Reviews (6)

Excellent
I was divorced a couple years ago and my then three year old was really having a tough time. I bought LOTS of books. This one stands out from them all. My girls could really relate to it. It is a pretty simple book, this is what my room looks like at mom's, this is what my room looks like at dad's. It also reinforces that fact that they are loved no matter where they are. I would highly recommend this for anyone going through the nightmare of divorce where kids are involved.

Wonderful, comforting book!
This book is simple enough for a young child, who doesn't need technical details about his parents separation/divorce, but does need reassurance that he/she is still loved no matter what happens ishis/her life. It is a good tool for getting your younger child to talk about their own feelings in a safe way. My 4 1/2 year old son loves this book. The illustrations are sweet and have a certain gentleness, which matches the text nicely. Overall, I would highly recommend this to anyone who knows a child going through this difficult life change.

Good for toddlers or younger children
This book is simple and encouraging for the very young child. Amazon has a note that this is for the child up to age 8, but a school age child, other than kindergartener, would find it disappointing. This helps dispell fears of the toddler, young child group of losing their parents somehow with divorce. It addresses that they have a place and home with each parent which helps a young child adjust to divorce in the family. For the younger child, it is worth the cost. For the older child, look for a different book like Dinosaurs Divorce which addresses more feelings and complex issues.

Review of Two Homes
I think the is a great book. It shows how Alex has two homes, one with his Mom and one with his Dad. He has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two favorite chairs, and friends at each house. The pictures show us how happy and comfortable Alex is at both house. The story tells us he talks to Mommy at his Dad's house and Daddy at his Mom's house. Alex knows he is loved by both his parents at all times wherever he is. This is a very comforting story. It is a great book for young children experiencing a divorce or just to teach children about divorce. It doesn't try to explain divorce, it just shows Alex's two homes in a simple, happy way!

Great resource for younger kids
I loved this book! It was exactly what I was looking for. My 2 year old son loves reading it, and talking about Alex's 2 homes. He understands that he is like Alex and has two homes too. It is a simple story that doesn't try to explain divorce, or justify it. It just explains how the boy has two homes and that both his parents love him, in a loving and simple way. It has wonderful pictures that my son really relates to. Hope you enjoy it too. ... Read more

Book Description

Potty training can be fun. With warmth and sensitivity, Joanna Cole and Maxie Chambliss guide young boys though the challenges and rewards potty training--from the first steps to the joy of graduating to big boy underpants! A helpful "Note to parents" is included.

Reviews (11)

This potty book will make your child into a big boy!
This book is a great source for potty training toddlers. It will build their confidence, and will gently teach them how they are expected to act as big boys. It has easy to understand text, and visual illustrations that allow children to relate on a more personal level. With warmth and sensitivity, the authors guide young boys though the challenges and rewards of potty training--from the first steps to the joy of graduating to big boy underpants! I highly recommend this book!

My son LOVES this book
We are just starting potty training and my son LOVES this book. He can totally relate to Michael, the little boy in the story. I think it does a great job of explaining the potty training process in simple, easy-to-understand terms. Each time we read it he gets excited about trying to use the potty. I highly recommend it.

Great for a Stubborn 3 year old
My son is now 3 years and 7 months old and FINALLY potty trained. Alhtough other books were cute, this one was practical explaining accidents and the need for night time diapers after day time training. Very cute and one of my sons favorite books.

Potty Problems.. Get This Book!!!!
This book is a great example for potty training toddlers. It clearly illustrates how to show, in easy to understand language, your potty trainer, suggestions on how to use the potty. Such visual illustrations allow the child to relate in a more personal level. This book also shows children that it is o.k. to have an accident, without ridicule. Great Book. Here's a tip for those anxious parents, your child is precious and unique so do not be upset if they do not catch on right away, be patient and kind, and the will succeed with your support. Good Luck.

Almost potty trained!!!
My little boy really saw himself in this book, he has a special teddy that he would sit with while reading on his potty.
Its a good book for introduction to the potty! ... Read more

Book Description

I am your parent; you are my child.
I am your quiet place; you are my wild. . . .

A day in the life of parent and child-full of smiles and giggles, messes and meals, boundless energy and well-earned naps. Not to mention lots of love.

Illustrated by Satomi Ichikawa ... Read more

Reviews (50)

My 2 year old's favorite book
I am astounded at the Publisher's Weekly review - way off base. What a sourpuss! My 2 year insists that I read this book to him 3-4 times a night and he still hasn't had enough. We've read it over 100 times and he never tires of it. This is my third child and never before has a book captivated any one of them at this age the way this one has - not even close. I am going to buy it for every new parent I know. The illustrations are well done - with four little animal dolls emulating the child bear and his parent - and my son picks out something new every night we read it. I do think the bears look male, but perhaps it's just that my son and I are male and I want to identify with them. The rhymes are captivating for him, and touching and clever for me. I highly recommend this book. If 2 year olds could write, you would see even better reviews.

If you read ONE book to your child it should be this one!!!
I am totally and utterly disgusted with the publishers weekly review above. My mother bought me this book for my 3 year old. We both wept after reading it. My daughter LOVES the book. After reading it the first time she walked around asking everyone, "am I your giggle?". When we would reply, "well of course", she would run around giggling! Because we both get so excited about reading this book we now have put this book in her "special" book pile that contains now only 4 books, all her most favorites. I NEVER get tired of reading this book to her because it conveys exactly how I feel about her, in her way of understanding. My 6 month old son also likes to listen to us reading it, he gets excited because his sister laughs at every page. With each page she asks, "am I your wild?" or "am I your wiggle?", and so on. I can't wait for him to be old enough to understand the words and the message, "YOU ARE MY I LOVE YOU".

You Are My I Love You
This book is just the best!! I'm buying it for all the new parents I know...what a great book to include with a baby gift.....I'm also giving one to my high school senior who will be graduating in a few weeks....no matter what the child's age....I want her to know the she is my I love you!!

I am your way home, you are my new path
My mother gave me this book for my birthday last week. Being on the other end (the receiver of the book) my mother expressed more by giving me (her young adult daughter) this book than she could have said in any card. It is a toast to the parent/child relationship. I will treasure this book forever, because it has given me a sense of how parents feel of thier children. It feels very good! Every parent should buy thier child this book.

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS TO SHARE W/ YOUR CHILD!
The publishers review is way off!! This book is an endearing tale of the parent-child bond. It tells a quaint story of how our roles as parent & child vary. And I feel it shows how our view of the world as a parent differs from that of our child. Whenever I read this book to my son, I feel am expressing how special he is to me in a way that he can understand. This book is definitely one of my favorites!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Potty training can be fun. With warmth and sensitivity, Joanna Cole and Maxie Chambliss guide young girls though the challenges and rewards potty training--from the first steps to the joy of graduating to big girl underpants! A helpful "Note to parents" is included.

Reviews (12)

SHE DID IT!
This is to update my review dated September 14, 2000. I read this book to my daughter every afternoon at naptime and every night at bedtime - at her request! Last Wednesday, October 4, 2000 I bought her big girl underpants as an incentive - just like Ashley in the book. And guess what? She started to use the potty! In fact, she still enjoys hearing the story, because now she says that she is "just like Ashley". Thank you so much for a great little book.

SHE DID IT!
I wanted to update my review from September 14,2000 to let everyone know that I read this book to my daughter - at her request! - every afternoon at naptime and every night at bedtime. Last week, October 4, 2000 she was officially "trained" - consistently using the potty. She's had two accidents, but loves her "big girl" underpants. She still asks me to read "My Big Girl Potty" every night, but now she interjects - "I do that" or "I'm a big girl" - throughout. As I said before this is a gentle introduction to potty training that really worked for us. Thank you.

Favorite Potty Book!
I think we've purchased every potty book there is to have and this one is my daughter's FAVORITE! She calls it the RED potty book and we lost our first copy and had to replace it quickly. It's simple and easy to understand without being condescending or cutesy. When my daughter has an accident, I always say, "That's okay, honey -- children have accidents when they're learning. Remember Ashley in your red potty book?" Then we go read it again. And again. Any of you with toddlers know their fourth most favorite word: 'Gain!

Worth A Look
Both Mommy and Daddy actively participating in Ashley's potty training process. Ashley realistic transitions from diapers to "special big-girl underpants" over time, not instantly. Author Joanna Cole uses questions to draw the child into the story ("Do you wear diapers, too?") as an encouraging parent would. The story concludes with ten common sense tips, such as "Don't rush!" and "Never scold or punish." and "Use a diaper at nap time..."

We have read almost every potty book available on the market as of 9/2003 (over two dozen!). Most fit into two categories: INSTRUCTIONAL books that introduce the skills needed to master the potty; and those that are primarily ENTERTAINING, for children who understand what is supposed to happen on the potty, but need extra time to make it happen.

I think My Big Girl Potty fits more in the INSTRUCTIONAL category for the following reasons:

1) It identifies the purpose of the potty.
2) It specifies bodily functions such as "poop" and "pee."
3) Shows the transition from diapers to big kid underwear.
4) Includes the hand washing step.

For other potty books that are instructional, check out What to Expect When You Use the Potty by Heidi Murkoff or You Can Go to the Potty by Martha Sears.

Great Resource
I purchased this book for my daughter to help in potty training her. Even though she likes 'The Potty Book - For Girls' by Alyssa Satin Capucilli better, she enjoys this book as well. Showing all the stages of potty training including showing Ashley sitting on the potty w/ her clothes on, then removing her diaper, accidents and finally, 'big girl' underwear, it helps little ones to understand the concept of 'going' on the potty. I gave this book 4 stars only in that it's a little more 'wordy' than 'The Potty Book - For Girls' and isn't as colorful but I do recommend it to anyone. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Parents and kids looking for a break from the ordinary will appreciate this imaginative collection of stories and songs from quirk-rock kings They Might Be Giants. Fresh on the heels of their highly successful children's record No!, Bed, Bed, Bed features four brief stories written by the Giants and illustrated with surreal panache by Marcel Dzama along with a CD featuring all four stories in song version. "Impossible" explores the possibility of turning into fantastical animals like Octofish and Octofee or growing violet hair that flows down the stairs. Kids will find the silly animals and warped reality delightful and will love singer John Linnell's spacey conspiratorial tone. "Happy Doesn’t Have to Have an Ending" tells the story of a hippie kitten "on a secret mission to make a valentine for everyone on earth," who wants everyone to dance and be happy. "Idlewild" slows things down with a softer, sleepier beat and a story about a dreamy trip to the carnival. But the Giants save the best story for last; "Bed Bed Bed Bed Bed" is a well-reasoned and catchy argument for slumber. "I did so many things today, there’s nothing left to do", sings guest vocalist Kimya Dawson (in a slower, different version than the one on "No!"). While the story features familiar bedtime milestones, Dzama’s illustrations lend the proceedings a compellingly skewed vision in which kids eat three meals in the company of bears and go to bed accompanied by their pet octopus and a tuxedoed rabbit. While the lyrics flow nicely in the songs, they can sometimes be a bit clunky on the page. But even then, the stories and Dzama’s illustrations are more imaginative and memorable than most children’s books today. --John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (18)

CRUCIAL element of my 2-year-old's bedtime routine
Here's the routine: jammies, brush and floss, Bed Bed Bed, lights out. Every night, like clockwork. In fact, the only way I can get her to stop fooling around with the toothbrush is to say, "Let's go listen to Bed, Bed, Bed!" And she hops down from her stool and runs on tiptoes to her room shouting "BED BED BED BED BED BED BED BED BED BED BED BED BED!" When I start the CD, she alternates between studying the pictures in the book very carefully and dancing wildly. She calms down a bit at Idylwild (her favorite song?), and at the end of the fourth song she says "Night night time" and curls up with her pillow and doll. THAT'S IT! Is that amazing or what! Yeah, I'm a TMBG fan, but this CD/book isn't about me and my interest in TMBG, it's not about being a great work of art, it's about the MIRACLE of getting my daughter to go to bed without a fuss.

A must for TMBG fans, not sure kids will like it
I love They Might Be Giants. I love love love them. I've been listening to their music for more than 15 years, and it's been very exciting to hear their music evolve over that time.

Their foray into the world of children's entertainment has been exciting for me, since I'm a children's-book junkie. But while I think the "No!" family CD hits the mark, the Johns' "children's book," "Bed Bed Bed" is a bit off.

The design and illustrations are beautiful, of course. TMBG is known for their cutting-edge taste in designers almost as much as for their music, and so the design and illustrations of the book are bound to catch a child's attention and hold it for a bit.

The text of the book, however, is just song lyrics, and I'm of the opinion that song lyrics generally don't make good reading -- without the music, at least half (if not more) of the experience is missing. And TMBG lyrics are so typically strange, you really do need the music to complete the context.

Of course, the book was meant to be read along with the enclosed four-song CD, and I do think the book is rather pointless without the CD. I take issue, however, with the recasting of the book's title song as a "lullaby." This plodding, tuneless version of the song would put anybody to sleep, in the hope of getting away from Kimya Dawson's monotonous voice. They may have done better to kick off the book and CD with the march-like, sound-effects studded version of "Bed Bed Bed" as it's featured on the "No!" album, and saved the floating, lovely "Idlewild" for the closing lullaby.

Last week I attended one of TMBG's "family concerts," and it was pretty clear that the "No!" album is building a very young sector in the TMBG listening audience. There's a lot to love about the "No!" disc, with its upbeat songs and fun animations. The "Bed Bed Bed" book and CD, while a beautiful package, is less accessible. I do hope the Johns will give children's publishing another shot!

Love it, oh . . . and my daughter likes it too.
Many of us Giants fans are now introducing John's and John's genius to our children. Their new crop of kid friendly products is just what we need to bring our progeny into the fold. The CD has some "kiddy" versions of NO songs and some other ditties, all good. My daughter loves the book! It delivers as a bed time read. Just weird enough, just hypnotizing enough.

My TMBG kid...
My 3 1/2 year old son LOVES this book and cd! We listen to the cd while following along with the book at least twice every night. And being a huge TMBG fan myself, I will never get tired of it. My son was initiated into the world of TMBG with "No!" so we HAD to have Bed Bed Bed when it came out. Thank you Johns!!!!!

Is It A Good Bedtime Tool For Kids?
YES, ANOTHER THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS FAN AM I who bought this 48 page book, accompanied by a 4-song CD, intended for children; however, it's just as hot in hands of adults who appreciate the cleverness, vitality, and care that this band has been producing for over twenty years.

Therefore, it's not a question of whether or not this 5-star TMBG project will please us fans. It boils down to "Is it truly a good bedtime tool?" to help your children into slumber. As a kids' book, I give it 4 stars.

We'll see what you think.

First of all, based on the disappointment I felt upon receiving this package in the mail, I would disagree that it's a book of stories. I'd been lead to believe that it was. BED, BED, BED contains no stories, no more than you'd find in any song. It's a hardbound collection of read-along lyrics set to Marcel Ozama's energized artwork. Still, once the disappointment faded--and it faded fast--I saw the light. This is a wonderful product.

But let's keep things in perspective. The "Note for You" on page 1 tells us, "We have sequenced the stories to help parents and kids find their way to slumberland." In my opinion (maybe I'm wrong), the songs should have been organized in descending order, bouncy-fun to mellow-drowsy

The second song, "Happy Doesn't Have to Have and Ending," is slightly more rockin' than the first song, "Impossible." Their order is not conducive to the gradual fading into sleep we were promised. The last couple of songs are debatable. I feel the CD could have ended with the song "Idlewild," musically, instead of "Bed, Bed, Bed, Bed, Bed." B.B.B.B.B. calls too much attention to the lyrics. Lyrically, however, if this weren't about inducing sleep, I'd have kept the order as presented.

I realize this matter of order is up to the listener. I just thought I should let you know.

The songs themselves are typical of They Might Be Giants. One or two will get your rhythm meter swinging right away, and, after you've listened to the whole CD, you'll find that you love all four songs. The messages, as I translate them, are child-friendly:

1. Don't worry about the limits others place on you. You can grow up to be anyone you imagine yourself to be.
2. The secret to life just might be to make room for fun and happiness.
3. Take a trip into fantasy.
4. Look at everything you did today! You've had a productive twenty-four hourse. The only thing left is to go to bed, the importance of which should not be overlooked.

The neat thing about They Might Be Giants is that their studio albums appeal to children as well as adults. It's no wonder they aimed two CD's exclusively at children. In both BED, BED, BED and their successful kids' album NO!, however, I sometimes felt that the songs weren't perfectly suited for the very young. Again, maybe I'm wrong. I'm not an educator.

In BED, BED, BED, for instance, particularly in the song "Happy Doesn't Have to Have an Ending," words are used that might not fit into your child's repertoire. The word "Gavotte" is used, as well as "moderately." Children aren't idiots, of course, but these words could soar over their heads. (In the Giant's defense, they define "Gavotte" using apt lyrics.)

Also, the phrase "long-haired hippie kitten" is questionable, the "hippie" part. I'm not about to say it's wrong, but it does isolate a passé social class. I feel we should avoid using such terms when providing our children with entertainment. In a sick world, it could become a short journey from "hippie" to "Mexican" to "ni**er."

Despite that, "hippie" is a mostly harmless word, I know. I'm just saying we should avoid terms that come ready-replete with (possible) negative connotations. I'm not normally a crusader against labels. But we're talking about a children's album here.

I've nothing else "bad" to say about this product. Man, I had to listen to it four times in a row. HAD TO. As an adult, I loved it. The message of the song "Possibly" made me misty--which I tend to get over perfectly realized messages of good will. The kitten in the "Happy" song also had an emotional effect on me. . .though, I might point out, he's referred to as a long-haired kitten, and the pictures paint him in short brown fur.

Okay, I lied. So there's a couple more things to say that are not so positive: 1) the short-hair/long-hair issue that I just mentioned and 2) pages 31 to 40.

In pages 31-40 we receive a string of short lyrics, one line per page. This is supposed to be a read-along book, right? I found that I had to turn pages pretty darn fast in order to keep up with the CD. Frantic page-turning during the last song will surely jostle your child from his or her near slumber.

There. No more bad stuff. I, an eternal Giants fan, have tried to review this book without bias. Ah, but, in the end, counting pros and cons won't render a just verdict. BED, BED, BED is a wonderful purchase. You're kids are going to love it.

I dare you to feel differently. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Who can resist the allure of the hidden wilderness water hole? Certainlynot one rhino. Not two tigers. Nor three toucans. Pretty soon the delicious poolis drawing moose, catfish, pandas, tortoises... and more than 100 other crittersfrom Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. But is it our imaginationor is that rhino-sized water hole dwindling to a mere shadow of its former self,a puddle not fit for eight ladybugs, let alone 10 kangaroos? As the seasonschange across the world, and the animals get thirstier, the water supplydiminishes. Eventually, even the flowery-shirted frog that has stoicallylingered through the drought packs his suitcase and takes off. The only hope nowis a drop of rain on the parched earth...

With his usual elaborate detail, Graeme Base, mad genius behind Animalia, The Eleventh Hour: A CuriousMystery, and other wild and wonderful titles, presents a one-of-a-kindcounting book. Naturally, Base would never be content to stick with a simple 1through 10 format. Readers of all ages will linger over each spread, firstcounting the highlighted animals and giggling at the translation of their gruntsand growls (the moose's "Moo, moo, mooooooiii!" means "Hey, get your hoof out ofmy ear!"). Then it's time to check out the diminishing size of the die-cut holein the pond. And finally, readers will want to find each of the 10 additionalanimals cleverly hidden in every illustration, based on the silhouettedcreatures in the border. A safari on paper--with an environmental andmathematical education thrown in for good measure. (Ages 4 to 8) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Outstanding Work of Art
This is one of my 3.5 yo's favorite books. It is one of the most beautifully illustrated books that I have ever seen. I can't get over how gorgeous it is. It needs to be read many many times to soak up all there is to see 1) counting book 2)Counting backwards book (the frogs go from ten to one as the story goes on 3) A Geography book 4) an "I spy" book for all the hidden animals 5) An animal habitat book 6) humor book with the "translated" sayings and the silly frogs. 7) a science book on the importance of rain to the environment So bam - you have reading/literature, math, geography, visual discrimination, science (biology and geology), and art too all in one gorgeous package. This is my first encounter with this writer/illustrator but I am definitely going to search out other books.

Endless fun for kids!
I am a great fan of Graeme Base and have all of his books and have bought many more as presents for friends. The Watering Hole is a great story for kids to learn about animals - maybe strange animals that aren't in their country! Learn their sounds. I read it with my friends kids and we tried to imagine what the different animal sounds were in different lanaguages. You can always find a new way to enjoy the book. It also has an environmental theme, which many kids understand and like to talk about. A MUST buy!

get the right one!
I loved it! The art is spectacular and even adults will enjoy finding the hidden animals. Good for many age levels BUT I bought one for my grandaughter, but gave it to a good friend. When I went to buy another one, it had no hole in the pages! It is still a beautiful book but for younger readers, I would recomend the book with the actual hole in the pages.

A family favorite
My son is just 18 months old. He recieved this book as a gift when he was born. He now loves it and we must read it every night. He doesn't care much about counting yet and I've yet to find all the animals in the pictures but he loves the bright pictures, the story, and most of the all the tigers. We love it so much I bought others by this author-all equally as good. My 12 year old nephew who is an excellent reader even enjoys some of this authors books. A must have for any young reader or older reader too!

A Marvel
This book is just wonderful, not only for children - my 3,5-years-old son just loves it - but also for grown-ups. The drawings are excellent, a fine mixture of realistic and cartoon with lots of subtle information in the frames. The texts are funny. The message is gripping: without water (we) all will go away.

From this book one can learn about the animals, the various continents and environments they live in, numbers one till ten. It is an experience for father and son to learn about the marvel of the waterhole. ... Read more

Book Description

In this tender sequel to the New York Times bestseller and children's classic, The Kissing Hand, Audrey Penn provides parents with another tale of love and reassurance to share with their children. Chester Raccoon has a baby brother--and the baby is a bit more than Chester had bargained for. "Please can we give him back?" he begs Mrs. Raccoon, to no avail. The last straw is when Chester sees his mother give his baby brother a kissing hand--his kissing hand, Chester thinks. His mother assuages his fears with her own special brand of wisdom, finding just the right way to let Chester know that he is deeply loved. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A delightful story about raccoons and love.
As a book reviewer for Funseeker's Radio Network I come across a lot of delightful children's book, but this one has to be in the top ten. A mother raccoon has two cubs, with Chester being the older. His mother gives him a kiss in his hand, a "kissing hand" and he is delighted, until he sees her give one to his baby brother. His mother lets him know that he is loved just as much as his brother and that she has enough love for both of them. The illustrations by Barbara Leonard Gibson are some of the best I have seen and remind me of Harry, my own pet raccoon I had when I was younger. This book needs to be bought in pairs, one for the adult buying it and one or more for the children who will love the story and the message it gives. ... Read more

Book Description

In this well-loved Little Critter picture book, our funny younghero has to get used to a new baby sister. What a problem. The baby doesn't payattention when Little Critter reads to her. She cries when he makes silly faces.And she can't understand the jokes he tells. It's seems like an impossible task,but Little Critter finally figures out what you CAN do with a new baby -- andbecomes a very good brother. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A great book for the Big Brother/Sister
This is such a cute book...I found it when looking for some book to get for my son to help him get ready for the arrival of his little sister...what I really liked was how it explained how the baby wouldn't be able to really do anything right away...that was very helpful because of course my son who is 2 thought that his sister would be able to play with him and everything right away...but after reading his books he realized she was going to be a little baby and wouldn't be able to do everything he wanted...he is now very excited for his sister to get here and he loves reading it...he now likes to read it to us...definatly a perfect book for either the Big Brother or the Bid Sister.

The Best I've Found
After looking at many different books to prepare my 2 year old daughter for a new brother, this was the best one! It didn't get into where babies come from, but more about what a sibling can do with a new baby and what to expect.

Perfect for young toddlers
We got this book for our 15 month old when we found out we were having another baby. He absolutely loves this book! He carries it around and even sleeps with it in his crib. Even though he's really young, he is very careful with the thin pages. This book is great!

Such a great book for preparing child for new baby!
My son is 16 months old and he loves this book! It has been so helpful in trying to prepare him for becoming a big brother. Even though he is young, we are able to tell him about what babies can and cannot do so he will be ready when his brother arrives. I think out of all the books we bought, we will be able to reinforce more about babies with this book than any of the others. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who needs to prepare a child for a new siblings arrival!

Great for young kids expecting a new sibling
I bought this book and two others in an attempt to prepare my son for the birth of his sister. He was 22 months when she was born. The other books ordered were too sophisticated for him. This book was a hit - he requested it every night before and after she was born. I liked that it used short simple language to explain what it would be like with the baby around and gave ideas to the older sibling for ways to play with the new baby. The "What to Expect" book and Calliou's book were both not as good. ... Read more

Book Description

A toddler's graduation from diapers to the potty is always a veryimportant moment--and one to make parents and toddlers proud! In this book,Henry needs to have his diaper changed so he can go out and play. Then Mom andDad bring a big box home, and Henry is anxious to open it up and see what'sinside. Is it a rocking chair? A bed for Teddy? No, it's a potty--which meansit's time for Henry to graduate from diapers. This gentle and humorous littlestory is charmingly illustrated and told in verse. Little boys will enjoylooking at the pictures and having the story read to them. Meanwhile, they'llstart getting the idea that it's time for them to grow up, exactly like Henry.So that at last, they'll be able to say: "I'm off to the potty, No more diapersfor me! And I feel great, I am proud of ... ME! Here's a pleasant and effectivenew way to begin a child's toilet training. Barron's also publishes a potty bookfor a little girl, starring Hannah. (Ages 1-4) ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Best Potty Book We've Read!
My son is 2 1/2 and has liked other potty books, but this was THE one that got him interested in trying big boy underwear! He still isn't trained, but asks to try more often. As parents, our favorite line is when Henry has an accident, and his parents tell him "That's okay Henry, don't give up yet!" Our son wants to read this everyday, over and over, and even told us the other day that he isn't 'ready' yet, but when he gets a little older, he will go to the potty! The only thing I do not care for (in most books) as that they always use the seperate potty, instead of the 'big' potty, like we do.

My son LOVES this book!
The illustrations are cute, and it tells a great story about a little boy that is learning to go potty like a big boy. It's easy for him to understand. He's even started finishing the end of some the lines for me. The only reason I don't give this book five stars is because I wish it was a board book. My dh had it ripped off the spine. I had to take it away for a while so I could try to fix it. I found a board book for him in the meantime, and even though he did enjoy it, he was very excited to see this book after I'd fixed it. I would suggest it to any parent with a boy that's ready to train.

Ready to Potty Train your little one?
If you are ready to potty train your little one, then this book is for you. It is fun and easy to read and my kids love to read it over and over. The best part is that the story treats the child with respect, even when the inevitable "accident" happens. Highly recommended.

very good, fun book.
This is a great book for boys. It has cute pictures and incorporates fun in the process of potty training. This book mentions no body parts which may be bad but at least you can choose your own words. It also doesn't demonstrate the children fooling around with their potty such as 'wearing it like a hat'. It has nothing insulting and it keeps the bathroom in the bathroom and addressees accidents and washing hands (though the washing hands cold have been a bit more then a sentences as that is my son's favorite part of using the toilet.) It calls wee-wee and poo-poo and a toilet a potty.

The greatest Potty Training tool we've found!
Our son just turned 2 but has been showing signs of being ready to potty train for some time. We haven't pushed it at all, but after ordering this book for him, he's decided to start using his potty. At first he'd only sit on it with the lid down and his clothes on. Then with the potty lid up, and last night, he actually used his potty!

While reading the book: We have developed a little game of looking for Henry's (the character in the book) diaper on each page of the book, which he really enjoys. We also laugh and clap for Henry when Henry uses his potty. This books is very cute, and the rhyming text grasped our sons attention from the very beginning

Beware though, if you get to read it as often as we do... you may find yourself repeating it throughout the day!

Considering my sons complete defiance against the potty before we got this book and a potty seat for him (we originally had bought a toddler size toilet seat which he hated), and his total acceptance and excitment about using the potty now, I would be inclined to say that this book will help nearly ANY little boy with potty training! ... Read more

Book Description

A gentle rhyme filled with multicultural images that encourages parents to read to their children. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A jewel of a book!
This is one of the most perfect children's book I have ever seen and I have been collecting for 27 years. (day care provider)It is beautifully illustrated with rich diversity.The words are poetic and should be read by every new parent grandparent and caregiver.
I think this book should be included in every hospital kit distributed to new parents and use by every literacy program.It should definitely be in your family library.

A warm and lyrical treasure with a positive message
Read To Me is a thoroughly delightful picture book with simple, rhyming verse by Judi Moreillon and enchanting color illustrations by Kyra Teis about the joy shared between parents, grandparents, and young ones when reading to a child. A warm and lyrical treasure with a positive message for all ages. "Read to me / and plant the seed. / Make me want / to learn to read."

Just Lovely
This small book is perfect!The illustrations are colorful without being garish, the poem is gentle and beautiful!This book will be enjoyed by many little ones in my family for years to come.I just love it! ... Read more

Book Description

How many tickles does baby need to start the day? Cuddle and laugh with this count & read book! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

not just for preschoolers or babies
I will run as fast as possible to try and grab the book first to read it to my baby brother but I love it just as much.All of her books are funny and easy to read making it fun. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The gentle rhyming and gorgeous, tissue-paper collage illustrations in this classic picture book make it a dog-eared favorite on many children's bookshelves. On each page, we meet a new animal who nudges us onward to discover which creature will show up next: "Blue Horse, Blue Horse, What do you see? I see a green frog looking at me." This pattern is repeated over and over, until the pre-reader can chime in with the reader, easily predicting the next rhyme. One thing readers might not predict, however, is just what kinds of funny characters will make an appearance at the denouement! Children on the verge of reading learn best with plenty of identifiable images and rhythmic repetition. Eric Carle's good-humored style and colorful, bold illustrations (like those in The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Grouchy Ladybug, and Have You Seen My Cat?) have earned him a prominent place in the children's book hall of fame.(Baby to Preschool) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (154)

Easy to read, teaches colors and new words...
This was the first story my daughter learned in Primary/Kindergarten. Each day the kids learned a new color and words for each page of the book. My child really enjoyed bringing home worksheets to show me what was happening in the story.

After she learned the story, I bought the hardcover book to replace the well-worn worksheets that were getting very crumpled. This is truly my daughter's favorite book, and she loves reading it to her sister. Her reading skill has surpassed this level, yet she returns to it for the colorful illustrations, and to remember the joy she had in learning to read. This book rates 5 stars and your child will love the melodic tempo to its words as they learn to read.

Great For First Storytimes
This book is a great first book to read to baby. The text is rythmic and the illustrations are bold, simplistic, and big enough to attract young babies' attention. My son, at 4 months, enjoys this book.

Simple animals and Colors
Yes, I can recite this book by heart. Sometimes we leave the colors out, sometimes we shorten it, but it is a bedtime must. My son likes it when we make the animal noises, too. Good for animal and color identification. This is another book that is good for practicing baby sign language.

Way to Go Bill Martin and Eric Carle! Great classic books!
My son has loved this book and Polar Bear, Polar Bear since he was 1 1/2 and he is now 3. He learned his colors and animals as well as enjoyed the rythmatic way the book reads. He reads this book to me all the time from memory and it is a book we treasure in our house. My nephew has it now too and at 2 1/2 reads it to his mommy too!
Get this book! Take it out from the library and see your child's reaction if you don't believe me. By the time the book is due back, you will be headed to the book store to buy it!

How to Have Real Fun With This Book After 200 Readings
Here's the way to keep this book fresh after multiple readings....start at the last page and read it backwards! My son loved it backwards and years later still can remember me reading "Bear Brown, Bear Brown, See You Do What?" ... Read more

Amazon.com

Mother-love is profound, however a baby comes into a woman's life. ForRose Lewis, the journey to motherhood begins with a letter to Chinese officials,asking if she can adopt from the "big room with lots of other babies." Theinfants in that room in China are each missing a mother, but Lewis is missingsomething, too--a baby. She travels to China to meet her new little girl andfalls head over heels in love. Taking her baby home to America, Lewis introducesher to all her family and friends, and they begin their life together.

A touching love story, I Love You Like Crazy Cakes will warm the cocklesof any new parent's heart, especially those who have recently adopted a child.It's an ideal story for lap-time reading, and will inspire parents and kids totalk about their own first "meetings," whether at birth or in an adoptionagency. Jane Dyer, illustrator of the bestselling Time for Bed by Mem Fox, Oh My Baby, Little One by KathiAppelt, and many other marvelous picture books, uses a pastel palette ofwatercolors to capture the tender moments between the American mom and herrosy-cheeked Chinese baby. (Ages 3 to 6) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Heart Warming, Beautifully Illustrated
I am just now beginning the long process of adopting a child from abroad. It will most likely take 1-2 years, and this book will help keep me going when I lose faith.

It is a treasure of a book both for people considering international adoption, and also for those looking at domestic adoption as well. A simple and touching story that tells about the joy all parents feel when meeting their children for the first time...be it through birth or adoption.

This was a truly heartwarming story. Short and easy to read, it's destined to become a bedtime classic.

The illustrations are lovely and dreamy...as a storybook should be.

All in all, a excellent excellent book.

I Love This Book Like Crazy Cakes
Rose Lewis opens a window to her heart that makes this book a universal story for anyone who has known a special love. She has accomplished what might seem impossible. It is not only a children's story, but an intensely personal journey that will resonate for anyone of any age who has experienced the magic of falling in love. As you read this to your children, you will think back to the moment when you first held them in your arms, looked into their eyes and forged a life-long bond. At its end you will understand the pure simplicity of true love. The book's illustrations, by Jane Dyer, alone make it worth buying. Its text will bring tears to your eye and warmth to your heart.

Essential for every adopted child's library
A beautiful book; strong loving feelings are projected from the mother to her daughter. The positives of adoption are explained with empathy for the child's situation. Children reading this will feel proud of their origins, whilst feeling safe and secure in the care and love of their parents. Beautiful illustrations reflect the texts message of love and bonding between mother and daughter.

Good For Single Adoptive Mothers
I enjoyed this book, but think that it is especially appropriate for single adoptive women. The adoptive mother is mentioned, but not an adoptive father or adoptive partner. The book is adorable, no matter what the adoptive parental situation is, but if you are a single adoptive mom, you MUST get this book.

An Excellent Addition to Any Family's Library
One of my favorite roles as a parent is introducing my children to families of many types. In "I Love You Like Crazy Cakes", my children can understand that sometimes Mommys and Babies become a family by being united via airplanes and adoption officials and guess what? The amazing love is the same.

I especially loved that the author shared the gratitude and love for the "other" mother who provided the gift of this baby into her life. Beautifully stated and at times, overlooked.

The illustrations must be mentioned also: they are stunningly beautiful with the emotions of the subjects literally entering my heart from the page. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Gerald the giraffe doesn't really have delusions of grandeur. He justwants to dance. But his knees are crooked and his legs are thin, and all theother animals mock him when he approaches the dance floor at the annual JungleDance. "Hey, look at clumsy Gerald," they sneer. "Oh, Gerald, you're so weird."Poor Gerald slinks away as the chimps cha-cha, rhinos rock 'n' roll, andwarthogs waltz. But an encouraging word from an unlikely source shows this glumgiraffe that those who are different "just need a different song," and soon heis prancing and sashaying and boogying to moon music (with a cricketaccompanist). In the vein of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Gerald'sfickle "friends" quickly decide he's worthy of their attention again.

With this rhyming, poignant (in a cartoonish way) tale, Giles Andreae, author ofRumble in the Jungle, andnumerous other picture books, shows insecure young readers that everyone can bewonderful, even those that march to the beat of a different cricket. The rhymesare somewhat awkward, but the bold, bright watercolors by Guy Parker-Rees willinvite readers to kick up their heels and find their own internal harmony. (Ages3 to 6) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (21)

This is why we liked this book:
The kindergarten class at Eliza Kelly School liked this book very much. We liked when Gerald did the backwards sommersault in the air. We like to dance too! We also liked the part when Gerald closed his eyes and listened to the sounds of the jungle. The cricket was a good friend to Gerald.
The illustrations were colorful and beautiful.
Gerald is a great dancer!

Kindergarten at
Eliza Kelly School

There is something special in all of us
This book is wonderful. It demonstrates, in its storyline and text, that there isn't always just one right way to do something. In other words, we may all have a unique approach. In this case Gerald thinks he's a bad dancer. His negative perception is reinforced by the other jungle animals whom Gerald thinks dances perfectly. The other animals tease Gerald. He doesn't seem to "fit in" with the crowd. Gerald's problem is, he is trying to dance their way. He needs to find his own style.

Good and bad examples abound in real life, and with our guidance they all provide rich learning experiences for our children. Given that, with your guidance, this book imparts to children a) There is often more than one way to do something, b) courage and perseverance pay off, and c) teasing hurts. Not bad for 29 pages of delightful rhyming text and colorful illustrations.

A Wonderful Lesson!
This is the most precious story about how being different is okay and how you can still be good at something even though you have to go about it a little "differently." I bought this for my 4 yr old son with cerebral palsy who can't walk and he absolutely adores it! "We can all dance if we find the right music." Gerald, who initially was ridiculed by the other animals for being a terrible dancer, gets a little help from a friend in finding the "right music." His dancing is admired by the other animals in the end. My husband demonstrates the different dances with my son as he reads the book to him which my son thoroughly enjoys! We have a very extensive book collection for my son, but this would have to be one of his (and my) all-time favorites. I have also bought several copies of this book for my son's school. The illustrations are the best that I've ever seen in a children's book. Can't recommend this highly enough!

Boogie on, Gerald!
Gerald the Giraffe is one clumsy animal. He's good at standing still and munching shoots off trees but when he wants to join the other animals at the Jungle Dance, they only laugh at him. Not for long, though. His friend the cricket knows how to play the music that inspires Gerald to dance like John Travolta in his best days. Gerald is transformed because "we all can dance ... when we find music that we love."

"Giraffes Can't Dance" is my personal favorite among Max's books. The story is familiar to many kids who go to kindergarten and learn that their peers can be picky about who belongs to the pack and who does not. In the book, the exuberant illustrations of Guy Parker-Rees take the sting out of Gerald's initial rejection by the other animals. Watching the Rhinos rock'n'roll and the lions "dance a tango that was elegant and bold," balances Gerald's sadness. The emphasis of the story is on Gerald's joyful transformation, anyway. Just read Gerald's jubilant "I am dancing! Yes, I'm dancing! I AM DANCING!" with enough liveliness and watch the kids identify with a flying giraffe. After all, the lesson is that you can excel and enjoy who you are even if, at first, the world does not play your tune. With a little help from his friends, Gerald finds out that "sometimes when you're different you just need a different song."

Let me add one short paragraph on Gerald's helpful friends, the cricket and the three small bugs that are hiding on every page. These four little fellows are an ingenious device to soften the impact of the emotional story. Kids are in love with details; once they know what to look for, they will tirelessly search for the bugs and the cricket, and point them out to you. Hint: play dumb and they will have a party.

I read this book to my disabled child (4 years old)
This is a wonderful book about a Gerald, a giraffe who attempts to dance at the yearly jungle dance, but shies away from the stage when other animals laugh at him. This book express beautifully how it feels to be different - 'Gerald had never felt so sad and so alone' - and ends on a very positive note: 'Sometimes when you're different, you just need a different song' and 'we all can dance, when we find music that we love.' It was a perfect book to help my child with his feelings towards his weakness. ... Read more

Book Description

Beloved illustrator J.P. Miller's graphic, colorful farm animals seem to jump right off the page -- but they aren't jumping to help the Little Red Hen plant her wheat! Young children will learn a valuable lesson about teamwork from this funny, favorite folktale. A Little Golden Book Classic! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Simple and Easy but Still Good!
I was looking through some old Little Golden books looking to see if we had any that my niece might like and I came across The Little Red Hen and I remember really liking this cute book when I was little and it being one of my favorite Little Golden Books it has nice pictures and is very simple and easy to read and perfect for a child just learning how to read. ... Read more

Book Description

Today everyone is talking about peace. But how do you explain this abstract conceptto young children? Todd Parr is here to help. Like his bestselling title Itís Okay to be Different, The Peace Book gives parents and teachers a valuable tool in talking about a challenging subject. Toddís bright, child-friendly pictures and simple, inspiring text tell kids just what they need to know:Timeless and universal, this primer about peace belongs in every home and classroom all over the world. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (10)

Beautiful, heart-warming book
This is a lovely adoption story, particularly for young children adopted from Central America or South America. The illustrations are beautiful, dynamic and colorful, and the story is gentle and joyous. The story captures the excitement and joy of traveling to bring home an adopted child without dwelling on details, so it is easy to add the specifics of your child's adoption as you read. The book emphasizes the permanence of adoption, and that the child was meant to be the child of the adoptive parents. My 2 year-old daughter, adopted from South America, loves the story, and requests it before nap-time and bed-time.

I love this book!
As the mother of a 3-year old adopted from China, I've bought quite a few adoption-related children's books, and I like many of them. But this one I love! Although it's not directly tied to Chinese adoptions, the story is similar to ours (we're a 2-parent family; we adopted a baby; we traveled to get her). The illustrations are lovely and the story captures the happy anticipation we felt as we waited for our child. Most importantly, the author gave me words to use in explaining my daughter's birth to her: "You grew like a flower in another lady's tummy until you were born. The lady couldn't take care of you so Mommy and Daddy came to adopt you and bring you home." I just love those 2 sentences and feel grateful to have them. And my daughter asks me to read this book just about every day!

A fun adoption book just right for youngsters
I like the magical urgency expressed in the words of one adoptive family flying 'over the moon and through the night' to pick up their baby and love her 'forever and always.'It is a simple story that can be understood by small children. The illustrations are charming and stress the importance of the family unit.
Gisela Gasper Fitzgerald, author of ADOPTION: An Open, Semi-Open or Closed Practice?

Love this Book
This is about the best book we have that deals with how we became a family - hands down! Our daughter was born in China as is our Number #2 daughter who we are expecting any day now. I found alot of the "classics" in the "how we became a family" to be not my cup of tea or piece of crazy cake, as it were."Over the Moon" approaches the "how you were born" subject so beautifully that we felt comfortable reading it to our 3 year old (over and over and over........) and would have felt comfortable reading it to her 2 years ago! A very gentle, happy, gorgeous book!

A Beautiful Story...It could be mine!
As we await the finalization of the adoption of our daughter from Guatemala, I read this book over and over again! I feel as though it tells our story. The illustrations are bright and appealing. I cannot wait to share it with my daughter. A must have for any adoptive family. ... Read more