Book Description

It's the Grouchy Ladybug's 20th birthday. To celebrate, we are introducing a new, larger format edition with brighter, more colorful pages created from Eric Carle's original artwork using the latest reproduction technology. The Grouchy Ladybug is bigger and brigher, as irascible but irresistable as ever and will surely delight new generations of readers, as well as her devoted fans of all ages. Happy Birthday, Grouchy Ladybug!

Reviews (38)

Great for all ages!
I am a mother of 3 aged 5,3 & 1 year. All three of my children love this book. They think the Grouchy Ladybug is a silly bug. They enjoy "reading" along with me because the book is so repetitive! Even my one year old sits & listens intently to the pattern. "Ya' wanna fight! " "If you insist..." "Oh- you're not big enough." Repetition is the best tool in teaching to read & Eric Carle books are PERFECT for that! The other concepts he introduces in his books such as TIME & DAYS are helpful in teaching too. GREAT WORK, MR. CARLE!

The Wonderful World of Insects
The Grouchy Ladybug is a wonderful Eric Carle book. I love his mosiac illustrations, and the moral he projects. The grouchy ladybug is mean to all the other insects that he meets. He does not want to share the aphids on his leaf with the friendly ladybug. He ends up making no friends at all, and the animals he is rude to are getting bigger and fiercer as the book goes on. In the end the grouchy ladybug ends up on the same leaf he started out on, and shares the aphids.

Note to teachers: This is a great book to introduce a unit on insects. Most students probably don't understand what aphids are, and the ladybugs feed on them. You could also incorporate all of the other animals in the text to do a unit on animals. There are so many wonderful teaching oportunities with all of Eric Carle's books, but this is one of my favorites.

Wonderful book--one of my child's favorites
This is a great book and the repetition is great for a emerging young reader. My 3 year old can "read" this book to himself and his baby sister because he can anticipate what will happen when he turns the page. He has language delays due to hearing problems when he repeated ear infections and these repetitious books that Eric Carle has done have been wonderful with slowly introducing him to language.

Repetition, repetition, repetition....
After reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar to my son enough times to have it memorized, I bought this book thinking that it would be a nice change, and expecting The Grouchy Ladybug to have a moral somewhere along the lines of Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (if you haven't read that to your kids, get it). I found The Grouchy Ladybug to be repetative to the point of parental abuse. Eric Carle has good children's books, but this one was definitely not my favorite. The only thing my son has learned from it is "Hey, You, Wanna Fight?" It was okay to read once or twice, but the next garage sale, it's going to mysteriously vanish. I would suggest The Very Hungry Caterpillar instead, if you don't have it.

This book is crap
Eric Carle has done better. Read the "Very Quiet Cricket". This book is extremely repetitive and isn't really even a story so much as an excuse for the mediocre illustrations and a kind of irritating gimmick of having differently sized pages. These pages are have for my son to turn also.

I love reading real children's stories to my kids, and I don't mind some repetition (e.g., "Guess how much I love you" and "Are you my Mother?" are great...) But the ladybug keeps saying the same thing over and over and over. Yeah, I've hid the book from my kids and they don't miss it. ... Read more

Book Description

Poor Hermit Crab! He's outgrown his snug little shell, so he finds himself a larger one -- and many new friends to decorate and protect his new house. But what will happen when he outgrows this shell, and has to say good-bye to all the sea creatures who have made Hermit Crab's house a home?

Children facing change in their own lives will relate to Hermit Crab's story -- and learn a lot about the fascinating world of marine life along the way. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A House for Hermit Crab
'A House for Hermit Crab' is about Hermit, the Crab, is looking for a nice, new, and especially, comfortable, new home to live in. When he finally finds his knew house, he decides it needs a few things to perk it up a bit. Along the way, he meets a few friends who help him very much. The lesson that this book teaches people is that; it teaches to never give up hope in finding something that you need, because if you're not looking hard enough, it would be right in your face and you wouldn't see it. It also teaches that friends are always there if you ask for them. The age for this book would be about 1st ' 2nd grade. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the ways sea creatures help each other.

A House for Hermit Crab
In my own opinion i think that "A House for Hermit Crab" is a good childrens book. I would definetly recommend it to kids. I, myself enjoyed reading this book, so im sure that children would too. The book is about a hermit crab that grows out of his shell and looks for a year to find different things to decorate, protect, and clean his shell. He finds a another little hermit crab that is in need of a shell too, so Hermit Crab gives him his shell and tells him to take good care of his friends. This is a story of friendship and growing up. Its a cute story, and i advise you to read it.

A House for Hermit Crab
The book A House for Hermit Crab I thought was a great childrens book. It was about this Hermit Crab that lives in a shell but soon grows out of it so one day he makes up his mind to go and try to find a new shell that would fit. As hes out adventuring he finds a shell that fits but its too plan he thinks. As he goes on with his shell he finds all these plants and other items that will make his shell pretty and better looking to him. He soon builds a wall up around his shell and then after all that work he grew out of that shell because getting all those things took a year. Then another hermit crab comes and says that she was out grown her shell too so he give his shell to her and he makes her promike that she will take care of all her friends that are attached to the shell. Now he goes on to find a new shell for himself but like before the shell that he found was a little to plan so he thinks hes going to find some more things to put on it hes excited to do this because he remembered what good friends he made last time.
I would definitely recmmend this book to any child.

A wonderful book for ALL ages!
This book is so good - and a wonderful allegory for anybody facing a life change. A child will enjoy the simple story of a hermit crab looking to decorate his shell, and all the creatures who agree to help him. But the sub-context of change - and greeting it with enthusiasm - is what draws me to this book. I plan on buying it for my son when he enters kindergarten this fall, and will give it to others who will be facing similar challenges.

A House for Hermit Crab
You will enjoy reading about this crab who takes his time in selecting just the right house. "A House for Hermit Crab" encourages reasoning and thinking skills for the young listener (aged 2-6). This book will help give your Eric Carle library a new protective shell. ... Read more

Book Description

In autumn, a strong wind blows flower seeds high in the air and carries them far across the land. One by one, many of the seeds are lost -- burned by the sun, fallen into the ocean, eaten by a bird. But some survive the long winter and, come spring, sprout into plants, facing new dangers -- trampled by playing children, picked as a gift for a friend. Soon only the tiniest seed remains, growing into a giant flower and, when autumn returns, sending its own seeds into the wind to start the process over again.

Eric Carle's eloquent text and brilliant collages turn the simple life cycle of a plant into an exciting story, a nature lesson, and an inspiring message of the importance of perseverance. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

LOVE IT!!!
I absolutely adore this book! It is soooooo well written! Its pictures are absolutely beautiful! This book is a must for anyone with children! It is just that good! You should buy this book right away! I PROMISE that you will LOVE it too!

Dust in the wind.
A treat for both child and adult nighttime-tucker-in-person. The edition in our home came with seed packets and plastic trowel for hands on gardening by my own "Tiny Seed" when she was 5.

Bloom where you're planted...and hope for kind soil.--Laurel825

The Tiny Seed
This is a very good book. I think that this is a very inspiring story to people who might think they are too small and won't amount to anything. This is not true in this case, it just takes a little longer to develop. The others develop quckly, and they end up ending quickly to. When he keeps going on, and never really gives up. He sure thinks about giving up a lot but never really does. In the end it will work out better for the person who has to try hard to get through everything, something bad is bound to happen to you. When you tr and never give up, you will succeed. You will become bigger and better than anyone who got an east way through life.
Because you had to go through so much on your journey, when everyone else had it easy,when they have to strugge to get through things, you will get to sit back and relax.
And this story demonstrates that just because you are small you can't grow bigger or can't do things. ...

The Tiny Seed
If you want a good book for your children and want to educate them at the same time? Yes? Then you should read this book to them it tells the kids how a read gets from the plant then the seeds spread all over. In a cycle over and over. This story tells about a tiny seed like it was any person in the world because every one is different and this seed is different from all the others.

The Tiny Seed
The Tiny seed is about how a seed from any plant gets to different places to spread the plants around instead of one area. It is about how the plants cycle. ... Read more

Book Description

The chameleon's life was not very exciting until the day it discovered it could change not only its color but its shape and size,too. When it saw the wonderful animals in the zoo, it immediately wanted to be like them -- and ended up like all of them at once -- with hilarious results.

Reviews (6)

The Mixed-Up Chameleon, School Project
I think that "The Mixed-Up Chameleon" by Eric Carle is a really great, fun and interesting, and a great learning experience for children. Personally, I have loved this book since as long as I can remember. In the beginning, it describes a chameleon that is bored of its boring life. He then goes to the zoo and sees all kinds of different and beautiful animals. Astonished by the sight of all of them, he wishes to become them one by one. He must wish to be about ten animals including a person. After all of this excitement, he sees a fly and...... Well, I can't tell you what happens! Buy this book and your child(children) and you can find out together.
This is the type of book that you can read and enjoy for years and years. Although, if I had to lower it down to a certain age group, then, I would have to say it's mostly for children from the ages 5-8. But don't get me wrong, I'm defiantly not telling all of you that are older not to read this book.
For all of you parents out there:
This book is a great choice for children that are in the learning process of reading. It's easy to comprehend and there are not many words that will be stumbled on. Also, it has a great lesson behind all of it. You can wish to be something else, and if that wish comes true, then all it will tell you is that you were perfect the way you were before. Wishing to be something else will just make things difficult in the long run.
So after hearing all that I have to say do you think you'll be interested in buying a book like this? Trust me, it will be worth the money and a great buy.
Also, I just wanted to say that if you enjoy this book, then I believe that you will enjoy every single one of Eric Carle's others. He is an amazing author.

Great Artwork, Strong Message
Eric Carle's "The Mixed-Up Chameleon" tells the story of a little chameleon who hates the fact that he changes color to match his surroundings. He notices a zoo and all the wonderful and distinctive animals there. He begins to wish for (and receives) various elements from the animals ("I wish I was tall, like a giraffe" is one). The chameleon ends up as an assemblage of parts which look great on the original animals, but don't do very well all together. The rub comes when the hungry chameleon cannot reach the fly to eat it. He wishes to be himself again and regains his true form.

My kids love this book, not only for the beautiful artwork, but also because as each page is turned, the new animal whose feature the chameleon takes is shown, so at the end, all the animals are shown at the edge of the page. I like the message that being yourself is always the best, and that the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.

Wonderful for the Classroom
This is a story of a chameleon who is not happy. He thinks he is not exciting. He sees some beatiful animals at the zoo and wishes he could be like them. The animals he sees are: a white polar bear, a pink flamingo flamigo, a red fox, an orange fish, a brown deer, a yellow giraffe, a green turtle, a blue elephant,and a purple seal. Each time the chamelon sees a new animal he wishes he could be like them. The chamelon's body begins to dipict a part of the other animals. At the end of the story he wishes to be back to normal. This book could be used in the classroom when the students are learning their colors. It could be used to reinforce squencing. The students could retell the order the animals appear. The illustrations are are wonderful in this book. The students could construct torn-paper designs to illustrate the chameleon.

Story grows on you
We read this book after Brown Bear and Polar Bear and about the same time as Hungry Caterpillar. While my 2 1/2 year old son, Brian, loves all of his Eric Carle books, he's particularly taken with this mixed-up chameleon. From the first page, there are already new concepts to grasp, such as seeing the chameleon turn "brownish" after it moved onto a "brown" tree, "reddish" on a "red" flower, and "yellowish" on the "yellow" sand. That's just Page 1. Subsequently, Brian would then read out loud, how "I wish I could be HANDSOME like a flamingo,"..."smart like a fox",..."funny like a seal" at which point he'll go "hahahahaha". He's only had the book for 3 weeks and he's already "reading" almost the whole book by himself. The story has a moral to it too, about how the chameleon, after wishing to be all the things it wasn't, ended up so mixed-up that it finally wished "I could be myself." We have great fun reading about the chameleon together, as we do about the other Eric Carle characters: hungry caterpillar, brown bear, polar bear, and little cloud.

A colorful story with a valuable lesson
Eric Carle has a beautiful way of telling stories that touch the heart and teach valuable lessons. The Mixed-up Chameleon tells a story about the importance of being yourself. My 2 year old loves the bright pictures and easy to follow story. Another loved Eric Carle story! ... Read more

Book Description

The barnyard rooster crows and Jack wakes up -- hungry, of course! What does he want for breakfast? A big pancake! But first, Jack's mother needs flour from the mill, an egg from the black hen, milk from the spotted cow, butter churned from fresh cream, and firewood for the stove. Will Jack ever get his pancake?

With his trademark vibrant collage illustrations and a lively text, Eric Carle has created a mouthwatering tale for young readers. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Great food book
This is a great book about where food comes from. One morning Jack decides he wants a pancake for breakfast. His mother tells him "Fine," but first he has to go get the wheat from the field and winnow it and then take it to the mill and help mill it. He also has to collect an egg from the chicken, milk the cow, churn the butter, and cut firewood for fuel for the stove. By the time his pancake is finally ready to eat, he's really hungry!

This book fascinated the kids.
Pancakes, Pancakes! is another beautifully illustrated Eric Carle book for the youngsters. My son likes nothing better than a huge plate of pancakes for breakfast and was attracted to this book immediately upon viewing its cover depicting a large, happy pancake.

Pancakes, Pancakes! tells the story of a hungry little boy who wakes one morning with a craving for pancakes. He asks him mom for pancakes but she's too busy and tells him to collect the things needed to make them instead (they apparently don't sell the frozen ones in this story). He's a good little boy and does so without complaint. He has to make the flour (by hand!), wait for the hen to lay an egg, milk the spotted cow, churn the butter and so on until he has all of the ingredients assembled. Frankly, I was surprised this poor child didn't complain and then collapse from exhaustion! Finally, the sweet boy gets his pancakes and all ends well.

My kids were riveted to this tale and especially enjoyed the illustrations. They were particularly fascinated by the page containing a picture of the ingredients the boy collected. The story also invited a lot of questions (my kids are used to microwave pancakes and were quite bewildered by the lengths the boy had to go to for breakfast). They both seemed to enjoy it very much and, best of all, it held their attention and made them think and ask questions instead of zoning out while I read. All of this combined with the beautiful art work makes Pancakes, Pancakes! a keeper for us.

Pancakes, Pancakes!
The story "Pancakes, Pancakes!" is a wonderful book for children. Eric Carle is a great author and has many other good children's books. This story is about a boy who wants pancakes for breakfast but has to do the work to get it. He has to get the wheat, butter, milk the cows, get eggs from the chickens, and build a fire and everything just so that his mother can make him a big pancake. I think this book teaches kids that you have to work to get what you want. Overall, it is a good story and I think kids can learn from it.

Pancakes, Pancakes
If you and your kids (ages 2-7) like to eat pancakes. You will surely enjoy helping them make pancakes with you in the kitchen after reading this yummy (though not edible) book. Your taste buds will salivate and you'll be heading to the cabinet to check for ingredients to help your little ones make fresh pancakes.

Pancakes, Pancakes!
Pancakes, Pancakes has been my favorite "elementary" book for years! I love this book even now and I am in middle school. Eric Carle is a great children's author. I have about every one of his books he has ever written. The illustrations are beautiful to look at and the stories are so appealing to young readers. Great job, Mr. Eric Carle!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

What does an elephant do? It stomps its foot. Can you? From the creator of such beloved classics as The Grouchy Ladybug and The Mixed-Up Chameleon comes this interactive story that invites kids to imitate animal movements. Watching giraffes bend their necks or monkeys wave their arms is fun, but nothing could be better than joining in. From their heads down to their toes, kids will be wriggling, jiggling, and giggling as they try to keep up with these animals! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

What an entertaining book...!
My 16-month old daughter loves to turn her head, wave her arms, raise her shoulders, with the colorful animals in this book. Excellent book to teach children body parts, movements and animals. (She surprised us one day by thumping her chest when she saw a gorilla picuture somewhere else.) I also read this book to her classmates in a play group and they all loved it, too. Have fun "bending your knees" with your kids!

One of Eric Carle's best!
This is a fantastic book! The large, colorful pictures and the simple, clear text keep children bending and stretching right along with the animals! Still, unlike many of the reviewers who loved this for their one-year-olds, we found that this book didn't work for my active, not very verbal daughter when she was one (even though she sat for other books). We pulled it out again around the time she turned 2 and she LOVED IT. This book was a huge hit. Now at almost 4 it is still one of her favorites. Even if she's tired at bedtime she gets on the floor to do her donkey kicks along with the donkey! My older daughter also reported that this was one of her preschool teacher's favorite storytime books. I would say that for many children this book, despite it's deceptively simple pictures and text, is more appropriate for older children (age 2-4). This is a book I buy all the time for 2nd birthdays - It's always a hit! (especially good for active kids who prefer being "active" listeners!) This is an excellent choice for a book that will last kids for years!

A surprise favorite!
OK, I admit it. This book was a gift, and not one I would have bought for my son. I completely failed to see its charm.

That is, until I read it with my one-year-old son!

"From Head to Toe" was an instant hit and the first book that made Jack laugh out loud! He asks for it over and over again, and before too long, he was making the signs along with me as we read. And shortly after that I had to laugh out loud when I saw him "reading" the book to himself, making the signs and saying "I Can Do It!" on each page!

I highly recommend this book for older babies and toddlers. Mamma may not be enchanted at first -- but I'll bet your little one will shwo you just how much fun this book really is!

Gets kids who won't sit for books to ask for this one
This book worked wonders for my children when they were about 15 months old up through 24 months old. At that time neither were interested in sitting and listening to stories but this book was terrific -- it gets them up and moving while learning different body parts. Awesome!! They thought beating their chests like a gorilla was hilarious. Head to Toe was a wonderful introduction for our children on following a book from beginning to end and opened the door for bedtime stories and more.

Great book
Though I don't recommend it for bed time, this book is great fun for the kids to do the things asked of them in the book. They move their heads, kick feet, etc. My kids really enjoy it. ... Read more

Book Description

Durante veinte aÑos, La mariquita malhumorada ha deleitado a los pequeÑos lectores y oyentes. Sus dibujos audaces y su texto humorÍstico nos relatan la historia de una diminuta mariquita, como no hay otra. La mark quita malhumorada no acostumbraba a decir "por favor' ni "gracias"; no le gustaba compartir nada; pensaba que era mÁs grande y mÁs importante que los demÁs; y siempre estaba lista a provocar una pelea. De acciÓn continua y con atractivas pÁginas troqueladlas, esta historia invita a los niÑos a explorar los conceptos de tiempo, tamaÑos, formas y buenos modales. AprenderÁn,a la vez que se divertirÁn, con el cuento de cÓmo esta malhumorada fanfarrona se encuentra con "la horma de su zapato" y se convierte en un insecto bueno y educado.Recientemente reimpreso, utilizando las ilustraciones originales, La mariquita malhumorada, mÁs atractiva que nunca, continÚa siendo uno de los libros preferidos de los niÑos por su originalidad y su belleza.

Book Description

It is Tim's birthday. Instead of a package, Tim gets a mysterious letter -- written in code! Tim -- and the reader -- are off, following the clues. And at the end of the treasure hunt is a wonderful birthday surprise!

Reviews (3)

Toddler Fun!
This book is about a boy (Tim) who had received a secret message for his birthday. You must follow the message, which is teaching shapes and through the wonderful illustrations catches the concepts of these shapes associated with this world. The pictures wonderful as all of Eric Carle's are and this is a fun adventure!

Pointy Star
I love this story, but the board book version of it worries me because there is a page with a cut out star that is very pointy. The way my little guy examines books makes me afraid that he would poke himself in the eye.

This is a wonderfully engaging book for children!
My daughter received this book for her 1st birthday and although she was too little to "follow" the symbols of the "secret message" she adores the shaped pages, the large pictures of easily identified objects - moon, stars, rock etc. and the birthday present at the end which you can peek through to see the page before was her absolute favorite. I need to purchase another copy for her because she has just about worn it out! ... Read more

Book Description

Now available for the first time as a coloring book, Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar will delight children as they bring their own imagination to this classic story.Including a new introduction by Eric Carle, as well as blank pages at the end of the book for your own pictures, this is the perfect way to turn story time into coloring time.At the same time interactive and timeless, this is one coloring book you'll want to save as a keepsake! ... Read more

Book Description

A little boy's cat is missing, and he embarks on a fantastic round-the-world quest to find his lost pet. Along the way, he meets lots of interesting people and sees many beautiful members of the cat family, including lions and tigers and panthers. But over and over again he has to say "This is not my cat!" until at last he finds the cat he's looking for -- who has a delightful surprise for him.

Eric Carle's simple, repetitive text and distinctive cut-paper illustrations make this modern classic a book to treasure. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

That's not MY cat -- but it IS my book!
Ok, so I'm getting closer to 30 than I am to 3, but as a lifetime lover of Eric Carle books and a die-hard cat person, I loved this book. I first encountered it in an undergraduate children's lit. class during my senior year in college. From there, I took the book home to my roommates (two guys and another gal) and it became a permanent resident on the coffee table!

It was great to pick up after a long day -- even just to look at Carle's whimsical art work. But, more importantly, the memorable line "that's not MY cat," became the motto of our household. It didn't matter if the subject was a mismatched sock or an extra plate of leftovers in the fridge -- my roommates would jubilantly yell out "that's not MY cat!"

Have You Seen My Cat is a great book for the kid in all of us -- even if you don't have a special child to read to, I highly recommend this book.

My son just loves this book
This book can be a lot of fun to read with your toddler if you "improvise". When my 3 year old and I read it together, I always add words describing what we see on the pages. For instance, there is a Mexican Cowboy on one page and we say "Mr. Cabalero, Have you seen my cat?" and on the next page, we say "This is not my cat....this is a jaguar" So it becomes a learning experience and lots of fun for both of us. I highly recommend any of the Eric Carle books.

Not the Usual Eric Carle
This book misses the mark. Here's all the words in the book "Have you seen my cat", "this is not my cat", "this is my cat". While I agree repetition is good, the fact that there are no OTHER words to describe the different scenes in the book is a huge annoyance and my 18mos daughter seems bored with it too.

One reviewer wrote that they add to the phrase "this is not my cat" the type of cat they see. Well, I think that's exactly what Eric Carle should have done and didn't: "this is a bobacat. this is not my cat". That way, children learn different animal names, but still get repetition of language. Honestly, some of the pictures are a little hard to distinguish...I doubt a toddler figure out the difference between a cheetah and a panther without some type of indication in the book.

Here's my suggestion: take the 3 phrases listed above and come up with your own story and skip buying the book. Spend your money on "The Hungry Caterpillar".

Great book for cat lovers of all ages
My son, husband and I first checked a copy out from the library and we read at least a dozen times a day. When it was time to turn the book back in we had to find a copy for ourselves. Our son is absolutely cat crazy and he loves the illustrations in this book. They're so lively and beautiful.

Out of hundreds of books, this is my child's favorite!!
This is one of the most engaging childrens' books I've ever read! I checked it out of the library for my 2 year old daughter and I am here to buy it for her. She wants to read it several times a day! We like to add to it by saying, "Mr. Cowboy, have YOU seen my cat? That's not my cat..that's a BOBCAT!" My daughter squeals in laughter and it is teaching her animals and different types of people as well. I highly recommend it...along with ALL of Eric Carle's books. You can't go wrong. ... Read more

Book Description

"I am Joy, and I have come to qreet you."

A beautiful bird named Joy stops one day to visit a mountain. Every spring she flies high in the air, looking for the best place to build her nest and raise her children. As much as Joy would like to stay with the mountain, she must leave to continue her search. After hearing the mountain's pleas for her to stay, Joy is so touched she makes a very special promise that each spring the mountain will be visited by one of her kin. Over time the birds bring about a wonderful change in the mountain -- a change that will transform the mountain forever. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

It's about hope!
I found this book again while cleaning my daughter's room; I found it years ago and it is such a wonderful and uplifting story. Perhaps it was more than serendipity that I found it again, for it seemed the perfect message to send to an adult friend who needed some TLC -- for its main message, to my mind, is one of hope, and of believing in the power of love.

Beautiful pictures, beautiful story
This story is one of the true classics of children's literature, even though it is an unkown. I collect children's books, and this is one of my all - time favorites. If you want a story with substance, meaning, and still a wonderful story - buy this one. The illustrations are outstanding, also. Have a kleenex handy, though.

Beautiful
This is one of the most beautiful books that I have ever read. It is love. Love that is indeed essential. Like water for chocolate type of love. Whenever I read this book it amazes me how as to how real the author personified the characters.

This story not only clarifies the necessity to of the need for love but it brings it forth with such astounding boldness. The mountain in its isolation literally almost gives up in the midst of its quest for companionship.

This book is not only a book for children -- it is can also be a literary piece for adults. In the quest for the mountain's security; the bird leaves behind generation upon generation of offspring to provide the mountain with a sense of love and security for many, many, many years to come.

Beautiful -- is a mere word that describes an element of something that is precious, astounding, and good. I cannot find the perfect word for this book. It seems to me that beautiful is hardly enough.

Beautiful story, great storytelling
This is a beautiful story about a bird that visits a mountain once a year. Both can talk, and they visit with each other. The mountain is lonely. The bird explains she will die someday, that birds don't live long, but promises she will have her daughter visit when she is gone. She explains that she cannot live there as this mountain is barren, so she can visit only once per year. The mountain is lonely when she passes on and cries (a brook begins). The daughter does visit and she drops one seed per year. In the end the mountain is a thriving ecosystem where birds and animals can live year round, nourished by the water that the mountain created.

The book has longer prose than the usual picture books for this age range (more like the picture books published in the 1950s and 1960s). The illustrations are by Eric Carle, interesting and appealing collage format that he is famous for.

This is a tender and touching tale! It is not just a plain picture book prose, it truly is "storytelling".

Timeless Story for Both Young and Old
I randomly picked and read this book waiting for my wife to finish in her kindergarten class. What joy it brought to me, as it will to you and your children. "The Mountain That Loved a Bird" revels in classic storytelling of old: a building promise of a miraculous ending. The timeless themes of emotions, promises made and kept, and "happily-ever-after" resound throughout the story and beautiful artwork. In these days of rapid-fire animation and video game addiction, "The Mountain That Loved a Bird" brings us to a gentler and far more satisfying place. It will teach your children about the power of friendship and hope, a lesson off-times lost in this world of Pokemon and violence. This book is one that should hold a revered and oft-used place beside your child's bed. But don't be surprised if you find "The Mountain That Loved a Bird" making its way into your bedroom or favorite reading nook. ... Read more

Book Description

One fine morning, a rooster sets off to see the world. Soon he's joined by two cats, then three frogs, then four turtles, then five fish. But one group by one, his new friends decide to head home, leaving the rooster alone again -- and ready to return to his own comfortable home as well. Bold, colorful collage illustrations, a beguiling story, and a simple introduction to number sets, addition, and subtraction combine to make Rooster's Off to See the World a delight for Eric Carle's many young fans. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Roosters Off to see the world.
I rate this book at a five. It teachers childrenhow to be nice, and care and treat others with respect. Any child I think could read this because what it teaches is a good lesson to young ones.The book to me was actually pretty good.

Beautiful book but the story is a little sad *sniff*
I recently purchased a six pack of Eric Carle books because my six year old loves his illustrations. Included was the story Rooster's Off To See The World. The colorful artwork is visually stunning and captivates both of my children who insisted I read it NOW!

The story tells the tale (with lots of repetitive text) of an ambitious rooster who sets out to see the world. He leaves his cozy home safe behind to embark on his trip. On each page he picks up a few new friends who are also seduced by the temptation to "see the world". Unfortunately, rooster isn't all that bright and he forgets to make plans for basic necessities like food and shelter. So when the sun goes down rooster and his new friends are cold and hungry. They all begin to complain. Soon, rooster's fair weather friends begin to desert him (the turtle's even leave without bothering to say goodbye!). Before long poor defeated rooster is left all alone. A dejected rooster ponders his mistakes, takes a short nap and heads back out to his cozy home without seeing much of the world at all and the book comes to an end.

Both of my kids lingered on each beautiful page instead of rushing along to see what happens next in the story as they usually do. My sensitive four year old said she felt very sad when this story came to its end because Rooster's so-called friends left him alone but my six year old enjoyed it. He particularly enjoyed counting all of roosters new friends who appeared in little boxes in the upper corner of each page and said he'd like to read it again so it's a keeper for my son, anyway. ~ Laurie Shallah

A Book Children Love
The book "Rooster's Off to See the World" by Eric Carle is a great book for childern. It gives them a chance to read and have fun at the same time. It has colorful pictures and also is a good reader for kids to read on their own. It also helps your childern count by knowing what number of animals is going to come next. When I was young I owned this book and I always enjoyed to read it, and I think its a great book to read to your children.

A book that children enjoy.
Extremely fun to read with your child before bed. The entire collection of books by Eric Carle provide many hours of stimulation. This book provides a colorful way to teach counting skills to very young children. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

More than just pictures!
I picked up this book, expecting to find essentially a picture book. However, this book is so much more...and it is lovely.

The book begins with an introduction by Leonard Marcus, the children's book reviewer for Parenting Magazine and a well-known book critic and historian.

Following this is an autobiography with many personal photos. I found the story of Carle's early years interesting: how he was born in the United States but then his parents returned to Germany when he was six. His father was drafted into the German army during World War II and Carle never saw him again for 8 years, when he emerged from a Russian POW camp weighing 80 pounds. Carle was a lackluster student, mainly because his creativity was stifled, but he did have some empathetic art teachers in Germany. In his early 20s he returned to the U.S. where he was promptly drafted into the army!

The next section of this book was by Ann Beneduce, the first editor to publish Carle's work. She first commissioned him to illustrate a cookbook. After that, she decided to publish his first book "1,2,3 to the Zoo" but could find no one in the United States who could satisfactorily produce it, so she had it done in Japan.

Next, Viktor Christen, a German editor, wrote about Carle's vision and what it means to children.

Takeshi Matsumoto, the director of an art museum for picture books in Japan, wrote an essay about Carle's use of color.

The text of a speech, entitled "Where Do Ideas Come From?", given by Carle at the Library of Congress was the next section of this book. He gave this speech to librarians and educators in 1990 at the International Children's Book Day Celebration.

Next was a photo essay on his technique of paper coloring and collaging, which also explained why he colors white tissue paper rather than buying pre-colored papers (they fade with age).

Lastly was a section of illustrations from his books, in chronological order. I found it interesting to see how his art had changed and become much more detailed in 30 years.

Eric Carle's books "do special things" read all about them!
Inspiration is the first word that comes to mind after reading about Eric Carle's successful life as an author and illustrator. This book contains information about his childhood, his books, but most important his art. I especially enjoyed reading the section about where he gets his ideas. What is so special about Eric Carle's books? Many people all over the world could answer that question. My favorite answer is from a little boy named Paul, he said: "One reason I like your books is they do special things." ... Read more

Book Description

String beans, spaghetti, ZOOOOP, roast beef, fresh fish, chicken and ice cream are the delicious fare during the week in this popular children's song. Until Sunday. Then, all the world's children are invited to come together and share in the meal. Celebrated artist Eric Carle brings new energy to these much-loved verses as lively animals parade across the page, munching on favorite dishes, and introducing young readers to the names of the days of the week. Both art and song invite children to join in the procession and sing along. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Bizzare fun
This book is a little bizarre. The foods chosen include a chicken that looks alive as it goes down, BUT it's a fun book with the colorful, creative illustrations that are the author's trademark. I highly recommend it since it had my toddler glued!

Today is Monday
This is cute book that teaches the days of the week with different foods in the form of a story and a song. It also uses different animals and the text is repetitive. Note to teacher: This can be used to teach math skills, different animals ,and foods. The repetitive text builds memory and can implement body movement.

A keeper for your child's library.
My Daughter and I love this book. It helps her remember the days of the week. We giggle and laugh and sing out the words. I highly recommend this book for any child just learning to read. ... Read more

Reviews (146)

A fun, witty, classic tale.
We have this book in a small and large size together with anEric Carle videotape that has the story. A young caterpillar is bornand begins to eat his way through the world and through many foods that you child will be able to identify. These foods are eaten on each of the seven days of the week, an added bonus, as your child begins to learn that Sunday is a different day that Monday. The caterpillar gets very fat. He builds a cocoon and then emerges a large beautiful butterfly. My 3 year old does not tire of this story. He learns about nature, food and the days of the week in one absolutely stunningly illustrated book. You can't get much better than this for young children. If you have young children, or if you are looking for a gift for a 4 year old and younger child, this book is highly, highly recommended. Enjoy.

Perfect spring reading!
This is one of my all-time favorite children's books. One sunny day, a caterpillar pops out of an egg. He is very hungry and begins searching for food. Now, many of Eric Carle's books have gimmicks--the tactile web in THE VERY BUSY SPIDER and the chirping in THE VERY QUIET CRICKET, for example. The gimmick in this book is that the caterpillar eats holes through all the food, holes that are actually punched into the pages of the book. It's a good gimmick, actually. Also, many of Carle's books teach conventions--telling time in THE VERY GROUCHY LADYBUG and animal sounds in THE VERY BUSY SPIDER, for example. This one teaches the days of the week. On Monday, the caterpillar eats this, on Tuesday he eats that, and so forth. Very cute. Eventually, he becomes a fat caterpillar. He then spins himself a cocoon, where he rests for two weeks. And when he emerges...well, you can guess the results. It's a wonderful story. Best of all, the text is very simple as are the illustrations, so the book will appeal to toddlers as well as the pre-K and kindergarten crowd. In fact, it may appeal more to toddlers, because the story is so very simple. I know I read it as a kindergartener. I loved the holes but found the story rather boring. I read it to my two-year-old this spring, however, and he went nuts over it. The days of the week were lost on him, but he was fascinated by the caterpillar turning into a butterfly--he had no idea! Can't tell you how many times we read it. We also re-enacted it, crawling on the floor and eating, spinning ourselves into cocoons, and popping out with fluttery wings. In fact, he was so taken with the caterpillar-to-butterfly phenomenon that I ordered some caterpillars (I used "Insect Lore"--they are on-line--but I'm sure there are lots of other places to get them). We read THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR at each stage of their development and then right before we released them as butterflies. It was the highlight of our spring.

Never understood the charm; still don't
This is not one of my all-time favorite books. It strikes me as tedious, boring, and silly. I would never have bought it for my one-year-old.

Unfortunately for me, a friend gave it to him for his birthday. Fortunately for him, though, Jack loves it. I rarely get out of it without at least three repetitions.

The pictures are kind of pretty, in a modern art sort of way.

A good book to give as a gift to someone else's child -- that way, you won't have to read it endlessly.

A Classic!
I loved this book as a child, and it is now one of my daughters favorite books. This is a MUST HAVE for all children.

Perennial favorite
While on occasion I can persuade the youngster to read Michael Holt's "Rise & Fall of the American Whig Party" with me, she seems to prefer the caterpillar. Who am I to argue? I would have been disappointed if someone hadn't given us this book when she was born, and it remains one of my guilty pleasures, I suppose. We got an extremely cute onesie to go along with the book as well. ... Read more

Book Description

A dynamic collection from the internationally-acclaimed author and illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar

From leaping, flying fish to dancing butterflies, and camels that "trollop along," Eric Carle's brilliant and colorful collage designs bring to life animal poems from such diverse sources as Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll, Rudyard Kipling, Emily Dickinson, and Jack Prelutsky, as well as Bible verses, Japanese haiku, American Indian poems and more. This celebration of the wonder and variety of earth's animals is "joyous...a book to be shared" (Booklist, starred review).

* An ALA Notable Book
* A Child Study Children's Book Committee Children's Book of the Year
* An IRA Teachers'Choice Book
* An NSTA-CBCOutstanding Science Trade Book for Children
* A Booklist Editors'Choice Book
* A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
* A Redbook Top TenPicture Book

* A Picture Puffin
* Full-color illustrations
* 96 pages
* All ages ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Animal collection
This book contains a collection of animal poems. The sources of the poems are quite varied, from Emily Dickinson, to the Bible, to Japanese haikus. All sorts of animals are featured, from fireflies to hippopotami. There are no scary bits, and the pictures are great. At the end of the book is an index of the animals and a table of contents by first lines to help you find your favorite poems. The book has about 2900 words.

The Inimitable Eric Carle
From Ogden Nash to Shakespeare, from haiku to Hungarian proverbs, ANIMALS ANIMALS has it all--and it all is illustrated beautifully by the inimitable Eric Carle. His trademark collage-style pictures and jewel-tone colors bring to life an entire zoo in this collection of short poems and poetic sayings about animals. Ants and elephants, octopuses and walruses, and many other delightfully quirky animals tumble playfully across the pages, vividly animating the lovingly selected verses. No need to read it at one sitting, or even sequentially; just open the covers and let the pages fall where they may. This refreshing and entertaining picture book is sure to engage the most restless reader or listener of any age.

Engaging graphics and enjoyable text for all ages.
I have owned this book for several years; I originally bought it thinking the bright and engaging portraits of animals would surely delight my young child. Since then all our children have enjoyed hearing the poems and laughing at, studying, copying, and perusing the creatures that share our earth. A lyrical book, both in text and picture layout, which we won't easily part with for some time, I'm sure.

We love this book!
My kids adore this book and it's great for grown-ups too! The illustrations and poems go together beautifully and the selection of poems is wonderful. There's a great range of different styles and even young toddlers sit and listen. Eric Carle's books are always a hit but this one in particular is fantastic. This book will be one kids will read for years--even when they're adults. We love this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Draw me a star. And the artist drew a star. It was a good star. Draw me a sun, said the star. And the artist drew a sun.And on the artist draws, bringing the world to life picture by beautiful picture until he is spirited across the night sky by a star that shines on all he has made. In Draw Me a Star, Eric Carle celebrates the imagination in all of us with a beguiling story about a young artist who creates a world of light and possibility.A remarkable, quintessentially simple book encompassing Creation, creativity, and the cycle of life within the eternal. -- Kirkus Reviews, pointer reviewThis book will appeal to readers of all ages. An inspired book in every sense of the word. -- School Library JournalA fable about the passage through life and its fullness ofpossibilities, children will like the cumulative effects of the tale, the creation of the world through paints, and Carle'scollages flaring with rainbow hues. --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books ... Read more

Reviews (5)

beautiful
This book is simply perfect. The artwork is wonderful(and very appropriate for children... I wonder if parents shy away from it because there is a drawing of a "naked" man and woman standing next to each other? If so, they are missing out on so much) and the story brings tears to my eyes with its simplicity. It is beautiful.

Good but somewhat inappropriate.
I trully love the works of Eric Carle. However, in this instance I do not believe this is a book that should be labeled for sale to ages 4-8. I am a preschool teacher and believe the graphics could have been more appropriately drawn to make this excellent story suitable for all ages. I love the storyline and the graphics in general. I was disappointed by the "graphic" nature of the book when it is supposed to be for children of the stated age range.

Excellence at many levels
This one of Eric Carle's best works, and can be enjoyed by many ages and at many levels. First, there's the art, which is as bright and bold as his later works (Papa get me the Moon, and Slowly Slowly Slowly Said the Sloth). I think that the rainbow picture in this book would make an excellent print, as well as the flying Artist and star page.

Then there's the simple story of creatures asking for other creatures to be made with child-like associations (dog asks for a cat, cat asks for a bird, bird asks for a butterfly), and the neat cycle of starting and ending with a star.

Then there's the whole creation myth aspect. Not "The Creation Myth" which starts with darkness, but one that starts with the need to create the heavens; darkness comes much later in this story. The Artist ages as the world is being created. Could he be the embodiment of Time itself?

Or is the Artist Mr. Carle? I cannot read this without wondering if Mr. Carle is contemplating his life and work. If so, Mr. Carle, grab that star.

A Heads Up for Parents
I am an enthusiastic fan of Eric Carle's work, and found this book to be unique, touching, and beautiful in its craft. However, when I read it through for the fist time with my two-year-old, I was surprised and a little uncomfortable when we turned a page and found a man and woman introduced to the story completely in the nude and basically anatomically correct! The pictures were tastefully drawn, inoffensive, and certainly appropriate in a creation story, but I wasn't expecting a variance from the usual tunic or fig leaf covering in that is usually present in such stories when the book is directed toward a young audience. Personally, I could have used a forewarning to prepare myself with positive and fitting responses to my child's natural curiosity. Whatever your comfort level is with nudity in art for children, it might be helpful to you to know it is there.

A joy for both parents and children to read.
This book is like a spirtual description of how life began, written at a child's level but inspirational to adults, as well. It also includes a drawing exercise from Eric Carle, as well as a personal letter to his readers at the end of the book. And of course, it is beautifully illustrated. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

MY REVIEW
I would call this book a classic. I read it and had it read to me as a small child. I should hope this book continues to be read to children of elementary ages. ... Read more

Book Description

"Do you want to be my friend?" asks the lonely little mouse. He follows a tai1, but all he finds at its end is a rather unfriendly horse. The little mouse just wants someone to play with-but he'll have to follow a lot of tails before he can find just the right companion.

Reviews (6)

compared to hungry caterpillar a disappointment
yes this is a book about friendship and i realize for child at times simple is better but this book i thought really lacked especially compared to how great a book the hungry caterpillar is(i personally think just about this authors best book)it has at the very start of the book the question ask by a mouse "do you want to be my friend?"and then at the end a yes from another mouse no other writing between yes you can teach your child a little about the other animals the mouse is apparently asking though not in print.I personally thought this could have been laid out a little different

"Do you want to be my friend"
This book is about a mouse that wants a friend so he goes asking other animals if they will be his friend. He asks alligators, giraffes, elephants, and other animals, but they all said no. So now maybe you can figure out the rest of the story.
I think the lesson that this book teaches is that everyone needs a friend or you not going to get anywhere in life. I would say that the age level for this book is for three to eight year olds because it has mostly pictures and only eight words. It was an ok book and the good point of the book was that the artwork was really nice.

LOVE IT
As a early childhood speech pathologist and special education teacher, I love this Eric Carle book. It allows the children to "tell the story" and provides a great foundation to discuss friendships. We read it every year in my classroom.

Cute
A bit too repetitive, but I like the idea of looking for a friend.

not what I expected!
Being a huge fan of Eric Carle and a kindergarten teacher, I was fairly disappointed with this book....it needs words! The only words found in the book are in two speech bubbles. At one time, these pictures were published in a Big Book that included text entitled "Will You Be My Friend?". Early readers need simple text they can follow - not just pictures. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Enjoyed this
If you love stories, you'll really enjoy this. My students did. Also nice to add to your collection are: Aesop for Children (Winter), Grimm's complete fairy tales (Grimm), Great Children's stories (Richardson), The Butterfly (Singh). There are many other great children's books out there, but these were the ones I enjoyed the most. Oh, and I almost forgot the two classics that no children should ever be deprived of: The Little Prince (Exupery) and Charlotte's Web (White).

thought this was terrible, do not recommend
I bought this book to continue teaching little Japanese children (4-7) partly brought up in the states classic western children stories, but then realised that the stories had all been shortened- some to a point they were not understandable. I thought a lot of the messages the original writers were trying to portray were lost, and the children found the pictures scary. There were a lot of stories I had not heard of, and very few of the ones I would have called classics.

I just want to warn that the pictures are fairly dark and gloomy and that the stories have been adapted and shortened a lot in some cases. Most stories only have one picture of a single scene and are very heavy on words, whereas children tend to find it much easier to follow if there are more pictures.

Art gives new slant to old tales
Although I prefer realistic illustrations the artisty of Eric Carle is fun to look at and the bold, splashy colors of his tissue-paper collages get the attention of children. The book contained a good mix of fairy tales from Hans Christian Anderson and the Brothers Grimm, as well as some of Aesop's Fables. The book had some tales that I had never heard such as The Marsh King's Daughter and The Traveling Companion, and the rendition of The Wild Swans is one of the best I have read. My favorite illustration was of the horse in Tom Thumb. ... Read more