Book Description

It's wonderful to have a new member of the family grow into its own unique sound. At first Polly, the polliwog, makes no sound at all, but ever so quickly and in a surprising way, right under Mrs. Picasso's nose, Polly grows into her own sound. Mrs. Picasso solves the mystery of the new sound with listening, laughter, and love...in the spirit of every family who loves its frog because it bonded with its polliwog! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Charming and Magical
Once again, gifted writer and illustrator George Ulrich has brewed his magic and created has created both a visual delight and a wonderful story for children.As in Spook Matinee and My Tooth ith Looth, Mr. Ulrich charms us with his vibrant illustrations and his gentle mystery of Mrs. Picasso and the story of the missing polliwog.His artwork is reminicient of Picasso, and his story introduces children to the transformation of beloved animals.Truly a wonderful book!

Sweet Story with Beautiful Artwork
Mrs. Picasso's Poliwag:A Mystery is a sweet, clever, and enaging story that will delight children and adults.What makes it even more special are the amazing and visionary illustrations, done with perfection in the spirit of Pablo Picasso.The artwork tells its own beautiful story and will introduce children to one of the greatest artists of our time.As a former teacher, I have a sense of what children love, and I know in my heart that this beautiful book is a wonderful addition to the body of children's litearture we have.Adults too will marvel at the cutting-edge artwork.

A Visual delight with a mysterious twist
My children, ages 3 and 5, love Mrs. Picasso's Polliwog. It is a classic "Ugly Duckling" story which wou;ld inspire any child. The illustrations are bold and colorful, evoking Pablo Picasso. I highly recommend Mrs. Picasso's Polliwog for any child aged 2 to six. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

More than anything else, Harry the dog hates baths. So he runs away from home and has the time of his life. But when he comes back at the end of the day, no one recognizes him because he's covered with dirt!

... Read more

Reviews (1)

a crowd pleaser or on it's own, it's great!
I purchased this book with the intention of reading it to a group of 150 impoverished Ecuadorian children in Quito, Ecuador. The children range in age from 5-11. THEY LOVED IT!! They were particularly responsive to the funny,mischeivous antics of Harry as they oohed and aahed after I had finished reading each page! It was a good lesson about how to be yourself too. The children immediately shouted "otra vez!" after the first reading. I obliged with 2 more readings! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Did not do well in showing both sides of the issue.
In this book, Sunita gets an internship at a lab. She finds out later that the animals are being infected with diseases, killed, and dissected to learn about the diseases to create new medicines for animals. Sunita is torn about whether or not this is wrong and at the end decides it's OK. While her friend, Brenna, gives the other side(against the experiments), saying that it is cruel and that there must be another way, that does not give any real facts for the other side. In all the other Wild at Heart books that involved animal rights issues, the kids did research to find out about the issues, but they didn't in this one. If they had, they would probably have found out some facts that very few people are aware of-like that experiments on animals are highly innacurate, have caused many drugs later found to be dangerous to be put on the market, and that 90% of medical advancements were discovered through experiments that did not involve animals. While I loved most the Wild at Heart books, I did not like the way this book presented the issue of animal experimentation;it was very one-sided. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

hopeful
this book is hopeful because of the fact that he wanted to make sure everything was alright and so he traveled just to do so and they all thanked him in the end of his journey because he saved his owner.

Great for a travel story
I bought this book on cassette for my 21/2 yr old son to listen to on the airplane, since it was about a vacation. He watches Clifford every day and loves the book. Although, I don't like the part about Emily Elizabeth playing with bear cubs and the mama bear comes along and Clifford saves the day and they are all friends. I think they could have written something different.

Lovable Clifford!
In this Clifford book, Clifford is left behind when Emily Elizabeth and her family go on vacation (too far for Clifford to walk). While my toddler would love any Clifford book right now, this is one of his favorites since it has a bus on the cover, and bears and a semi-truck inside. Plus, we both love the ending! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A Touching Tale
Our family recently had the opportunity to attend a program at our local library. The author, Libby Meggs read this book, Go Home! and presented a slide show of the real James the cat. We learned of the process she followed translating her photographs into the beautiful, detailed illustrations contained in the book. The reading itself provided a most touching tale of love and caring for young children. Highly recommended!

Winner of the national ASPCA Henry Bergh Award!
This book won the coveted national ASPCA Henry Bergh Award for humanitarian children's literature. Deservedly so!

It is a poignant story that teaches kindness to animals without preaching. The detailed, realistic illustrations are beautiful. I think this book should have won a Caldecott Award as well!

--A powerful and genuine story--
My friend Ann told me about this little book, and I decided that I too, should read it.

This is a poignant story of a lost and lonely cat. He's very attractive with black fur, a white chest, and white paws.The little feline wonders through a neighborhood hungry and weak,seeking a safe place.He meets some children and their mother who appear to admire him, but because he's wearing a collar they assume he belongs to someone in the area. The truth is, he's been lost for a long time and he has no home. The collar, once placed on him with care, is now outgrown and is causing him a great deal of pain. He does not remember how to get home. Months pass and the cat is slowly starving to death because he's too weak to hunt. One day,the exhausted cat is confronted by a large and aggressive dog. What happens to the cat and how he gets his name is a story every child will love.

This beautifully told narrative is well accompanied by memorable and touching illustrations. The fact that this is a true story makes it very powerful and reminds us that a stray animal may need help.

What a beautiful book!
The title caught our attention because my little boy is named James. We are not particularly cat lovers, but are dog lovers and animal lovers in general. The illustrations are beautiful; the story is captivating. My little Jimmy loved it and was very attentive when I read it to him. It teaches some great lessons and is very realistic.

A Very Popular Book in Manhattan
This book is amazingly popular with a wide variety of people I know. One six year old girl I know carries the book with her everywhere and asks people to read it to her. She says, "This is the best cat book I haveever read!" Also, I showed the book to my seventy-five+ year oldneighbors, and they loved it. They immediately bought copies as gifts, andhad to buy one for themselves. This book is beautiful and sweet. The storyof James the Cat will touch your heart. I really believe anyone would loveit! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Franklin is so cute
We love Franklin at our house. All the stories are so sweet and teach many lessons. This is a great book to read and then talk to your children about responsibility.

If you child is a Franklin tv show fan they will also love the books.

Goldie
Franklin tries to figure out what pet he wants. His friends give him suggestions, but he ends up with a golldfish. We now have a goldfish because my son wanted a pet just like Franklin.

Cute book with a good theme!
At some time, all children want their first pet. Reading this book helps show children that pets are work and that having one is not just fun. As always, good illustrations and a nice theme that is consistent with Franklin books.

Franklin wants a pet
This is a wonderful book to read to children with a good well thought out story and neat illustrations. I will certainly be looking for more of the same. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

My Special Friend
I Wanna Iguana brings out warm feelings in anyone who reads the book, be that person child or adult. Ostensibly it's about loving and caring for an unusual pet. But I believe it carries a deeper message--that we personally grow from accepting anything or any human different from ourselves. Read this great picture book, and I know you'll agree.

I Wanna Iguana
Children will find this book entertaining as well as educational. The illustrations are wonderful. ... Read more

Book Description

Available for the first time in a Yearling edition, the classic, inspiring story of a dog who triumphs against all odds, by the bestselling author of The Cay.

Helen adored her beautiful golden Labrador from the first moment he was placed in her arms, a squirming fat sausage of creamy yellow fur. As her best friend, Friar Tuck waited daily for Helen to come home from school and play. He guarded her through the long, scary hours of the dark night. Twice he even saved her life.

Now it's Helen's turn. No one can say exactly when Tuck began to go blind. Probably the light began to fail for him long before the alarming day when he raced after some cats and crashed through the screen door, apparently never seeing it. But from that day on, Tuck's trouble--and how to cope with it--becomes the focus of Helen's life. Together they fight the chain that holds him and threatens to break his spirit, until Helen comes up with a solution so new, so daring, there's no way it can fail.

... Read more

Reviews (27)

Read This Book If You Like Dogs!
The book I read was Trouble with Tuck by Theodore Taylor. It was about a dog going blind. This dog has saved his owner Helen twice now its her turn. The book displayed Liberty because Helen has the right to help her dog live. I liked the because it is exciting . Some of it was sad but I liked it. ...

The Trouble with Tuck
I read the Trouble with Tuck and it's a great book. I'm going to recomend it to my class. This girl named helen is very passionate about her dog and wants to make her dog's life easier for him because he is blind. he has saved Helen's life before, it's up to helen now. She tries her best to protecet Tuck from any danger he has to face. will she be able to help Tuck? Read to find out!!!

A Great Story of Love and Devotion.
This is a wonderful story of a yound girls love for her dog, and her devotion to making his life easier during some tring times. Helen has had Tuck since he was just a puppy, and she has loved him from the first moment she held him. When Helen and her family discover that Tuch is going blind Helen is scared for her friend and will do anything in her power to protect him and keep his with her.

Helen's love for Tuck is one of a kind, and it is the one reason I loved this book so much. I think this is a ownderful novel that was beautifully written for children, but has something in it that even adults could stand to learn. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if this one became a made for TV movie if it h asn't already.

If you like sad stories read this
The book I read was The Trouble with Tuck by Theodore Taylor. It is about a dog that goes blind. I think the book relates to liberty. Helen has Liberty because she had a good idea and she used it when nobody else thought it would work. I liked this book because it was interesting.
By N.S.

If you like dogs, then read this book!
The book I read was the Trouble With Tuck by Theodore Taylor. I liked this book because the owner is really determined to help her dog, I like the way she thinks. This book demonstrates the core democratic value of liberty.
The Trouble With Tuck is a book about a dog that is going blind. The owner is a girl that wants the vet to do something about it. Nobody listens to her ideas. Close to the end, she gets her way. They find a way to help Tuck. Read this book and find out how! ... Read more

Book Description

New Look! Relaunched with new jackets and 8 pages of new text!

Here is an exciting and informative guide to the extraordinary world of cats, both wild and domestic. Superb color photographs of large and small cats, and the art and artifacts they have inspired, offer a unique "eyewitness" view that covers the subject from tooth to claw.See a jaguar swimming, a cat that can outrun a car, a cat with a curly coat, a leopard that has lost its spots, the cat worshiped by the ancient Egyptians, a caracal's tufted ears, and a black panther stalking its prey.Learn why cats need whiskers, how cats purr, how the Manx cat lost its tail, why a lick form a friendly lion could skin you alive, why a lion has a mane, and why a tiger is striped.Discover how cats communicate, why cats play with prey, why cats eat grass, how and why a tomcat marks his territory, how cats find their way home, why the black cat has been both persecuted and pampered, why cats are said to have nine lives, and much, much more. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A detailed look at the secret lives of cats!
This is so much more than a reference book on cats. While the American Library Binding makes this book very durable, it could almost be a coffee table book on the life of cats.

Since I adore cats, this book was irresistible. Both wild and domestic cats are pictured in full color. The photographs are superb. Children will get to see a jaguar swimming in the tropical forest rivers and find out why the ancient Egyptians worshiped cats.

Did you know that Tigers actually enjoy swimming? Did you ever wonder if a cat chews its food? Why do cats need whiskers and how do they purr? So, why do cats behave in the ways they do? This book tells all the secrets including why people say a cat has nine lives.

The text is fun to read and little notes about historical details are sprinkled around the pages. The center of attention is definitely the furry felines we have grown to love. A special section of caring for your cat, makes this book the cat's meow!

Great Book!
My six year old son has checked this book out of the library three times. He loves the pictures and is surprisingly interested in all the information about cats. He's also watched the Eyewitness Cat video numerous times. We've read lots of Eyewitness books, but this is his favorite.

There are lots of cats in this book.
This book has all kinds of cats: From Tigers to Cougars ... Read more

Book Description

Jenna, a contemporary Muscogee (Creek) girl in Oklahoma, wants to honor a family tradition by jingle dancing at the next powwow. But where will she find enough jingles for her dress? An unusual, warm family story, beautifully evoked in Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu's watercolor art.

Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2001, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council

Reviews (10)

Excellent story for all -
What?No teepees or war paint?Bravo!Cynthia Leitich Smith's JINGLE DANCER is a refreshing story about a Muscogee-Ojibway girl wanting to participate in a powwow by performing a traditional dance.This contemporary picture book story is free of the stereotypes sometimes associated with Native American tales, and instead shows Jenna watching her grandma dance on a video tape, visiting a friend in a new duplex in the community, and talking with her lawyer aunt.The reader is also introduced to information about a traditional story, game, foods, and dance. Smith's lyrical narrative and captivating story makes this a perfect read-a-loud-- as my five-year-old daughter will attest to.As an Asian-American, I'm always thrilled to see contemporary stories with multicultural characters shown in real and positive ways.

Beautiful illustrations by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu!

Native children's literature by a Native author--at last!
Until very recently, there were no large press picture books about contemporary Native children written by Indian authors.For this reason, Jingle Dancer is particularly notable. The story of Jenna, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation living with her family in Oklahoma, is written by a Native author.Rather than focusing exclusively on Jenna's Indian identity, however, the book presents Jenna as an average American kid, living in suburbia, who calls on her Native sensibilities and her broad community of supportive females to overcome a problem as she tries to put together her regalia for the Jingle Dance.Readers who are not familiar with the customs presented here will learn much, but above all, they will learn that Indian children are alive, well, and living rich lives amongst them, a lesson infrequently taught, and rarely so pleasantly.Rich, bright, cheerful watercolor illustrations by husband-and-wife team Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu enhance the presentation and bring Jenna to life.A significantly informative Author's Note and Glossary make the book even more effective.

Jingle Dancer
Cynthia Leitich Smith's, JINGLE DANCER, is a delightful book.Ms. Smith weaves a lovely story of the strong female ties in Native Ameicans matriarchal societies.Smith celebrates the loving, sharing spirit offriends and families.The passages of Jenna dancing through her day fromdawn to moonlight are pure poetry. Cornelius Van Wright's and Ying-Hwa Hu'sbright lively illustration are a perfect match. Cynthia Leitich Smith'swriting is to be applauded as a great addition to the world of children'sbooks.

A beautiful story for any child
Cynthia Leitich Smith has penned a graceful, lyrical story in JINGLE DANCER.My son enjoys hearing about Jenna's quest to find jingles for her dress, and loves looking at the beautiful illustrations.It's one of the books we read frequently.

We've also purchased several copies of thebook as baby shower gifts, and everyone has loved it.The high-qualitywriting and exceptional artwork make it a rare find.We can't wait for Ms.Smith's next book.

Jingle Dancer - An Enjoyable Story of a Native American Girl
Watching her own grandmother dance the traditional jingledance,Jenna hopes to carry on the proud tradition.

In order to makeher own dress "sing," however, Jenna will need four rows of jingles.There isn't enough time before the next powwow to mail- order the tin beads, but Jenna doesn't loose faith. A Muskogee Creek story about a bat that she is told by her Great Aunt Sis shows that no one is too little to make a difference.

Rising sunlight reached through a window pane and flashed against... what was it, hanging in Aunt Sis's bedroom?Jingles on a dress too long quiet. "May I borrow enough jingles to make a row? Jenna asked, not wanting to take so many that Aunt Sis's dress would lose its voice. "You may," Aunt Sis answered, rubbing her calves. "My legs don't work so good anymore.Will you dance for me?" "I will," said Jenna with a kiss on Aunt Sis's cheek.Now Jenna's dress needed three more rows.

With the assistance of those in her community who cannot dance at the powwow, Jenna finds enough spare jingles to make her dress sing. With patience and practice, her hope is fulfilled.

In JINGLE DANCER, Cynthia Leitich Smith honors the tradition of jingle dancing, a ritual of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, which has been celebrated for generations.Jenna is a delightful, ambitious child with great pride---a wonderful heroine for this picture book story. Not only does the author capture the feel of Native American heritage through the exposition and resolution of the story, but she adds to the mood by using the position of the sun in the sky to describe the passing of time within it. The author's note at the end of this picture book provides the fascinating background to this custom.

Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu's brilliant watercolor illustrations are the perfect medium in which to bring this endearing Native American story to life.

A reading of JINGLE DANCER is sure to inspire a jingle in the reader's heart.

Writers Moon reViews (WritersMoon@aol.com) P.O. Box 182, Nesconset, NY 11767-0182 Copyright (c) 2000 Lynne Remick LynnRemick@aol.com) Reprinted with permission from Lynne Remick and Fantasy, Folklore & Fairytales ... Read more

Book Description

‘A highly diverting picture book about an agreeable pet boa constrictor that earns the affection and gratitude of a French village.’ —BL. ‘Children will love it.’ —H.

Notable Children's Books of 1940–1959 (ALA)
1959 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)
A Reading Rainbow Selection
1958 Children's Spring Book Festival Prize (NY Herald Tribune) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wonderful memories!
Oh, I LOVE this book! It is from the 50's, and SO well written! Instead of dumbing children down, it uses words that are more sophisticated. The story is hilarious! It uses pen and ink type drawings, which brought back so many pleasant memories! As a child, I didn't remember the story too well, but the pictures stayed in my mind, particularly the one of Crictor in what looks like a 10-foot long bed and wearing a 10-foot long armless sweater!!

This elderly lady receives a gift of a snake from her son in Africa. She is a teacher and brings Crictor to school, where he becomes a jump rope and slide for the kids. He also forms letters and numbers. He captures a burglar and the locals name a park after him!

One of my favorite books of all time!

An old-fashioned, wonderfully charming children's book
This was one of my favorite books growing up--I must have checked it out of the school library a dozen times. It's the adorable story of an old French woman who relies on a friendly boa to see her around Paris. Not only does it teach children not to judge other people -- or reptiles -- but the charming illustrations offer fun glimpses into the city of Paris. If you loved Madeline, you'll love this book. Buy one copy for your kids and one for yourself! ... Read more

Book Description

Contains Ten Stories!

The sweet, yellow puppy is here!

Join Biscuit in all his adventures. Each day presents the chance to make new friends or learn something new.

Woof!

Reviews (1)

from SherriAllen.com
How can children's book publisher HarperCollins improve Alyssa Satin Capucilli's Biscuit series? By offering 10 of Biscuit's most endearing stories in one book.That's exactly what they've done with the "Biscuit Storybook Collection."

Biscuit is a sweet-faced puppy you want to grab right out of the pages and cuddle.He and the little girl share the simple joys of childhood, like getting ready for bed and having a picnic. They share the excitement of adventures like being in a pet show and having a birthday party. They share the ability to take things that don't turn out quite right and make them wonderful.

The "Biscuit Storybook Collection" is the perfect book to introduce a child to the joys of reading.
The large typeface, simple words and repetition make the stories easy to read.The sweet plots and the delightful illustrations by Pat Schories make the stories a joy to read.The pictures are very gentle, with soft lines and colors, but are full of expression and activity.They are very effective at creating interest and encouraging the beginning reader to keep going to find out what happens next.

The stories included in the "Biscuit Storybook Collection" are:
Biscuit
Biscuit Wins a Prize
Biscuit's New Trick
Happy Birthday, Biscuit!
Biscuit's Picnic
Biscuit's Day at the Beach
Time to Paint Biscuit!
Biscuit Meets the Neighbors
Biscuit Goes to the Park
Biscuit and the Bunny

The "Biscuit Storybook Collection" is a must-have for your child's library.At my 3-year old's insistence, we have read stories from the "Biscuit Storybook Collection" every day since we got the book (2 months ago.)She doesn't show any signs of losing interest in the "Biscuit Storybook Collection" anytime soon, and I must add, neither do I.It's a very pleasant surprise to find a book that I not only don't mind reading over and over, I actually enjoy and look forward to reading over and over.The price is right, too. The "Biscuit Storybook Collection," complete with 10 different stories, doesn't cost any more than the price of a single book.I encourage you to buy this book today! ... Read more

Book Description

Each of Donald's experiences features a unique final twist, perhaps none more memorable than what happens in Donald and the... to a little white worm that Donald finds and is allowed to keep in a jar. In this book, in print for the first time since 1969, Gorey's arch illustrations complement a wry tale that readers of all ages will find infectious. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Perfect Book for Beginning Readers
Great books for this age group are difficult to come by, and Leda Schubert has created two of them with Winnie Plays Ball and Winnie All Day Long. A huge, lovable dog, Winnie proves to be a totally appealing character for young children, and her activities engage their imaginations. These books have the same classic charm as Cynthia Rylant's Henry and Mudge stories, and they are enormously popular with very young children.

Winnie All Day Long By Leda Schubert,et al
This series of four booklets show the main character, a giant dog named Winnie, as she goes through her day, interacting with her family. If you own a dog, particularly a big dog, you will feel as though you are seeing your dog in the story. The basic language that is presented in repition, make these booklets a delightful way for the new reader to get started and experience immediate success. I intend to give the books to a fiend of mine who teaches 1st grade.

Winnie All Day Long
This is a wonderful book for brand new and aspiring readers. It is a very inexpensive set of 4 short picture books with wonderful episodes about life with a dog, Winnie. For dog owners, these pictures of everyday situations are laugh-out-loud humor. For everyone, the stories are intriguing and charming. The illustrations have enough going on in them to make the reader want to go back to them over and over. Winnie's expressions are incredibly expressive and irresistible. ... Read more

Book Description

Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And in this fifth book of their adventures, they share the joys of winter. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Henry and Mudge in the Sparkle Days
Henry and Mudge in the Sparkle Days

Henry and Mudge enjoy the winter season in this delightful collection of three short stories. The words are easy and the type is large enough for the beginning reader to feel comfortable. This book is filled with humorous illustrations that extend the text. In one illustration Henry is sliding a reluctant Mudge across an icy pond. In another picture Mudge messes up Henry's snow angel. This is a good book for the younger set. ... Read more