Book Description

Reviews (2)

Magic Fails to Enchant
Being an avid fan of children's fantasy books, from Goegre MacDonald's "The Princess and the Goblin", Nesbit's "The Wonderful Garden", through C. S. Lewis and Edward Eager up to Harry Potter, when I saw the dust jacket of "Magic by the Book" I was intrigued and read it as soon as I could get my hands on it.I was throughly disappointed.Plot devices, characters and even dialog phrasing were lifted wholesale from Edward Eager's classics.To be fair, Eager lifted plot devices himself from E. Nesbit's earlier post-Victorian classics.However, he had the excuse of updating them for the 1950's and 60's readers.Bernstein does not.All of Eager's books are still in print and available.His clean language and clear-cut, likeable characters were not improved upon by Bernstein.The book's illustrations suffered by comparison as well. The little girls in particular appeared grotesque. N. M. Bodecker's frowning Martha was more endearing.As for Bernstein's more creative foray, the over-long adventure of little brother Will, eventually became tedious in the extreme.The Tolstoy incident was little better.About halfway through this hodepodge, I was longing nostagically for "Magic by the Lake."My recommendation?Go out and re-read Eager.

Enchantments for all Ages!
"Magic By the Book" is one of the most engaging, lucidly written, and altogether delightful yarns -- of any variety -- I've encountered in years. The story of the Thornton children's adventures with their mysterious library tome brought me back so vividly to my own childhood, and to that sense of possibility when opening the pages of a new book, that I felt like a ten-year-old all over again! For any adult who wants to recapture that sense of possibility, and for any child discovering it for the first, second, or hundredth time, this book is not to be missed! ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

There's this boy. Let's say he's somewhere between nine and thirteen years old or so. You'd like to see this kid get creative. You'd like to see him get some exercise. You'd like to see him get out from in front of the television. And you'd love for him to be motivated enough to find some stuff to do on his own. This boy NEEDS The Big Book of Boy Stuff!

The Big Book of Boy Stuff has all the important information that boys just have to know. Collected here for the first time in one place, it holds the answers to these timeless questions:What do I do if I get a bean stuck up my nose?How can I make lightning without killing myself?Where can I find new practical jokes to play on my friends and family?What is the best way to poop outside?How do I tell a girl I like her?WHY would I tell a girl I like her?How many mosquitoes does it take to suck all the blood out of a person? . . . and many, many more! This big, thick, durable book includes fascinating chapters on gross stuff, magic, emergencies, fireworks, games, experiments, jokes, activities, insults, pets, flying things, and, of course, duct tape. This is perhaps the greatest book ever published! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Funny and fun
It has great practical jokes and gross stuff. Besides saying this book will make my summer a lot more fun, IT ROCKS

Boys Dream
To every boy, and every 50 or 60 year old, boy at heart, you need this. Written by a genious, this book has everything you need to keep yourself busy. I, myself as a student in his amazing class, can certainly vouch for the fact that, in truth: This book is so well written and so funny, you will wish that YOU could write a book right now! So get on it, and take yourself on an adventure. ... Read more

Book Description

Tree-ear is an orphan boy in a 12th-century Korean potters’ village. For a long time he is content living with Crane-man under a bridge barely surviving on scraps of food. All that changes when he sees master potter Min making his beautiful pottery. Tree-ear sneaks back to Min’s workplace and dreams of creating his own pots someday. When he accidentally breaks a pot, he must work for the master to pay for the damage. Though the work is long and hard, Tree-ear is eager to learn. Then he is sent to the King’s Court to show the master’s pottery. Little does Tree-ear know that this difficult and dangerous journey will change his life forever. ... Read more

Reviews (55)

A Single Shard
A Single Shard is the story of an orphaned boy named Tree-ear. He lives in the village of Ch'ul'po, on the west coast of Korea in the mid- to late twelfth century. Tree-ear lives under a bridge with Crane-man, who is homeless and disabled. Orphans are uncommon in Korea at this point in history. Crane-man agrees to raise Tree-ear because Crane-man is also without family.
Ch'ul'po is famous for its beautiful celadon pottery. Most of the families from which Tree-ear and Crane-man beg food are involved in pottery making. Tree-ear spends many hours watching the potters and wishes that he could learn to be a potter. However, the law states that the pottery trade can only be handed down from father to son. Tree-ear knows that none of the master potters will agree to teach him the trade. Tree-ear does find work with the master potter, Min. Tree-ear chops wood and digs for clay for Min in exchange for meals.
A royal emissary comes to town in order to award a pottery commission to one of the master potters. The commission will guarantee the potter to whom it is awarded a life-ling income. The royal emissary likes Min's work and wants to see more of it. Min begins to work on a very special piece of pottery. This piece takes Min a very long time to create. When Min is finished, Tree-ear volunteers to take the special piece to the royal court. In doing so, he sets out on the adventure of a lifetime.
This book is full many technical terms related to the making and firing of Korean celadon pottery. The culture in which this story takes place would be relatively unfamiliar to the majority of the audience for which this book is recommended. It may be difficult for young readers to completely understand this story with out additional background information that would better enable them to understand the cultural context. Additionally, much of the language used in this book would be difficult for readers to understand. However, the overall theme of perseverance this book is one to which children should be exposed.

An Orphan Boy
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park is a tale of overcoming the limitations set by one's society through hard work and perseverance. The protagonist, a young orphan boy named Tree-ear is our guide through 12th century Korean life. The underside of a bridge serves as a home for Tree-ear and his older friend Crane-man in the small town of Ch'ul'po. Tree-ear and Crane-man spend much of their days scavenging for food in garbage heaps and on occasion finding fish. Aside from this being the young boy that Tree-ear is, he gets curious and ends up spying on the master potter min. When Tree-ear's curiosity gets the best of him, he waits until Min is gone and begins to handle the beautiful Celadon Pottery that Min has crafted. In an instant it slips from Tree-ears hands and breaks. This begins Tree-ear's journey as a helper to the potter Min, thus to pay off his debt of the broken pottery. The story unravels quickly as Tree-ear wants so badly to make a pot of his very own; however Min would never let a young orphan boy learn his very sacred trade. As the reader follows Tree-ear we too, sit and hope that he will be able to over come his predestined fate as an orphan boy.

Ms. Park takes the reader on an emotional journey with Tree-ear as we see him make sacrifices for his dear friend Crane-man and work even when it seemed like Min was never happy with him. Tree-ear's feelings and struggles come to life as he experiences despair in not pleasing the potter Min. Tree-ear's success are also touching; however you will have to read the book to find out how.

Ms. Park does an exceptional job of demonstrating the roles of various people in a typical Korea society. The master potter is a perfectionist who finds it indecent to apprentice anyone but a "real" son. Potter Min's wife is the traditional woman of the house who takes care of the family and at times even takes care of Tree-ear behind Min's back. Having all these roles clearly defined helps the reader to see how Tree-ear really is defying what the town has written as his fate.

I would recommend this book to all children ages 8 and above. It really gives children a sense of societal roles, hard work, family traditions, and other cultures.

Looking for a satisfying read?
Looking for a satisfying read?

A Single Shard is a well-written book by Linda Sue Park. The book relates to many middle school students like myself, and has meaningful incidents.

This book had many dry scenes as well as some exciting ones. My most favorite scene (the one I think is the most enthralling) was when Tree Ear (the main character) is trying to deliver pots when he comes upon two robbers. The robbers search him for his money but he has none so they smash his pots instead. Tree Ear is devastated because he has just earned his master's trust. It is very exciting because it seems that the characters are more interested in saving the objects than themselves. I would say this is the most exciting part of the book.

The book showed me a lot of things. It showed me to stick with my creativity. Tree Ear tried to be like his master when he was fine with the way he did things. It also showed me that hard work pays off. That can relate to any kid and school. Hard work equals good grades. This book has some situations that you can relate to.

I thought this book was well written yet rather dry and boring. The story was also a little too slow for me. The book is a good read if you like to read slower moving books.

Another hit for Park
I have read Linda Sue Park's other novel, When My Name Was Keoko, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think she is an excellent author because she really makes the reader feel like they are part of the story. In this nover, Tree-Ear is a young boy who lives under a bridge, colleceting garbage for food. The book opens up with a story of Tree-Ear collectiong grains of rice from the dirt that have been dropped by a passoing farmer. Even though Tree-Ear lives a life of poverty, throughout the novel he continues to aspire for something greater. In the nearby village, there is a potter named Min, whom Tree-Ear idolizes. He spends his extra time watching Min. After breaking a pot, Min reluctantly allows the boy to help out around the shop to pay the debt. Tree-Ear is awarded the task of bringing two delicate pots to royalty, but the plan goes awry, and the potas are destroyed. All he has left is a single piece of the once-beautiful pots to show the royals. Like Linda Sue Park's other novel, A Single Shard doesn't fail to be entertaining yet historical. I really enjoyed the story. I feel as though I am no longer ignorant to the Korean culture and history after reading these two novels and seeing all that the nation has suffered through and all they have to be proud of. I am fascinated with Korean culture after reading these two great novels by Parlk. I recommend them both highly.

Interesting historical novel
This historical novel about twelfth century Korean potters tells the tale of a young homeless boy named Tree Ear and his friend Crane Man who live together under a bridge. While making restitution for an accident, Tree Ear becomes the assistant of one of the village's most esteemed potters, Min. Tree Ear wants nothing more than to become a potter himself.

When an emissary from the king comes to their village to view the works of the potters, Tree Ear is constantly busy helping Min produce the best pieces possible. The king wishes to see more, so Tree Ear agrees to transport the pieces overland to the king's palace. On his way he is beset by thieves who smash the beautiful vases Tree Ear and Min worked so hard to make.

Tree Ear is heartbroken until he realizes that one shard of a vase, about the size of his palm, is still intact. Although he fears that it is hopeless to do so, he carries the shard with him to the palace because he cannot bear to return and reveal his failure.

Along with Tree Ear, the reader learns about the ancient and fascinating art of pottery. Park tells just enough about the creation of celadon pottery to explain it without overwhelming the reader. Details of Korean life and culture are included where appropriate, but not in a dull manner.

Personally, I liked this novel very much. Tree Ear is a great kid and I couldn't help but care about what happened to him. The story may be a bit too slow moving for some readers - it's not written in the reach-out-and-grab-you style of so much Western fiction. Those readers who are willing to be patient will discover an excellent tale. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I'M SMARTER NOW!
This story is about kids that have difficulties with their friends and try to get them back. The story that I'm reading doesn't have 1 character, it has
millions of them. But most of all, my favorite character is JENNA. The setting is in a house, in a car, and in a school. My story also has lots and lots of photos and
d it also has tests in it. I chose this book because it is helping me to realize about my
friendship and the problems that I have with my friends. This is a book that teaches kids
about friendship troubles and how to get your friends back. I enjoyed the part I read with
JENNA and this new girl coming to the school that JENNA went to. But I know that this
story doesn't have tragedy or anything. The author of this book I'm reading is PATTI
KELLE and the illustrator is ANGELA MARTINI. This book makes me feel better now!

A SMART GIRLS GUIDE TO FRIENDSHIP TROUBLES
The art rocks!The story was great. But it was the illustration that I loved the most. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

great for pre-schoolers!!
My 3yr. old loves this book. As we read the book, he acts out all of the correct things to do with hands (hugging, helping, shaking). When he gets angry and wants to hit--we remind him of this book and he calms down.
It is simple enough for a child to understand and gets right to the point.

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
What a delightful learning book this is.
Full of bright, colorful illustrations that bring the point across without any confusion!
The author shares all the wonderful things hands are good for, playing, drawing, saying hello, to name a few of the many examples used in this read. . Just adorable!

I shared this book with my 3-year old granddaughter. I can tell you, it was a hit!
This is a sturdy, colorful, well constructed
book. A book that can take the abuse of a younger child and still stay in one piece. Not an easy feat!

A great book with a great lesson; one your child will treasure and read over and over again. Hands are NOT for hitting! I've learned my lesson, have you?

Recommended!

AWESOME BOOK!
This book is perfect! Great illustrations, very easy to read and easy for children to understand. Very to the point, hands are not for hitting but they are for playing, washing, hugging. Wonderful!

I loved this book!
I bought this book, and "The Way I Feel" in response to my almost 2 year old going through a hitting phase. I could not be more pleased with how this book (and the other) addresses the issue and proposes solutions for dealing with anger and frustration. My son LOVES acting out the things that hands can be used for. He sits through the whole book and often wants to read it again. He quotes catchy phrases that he remembers from the book. It is so interactive! I really think that it has made a difference in my son's behavior over the period of 3 weeks.

a picture book to teach nonviolence
This book is in the category of picture books that gets read to children to teach a lesson (rather than being a simple story picture book). The title says it all but the back cover also gives a great summary (which you can view right here on Amazon). The pages are covered with ideas for what hands are to be used for (playing, working together) and then each page has numerous illustrating examples (building snowpeople, sandcastle, block tower, etc.). Over and over we hear that hands are not for hitting but they are for doing many positive things.

I am a homeschooling parent of a four-year-old who at times hits others. Our biggest problem though is bullying being done to him by others. I bought this to read to him as a reminder because for a while he was learning more from imitating his peers (hitting back) than listening to what his father and I were verbally teaching him. I figured having this book around the house could not hurt. My son likes to browse it himself and look at the pictures and I read it aloud from time to time. I don't read it a lot because since he rarely hits it is a little annoying to keep telling him something he already knows. However, this is published by a publisher focusing on books for teachers and schools. I think the best way this book could be used would be to read it aloud to groups of children because there is bound to be a child in attendance who may need a reminder. This would also be a great book for public libraries to have in their collection for parents to borrow.

The illustrations are cute and brightly colored. At the back of the book is a note to grown-ups about teaching non-violence to children. There are approximately 4 pages that list out additional activities and discussion questions to go along with each page of the book. There is also a listing of books that expand on various subjects touched on throughout this book. I can't think of any way that I'd improve upon it. Overall a great book on this important subject! ... Read more

Reviews (78)

Beginnings of a Very Good Series for Teenage Girls
Anna, a high school girl from New York's elite society decides to make the move across the country to live with her father in "Hollywierd." She is trying to reinvent herself into a new, more exciting Anna and within her first 24 hours in California she does just that.

Anna meets a college boy on the plane trip who invites her to a celebrity wedding. Anna accepts his invitation and attends the wedding where she meets Cammie, Sam, and Dee- The A-List. Cammie, Sam, and Dee are not overly happy with a new girl showing up to the wedding with the guy they all secretly have crushes on themselves. Anna's first few days in her new hometown are quite an adventure. This book ends with Anna attending her first day at the same school as the rest of the girls, setting up what is sure to be an entertaining school year to come.

What makes this book different from other series featuring young girls in California is that this one has some class. There are various references to classical music, poets, and theater which is refreshingly different. Anna, is very smart, well educated, and has good morals. Also, all the characters have at least some likable qualities. Cammie, who is easily the most difficult to like character even has a secret tender side that the reader is let in on. If the rest of the series keeps up these qualities then it should be an entertaining but intelligent read.

The Best Book Since A long Time
The A-List is a novel about a privileged girl named Ana who moves from New York to live with her dad in California for an internship with a literacy company. Ana is not your typical rich girl, she has depth, feeling, and wants more out of life than her new off the runway Prada handbag. Her parents are divorced, and her dad was hardly around since his work is his life and her mother will only do whats in her How to Live Rich Book. She leaves behind her best friend, Cynthia. Cynthia is everything that Ana isn't. Shes aggressive, outgoing, and not afraid to voice what she feels. Ana wishes to have some of these characteristics, and those wants are put to test the very moment she arrives on the plane heading towards Beverly Hills, California. She will encounter drunken old men, Cali. girls that have their noses stuck so far up that they don't even know whats bellow them, and a guy that could ultimately be "the one." Read and find out how Ana's life will end, or begin?

Wannabe Gossip Girl
It was interesting at first. It was catty and entertaining but as i turned each page, I could see how superficial and unrealistic the events in this book were. Its about a rich girl, Anna Percy, who decides to move to LA for a while so she can let loose. She gets to attend a celebrity wedding and meets hot guys and mean girls. All the characters in this book are spoiled, mean, brats with Louis Vuitton bags and money doesnt matter to them. Its too unrealistic and like Anna Percy said, "are these bad lines from a trashy teen novel?"...or something like that.

It tries to be like Gossip Girl and Sloppy Firsts but it doesnt succeed. I say, don't waste your time on this. Instead, try the ones I just compared with: Gossip Girl and Sloppy Firsts.

mediocre, at best
I picked up this book because it was recomended in the Gossip Girl series. I was, however, disappointed. The story is too slow-moving and the narrator was quite boring. I didn't like the style in which it was written, because it gave no depth or excitement to the story. I couldn't even get through the entire book, and had to stop midway. The A-List is one of those books that you have to keep putting down to go and do something else, otherwise your brain will explode from boredom. That's how I saw it, anyway. None of the characters were especially interesting, the plot pretty much reeked, and it moved. so. slowly. I definitley wasted my money on this book. (...)

very average
plotless. dry. there are many other words to describe dean's THE A-LIST, but most of them are too foul for FCC regulations.

The book is basically one girl's journey through L.A, while she falls in love with the wrong guy and gets on the bad side of the "a-list": bitchy Cammie, insecure Sam, and oversexed pseudo-hippie dee. when i first bought it and read it, i thought wow, this is like MEAN GIRLS, when it's really not. rereading it, it seemed boring, unfunny, and not even in the LEAST way similar to Gossip Girl, it's obvious parent.

there's a line between catty and stupid. THE A-LIST is neither. ... Read more

Book Description

"Well, first of all, " said the BFG, "human beans is not really believing in giants, is they? Human beans is not thinking we exist."

Sophie discovers that giants not only exist, but that there are a great many of them who like to guzzle and swallomp nice little chiddlers. But not the Big Friendly Giant. He and Sophie cook up an ingenious plot to free the world of troggle-humping -- forever.

Reviews (217)

The BFG's the book you've been looking forward to !!!!!!
This is an extraordinary book, and the reader is immediately drawn into the fascinating tale. It begins like this.........

Sophie is an orphan... One night, the moon was pouring in all it's brightness through her windows, casting light directly on her pillow....., unable to sleep, then, Sophie looks out of the window and.....that's when she finds herself caught by a giant called the BFG (the big Friendly Giant), but a giant so friendly and kind, that when other giants go searching for edible humans every night, he eats horrible cucumber kind of vegetables. Soon after Sophie and the BFG gets to be friends and goes to meet Queen Elizabeth for help. In the end, Sophie gets to live in a big palace with the BFG. I couldn't put this book down, so I read it in one day! It's terribly funny and interesting. It's the kind of book everyone will love reading.

Charming fantasy about little girl befriending lonely giant
Sophie is an orphan, not exacly living "the charmed life". Enter a "big friendly giant", who came to town during witching hour to "blow dreams into the minds of sleeping children", but ends up kidnapping Sophie, because she saw him and "would have caused a giant hunt". -- The adventure for both Sophie and the "BFG" is wonderful to follow, at times even hilarious. The friendly giant has a wonderful way of "jumbling" almost the entire English language, making the reader laugh out loud during many delightful scenes. The "other" giants in Giant Country are not at all friendly, but man-eating monsters who torment the BFG. With the genius of Sophie and the aid of The Queen of England all ends well. -- I read this book with my 4th grade class, and all agreed that this was our favorite book we covered all year! Highly recommended!

This is a Total Blast
This book is the fiction story that you MUST read! It's about a girl named sophie who's an orphan that finds joy in a Big Friendly Giant. You can't let this story pass without reading it. I give it 2 thumbs up!

Just one word... WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book ROCKS!!! I mean, seriously!!! You should really read this book!!! If you don't, your missing out on a lot, ...!!! Really, you HAVE to read this book!!!!!!

The BFG
The BFG
By: Roald Dahl
Reviewed by J. Yeh
Period: P.1

The BFG, written by Roald Dahl is about a young orphan who met a giant called the Big Friendly Giant. One night the orphan named Sophie couldn't sleep and out the window she saw an outline of something big. She saw it blow things into the windows with a trumpet. Sophie ran back to her bed and hid under her blanket. Next thing she knew when she peeped out was that a hand snatched her from the bed out of the window. Inside his hand was Sophia watching everything past her while the giant ran fast. They got to the cave where he lived and the giant set Sophie on the table. The BFG told her everything like why she was taken and his life. A giant bigger than the BFG came in and thought there was someone in the cave because the BFG was talking to Sophie. Sophie hid in what the giant calls snozzcumbers. The enormous giant went around searching for the human being but couldn't find her, and soon left. The BFG took Sophie to the Dream Country where the giant caught all his dreams. He didn't like the nightmare dreams and got really mad when he caught one. He caught a nightmare and left the country. He blew the dream into another giant. Suddenly the giant started squirming around and screamming. After a while all the giants got into a big quarrel. The BFG showed Sophie all his dreams he had caught and she read the labels written on them. There were dreams for girls and boys. Sophie thought of an idea of how to get rid of the other giants. So the BFG mixed the dreams for the queen to have about all the giants gobbling up human beings. They took a while to mix it and in the night while the other giants were gone, they blew the dream into the queen's bedroom. She woke up thinking that it was only a dream. Sophia was sitting by her bed like it was in the dream. She convinced her that the dream was real. So the queen sent army men and helicopters to capture the giants. They tied the giants up while they were sleeping and flew them into a pit where they couldn't escape.

I liked this book because it was kind of funny and interesting at the same time. One quote that I liked was,"One night, I is blowing a dream through a window and I sees this book lying on the little boy's bedroom table. I wanted it so very badly, you understand. But I is refusing to steal it. I would never do that." This quote tells me how much the BFG would never do anything horrible. Another quote I liked was,"Bravo! You is very good for a beginner! Let's have some more!" This quote was kind of funny to me because it seemed like the BFG was drunk.

My favorite part of the book was when Sophia and the BFG were mixing the dreams up for the queen to have so that the other giants would stop eating human beings. I liked it because it seemed interesting by the way the author described how it looked. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Parents will be quick to jump to the conclusion that there can benothing appealing in a tale of an ugly kid who breaks things. And certainly--from that adult perspective--there's something off-putting about the illustrations of David, with his potato head, feral eyes, and a maniacal grin that exposes ferociously pointed teeth. But 3- and 4-year-olds see things differently, and will find his relentless badness both funny and liberating."No, David," wails the off-stage mother, as David reaches for the cookie jar. "No! No! No!" as he makes a swamp out of the bathroom. "Come back here, David!" as he runs naked down the street. Each vivid double-page illustration is devoted to a different youthful indiscretion and a different vain parental plea. Readers will be amused to know that the protagonist's name is no accident: award-winning writer-illustrator David Shannon wrote the book after discovering a similar effort that he had made, again with himself at the center of each drawing, at the age of 5. (Ages 3 to 6) --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (113)

I love David!
This book is hilarious! My 3 year-old loves all three of the David books and wants to read them over and over (he already knows all three books by heart) It is a great book for introducing reading to a young child since the text is so simple. The message at the end is positive (even though David's actions are rather negative) since it reinforces unconditional love. No matter what trouble David gets into, his mom still hugs him and says she loves him. I'm sure most parents can relate to having "David-like" moments with their children and often feel like all they say is "No". In an ideal world, all children would be perfect and would never break a vase, splash in a bath, or have a messy room, but in the REAL world...kids aren't perfect and do have to hear, "No." If you are concerned about David's naughtiness, turn the reading experience into a teachable moment and discuss what David could do instead of the behavior that gets him in trouble. On the whole, though, it's nice to see a realistic child in a book...not all children can behave all the time.

Disturbing?? Maybe...but engaging also!
My son's daycare has these (among many other books). He chooses these same books every day to read! He knows them by heart and now points at the words as he says them! Now, when I first saw him with the books, and looked at them myself, I was a little disturbed at the content. But, you know what? It's REAL! You can't protect your children from every situation, but you can teach them how to recognize bad behavior and respond to it. Let's face it, some kids are not taught right from wrong and are just plain mean. If they're not exposed to it, they won't learn it! There are consequences to David's actions...he has to stay after school and clean the desk, etc. Because David is so bad, they learn to recognize bad behavior and how they should be acting. And it encourages reading because it is engaging!! And isn't that really what we need?? It's the parent's responsibility to discuss the content with the child and guide them in appropriate behavior...not prohibit them from reading it. But, others believe in book burning events I guess!

What part of no doesn't he understand?
Not that you'd necessarily know it from this book, but David Shannon is perhaps one of the best children's author/illustrators out there today. Are you at all familiar with "Duck on the Bike"? You should be. How about the gorgeous "The Rough-Faced Girl"? Run and purchase it immediately. "No, David!" strays a little from these other books, not only in terms of picture quality but also in text and narrative. Though certainly an original idea and a fun creation on the whole, I'm afraid that this particular Shannon offering is a little less impressive than its picture book brethren.

David Shannon was sent a small book by his mother, prior to writing this story. A little book that he created as a boy, the only words that appeared in the text of the tale were the words, "No" and "David". The pictures showed David doing the very things he was not allowed to do. Using this idea as his springboard, Mr. Shannon has remade his little book into a wild raucous retelling. Here's David once again, doing all the things he shouldn't. His antics aren't particularly vile or disgusting. In one picture David has tracked mud into is living room. In another, we see the merry naked backside of the boy springing down the street. All this culminates with the moment David accidentally breaks his mother's vase and is relegated to the corner of the room. With big arms we see him run towards his mom, finally enveloped in a big ole hug with the final words, "Yes, David...I love you". Thereby reinforcing the idea that no matter how bad David gets, he's still loved at the end.

The illustrations for this tale are a kind of slightly modified version of the one's Mr. Shannon presumably drew as a young 'un. David has the triangle notes and closed off body parts usually found in children's pictures. Just the same, there's sophistication clearly apparent from page to page. The final shot of David being held by his mother gives the boy a sweet loving countenance (complete with the first appearance of his eyelashes). I've read some reviews of this book that complain that children might be scared by David's teeth. And honestly, they have a point. David has anywhere from six to nine sharp pointy objects in his mouth that become more or less pronounced as his activities grow more or less violent. Some children are not going to like 'em, while others will love pointy-tooth David and his antics. The best way to gauge a kid's reactions to this book would be to simply show them the cover. If they think it's swell or horrific, you'll know right away.

As for me, the book's not too terribly original. There are plenty of books drawn to look like their authors are four (both intentionally and not) and as for bad boys you need only locate Max from "Where the Wild Things Are". This isn't a bad book but nor it is particularly striking or memorable. Feel free to purchase it. Just understand its limitations beforehand.

No, David!
I like this book becuse it is hilarious. I like it when
David gets in trouble. I like when David said, "Do you love me?"
His mom said, "I love you very much David. Don't let anyone tell
you I don't love you because if they do, you call me, but make
sure I'm home. Then call me at work if I'm not."

No, David, better for older preschoolers than toddlers
As the parent of two preschool boys, I certainly see the humor as intended by the author. Answer the door, answer the phone, or use the bathroom, and kids are bound to do something they shouldn't to grab attention! Didn't we all?

My kids love the book, and the best part is the hug at the end. However, my oldest child,(...) never picked his nose until we started reading this book, when he was [young]. (And obviously, not every kid will pick up on this.) My oldest child is a very visual learner, and I don't like the part about negative images (like nose-picking) being filed in my child's brain. So, this book was pulled from our repertoire until we resolved the whole nose picking issue.

When a child is old enough to grasp the concept of the humor and a conversation about making a better choice (like getting a kleenex), instead of imitating the funny pictures, it's a great book. I'm probably not going to read this to my youngest son until he is 4 or 5. That being said... this book is fun and funny, and kids love it! ... Read more

Book Description

The best of friends

From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other -- just as best friends should be.

Reviews (27)

Great For a first time reader!
My 6 year old loves this book! 5 wonderful storys! Every time we read it he wants me to send him a letter so he can get mail like frog and toad! I read these books when I was a very small child so its wonderful being able to read these books to my step-son! Great book!

Wonderful Books for Children
The "Frog and Toad" series have been around now for several decades. Each book contains several stories of the many adventures Frog and Toad have together. The age group recommended for the series is 4-8, but I think 8 is bit optimistic. The books are more appropriate for the 5 and 6 year olds. I read all these books to my children, and the Frog and Toad series were, in fact, some of the very first books they read by themselves. The language used is uniform and appropriate for the age group specified, and each story had a simple truth to it. On top of all this, the Frog and Toad books have always been wonderful value as well.

Friendship. Just the perfect blendship.
Recently I had the exceedingly wonderful chance to see the new musical of "Frog and Toad" at the Minneapolis Children's Company. A fabulous production in and of itself, it got me to thinking about the original books on which the musical is based. Like many children I was raised on such books as the lovely, "Frog and Toad Are Friends" and I've remembered some of the stories fairly well. It's amazing to me that Arnold Lobel was able to write stories that are patient simple without ever being dull or pedantic. These stories are clear and concise and unaccountably lovely. For your average early reader I not only recommend, "Frog and Toad Are Friends" but I recommend it to the reader's parents, grandparents, school crossing guards, dentists, air traffic controllers, and anybody else who might just happen to be able to speak the English language.

In "Frog and Toad Are Friends" the book consists of roughly five short stories. The first is one of my favorites. In it, Frog has decided to wake Toad from his hibernation and introduce him to the new spring. Toad's response is, "Blah". Frog tries a number of different methods of luring his friend into the warm beautiful day, the most touching of which is his simple argument, "But, Toad, I will be lonely". Frog's eventual solution is to fast-forward Toad's calendar a little, making it instantly May. Toad is a little shocked at the date but he's happy to see the spring weather. In the second tale, Frog is sick and Toad attempts to take care of him. His different methods of coming up with a story to tell his friend inevitably lead to his own illness, however, and soon it is Frog telling Toad a story instead. The story "A Lost Button" shows Frog and Toad out looking for one of Toad's lost buttons. They find a variety of them but none are Toad's. He walks off in a huff only to find the missing item on his living room floor. Feeling guilty about yelling at his best friend he sews all the buttons onto his jacket and then gives it as a gift to Frog. The next story is an atypical tale, mostly because it doesn't end with a preachy moral (not that Lobel's stories tend to, but this one was ripe for it). In it, Frog and Toad go swimming. Frog prefers to swim au naturale but Toad has a fastidious bathing suit that he is certain everyone will laugh at. After the two swim Toad refuses to get out of the water until the crowd that has gathered at the water's edge to see his suit disperse. They don't and Toad reveals a suit that was probably in style in 1923. Even Frog laughs too. Finally, in the last story Toad mentions to Frog that he is unhappy because he never gets letters. Frog writes him one but delivers it via their friend Snail (a character that in the play version of this tale says that he, "Puts the go in escargot"). The two wait and long before the snail arrives Frog tells Toad what is in the letter so that the two are better friends for it. Three days later, Toad is happy to receive his message.

This particular collection of Frog & Toad tales doesn't contain ALL the classics. You will not find the cookie eating tale here, nor the story about Toad dreaming about Frog growing smaller and smaller. Still, this is an excellent collection. I guess I never really noticed the subtlety of Lobel's illustrations. When you think of "Frog and Toad" you think of their realistic eyes and bodies. You think of their tweed jackets and elegant striped pants. What you may not think of is their capacity for subtle expressions. The image of Toad walking in his bathing suit, head held high, away from his fellow animals by the river is worth the price of admission alone. Ditto the shot of Toad clutching his aching noggin after ramming it into a wall.

I can't really stress the simple elegance of "Frog and Toad" to you if you haven't read them before. Needless to say, you won't even mind the fact that not a character in any of these tales ever uses a contraction. It's sometimes near impossible to write really good early reader books. I think Arnold Lobel set the bar way too high when he penned these extraordinary tales. If you've never read them, you are seriously missing out.

My almost 3 year old's favorite
The three book collection was hidden on my son's shelf from the time he received it from our priest as a gift when he was a new born. I found it a couple of months ago, and since then we have been reading the stories every evening and often during the day too. No matter how many of the stories I have read, my son asks for more and more. Since I have to read the stories every night, I am happy that they are adorable and entertaining for even the adult.

I Love Frog and Toad
Frog and Toad Are Friends is a great book. Frog is smart. Toad is not. Toad just copies other people. Frog thinks for himself. Frog and Toad are best friends, and they take care of each other. I like the pictures in this book. They tell a lot about the story. ... Read more

Book Description

It’s 1936 Flint, Michigan. Times may be hard, and 10-year-old Bud may be a motherless boy, but Bud’s got a few things going for him: 1. He has his own suitcase full of special things; 2. He’s the author of “Bud Caldwell’s Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself”; 3. His momma never told him who his father was, but she left a clue: posters of Herman E. Calloway and his band of renown, the Dusky Devastators of the Depression. Bud is sure those posters will lead him to his father. Once he decides to hit the road, nothing can stop him, not hunger, not fear, not would-be vampires, not even Herman E. Calloway himself.
... Read more

Reviews (288)

Bud, Not Buddy
This book is about a ten-year-old orphan named Bud who is searching for his father, who he has never seen. Living on his own during the Great Depression, he meets his old friend Bugs. They decide to ride the rails west on a Hooverville train. Bugs makes it, but unfortunately Bud doesn't. This one event will change Bud's life, because Bud decides to walk to the next town and search for his father. After meeting new faces, Bud finds his believed-to-be-father, Herman E. Calloway, a musician. Although Mr.Calloway is not very friendly, Bud is invited to stay with him. In this book you learn how important communication is between people. Bud, Not Buddy won the Newbery Honor and the Coretta Scott King Award. I would recommend this book for forth to sixth graders because some events are hard to understand. I think this book has terrific facts on how people lived during the Great Depression. Something I particularily enjoyed about this book is how much the author described things. She used the five senses, especially the sense of smell. It was like the item was right in front of you. Is Mr. Calloway Bud's real father? Read this book to find out. Just remember to expect the unexpected. A great read for 5th and 6th graders.

A Place Called Home
Bud, Not Buddy tells the story of 10 year old Bud Caldwell, a young boy growing up in Michigan during the 1930's. Bud's mother died when he was only 6 years old, and since he never knew his father, Bud was forced to live in a home for orphans between his brief stays in various foster homes. Bud carries a battered suitcase which contains all the things that are near and dear to his heart; a special blanket and pictures of his mother. Although it seems as if Bud has very little, he has a drive to find his father, using the clues he feels that his mother left for him. After a bad experience at a foster care placement, Bud runs away using the rules he authored "Bud Caldwell's Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself" to guide him. Will the clues really lead to his father? Will Bud finally find a place to call home?

While this plot seems pretty intense, Curtis has truly captured the voice of a 10 year-old boy. The book is filled with laugh out loud humorous scenes that make it a really enjoyable read. Curtis carefully slips in a great deal of historical events through Bud's experiences without disrupting the overall flow of the book. Bud's voice is one that will draw children into the story and this is truly a book that young readers will enjoy. Check out Bud, Not Buddy for a splash of history, a heap of humor and an overall good book.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

A good short story.
I liked this book becuase it was a wonderful story about history(the Great deppresion) and a boy trying to find out who he was. Or rather, who his father was. he ends up traveling with a band and finding more than he bargained for.

Exciting Blend of Mystery, History, and More!
"Bud Not Buddy" is the story of a young boy in the Great Depression whose mother has died, leaving him with what he believes to be a clue to his unknown father's identity: a flyer for a band featuring bass player Herman Calloway. When Bud exhausts other options to finding a happy home, he listens to his mother's advice ("When one door closes, another one opens") and heads to Grand Rapids to find his father. Bud's naive nature and vivid imagination lead to many humorous moments and observations along the way. Readers find themselves constantly guessing about Herman Calloway's relationship to Bud and trying to put the artfully-inserted clues together. While Bud is surprised when he finds out the truth, he ends up learning a great deal about his mother, his past, human nature, and what it really means to belong. The book is an excellent introduction to the Great Depression, while at the same time interesting readers with a likeable character and excellent mystery.

My fav book
bud, not buddy is my favorite book. this book had me laughing and crying. i read it in like, the fourth grade and its still my fav book. i suggest this book to ne1! ... Read more

Book Description

Samuel and Rebecca Rainey, preteens themselves not many years ago, add their perspective as young adults who vividly recall their own successes and failures as teenagers. Covering such topics as friends, peer pressure, boundaries, dating, and sex, the Raineys address the most common traps of adolescence and teach young people how to avoid making poor choices. Short, concise chapters are filled with engaging illustrations and practical applications. This book is essential reading for preteens. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

an important book!
Endorsed by many child abuse prevention programs and counselors, this is the perfect tool for parents to teach children about inappropriate touching.

Worth Every Penny
Child molestation is an uncomfortable topic. But far worse, it is a very real danger. A large percentage of childhood molestation goes unreported, silently scarring a child for life. This book strikes the right balance: it is not too technical, not awkward, and most importantly not frightening. The message is conveyed through a mom telling a story to her child and through repetition. The content and wording is geared toward a child as young as 3 although concepts such as trickery and secrecy are a little difficult to teach at this age. The book gives context and viable solutions that a child can handle. My child is now very good at screaming "Get away from me; I'll tell my mom and dad!" Don't take the risk; read this book.

A Complete Lesson for Children
I felt this book is a must for children. It is the best book I have read to teach children how to protect themselves. There are so many tricks people use to get access to children. This book covers them all, including trickery, deceit and secrets. It also teaches children to listen to their own internal warning system. This is so important so they will act on it and not ignore it.

I was not sure how to approach the topic with my 4 year olds. This book made it possible to prepare them without scaring them.

Well done-Wise Parental Instrument!
The best source I have seen to date for very young children on the subject of sexual abuse. Such a tough subject and very well written and illustrated.

Every parent should be pro-active and discuss abuse, this title is sure to open the door to communication. It also does so in a child friendly manner and does not shock or upset even the most conservative reader.

An invaluable and excellent tool for any adult to help educate and arm young innocent children. Perfect addition for any library.

Love means telling the truth.
The only reason to give this little book 5 stars is the lack of a 6 star category. My own children are grown now, but this is a book we will share with future grandchildren. My children were educated about "right and wrong touches" at home, in school, and at church. Thankfully they were spared such an experience, I was not. As a survivor of childhood molestation who told no one for nearly 20 years, I felt all the responsibilty for the abuse, and the total inability to tell a parent, teacher, or friend. Some of the scare are with me still, but Sandy's book empowers child and parent alike. The language, illustrations, and approach are frank but gentle. Presentation is sensitive to very young children, and different terms for body parts. The read-aloud thrust strengthens parent-child interaction about this vital topic. Best of all, the refences for further reading and help organizations provides the tools to go further in education, or to obtain assistance if the worst case has occurred. Actually the worst of all cases is to have abuse, and no one to tell. Bless you Sandy, keep books like these coming! ... Read more

Book Description

Sometimes daddies are loud and playful. Other times they are quiet and compassionate. And they are always loving. Sebastien Braun's appealing text and charming illustrations follow a day in the life of a bear and his bear cub in this celebration of the bond between father and child.

Amazon.com

On the occasion of her son's graduation from high school, SandraBoynton, the well-loved creator of books and cards featuring hippos, dinosaurs,and sheep, has written a celebratory book for "onwardly mobile" readers.Everyone on the planet will compare this title to Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go, andwe will, too. Yes, they're both delightful, silly picture books with vaguelyunidentifiable critters as the emcees, rejoicing in the reader's recentgraduation or other success. Festive exclamation points abound, along withrhyming, and alternating cheering and questioning ("Now what will you do?"). ButSandra Boynton is Sandra Boynton, and Dr. Seuss is Dr. Seuss, and ne'er thetwain shall meet. Boynton's more contemporary text and illustrations feature acow doing yoga ("OOM") and a headphone-clad fellow listening to "greatrock-and-roll," among her other trademark characters flying away under balloons,partaking of chocolate, and scrambling up mountains. A box on the first pagewith "CONGRATULATIONS" across the top and "To" and "From" below make itperfectly clear that this is a book for giving. Behind all the goofy faces andsimple rhymes is a very real, very sweet sentiment of pride and support that anyloving friend or family member will be glad to share with that specialsuccessful person, young or old. Boynton's style can be recognized a mile awayin such classics as Dinos toGo, Hippos GoBerserk!, and Moo, Baa,La La La!. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Closing one chapter, opening another.....
I am an elementary guidance counselor, responsible for planning our promotion program yearly for our fifth grade students as they move to middle school. I'm always looking for meaningful things to add to the ceremony, traditions the kids will look back on with happy memories. We do a lot in my school with "Oh the Places You'll Go..." so I was looking for something of this genre to use. "Yay, You" is just the right length. I read it to the kids just before the ceremony and then include a quick reading as a prelude to the processional out of the gym. Because the kids have heard it already, they know what is coming. The parents and guests absorb the meaning of the "moving up, moving out" very well. It's WONDERFUL and a number of parents have purchased it for their children to commemorate the event. It is indeed now a tradition.

A Trip to the Past for Mom and Kids
When my children were small we read the Boynton board books so many times that we had to replace them for kid #3. They are one of my favorite baby shower gifts. Yay, You is a terrific book for both parents and kids (young adults?) as they enter the next life journey. Even if you have never experienced a Sandra Boynton book, you will enjoy this and smile as you realize that life goes on for all. This makes a fun grduation gift too!!

Yay, me!
As a recent high school graduate myself, I can say this book is perfect for all those taking the next big step in their lives. I bought this book for myself and every time I read it I smile. It's so much fun and encouraging and at the end all I can say is.... Yay, me!

Yay Sandra Boynton!
I love this book! I fell in love with the cow doing yoga (OOM!). I bought 3 copies for friends who not only also think that's hysterical, but also are going through changes in their lives. While it's geared for the college bound, real world bound, my friends and I are a few years past that and it still applies to us. Pass this book along to anyone, regardless of age, going through a big change in their lives. They'll appreciate it. OOM.

One Big Happy and Hearty Congratulations...
Sandra Boynton has truly outdone herself with her celebratory Yay, You! Told in rhyme and full of love and pride, this little gem of a book first congratulates, "You did it!/You're done!/You made it!/You're through!", and then takes a joyful look at what's ahead, "Oh, what a great moment!/Now what will you do?/There are so many choices./The world is immense./Take a good look around/and decide what makes sense." Ms Boynton's uplifting message is light and fun and complemented by her familiar and charming, silly animal illustrations. So put a smile on every graduate's face, celebrate their success and let them know that whether you're in a hurry to get started on the rest of your life, or need to stop awhile and smell the roses, "Whatever you do,/whether near or so far,/I know you'll be great./You already are. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (25)

Lousy title, wonderful book
Why oh why do U.S. publishers insist on retitling classic European books? As "I Am David" this book successfully explores far more profound questions than freedom. David's journey is a process of self discovery and a self-imposed restructuring of a broken human spirit. Though told in the third person, the narrative invites us into David's young mind and allows us to see the wonder of objects and concepts that we all take for granted but which are new to the young escapee. Music, play, the taste of an orange, the feeling of being clean, language, colour! David's voyage of discovery is a bitter sweet mixture and we learn the awful truth about his past during his trek across Europe at the same pace as he does himself.

I have read this book with classes of children from fourth to seventh grade, as well as with adults. It is a book for all seasons, and I can still turn the pages with pleasure and wonder.

The wonder of realising what it is to say "I Am David" is what the book is all about! "North to Freedom" is a lousy title - meaningless in fact, David's first steps to freedom take him south! But this should not dissuade anyone from reading Anne Holm's book. The greatest children's story to come out of Denmark since Hans Christian Andersen.

one of my favorites
I have a copy of this book from the UK that is called I Am David. It starts with a man telling David, "You must get away tonight. Stay awake so that you're ready just before the guard is changed. When you see me strike a match, the current will be cut off and you can climb over -- you'll have half a minute, no more." This starts David's journey not just to freedom and home, but also to learning how to live as a regular kid after only living in a concentration camp. It's a serious book but one that should be read.

Timeless
This is such a beautiful book. I first read it when I was nine, twenty years later it is still a favourite.

The story of promise is quite remarkable and never fails to move me. All children should read this book. It opens doors to many other areas that too many forget too easily.

Great Book
This book is utterly compelling. This story of David starts in a concentration camp and ends him up at home. It is tension building and "they" will get him. This takes us from the concentration camp to Salonica then to Italy, Switzerland and finally Denmark. He is saved by King the dog. That was the most exciting part. A must read.

Trust
Do you know what it is like to be hunted? Or to feel the palpable hate from men who destroy everything except what is inside of you? David, from his experience in the concentration camp, simply can not trust anyone. He has to be wary because that is the only way to survive. Parts of him are so deadened inside that when he sees the beautifull it is so much more intense. This book provides a usefull insight into the experience of many that will evoke your compassion and give you some understanding of why some people who are hurt are so reluctant to ever get close again or to seek or even recognize help around them. And through all of this, David is a moral person. He knows why evil must be resisted. Excelent! ... Read more

Book Description

Written and illustrated by the creators of the popular Dino Life Guides for Families, this book uses precise language and humorous illustrations to offer specific ways to be a friend and specific ways not to be one.A special section on how to deal with bosses and bullies has valuable information for young children going forth in the world and encountering these situations for the first time. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent book for Beginer Friends
My two boys love this book. Its a childs simplistic version of "How to be a Friend" and it is great. Right on their level and easy for them to relate to. The Arthur type characters are appealing to children and they make the book their choice for the evening and want me to read it again and again :) I have the hardback, it was a great find.

Great guide for all kids.
This book is an excellent tool for parents and teachers to use with kids in the often times daunting world of social relatedness. Even kids who are very social would enjoy the way these gentle reminders are presented. Highly recommended for the special needs arena of Aspberger's and High Functioning Autism. Our autistic son loved and responded well to the almost "social story" approach. This truly spelled out a lot of social do's and don't's for him. His typical sister loved it as well. As a parent I highly recommend this book be in every kindergarden and first grade and second grade classroom. I bought several copies. ... Read more