Book Description

In this simple, sweet, and very human picture book, MercerMayer's popular Little Critter shows us all the things he can do by himself,from tying his shoes (almost) to pouring his own juice (and only spilling alittle). The wry illustrations often point up the fact that Little Critterdoesn't do everything perfectly, but he makes an effort to do the best he can. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

All By Myself
This book is about a little boy who is trying to do everything by himself but there are somethings that he coldnt't do like at bedtime when he wanted to read his bedtime story. It teaches young kids to do things like get dressed and things like that. I think kids 5 and under would like this book. I thought the book was good i would have liked it more if i was 10 years younger.

One of my favorite books growing up!
I recommend All By Myself by Mercer Mayer to all ages. I'm in sixth grade but I still enjoy reading this book. When I was in fifth grade, I read this book to a kindergartner and he loved it! There is a series of Mercer Mayer's books about the main character, Little Critter's, life. YOU HAVE TO READ THEM!

One of the best pre-school series around.
My four year old grandson loves Little Critter and now has every one of them (that we can find) memorized. He now has a library of over 300 books, but he goes to sleep reading about his friends in Mercer Meyer's land of many and diverse critters.

My children demand it!
I just bought this book for the second time. My girls (2 and 4) have almost all of the books in the "Little Critter" series. Recently, my 2-year-old took "All by Myself" on the road and lost it. Both girls want it back ASAP. (By the way, the age group rating is obviously overstated at 4-years-old since my 2-year old is a big fan.)

All his books are great!
My daughter has many of Mr. Mercer's books and loves everyone of them. They are easy for her to read, have fun illustrations and good messages about how children (and adults) should conduct themselves. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (27)

Not just for moms and dads to enjoy!
Even if you don't have a child to share this book with, you'd enjoy seeing what babies everywhere are doing! I would share this book with preschoolers--either to rememeber their babyhood, or if they have a new baby in the house. The text is simple, and could apply to a preschooler's life as well. The illustrations are tastefully done, with much detail, and use a variety of colors and layouts (some are full page, others have more white space). The babies and families portrayed are quite diverse, and are drawn doing different activities within each "every day, everywhere, babies are..." that occupies the page. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who loves to see babies in all aspects of life!

Our favorite book
I bought this book for my baby boy when he was about 10 months old. He is now 16 months old and this is our favorite book. We read it many times a day, as he is always bringing it to me. Luckily, it's a book that parents don't easily tire of -- it has simple, singsong text and lots of pictures to talk about. The illustrations are perfect for an emerging talker, as I ask my baby to point to various objects he is familiar with. He loves to find the balls and the dogs.

The book really caught my attention because it depicts all kinds of families, and being an alternative family, this was important to me. I point out to my children (I also have a 4-year-old) the different kinds of parents in this book, and the different races. I also love how the book shows lots of animals. It's a very life affirming, all-embracing story and it is our favorite book in a vast & ponderous library of children's books!

Too Political with Hidden Agendas
It is up to parents to decide what they expose their children to, but I must have read the book several times before even noticing the illustrations of same sex couples. The creators might show respect for different points of view around this controversial topic by at least being up-front about the messages in this book. Do we really need to make sure our babies see lesbians laying in close proximity on a bed and homosexuals taking a walk, arms draped around one another? I don't. We mostly play with toys, go to the playground, read books...I guess at age 2 and at age 9 months, I haven't felt the real neccesity of discussing the varied sexual preferences that go on between older people. They like to talk about lollypops, balloons, and the zoo, (well, my 2 year old talks while my 9 month old squeals) but so far, they don't seem very interested in discussing alternative lifestyles. Hmmm. Maybe it's me. The creators may think this is quite a coup- introducing the very young to "alternative families" seems to be high on the gay and far- left liberal political agenda. But I think it is dishonest to sow these subtle illustrations in a book for babies with no warning to the buyer.

Another glowing review
Although this book has received kudos from almost every reviewer, I had to throw in my thoughts as well. My two year old son loves this book. We received it as part of a book-of-the-month club and it has become one of his favorites. I remember commenting on how the artist captured so many aspects of everyday baby life. I point out to my son the type of front-pack and stroller we used, they Gymboree type equipment and the bucket swing. He gets a kick out of recognizing things in the pictures. I also enjoy the diversity displayed in this book. It is an important lesson to pass on to children and having a wonderful book like this as a tool is great!

Informed Parents
At the risk of being labeled backward and narrow-minded, I will share my thoughts about this book. I checked this book out of our local library thinking it would be a fun read for my 18 month old daughter, who like most toddlers loves babies! Stangely enough, my husband read through the book on his own before reading it to our daughter. (We are not usually inclined to carefully preview her books.) He pointed out the pictures of same sex couples to me. He was a little uncomfortable with sharing the book with our daughter. We chose not to. As parents, we must make choices based on what we feel is best for our child. We are not gay bashers. We have friends and colleugues who are gay. We do not point a judgemental finger at them just as we do not do so to our friends who eat too many Twinkies or spend too much money at Anne Taylor. (Though these activities are not endorsed by the Bible either.) Christ does call upon us to show love and kindness to everyone, but this is not to say that we should endorse any lifestyle choices that the Bible says are sinful. I know this is not a popular view but it is one that my husband and I feel we must take. We do not plan to shelter our child from the reality of same sex relationships forever. But at 18 months, we don't think it needs to become part of the fabric of life just yet. So we will pass on Everywhere Babies for now. We encourage those of you writing these reviews to remember that Amazon reviews are a wonderful way to help parents make informed parenting choices. Knowing that this book contains illustrations of same sex couples is a good thing, whether it makes you more, less, or just as likely to purchase this book for your child. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Touching,tender story of a mother's return to her babies!
This is one of those "special" books that you won't mind reading to your little one over and over again. I find that a great children's book is a lot like a great children's movie; both the parent and the child enjoy it yet at different levels. Such a tender story of a little one's fear that their parent won't come home. However, the beautiful and touching illustrations almost steal the show! You can see the worry in the little owl's eyes and hear little Bill's anxious "I want my Mommy!" My two year old daughter loves the part when it's "dark" outside because the artwork truly conveys the dark; but not in a scary way! I loved when the oldest owl, Sarah, suggests that they all sit on her limb together. My favorite illustration is when the mother owl returns and the 3 little fluffy baby owls are jumping up and down. You'll snuggle a little closer to your child when you read this one together. Just the sweetest little book you and your special one will ever read!

A very fun book to read with one's children
I bought this book over two years ago, when my daughter was around 14 months and was just starting to visibly enjoy being read to. Two years later she still pulls it off the shelf sometimes and asks me to read it (usually around bedtime).

The plot is appropriately simple: Mama Owl goes out hunting for the night, and the three owl babies get progressively more worried and scared. When they have almost sunk into despair, mom comes home.

The illustrations are beautiful. Benson does an excellent job of evoking the fear of the wee owlets as they wait, and their exuberant joy upon mama's return. They are a perfect companion to Waddell's writing.

Waddell makes good use of parallelism. After a couple of readings, if you're child is verbal, expect her to be wailing "I want my mommy!" right along with you and baby Bill. Also, despite the brevity and simple vocabulary, one gets a real sense of the different personalities of the owl babies. As children's literature goes, this is a masterpiece.

Concurring with several other reviewers, I would agree that this is a great book to share with your kids if any of them suffer from separation anxiety.

Terrified Owl Babies
The beautiful artwork in this book doesn't mask a storyline that is way too upsetting for a young child. From the perspective of a 3-year old, mama owl disappears on page 1 and doesn't return until the last page. The pages inbetween show 3 gorgeously drawn little birds in the throes of anxiety over the loss of their mama. As an adult, I found it unsettling as well. Too bad the talented artist got hooked up with a hold-over author from Grimm's Fairy Tales.

Perfect for a two year old
We started reading to our daughter very young, which she always enjoyed, but this was the first book we read where she clearly followed the narrative. She was in visible suspense when the mother owl was gone and very relieved when she came back. An amazing moment! It was a favorite that we read many times thereafter. She was around 2 years old at the time and I highly recommend this book as a gift for a child that age.

Calm fears - and a cute little brother
Our three kids love this book. Particularly hearing the fear in the littlest owl's wishing for his Mama's return, and his joy at her arrival. ... Read more

Book Description

Friends Gossie and Gertie are waiting and waiting for Ollie to hatch. They try poking, listening, even sitting on top of his egg—but Ollie just won"t come out. Ollie is Ollie and he will decide when it"s time to hatch. Fans of Gossie and Gossie and Gertie will find Ollie just as charming and delightful as the first two books. Any toddler that has had to wait for a new brother or sister will find Ollie irresistible. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not just for babies
Although this book is geared for babies and toddlers, both my 3 and 5 year old daughters absolutely love it - as well as the sequel "Ollie is Stomping." The story is so simple and cute but with the few words and wonderful illustrations, Ollie emerges as a strong and unique personality, and Gossie and Gertie as his sweet sisters. I highly recommend this book.

Ollie is an egg!
My 2 1/2 year old daughter adores Ollie even as an egg. The tale is told simply and the illustrations speak volumes. All in all a beautiful book for children and parents. ... Read more

Book Description

Funny, likeable Little Critter is at it again. In this appealingpicture book about Mercer Mayer's popular character, Little Critter struggles toremember what he is supposed to do each day. On rainy days he remembers hisraincoat but forgets his boots. On school days he gets to school on time butforgets his lunchbox. At home he takes a bath but forgets to use soap. PoorLittle Critter! He tries hard but hasn't quite mastered the art of how to getthrough the day. Every young reader will understand Little Critter's confusionand laugh with him from start to finish. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Everyone forgets sometimes
This was a funny book. It reminded me a lot of myself and how I leave things on or don't put them away on accident. Another part that reminded me of how I am is how little critter said they didn't forget to close the refridgerator he was just not done eating. I always leave the t.v. on in a room and come back to it because I'm still watching it. This book I think was made to say that you never forget the important things and the things that really matter. It also lets kids know that everyone is forgetful.

Good Read
This book taught kids it's ok to forget somethings in life, but it also teaches them they cannot forget a lot of things, like how much they love their parents. but if you forget minor things like washing the dishes it's ok. I enjoy reading Mercer Mayer books, he can really connect with kids and get on their level, I think kids pick up on the morals. You may get into trouble if you forget things, but all kids do..

I just forgot
This book explains to children that it is ok to forget things sometimes most all kids do. But like in the book most kids never forget who or what is most important to them. This book reminds me of me and my brother because we always forget to do our chores but we never forget to tell our parents we love them and tell them goodnight.

Mayer has brought out the joy in children's books!
Mercer Mayer has created another wonderful book in the Little Critter series. He has an uncanny ability to connect with children on their level. This book has wonderfully bright pictures that reach out and grab the child's attention. It will bring a smile to your face as you learn that it is okay to forget, because every child forgets sometimes.

This is an excellent book, I think everybody should read it!
Overall, I was very impressed with the book. It has bright colorful pictures that will immediately grab the childrens attention! I think all young children should read this book. It teaches them that everybody forgets things, and it is okay. The difficulty level was good for young children, it is at a level where they can understand the book and comprehend it. It is a very cute story and I suggest that everyobody takes the time to read it. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Adorable!
I love that they've combined 4 of the McDuff stories under one cover. This is a great gift for a child who does not have any McDuff books. The illustrations are gorgeous and right on the mark as far as capturing the Westie personality. My children love the McDuff tales almost as much as they love their own Westie, Auggie.

Really fun
The McDuff stories are so much fun. The illustrations are so unique and rich. My 6 year old daughter really loves to read these books. Not only are they about a really adorable dog, but they are fun to read, too. After your second or 3rd McDuff story, you really get attached to this dog! We're on a mission to collect all the McDuff stories, so this is a great book to start with!

Absolutely the CUTEST children's book ever!
As the owner of an adorable Westie puppy, I couldn't resist this book. Even tho' I'm an adult, I enjoyed this book immensely, because of the cute little stories and the incredibly cute Westie drawings. I could be a little biased (that could be my little Katie!), but I think it's the cutest children's book I've ever seen! It's quite obvious the author & artist are Westie owners, and they've put their experiences to good use!

Wonderful stories with incredible illustrations.
Being the owner of a Scottie, Westie and a Cairn, I am so impressed with how the expressions and nuances of the Westie are so realistic and well captured. This is a story/picture book for children of all ages. I am a 39 year old child and I just love the pictures as I have seen the expressions in my own real life "McDuff" - actually his name is Bentley.

Can't wait for McDuff's Birthday!
I bought this book just a few weeks ago to read to my unborn son who is due in June. I can't wait until he's able to tell me that he wants to read McDuff at bedtime. I have to agree with the other reviewer when she says that the innocence this book portrays is extremely refreshing. McDuff's birthday is due out this year and I've already got it on order! Keep 'em coming, Ms. Wells! ... Read more

Book Description

Following the re-release of the first three books in this beloved series, here are the final three classic wordless tales in attractive, low-priced hardcover editions. A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog, the first book in this series, launched Mercer Mayer's distinguished career over twenty-five years ago, and also helped to create the wordless picture book genre. Full of warmhearted mischief and play, the books express the humorous trials and tribulations of friendship and the joy of summertime discovery. Readers will want to collect the entire set. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

great resource for teachers
This is an excellent book for teachers to have- can work with prediction (what will happen next?) and creative writing (older students may write their own "text" for the illustrations).

Beautiful illustrations and very humorous!

frog goes to dinner
Clever story, clearly told with pictures alone. Great for young children to enjoy with adults or by themselves.

If looks could kill.....
The book is as enjoyable when you're 33 as when your 3. I was cleaning a closet and found my original version from '77 and had to sit down (or fall down laughing) to "read" it. The illustrations are definately worth more than a thousand words. Frog's good time is only deterred by the evil looks cast at him by the family. We've all been there. It is amazing the feeling that animation can evoke. "Oh to be that frog".....After enjoying it to the fullest I ordered it for all the kids on my Christmas list from 2 to 102 that I felt would appreciate it. And of course Amazon delivered them on time. ... Read more

Book Description

Max's room is a mess! There's a Popsicle melting in the closet, a tube of opened Miracle Bubbles on the floor, and the ant farm ants have escaped under the bed!It's definitely time to clean up.Max's sister, Ruby, is quick to take charge, and of course Max wants to help. But Max has his own ideas about picking up his room, so things don't turn out exactly as Ruby planned. Children will cheer as Max innocently and humorously outsmarts his older sister once again.

"Sure to draw plenty of giggles from the burgeoning Max and Ruby fan club." (Kirkus Reviews) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Presents another delightful sibling encounter
Max's room is a mess and Ruby wants to clean it; but Max has special ideas about his room - can he preserve his beloved but funky treasures? This presents another delightful sibling encounter.

a valuable clean-up lesson
Wells does a good job again with this book about cleaning up. Max's sister wants him to clean up his room, but Max keeps rescuing items that she is wanting to throw away.

It's funny, and it's just as good as the other Max books.

It also teaches a valuable lesson about cleaning up.

Good for ages 2-7. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

If you think you know all the ways animals travel, think again. They don’t just walk, waddle, and swim, they love to fly blimps, drive jeeps, skipper submarines, and more! If you want to find out which vehicle is an animal’s favorite, just think about its name. And watch out for a Sheep Jeep on the road and a Sub Cub in the water!

In this clever concept book, bold, graphic, giggle-inducing artwork introduces a fun way for the very young to look at modes of transportation. The card-stock pages are strong enough to live through lots of readings. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Truck Duck Cab Crab
My son really enjoys this book. At 15 months, he has started being very particular about which books he wants to have read to him, and this one is always a favorite. I've never heard him turn it down yet. It's very simple - each page has a vehicle being driven by an animal and two words, such as "truck duck" or "blimp chimp" or "cab crab." Even though it's a favorite, I gave it just 4 stars, because I don't know if it will be a favorite for kids who aren't obsessed with vehicles and wheels, like my son is. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Bubba & Beau MayBecome Your Child's New Best Friends
Appelt's funny and charming tale of the almost simultaneous birth and budding friendship between a boy named Bubba and a puppy named Beau is heartwarming and enchanting.With no apparent idea that they are different species, these naïve babies" bond over their shared first traumas - i.e., the laundering of their beloved "blankie" and their own first baths.Howard's simple charcoal and watercolor renderings of Bubba and Beau could capture the heart of the most hardened soul.Their eyes, expressions, and movements are all enchanting.Howard's equally charming and amusing renderings of the human and dog parents and the Texas ranch where the story takes place provide the "icing on the cake."The result is a book that oozes with life, warmth, security, friendship, and love. Child judges awarded it the 2002 Irma Simonton Black and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature. To accommodate short attention spans, Appelt has even broken the story up into five well-defined chapters.Readers wanting more of Bubba and Beau will not be disappointed - there are already two sequels, Bubba and Beau Go Night Night and Bubba and Beau Meet the Relatives. Highly recommended for ages 18 months to 4 years.

Parents AND Kids will delight in this book!
This book will pull at your heartstrings while give you a sore stomach from all the laughter!My 12 month old loved this book when I returned from the library with it.When I purchased it for him it became his ONLY book to read.It is so delightful that you will not mind reading it over and over again.You might even develop a slight southern twinge to you accent after a few reads!

I'm still Laughing!
This is one of the funniest books. While reading it, one of my co-workers laughed so hard her mascara ran down her face. I've used it in pre-school storytime all week and its been very popular with the 3 to 5 year old crowd.The illustrations are priceless and the charaters a riot. ... Read more

Book Description

In Boxes, Boxes Everywhere, author Crystal Bowman brings together a heartwarming, inspirational story that will help your little one understand that moving really isnt so bad after all. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Beware non-Christian followers!
What a suprise to buy what I thought would be a cute book for my 3-1/2 year old neice who is moving to a new house and instead find 3/4 of the way into the book that it is about Jesus!For those that are not of the Christian faith... beware!

A great way to talk with your child about moving.
I started reading this to my son about 2 months before we moved. He is still very young, but I think it might have helped to ease the transition for him.For older children it could be a great way to get them talking about an upcoming move.

Important missing information...
This book is a Christian book with references to Jesus.People of other beliefs will probably not be interested in this book.

Mother of two
I liked the melody of this book. It is much like a Dr.Suess book in the rhyming sing song words. It is very easy to read and has a great message to kids about the anxiety of moving to a new house. There is a message to Mom's at the end also. If you are moving and have a pre-schooler, I recommend this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

From the beloved author of the Newbery Medal-winning title A Wrinkle in Time comes acharming story for younger readers, especially those with a new sibling. ToucheL'Engle-Franklin, the very talented, sophisticated, and articulate poodle of thehouse, is shocked and dismayed when her master and mistress bring home anotherdog, especially such an odd-looking one. This interloper has no fur to speak of,no tail, and--horror of horrors--it does its business inside the house, insomething called a diaper. Touche doesn't know what to make of this strange turnof events--after all, as she says, "This was a great waste of money. Dogs areexpensive to feed and clothe, and one dog is enough for any family. I fail tosee why I did not satisfy all requirements." Gradually, though, althoughshe still considers the addition to the family an inferior breed, Touche beginsto warm to "Jo-dog," and ultimately determines that "in every home there shouldbe at least two dogs!"

Funny, touching, and original, this oversize picture book is just the ticket fordisgruntled siblings. Precocious pooch Touche expresses her feelings toward thenew baby in the household in a way that any child can relate to and every adultwill recognize, and Christine Davenier's watercolor-and-ink illustrations havethe nostalgic feel of Ludwig Bemelmans's Madeline books. (Ages 3 to 7)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Could have been written by my dog!
This is an endearing, funny book that I would recommend to any families with dogs that are expecting children for the first time, or are introducing dogs to a toddler. My dog seems to feel the exact same way (at least I think so!) as the narrator dog of this book. Very cute and I will be surprised if this doesn't become a classic!

The Other Dog
Author: Christine Davenier

This book is basically about a dog who lives in a nice home. During the summer the dog's owner had a baby and the dog was really mad because she wanted to be the center of attention. She was lonely and everyone was busy with the baby. The dog didn't get to have any fun with its owner. The dog is narrating the story and telling us what a wonderful dog she is. At first, the dog thinks the baby was another dog. The dog was really trying to get along with the baby but the owners didn't let her because they might think that the dog might bite the baby. The baby always makes the dog mad because the baby pulls her ears all the time. Finally the baby was beginning to get along with the dog and the dog seems to be getting to know this baby.
I think that parents should read this to their children because this is a wonderful book that could teach children how to behave with pets. This book is really creative because the dog was narrating and I think that the kids will enjoy the book because the dog was mostly the interesting part in the story. I think kids will love to read this over and over.

A classic voice, like Charlotte of Charlotte's Web!
This story is told from the point of view of Touche, the dog, and what a marvelous dog Touche is! His attentive and amusing observations of "the other dog" range from "the other dog's" missing tail, lack of ventures outside for potty-time, sleeping arrangements, growth spurts, and "the other dog's" reaction to him, Touche (which is very satisfying to Touche). Touche's warm, intelligent, fun-loving and witty voice and the expressive illustrations that showed him at the peak of his interaction with "the other dog" made me a long-lasting and faithful friend.

Great for an Older Sibling of a New Baby
I have been a fan of Madeleine L'Engle since I first ran across A Wrinkle in Time in my grade school many years ago now. Since then, I have read just about every book she has written and I have never been disappointed. L'Engle is one of the most consistent writers of high quality books that is out there.

I'm a little past the age of the target audience for this book but it is a fun little book that older siblings of new babies are sure to enjoy. This was in my mind as my brother and his wife had their second child a few weeks ago. In this book, the family dog has to deal with feelings of jealously at the arrival of a new baby in the house. It is a cute and humorous little story told from the dog's point of view. If you need a gift so that an older sibling doesn't feel left out when the new baby arrives, this is a good choice.

Humorous View of a New Sibling for Preschoolers
On the surface, this story is about a spoiled dog's reaction to a first human baby coming home. The story is told in first dog, with Touche L'Engle-Franklin speaking as narrator. That perspective will provide much surface humor. Underneath that story line is the concept of the adjustments that siblings must make when the second child arrives. At first there is a sense of being displaced, then superiority over the pitiful creature follows, and finally love and connection arrive. The book is improved by an extensive author's note at the end about how the story is based on real-life experiences in her family. The book's main weakness is that it should have had simpler vocabulary so that it could have been used with the younger children who are about to meet their first sibling. You can still do that, but will have to rewrite or paraphrase the text so that the story will be completely understandable.

The writing is quite humorous. "First of all, I think you should know that I am the one who wrote this book." "So, I -- Touche L'Engle-Franklin -- write this book, with the assistance of that inferior canine Jo [the baby]."

"This summer my mistress went away for several days . . . she brought with her another dog." "I fail to see why I did not satisfy all requirements."

The humor builds on the drawbacks of human babies -- they have to be carried, they need diapers (and those have to be changed!), they must be fed several times a day, and they are almost hairless and wear clothes.

Over time, Touche takes over watching Jo in the playpen, as they play together through the bars.

" . . . [I] come to the

unpredictable,

surprising,

amazing,

astonishing,

astounding conclusion:

in every home there should be at least two dogs!"

The book ends with a painted grey paw print.

Ms. Davenier's images are cheerful watercolors that feel like they might have been made sometime between the 1930s and 1950s. This gives the book a feeling of heritage and elegance. The details are inked in with soaring spirals that add motion to the images, often showing Touche dancing all around the room over a large two page spread.

Reading this book reminded me of our dog's reaction when our oldest came home from the hospital. Skipper, our Sheltie, looked definitely puzzled, but was very interested. Soon, he was patiently letting "the new dog" pull his hair (as long as it wasn't too hard). They became very close companions, and it was a great pleasure to watch them play together. I don't think I would have remembered that experience again except for reading this book.

You might also want to encourage your child to address what it might be like to view a new baby in the family from other perspectives. How will the cat who lives next door think about the new baby? In this way, you can make the introduction more comfortable. The best time to do this is while the family is pregnant. Obviously, you also need to train any pets you have to behave around your baby. I remember reading good books on this subject, but don't remember their names at the moment.

Be patient with all new dogs . . . and the old dogs and children who will eye them suspiciously! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book to read at bedtime
This is an awesome book to read to your child when it's time to go bed. It has a lot of descriptive words such as snuggling, hugging, nuzzling, slithering, etc. The story is about animals getting ready for bed and their parent asking how many kisses do they want? Our family loved the illustrations, rhyme, and counting kisses. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Praising THE MUD PONY
This book has made a lasting impression on my first graders. They loved the story and delighted in the pastel illustrations, especially of the pony in flight. THE MUD PONY fits perfectly in the study of folklore. It appeals not only to the young mind, but to the more mature person as well. The fantasy is delightful and easily grasped by primary children. It makes a fantastic "Read Aloud" book. Read Aloud is a mandatory part of our San Diego Literacy program. We are encouraged to choose only books that "speak" to the children, that instill in them a desire to read more. Moreover, Native American folklore is a precious genre that should be be incorporated into each grade's literary curriculum. Happily, THE MUD PONY can be included in the Multi-cultural category. My students compared and contrasted it with two other books, THE GIFT and EAGLE FEATHERS, both by Owl Goingback. They used the graphic organizer of a triple-circled Venn Diagram which allows for a marvelous overview of the three books, depicting: characters, settings, themes, authors, and illustrators. The children chose a special picture to depict their favorite selections and drew their own rendition onto the diagram. They also searched for "special words" in each book and added them to the large sheet of manila paper covering the front classroom door. All who pass by can read the titles and the information beneath each. As a long-time veteran of the teaching of reading to students of all ages, I am happy to promote THE MUD PONY. Thank you, Caron Lee Cohen, for a book that appeals to the inner child in all of us. ... Read more

Book Description

A little girl's neighborhood becomes a discovery ground of things round, square and rectangular.Many of the objects are Asian in origin, other universal: round rice bowls and a found pebble, square dim sum and pizza boxes, rectangular Chinese lace and very special pencil case.Bright art accompanies this lively introduction to shapes and short glossary explains the cultural significance of the objects featured in the book.Perfect for read-alouds or one-on-one sharing. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

sweet shape book
this is a nice book just as a shape book but also for the chinese and american objects - nice combinations of pizza and dim sum in the square section. all kids will recognize shapes and be introduced to new objects. we're using it for a family literacy night highlighting diversity - it's short enough and interactive.

Great for older kids too
This is *not* a toddler only shape book at all! I read this to a mixed age 6-9 year old class & they got alot out of it. It was for Autumn Moon Festival but you cd/ do it for any China intro. I also passed around things from the book: a Chinese teacup with no handle, an abacus, a chop, the chop ink's square box was 'the box my cats sleep in' although mine were plastic tiger, panther & lion! Even if you had nothing I don't think it wd/ be difficult to buy a few cheaply at your local Asian food store or borrow things from friends & parents.

Beautiful pictures and words
I have a 6 month old daughter and she loves this book! The colors are bright but not too busy and the words flow easily. I love the fact that the narrator is Chinese-American and is able to blend traditional Chinese culture with contemporary American culture. I can't wait until my daughter understands what it is saying and can begin to pick out shapes!

Captures The Joy of Childhood
Round Is A Mooncake captures the joy of childhood. Roseanne Thong's delightful story combined with Grace Lin's bold and beautiful use of design make for a wonderful gift for young children. Lin expertly creates visual interset on every page and therefore, children will want to read this story again and again. Thong's glossary at the end of the story provides another great opportunity for discussion between parent and child.

Our 15-month old daughter loves this book!
My sister ordered this from my nephew's school's booklist and Jaida, our daughter, just loves it. She got it at 13 months and brings it everywhere for us to read with her. She loves looking at the beautiful art and the story and rhymes are short or long enough to keep her attention, again and again. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

What birth can mean for a family
Welcome With Love talks about childbirth with love, feelings, and great respect. It is about the kind of birth that all women are entitled to have -- and all families are entitled to be part of.

This wonderful children's book depicts a gentle, natural home birth on a windy, fireplace-lit night. The whole family participates in welcoming the new baby into the world. The story of a mother's fourth baby being born, is told in her young son's voice. He speaks of his mother's great noises during labor but he's not afraid, because she had told him beforehand that she "might make a lot of noise", he mustn't worry because "that's what it's like when babies are being born," and that she'll feel better if she yells and screams. The book shows the mother in full naked splendor pushing her baby out, the family watches with great love, tears in their eyes and excitement in their faces. The pictures were illustrated with absolute respect and regard for the birthing woman's privacy and dignity.

The book describes childbirth with touching honesty and realism. This is a perfect book to prepare children for the homebirth of a sibling. I found this beautiful story at our local library and enjoyed reading it so much I purchased a copy for my family. I love this book and highly recommend reading it to children of all ages.

Home Birth Momma
As a home birth mom myself I adore this book! I needed a "how was I born book" for my daughter. So many books talked about the hospital birth and I did not want to imbed that into her precious mind. Co sleeping, brestfeeding, labor and love are all beautifully portrayed! I nerer noticed the rusticness until I read it in these other reviews. BUY IT, KEEP IT FOREVER!

Beautifully illustrates natural birth in a family
It seems like every book about the arrival of a new sibling tells a child he should be jealous -- do we set them up for this? This book, instead, illustrates wonder and love as it tells the story of the birth of a family's fourth child through the eyes of the third, while acknowledging subtly and honestly that young Jack is aware of the change in his place in the family, through a single sentence near the end ("[The baby]'s between Mum and Dad, which is where I'd like to be.") In this home birth, though a midwife attends, family is central: Julie Vivas depicts the girls holding a hot water bottle against Mum's back and bringing her towels; an aunt arrives bearing flowers and soup; Dad holds Mum tight during contractions. Breasts and nursing and naked Mum are illustrated naturally and beautifully. Yes, the setting is rustic (as some reviewers note) but the book takes place in Australia, which probably accounts for cultural differences. Homebirthing, breastfeeding, and family-bedding folks will find content that supports these practices. My 15-month-old loves to turn to the page with a large illustration of a wrinkly, naked boy baby with the cord still attached. I plan to use this book liberally with my son when we begin preparing for his first sibling in a couple of years.

Wonderful, tender account of a homebirth for children
I bought this book on the recommendation of a midwife in the homebirth practice I used with my 2nd child. I was amazed by the beautiful story & lovely pictures. My 3 year old loved it too - especially the pictures of the little children meeting the new baby. I was so happy to have this book to introduce this topic to my daughter so she wouldn't be afraid by what was happening. It really prepared her well.

An Excellent Book on Birth For Children
This is a great book about a family giving birth to their fourth child at home. While I agree with the previous reviewer about the "rustic" setting being removed from what most of us are used to, I still found the book very useful. My two year old daughter loves the book and it really helped her understand what is going to happen at our upcoming birth.

The book is told from the perspective of the youngest child, a little boy, who is seeing birth for the first time. [His two older sisters got to see him born]. The language and action are very appropriate for a young child [I can imagine my daughter doing and saying the same things]. The illustrations are unusual and wonderful - different from any I've seen before, but very eye catching and interesting.

This book has been very helpful to me in preparing our daughter for the birth of her sibling. It has helped us talk about "normal" noises when mommies have babies, as well as about the mechanics of what happens. I'm very pleased that we bought this one! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Who are Maisy's Favorites?
If you are the parent of a young child, you probably know who Maisy is. She's a mouse with a duck, a squirrel, an elephant, and a crocodile for friends. Why the crocodile isn't trying to eat the others is beyond me, but that's life in Maisy's world.

Both of my daughters love the Maisy books; there's something about their simple stories and colorful pictures that even appeals to adults. The books are short and easy to read. But, the stories are never obnoxiously simplistic, like so many other books for small children.

Maisy is visiting her favorite animals in this board book. Short but fun book for the preschool set. Care to guess who her favorite animals are? ... Read more