading. Also the rhymes and silly words are great for young readers. Also what better then to have a moral tied along with it?

faithful 100%
As I kid I loved this book because I thought Horton was a pure wonder. I always loved the line "an elephant faithful 100%". And my little innocent heart took it all very seriously and I wanted to be just like Horton... faithful 100%. As an adult this book has taken on a very new stronger meaning that I did not see as a child... And I am very happy to be passing along the message to my children.

This elephant's faithful, one hundred percent
You've gotta love the Horton man. Dr. Seuss's popular elephant starred in not one but two of Theodore Geisel's great picture books for the kiddies. Now with the 100th Anniversary of Dr. Suess's birth nigh upon us, it's a good idea to take a look at some of his most successful books to appreciate them fully once again.

Mayzie bird is a lazy bird, and would much rather be flying off to somewhere fun rather than tend to her egg. But when friendly (and gullible) Horton passes by her, Mayzie sees her chance to grab a little R & R in sunny Palm Beach. She convinces Horton to sit on her egg, a ploy that works despite Horton's concerns. Once gone, however, Mayzie decides "never" to go back to her nest again. Horton, stuck with the egg on his own, does everything he can to ensure it's safety. Through blizzard, teasing, capture, and seasickness Horton is faithful to his promise, "One hundred percent". When the egg finally hatches (and Mayzie insists on claiming it once the work has been finished) the result is a surprise and delight to the patient elephant.

There's a lot to love in this old story. The Seussian rhyming schemes (often parodied but rarely equaled) have the perfect amount of syllables per line. Every page scans easily, and you cannot help but hear the words spoken in your brain as you read them. I remember growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan as a child and delighting at the reading of the places Horton travels (ala circus) that mentioned my own rhymable home town. Such lines are coupled with the fabulous illustrations that show every minute of Horton's misery in wrenching detail (though not so much that you ever think the elephant is under too serious duress). Thus the payoff at the end is even better than you could hope for. It's amazing how memorable I find these illustrations, even now some twenty years later. There's something about Dr. Seuss that just connects with children on the deepest level imaginable. And there's something about "Horton Hears the Who" that deserves that connection.

WONDERFUL!!!
Just imagine! An Elephant sitting on a nest! How Ridiculous! But wonderful! Horton is soooooo friendly, and kind, and faithful, he's just wonderful! I really like what comes out of the egg when it hatches! It is soooooo cute! I just love it! (The book and the creature) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

We Liked This Story
This story is about Arthur going on vacation with his family. Arthur didn't really want to go away with his family. He wanted to be with his best friend. At the end of the story, Arthur really does have fun and comes back to show his friend all the pictures. We liked this story because Arthur did a lot of fun things with his family.

Arthur's Family Vacation by Marc Brown
It's the last day of school and Arthur wants Buster to come with him on vacation instead of going to camp. Arthur's mom and dad say that he can't come so he's disappointed. Everybody packs their stuff and they load the inside of the car and the roof. Arthur's family gets to the hotel. They only have one tiny little room for all of them and the pool is smaller than D.W.'s bathtub, she says. They have problems on their vacation. First, only the parents enjoy their dinner, then they try to write postcards, but they haven't done anything yet. Next it rains. Arthur fixes their trip by planning out a whole bunch of fun stuff for the family. On Friday it stopped raining and it was the best day yet. They went to the beach. When they got home, Buster was already there. Arthur and Buster had missed each other, but Arthur had a great time with his family on vacation. This was a good book, but not the best I ever read. Marc Brown is one of my favorite authors. I'd recommend this book to a second or third grader who likes to watch the Arthur T.V. show. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent stories for an Early Reader
Short, literate stories, each with a moral, allowing a child to get the idea of drawing a generalization from a story. The brevity makes them understandable as wholes and a manageable size for older children to read (my four-year-old child finds them interesting enough to motivate her reading and short enough to permit success). My favorite editions of these tales place one fable and illustration per page. More at strongbrains.com.

Not quite for children...
The short stories attributed to Aesop have been around for over 2,500 years. Many times no longer than a paragraph is enough for the reader to see the moralistic truth of the world around us summed up in a brief encounter between animals. The illustrations are well done and will be appreciated by adults, but for the most part were not created for children. The vocabulary and grammar can also be difficult for young children on their own, but will be understood if it is read to them with the proper pauses and inflections. Every fable has its moral underneath it. Many of them children will recognize from other storybooks. Every teacher should have a collection of Aesop's fables. Although this edition is not the best for young children it would still make an excellent addition to the classroom library.

Why 4 stars?:
While I do feel this is a good book to read to children and to show the illustrations to. It will be too difficult for them to read on their own. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"The wheels on the bus go round and round.... All over town." Thistraditional song, a favorite of children everywhere, is adapted and illustratedby Paul O. Zelinsky, winner of the Caldecott Medal for his lush version of Rapunzel, and Caldecott honorsfor Rumpelstiltskin,Hansel and Gretel, andSwamp Angel. Fantasticpaper engineering with movable parts, flaps, and wheels that spin makes this aninteractive book that young readers will love to pieces (maybe literally!). Pullone tab to make the "wipers on the bus go swish swish swish," and another to seethe "babies on the bus cry Waah! Waah! Waah!" On closer inspection, childrenwill be tickled to discover several subtle and humorous subplots, as well as afull-circle finale: the last stop on the bus is at the Overtown public library,where the day's program includes a folk singer. Guess what he's singing!

Zelinsky's warm, inviting illustrations are a perfect match for this classicplay rhyme. Children who have learned the hand motions to the song will enjoyhelping the characters in the book enact their own roles. The back coverincludes the musical notation for "The Wheels on the Bus," so everyone can singalong. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (42)

a great pop-up and lift-the-flap version of a classic song
Our two-year-old loves this book. It is colorful, interactive and fun fun fun. It is one of those gems among children's books that is actually bearable the 500th time you read (or sing) it. The artistry is exceptional -- clever manipulatives and delightful illustrations help bring this classic song to life. You will open the doors, swish the windshield wipers, ssshh the babies, and yes, you will make the wheels go round. Manipulatives are generally lift-the-flap or tab.

The material is not very thick, so we also save this book for use with an adult. We have had to tape the wheels back on though, and have lost functionality on one or two pop-ups. Nevertheless, this is a delightful book that will bring smiles to your child -- and not drive *you* crazy!

Two thumbs up for this little cute masterpiece
I learned that this book is number 174 on the list of most popular children's books ever sold. This threw me a little since, prior to discovering it, I had never even heard of "The Wheels on the Bus". The book is not particularly overwhelming in any literary sense. Anyone who has long since forgotten the words to the song will immediately remember them when confronted with scenes of children crying and their mothers hushing them. Zelinsky has added his own little touches to each scene, showing various background storylines continuing from page to page. In one sequence a little dog escapes its owner and chases the bus in a mad attempt to reach the kittens on board. In another scene, the aforementioned kittens are flung hither and yon on the bus, one of them making a near escape. Kids will love pulling the tabs and seeing everything from the window wipers "whooshing" to the mothers rolling their eyes as their babies cry. I can't imagine the book would work after long hours of tab pulling, however. Even for an adult, some of the pop up sections require a steady gentle hand (a thing some youngsters lack). Still, this is a great book for large group or individual child presentations. The sections are inventive and the song, no matter how people complain about it, is catchy. On the whole, an inventive and enjoyable creation.

Fantastic!
I first bought this book when my older son, who is now 12, was a toddler. Although it has many moving parts (all great fun), it lasted through his brother's use as well. I have since bought it for several nieces and nephews as a gift for each one's 2nd birthday. All of them have loved it, and read it for many years. The story is true to the song, but the illustrations have small side stories running through them, allowing older children to enjoy as well. Definitely a great purchase!

My daughter loves it - 16 months old
I bought an older version of this book at a thrift shop - (...) My daughter loves it, and when I left her a few minutes ago she was moving the baby's arms singing "wah, wah, wah" (the baby on the bus goes wah wah wah...)

She tore out the mother on the bus, so I am keeping the book up high except to read.

(...). It's a great gift book. The pages are sturdy, too.

Absolutely delightful
Without a doubt, my 2 yr. old's favorite book. Over and Over and Over again. The illustrations are wonderful. Another one of our favorites is AWAY WE GO! Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino.
Just pops with fun and brightness. Transportation, cars, etc. is
quite big at this age! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A perfect springtime accompaniment to actual bugs, Insectlopedia swarms, buzzes, and slithers with poetry and paint. Douglas Florian, creator of the award-winning Beast Feast, On the Wing, and In the Swim, has succeeded again, this time with a delightful infestation of 21 spider and insect poems and paintings, awash in watercolor and collage on primed brown paper bags.

Well-loved for his clever wordplay (complete with endearingly shameless visual and verbal puns), Florian manages to seamlessly blend science with pure whimsy. Take "The Praying Mantis," for example: "Upon a twig/I sit and pray/For something big/To wend my way;/A caterpillar,/Moth,/or bee--/I swallow them/Religiously." His rhythmic chant "The Weevils" begins, "We are weevils./We are evil./We've aggrieved/Since time primeval." Add a few inchworms, moths, and whirligig beetles, and you have the blisteringly funny, stingingly clever Insectlopedia, the perfect book for emerging entomologists and budding poets alike. (All ages) ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great fun, even for kids who aren't "insect lovers"
This is a book of poems about insects. The poems are great; their content is funny and rhythmic. Through the poems we learn about the various insects. Some have very creative text formatting such as the inchworm; the text is shaped like a humped-up inchworm. The illustrations are very creative collages that are unique compared to most other children's books.

I began reading this when my first son was 2 years old and he loved the poems then and he loves them now. Neither of my children are otherwise very interested in reading about insects but this book captures their interest and they laugh hysterically at some of these poems. After reading these they have found some of the more unusual insects such as the walking stick outdoors and called it to my attention. We've owned the book for 3 years, every once in a while my now-5 year old will find it and get excitedly proclaim "we haven't read this in a long time" and begs me to read it again (and again and again).

Some of the insects featured are the inchworm, tick, walking stick, praying mantis, monarch butterfly, daddy long legs spider and army ants.

The poems are so much fun I don't mind reading the entire book two or three times in a row. A fun book to read to young children. This is good reading for just plain fun or to introduce poetry or to enhance learning about insects and nature.

It's great! (Ethan 5) It's Wonderful (Alissa 6)
We just love reading Insectlopedia! My 6 year old daughter andmy 5 year old son both think it is a great read. Ethan & Alissalike the poem about the Whirligig Beetles the best.

Excellent Book Filled with Info!
I read this book while sitting in the Dr.'s office this week. It was not only fun to read, but educational as well. At 27 I learned some interesting things about insects! And the illustrations are outstanding, especially for adults who can look further into the artwork.

enchanting poems not only for children
Florian created a wonderful book of poems that captured the youthful joy and echantment of the insect world. Each poem is unique and the accompanying illustrations are whimsical and fun. Both parents and children will love this book.

A pure delight!
As a children's author myself, I look at a LOT of picture books each year. INSECTLOPEDIA was one I simply had to have. The poems and art are equally witty, and it seems to me the perfect gift book, to be enjoyed and appreciated by children (and adults) of all ages. Every time I show it to someone, we find something new to delight us in the art work. A wonderful book! ... Read more

Amazon.com

From the author of the award-winning legend of peace, Old Turtle, comes a soulful new tale about the wise old turtle who advocates listening to the "language of breezes...learning lessons from stones and animals and trees and stars." In this story, a truth falls from the stars, breaking in half when it lands. Crow, Fox, Coyote, and Raccoon, each pick up this piece of truth but discard it because of its rough edges and broken nature. But when a human being finds it, noting the words "You Are Loved" written on it, he and his people cherish it as their most important possession. Time passes, and jealousy, fear, and anger rise up in the people who hold this Great Truth, as well as in those who do not have it. The world begins to suffer. Finally, it's up to a little girl to seek understanding and a solution to the woes of the world.

Old Turtle and the Broken Truth's new age allegory is exquisitely wrought, in word and in picture. Douglas Wood's prose is the timeless language of fables, meshing perfectly with Jon Muth 's radiant watercolors for an experience anyone seven to one hundred and seven can appreciate. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Compelling Story + Elegant Watercolors:=Ageless Picture Book
I picked this book because I love turtles and I was intrigued about what on Earth (or anywhere, for that matter!) the Broken Truth might be....

Through Douglas Wood's narrative, I was taken to a land where every stone was a teacher and every breeze a language, where every lake was a mirror and every tree a ladder to the stars.....

And then in a brief moment, the sight of the Broken Truth falling to the ground in an especially poignant watercolor by illustrator Jon Muth.

I found the unfolding story to be told gently and with great care. As one other reader noted, it echoes so clearly many of the challenges which are inherent in humankind today.

And then, on the other hand, I am very familiar with this place where every stone is a teacher, every breeze a language, every lake a mirror and every tree a ladder to the stars.... Very worthy read... and very worthy of sharing with children and grown children everywhere.

Old Turtle returns with another bit of wisdom for the people
In this sequel to the beloved "Old Turtle," the people of the Earth are living in peace until they discover a powerful truth that gives them strength and happiness. The result is that the Earth is soon full of suffering and war until one little girl seeks out Old Turtle, who tells her that what the people do not realize is that the great "truth" is broken and incomplete. It is then up to the little girl to travel back to the world and pass on the precious piece of wisdom that will provide the people with the whole truth.

While I certainly like the idea of a "broken truth" as a metaphor for explaining why so much goes so terribly wrong in the world in which we live, I had to admit that I was rather disappointed by the revelation of what were the two halves of the broken truth. The completed message is certainly worthwhile, and an important one for everyone to appreciate and understand, but I am not sure why half of that truth (the first half in this case), would create a world of war and suffering. However, young readers will not be sidetracked by such practical concerns and should find the message of "Old Turtle and the Broken Truth" to be something that meets their expectations. Douglas Wood's story is complimented by watercolors by Jon J. Muth.

Beautiful Story
Having never heard of or read "Old Turtle", I am not sure WHY I was compelled to look at this book while at the book store today. Perhaps it was the awesome watercolor on the cover..? At any rate, I sat and read the entire book. I remember looking up twice to see if anyone noticed how choked up I was getting - NOT the reaction I was expecting out of myself, but then again, I wasn't expecting to sit down and read one of the most eloquent, beautiful stories I've ever read. I immediately purchased it for an environmentalist/animal rights activist friend of mine, a brilliant girl with so much passion and ability to change the world, who of course I was reminded of by the little girl in the story. This book so amazingly sums up so many of the problems in our world and collective conscience, and so brilliantly pulls them all together into one fundamental flaw in our thinking, whether it's our ignorant views towards animals, nature, or the middle-east, etc. And it offers hope. I can't wait to give it to my friend!

Insightful!
This simple story is actually quiet complex and compelling, revealing the consequences of self-righteousness and intolerance. Within the first few pages, the author quickly sets the stage for conflicts that Old Turtle can explain with his insight and understanding. This is a timely story, as we are often confronted today with accepting others' viewpoints and cultures.

Most children's books aren't just for children...
This story of a broken truth and the secret to peace and happiness is a remarkable tale for children and adults. Children may not grasp the full meaning of the story, but they may appreciate that it is a child who helps the world. Adults will find that the simple truth gives them chills. The watercolor illustrations are as beautiful as the tale.
I bought this book for my friend's birthday. Once you read it, you, too, will want to share it with those around you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In a wise and witty manner, brothers David and Tom Gardner, founders of the multimedia investment company The Motley Fool, impart their investment strategies to the adolescent masses with The Motley Fool Investment Guide for Teens. In eight teen-friendly sections, the brothers Gardner and writing partner Selena Maranjian demystify the stock market by describing and defining mutual funds, banking practices, IRAs, and drip investing. The authors also include numerous quotes from money-savvy adolescents who detail some of their rookie market moves in an attempt to help their peers steer clear of similar mistakes. Parents will approve of the strongly worded sections on credit card debt and the costly financial and physical tolls a smoking habit takes on both wallet and health. In fact, parents would do well to pick up this investment primer for their own edification, if they find the stock market a confusing and chaotic business. Loaded with worksheets, helpful Web sites on a variety of financial subjects, a concise glossary, and a comprehensive index, this is one investment guide that both generations can and will turn to again and again.

Traditionally, teens have been known for having a hard time seeing the proverbial Big Picture. But the Gardners respond admirably to this characteristic, by constantly emphasizing the fortune teens can make in the future by investing now and reminding them that investing money is the least labor-intensive way to make more of the desirable green stuff. A perfect gift for the burgeoning Warren Buffet in your life. (Ages 12 and older) --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A book they will read
Although it contains some information that my daughter thought was unrealistic, like the amount she should be able to save each week, she thought the book had some great ideas. I especially liked that they didn't talk down to the teenagers yet told them about the true financial cost of smoking, the good use of credit cards, ATMS and the fiancial mistakes many people make. A good book that tells it to them straight in a format that they will read.

Getting Closer to Financial Independence
I thought this was an excellent book for teenagers. It not only shows them how to intelligently invest, but it also provides funny examples of what not to do in the stock market. I think it would be an excellent asset for people in their early twenties as well because it gives a great deal of advice on money management. In college, most students are not "rolling in the dough", so why not invest what little "dough" you do have and make some money for the future. It can also persuade kids to become healthier because the book outlined what cigarette smoking can do to a person's wallet. As if cigarette smoking isn't already bad enough. I also found the worksheets within the book extremely helpful, and I will continue to use them as guides as I take my first steps towards financial independence.

Good Book for Teens Who Really Wanna Know It All
After reading the other reviews here about this book, I decided to go out and get it myself. I wanted to know everything there was about money after I've seen my parents struggle with things like credit card debt. I was very happy with the book! It teaches everything from the ever complicated stock investing, to checks and credit cards. The only thing bad about it was some of it was harder to understand at times. And that some of the topics got boring at times. But other than that, I was very pleased with the book. It taught me all I needed to know about money.

Excellent advice covering all teen money matters
This book offers intelligent and very well supported advice for teens and their money. I liked the book so much I finished it in a few days (234 pages), and I'm going to buy it for my brother for Christmas. This book offers a wealth of financial advice for teens, not just what to look for when investing stocks. It really emphasizes knowing why you are making certain moves, not just what moves to make, which is great. All in all, the book manages to teach a fairly large amount of information without bogging the reader down with financial jargon (and it has a glossary in the back anyways).

great book
The Motley Fool investment guide for teens is a great book to buy not only if your a teen but also if you're in college. It teaches you how to save for your retirement. most people don't think about that until there thirtys.
I rented this book from the library and now my mom's getting it for me for Christmas so i can read it again ... Read more

Amazon.com

With Mr. Peabody's Apples, her gorgeous sophomore venture into the realm of children's literature, Madonna sustains her transformation from material girl to mom. Inspired by a 300-year-old Ukrainian story and illustrated by the talented Loren Long, Madonna's tale is about the dangers of gossip. As a frequent target of the rumor mill, who better to teach the young ones about the "power of words" and their potential to cause "harm to others" than the newly reformed diva?

Set in a tiny American town, Madonna's story features the big-hearted and much beloved Mr. Peabody, an elementary school teacher and Little League coach who dedicates his summer Saturdays to the local losing team. The kindly teacher seems to savor life the way he savors his weekly apple--taking pleasure in the little things. One weekend after the game, Tommy Tittlebottom watches Mr. Peabody take his apple without paying for it. The following weekend Tommy calls in reinforcements to witness Mr. Peabody's transgression. By the next Saturday, Mr. Peabody's apparent theft has become grist for the Happville rumor mill and no one comes to Little League practice. These moments truly highlight Long's talents as an illustrator--the handsome Mr. Peabody (part Harry Connick Jr., part Robert Redford) comes to life on the page, his disappointment as palpable as that of Billy Little, the young boy who idolizes him. A simple explanation puts the rumors to rest, but as Mr. Peabody points out in a poignant demonstration, small talk can often lead to big trouble for everyone.

In a wonderful departure from her debut children's book The English Roses, Madonna has created a tribute to 1940's small-town America that delivers a fundamental message about respecting others. Children will love Mr. Peabody and parents will appreciate the gentle nudge with which he delivers his message. Mr. Peabody's Apples unfolds slowly, but readers young and old will want to linger over each illustrated page lovingly rendered in a muted pallet of rich color. --Daphne Durham ... Read more

Reviews (63)

Better than her last
"Mr Peabody's Apples" generally makes more sense from a storytelling standpoint and from a children's marketing standpoint than Madonna's first "children's book."

The message of "Mr. Peabody's Apples," isn't quite what Madonna and the publicists would have you believe. It is