Book Description

On this visit to Woodcock Pocket, Opal has brought her new friend, Daphne. Daphne isglamorous and seems to be the best at everything, from jumping rope to standing on one leg the longest. As the visit unfolds, however, Daphne turns out to be less than perfect, after all--something of a prima donna, in fact. The dramatic conclusion makes it clear that Opal is every bit as special in her own way. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Book Description

In China, the moon shines on four baby girls, fast asleep in an orphanage. Far away in North America, the sun rises over four homes as the people who live there get ready to start a long, exciting journey. This lovely story of people who travel to China to be united with their daughters describes the adoption process step by step and the anxiety, suspense, and delight of becoming a family. Told with tenderness and humor, and enlivened by joyous illustrations, The White Swan Express will go straight to readers" hearts. Afterword. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

New Beginnings......
"The sun rose above North America, and all over the continent people were getting up. For some of them it was a special day..." Meet four wonderful "families" as they get ready to make their long awaited trip to China to meet their new daughters. They pack very carefully, go to the airport, and fly halfway around the world to the city of Guangzhou. They stay at the famous White Swan Hotel, where after waiting a long, long time, and signing many papers, they finally get to hold their babies. And halfway around the world, in China, meet four special baby girls, ready to begin their new lives with loving parents..... Drawing from personal experiences, authors Jean Davies Okimoto and Elaine M Aoki tell an uplifting and joyous story about international adoption. Their engaging text is rich in varied emotions and warm humor, and is complemented by Meilo So's dazzling illustrations. Each expressive page is filled with vivid color, swirling energy, and eye-catching detail. With an afterword to fill in details and further enlighten, The White Swan Express is a captivating and heartwarming story about love and making new families.

The White Swan Express
The White Swan Express is an exquisitely told story of the adoption of four Chinese babies by Western families. The storyline parallels the American and Canadian families and their to-be-Chinese daughters on their last days apart. At last parents and babies meet! The text and bright watercolor illustrations are beautifully integrated. This book is a wonderful read-aloud, full of wonderfully ordinary lists and repetition that children will love to hear again and again.

why did they have to do that?!
I have to agree with the others who gave this book a low rating. In addition to not being realistic, it also creates a difficulty in using this book with young children and siblings. Obviously, the issue of homosexuality has to be addressed at some point with children, but I'd prefer not to have it wedged into an otherwise excellent book written for children. How obnoxious to promote an agenda this way. I'm looking for another book on the same subject because of this. Any suggestions?

Very sad!
I purchased this book for my daughter who is adopted from China, and I wish I would have taken the time to read the book reviews first. I am sad that my money went to support a book that is clearly more interested in promoting homosexuality than honesty, as homosexuals are not allowed to adopt children from China. Eventually, I suspect the Chinese government will make a decision not to allow single women to adopt because of a few dishonest individuals who choose to disregard the government's requirement that homosexuals not be allowed to adopt. This will result in many children being denied the opportunity to have a forever family. I hope those homosexuals who disregard China's law and pursue the adoption of Chinese children will remember the possible consequences of their actions.

not too swift
Althought the love they feel for the child they adopt in this really really dense children's story is evident in every syllable, as a mother of a Chinese daughter and hopefully mother of more Chinese daughters, I am really disappointed that the authors would chose to openly disclose to China their homosexual relationship. China demands you sign a SWORN statement of "non=homosexuality". While unthinkable to most Americans, this is a demand of a rigid government with no sense of humor whatsoever. To OPENLY flout a casual attitude for a sworn statement could jeopardize future adoptions for many children. The Chinese do not like to be disparaged or be made fools of. Think about the broader consequences of telling your tale in print. ... Read more

Book Description

Every Child needs to know that Mommy's love will always be there. Through beautiful artistry and heart-warming conversation between a mother and a child, The Room In My Heart assures children that when another child joins the family, Mommy's heart only grows bigger. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Rare Treasure
Author Beverly Evans has given us a rare treasure. Her first book, "The Room In My Heart," is a lyrical, soul-stirring paean to the inviolable love between a mother and her children. Evans, herself the mother of three, has fashioned a tender, faith-based parable about the challenges faced by an expectant mom who must reassure her firstborn of her permanent place in Mommy's heart. Superbly illustrated by Christopher Nick, this beautiful edition will be embraced by future generations of moms and kids as a testament to the eternal power of maternal and spiritual love.

Beautifully Illustrated
The Room in My Heart is a great book to share with children in preparation for new arrivals. The illustrations are beautifully illustrated and entertaining to look at. ... Read more

Book Description

Generations of children have read, re-read, and loved Ezra Jack Keats's award-winning, classic stories about Peter and his neighborhood friends. Now, for the first time, Peter's Chair, A Letter to Amy, and Goggles! are available in paperback exclusively from Puffin.
"A more charming or contemporary child than Peter...is hard to bring to mind." -- Library Journal ... Read more

Reviews (4)

We Loved This Story!
This story is about Peter who has a new baby sister. He is very jealous and doesn't want to share his things. Peter finally gives her his old chair that is too small for him. We liked this story because Peter learns to be a good big brother. You should read this story because the pictures are really nice.

Wonderful book!
I have 2 boys in 1st grade with little sisters. This book reflects the struggle that they go through in sharing things with younger siblings.

not the author's best
I came to Ezra Jack Keats' _Peter's Chair_ with high expectations. My two-year old and I both love his other books, like Goggles, A Letter To Amy, and Whistle for Willie.

_Peter's Chair_ is something of a disappointment. Drawn in the same style as his other titles, it's the story of Peter, who becomes an older brother for the first time. He rebels when he finds out that all his baby things are being reassigned to the baby girl, and given a fresh coat of PINK paint. Eventually he comes to accept that he's got to share the spotlight, and all is well.

When a younger sibling is born, it's nearly always a struggle for the older child to learn to share the parental attention. This is a common issue dealt with in children's books. Sad to say, it isn't dealt with very well in this book. _Peter's Chair_ just isn't a very good story, and children of the 1990s and later, who can't see that PINK MUST EQUAL GIRL and BLUE MUST EQUAL BOY are going to be confused by this implication.

Please, go look at the author's other titles: Goggles, A Letter To Amy, and Whistle for Willie, among others. They are most wonderful books by Ezra Jack Keats. Sad to say, I can only give _Peter's Chair_ 3 stars.

ken32

Keisha's Love of Peter's Chair
I teach children ages3-5 and one day I went to the library to get some books for them PETER'S CHAIR was among the selection it also came with the tape so when I wasn't able to read to the children I would put hte tape on for them. The children requested the book everyday up until the day I had dto take it back,there was one child in particular who would come up to me and say Ms.Tracey could you read Peter's Chair to me so I would sit her on my lap and read it just to her and than one day she came to me and said can I read Peter's Chair to you Ms.Tracey, and so in her own words and with expression she read Peter's Chair it did my heart good that she (KEISHA)had started her love for books. Thanks to Ezra Jack Keats you've made a difference in a child's life. ... Read more

Book Description

Curious George and the man with the yellow hat visit the zoo. A hungry Curious George snatches a pail of bananas from the zoo keeper. Though he shouldn't have taken the bananas, George soon changes the zookeeper's shouts to praise with his clever, helpful ways. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This is a great book for pre-schoolers and early readers!!!
This series by Margaret Rey is a wonderful introduction for preschoolers to stories with a simple plot line. In Curious George Visits the Zoo, George gets into mischief (which children can always relate to....) but redeems himself in the end by saving a young boy's balloon. In Curious George Visits the Fire Station, George is naughty when he rings the fire alarm, but again shows his better side when he rescues one of the firehouse puppies by climbing UP the firepole. In Curious George and the Pizza, he makes a mess trying his hand at tossing pizza dough into the air, but saves the day when he alone can make a crucial pizza delivery by climbing over a locked gate. Young children enjoy comparing the plots in this series. George is told not to get into trouble, he gets into trouble, then he exonerates himself. Parents, grandparents, teachers and child-care providers will all enjoy this series along with their youngsters!

I LIKE THE BOOK ALOT.
THE BOOK WAS A ABOUT GOERGE WHEN HE WENT TO THE ZOO AND THE MONKEY TOOK A BALOON FROM A LITTE BOY AND GEROGE GOT SOME BANANAS FROM A ZOO KEEPER. THEN HE GAVE THE BANANAS TO THE MONKEYS. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Life-changing Book
This book has a simple message but an important one. I'm 39 and still refer to this book. I think about the lessons learned in the book when I want to throw a can in the trash instead of taking a few more steps to the recycle bin. I think about this book when I tell people they should vote and get involved.

Of all the books on my bookshelf this is the only one I kept from childhood. OK, so it's not like I still pick it up and read it, but it had such a profound impact on me I could not bear to part with it.

The illustrations are wonderful.

Loved This Book for 20 Years
I can remember my mother reading this book to me when I was young, and the message has stuck with me more than any other book I can remember. I can still hear the words exactly as she read them. If everyone had this book as a child and realized what would happen "if everybody did", we would be in a much better place. I am buying it today for my children. I hope they will remember it as well as I do.

Fond memories
This was one of my favorite books 30 some years ago, and have looked for it off and on for years. I was thrilled to see it in print again, though I admit I miss the old hard orange cover. This book helped shape my concepts, taught me at an early age we don't live on this planet alone, and everything we do effects others. It also helped shape an appreciation for the off-beat and odd humor of the world. The illustrations had as much influence on my building a solid sense of humor as Bugs Bunny and Monty Python did years later. A truly funny, and insightful book that every child should get a chance to pour over for hours.

Dramatic impact on my life
This book was published in a bright orange cover back when I was a kidling. I remember pouring over it's poetic rhyme and realizing many moral truths just by it's incidental teaching. What my mother bought as simply a "bedtime" book has, as an adult, shaped the way I think, and I find myself even saying to my husband, as he leaves the faucet running "what if everybody did?"

As we are preparing for our first child, I rushed anxiously around my parents home for that original version, and although we found it, it was in too much distress to use for our child's moral compass building, so we have purchased a newer addition.

This is a wonderful book, light and yet a positive reminder of what really would happen if everybody did what THEY wanted!

Great introduction to cause and effect!
This book is a wonderful way to introduce young children to the concept of "cause and effect," by stretching their imaginations to visualize what would happen if everybody did things like...

...make tracks? ...spill tacks? ...pull off a bud? ...jump in mud? ...slam the door? ...stomp and roar?

...and much, much more!

The illustrations, although in black and white, are absolutely hysterical! The book has a simple and gentle message of personal responsibility and introduces the child to a sense of community as they are asked to consider what would happen if everybody did...?

Highly recommended for children of all ages! A great way to help a young child extend meaning, and make text-to-world connections between them, and the larger world. ... Read more

Book Description

Also from the creator of Hairy Maclary comes a new series starring a rascally cat named Slinky Malinki. What was he up to? At night, to be brief, Slinky Malinki turned into a THIEF. But by morning, Slinky comes to realize that crime doesn’t pay. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Listen to the mother of a 3 y/o bookworm!
I don't understand why the SLJ critic panned this adorable book, either. My daughter, now 3 has had this story and now most of Lynley Dodd's stories read to her and she loves them. We got it in England for her when she was just 2 and she asked for it every night for a year. I love the cat, Slinky, as well as the other characters Dodd writes about (Hairy McClairy the dog and the neighborhood bully cat, Scar-face Claw). I love the stories and the illustrations but what matters most is my daughter, who isn't short of a few books, goes back again and again to these stories. They pass the kid test!

A Family Favorite
The reviewer who said a preschooler could not sit through this book has no children.All of Lynley Dodds' books are great.But Slinky Malinky is just outstanding among young children's literature.

Slinky Malinki
Obviously theSLJ reviewer knows little about children's books, particularly those written in verse. The tale is one of adventure for young children as they observe the antics of this sneaky, slinky feline. The author obviously well-knows the characteristics of a sneak thief cat and has captured them admirably. I know for I live with one! As a children's librarian in the public library I have used this title successfully in many storytimes over the years. Children love it. If they haven't been exposed to it, they are missing out.

A Fabulous Book!
I too, have no idea why the School Library Journal would write such a negative review. Please ignore theirs, and buy this book!My nephews own it, and while taking care of them, I fell in love with it, too.I now have it memorized (due to the repeated telling), and will recite it to them while we're driving in the car.The boys follow along, and enjoy the rhyms and the imagery.The older one of the boys has even picked up on the underlying theme; that taking another's property is wrong.A fabulous book!I highly recommend it!

Funny story & very good illustrations
I bought this book based upon all the 5-star reviews & was not disappointed w/ this one (so many bad books are given the highest reviews).Actually this is probably one of my favorite kids books I've seen.I'm getting more by this author. ... Read more

Book Description

Look up. Have you ever wondered about the clouds that roam the skies?

Cloud Dance takes readers on a journey up to the heavens, through thick cumulus clouds that bring snow, wispy cirrus clouds that flutter in the wind, and wide stratus clouds that blanket the sky. Basic scientific information sheds light on the altitude, shape, and color of clouds, and Thomas Locker's luminous paintings and poetic text create an inspiring and enlightening book for everyone to enjoy.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

Cloud Dance
Thomas Locker creates an interesting way to learn about clouds in this beautifully illustrated book. As the reader turns the pages of this book, they encounter numerous types of clouds. The first illustration shows the many different sizes and shapes clouds can assume, from the light and wispy cirrus cloud to the puffy cumulus cloud. With each turn of the page, clouds are seen in different seasons and times of day, under various weather conditions. The illustrations are eye appealing oil paintings. As you view each picture, it is like you are standing on the ground and seeing the vast sky with the clouds creating a mosaic of lights, shapes, and colors. You can almost feel the rain hitting your face when you look at the painting depicting clouds in a rain storm. The painting of the clouds that "shimmer in the moonlight" gives the reader a sense of calm. Each painting in this book causes the reader to feel some emotion--from the suppressed anger of a developing thunderstorm to the warm peace of a sunset. At the end of the book the author includes factual information about clouds. The scientific names are given for all the clouds along with a description. Answers are also given for such questions as "How are clouds formed?" and "How high does the sky reach?" This book would be a good way to introduce a science unit on clouds and weather. The illustrations would stimulate a student's imagination and could be a starting point for them to begin thinking about what clouds look like at different times and in a variety of conditions. Cloud Dance would be a valuable addition to anyone's library. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Babar and Queen Celeste have just been married in this early story fromthe most famous of elephantine chronicles. They depart for their honeymoon in a hot-air balloon, and at first all seems wonderful as they glide over a charming coastal town that might be St. Tropez before the advent of tourism.Alas, a storm takes them out to sea and then dumps them on a desert island. The fierce, spear-carrying "savages" who subsequently attack them will remind you that this book was written and illustrated in 1934: they are as far from politically correct as you can get. And the war between the elephants and the rhinoceroses, which ends the story, is also problematic for a modern audience.But the travels and adventures in between show all the excitement and charm that has made the Babar series an enduring hit. (Ages 2 to 6) --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Another wonderful Babar adventure!
Babar is one of the most endearing characters in children's literature. This volume is a classic that belongs on any child's bookshelf. The story of Babar and Celeste's hot air balloon ride and subsequent adventures in interesting locales fascinates kids, while broadening their cultural horizons. Some mature themes that may disturb kids (war, cruel treatment by a circus ringmaster), but provide a change from the pastel bunny and kitty story genre. Thought provoking for kids mature enough to handle it. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent for newborns
My son is only 4 weeks old and he already loves this book. The black and white pictures really catch and hold his attention.
I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book to read to even the youngest baby.

Great Book for newborns!
My 4 month old granddaughter already has a favorite book and it is called I Kissed The Baby. She really responds to this book and looks right at the illustrations. Her little arms and legs really get going and she gets very excited. She is four months old and I read her this book everytime I see her (as well as others), but this is the one she seems to love. Now she tries to reach for the pages and wants to touch. It is a wonderful book and will be my gift for any baby shower I go to in the future.
Congratulations to Mary Murphy.

Great book!
This is the first book my 3 month old twin boys responded to. The eye-catching black and white illustrations had them staring and smiling and even cooing! The text is simple and makes it easy to interact with your child (I kissed the baby, I tickled the baby, etc.). Highly recommended for your infant or toddler! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (17)

Teaching Honesty Through Art
I was introduced to Demi's "The Empty Pot" while visiting an English-speaking elementary school in Hong Kong. It delighted me, and I have used it as a teaching aid for children in my congregation. Teaching honesty to children can be a challenge, but "The Empty Pot" allows a wonderfully illustrated story to do its work. This short book even has a surprise ending which will delight its young readers!

I used this book by reading it aloud to pre-school children who had not yet learned to read. The colorful pictures showing a traditional Chinese culture so different from America generated many questions. We talked about most of pages as we read along in the book. The conclusion is very powerful and offers a unique time to discuss the value of honesty. Religion teachers will find this story to be a good way to segue into discussions about personal religious principles.

Subtle spiritual message in The Empty Pot
I found myself deeply moved by this story. Beyond the message about honesty, there is also a message about emptiness, and about our too-frequent attempts to hide or cover up that emptiness. As a Christian, I found this book to be a powerful reminder that we come before our King every day as empty-handed as when we were born -- and that He has a Kingdom to give us.

Great moral about being honest
Its a little over my 3.5 year old's head, I have to explain it alot but I will keep reading it. Its a good story with a great moral about honesty and it exposes him to other cultures. I'll keep pulling it out and reading it, because he will get it eventually, but right now he asks lots of questions which is fine.

A child can grasp this tale
My 4 year old asked many questions about the tale and I was very happy to explain. Even at a young age I think a child can handle the deep message. Maybe each of us are born with this capacity to choose. Although the setting is a world away, the story is similar in spirit to the one of young George Washington and the cherry tree. There George had to face his father after accidentally chopping down a prized cherry tree. Here, a child as to face an emperor after failing to grow a flower from a seed given by the emperor... when everyone else had succeeded.

Just had to add one more 5 star review!
For years, this book has always been in my mind. Finally I'm writing a review after holding it for over 3 years. In The Empty Pot, Demi tells a stunning story of a chinese boy whose gardening skills reveals the truth of the emperor's deceptive call for his successor. With a profound disappointment, the boy found courage to show his failure - the truth - to the emperor. At the end, the boy gets rewarded for his honesty. Demi's captivating story about honesty and courage punches you right in the heart. Her illustrations, with immense charasteristic portraits of chinese art, are fascinating. I pledge to keep this book in my collectibles. I wish every child, and adult alike, has a chance to read it! ... Read more

Book Description

This story of the friendship between child and teacher is a mustfor all first-time students ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must for teachers of the very young!
If you teach early childhood (includes grades pre-k through third) this is a book you will definitely want to add to your collection. From greeting the children each morning to walking them to the bus in the afternoon, this book thoughtfully outlines all the reasons a teacher is a child's friend. In addition to viewing the teacher as a friend, this book is great to read at the beginning of the school year because it highlights the fun activities found in most early childhood classrooms (i.e. star of the week, storytime, holiday fun, and more). P.K. Hallinan is a master at being able to identify with the young child, as well as being a gifted poet. ... Read more

Book Description

baby cuddles
baby hugs
baby kisses
bagby loves

Here is the perfect book to read and play with baby. In sixteen paintings, prints, and pastels by American Impressionist Mary Cassatt, baby feeds ducks, claps hands, drinks milk, stands up, and kisses mommy goodnight, alonside an irresistible rhyme that baby will love hearing and acting out over and over again. ... Read more

Book Description

This classic story is a favorite with toddlers, who will cheer on the three clever billy goats who outsmart a mean troll. With plenty of repetition, this adventure is perfect for reading aloud and for joining in, and a satisfying ending provides a reassuring touch.

... Read more

Reviews (5)

When My mother Read it to us
I chose The Threee Billy Goats Gruff by Stephen Carpenter because it was my Mom's favorite story book growing up. The day I brought it home she sat down and read it to me and my sister. My favorite characters are the three billy goats because there funny and can play tricks on the troll. The troll was foolish to let the small and middle size billy goats go across the bridge, and then have to fight with the big billy goat. He ended up falling off the bridge and all three billy goats enjoyed the grass on the other side of the bridge. Now they will be able to come and go whenever they want. There is a lesson to be learned in this book. Don't let someone influence you by saying that something is bigger and better if you wait for awhile. Overall the book is alot of fun to read. I would definitely share this story with my children.

The Stephen Carpenter version is outstanding for little ones
Many of the reviews listed here are for other versions of this story. I have checked out all seven versions of Three Billy Goats Grufff available from our library just to see which was best for a three year old. This one by Stephen Carpenter has large, clever, uncluttered pictures and tells the story in simple language. The troll is not too scary and, all in all, this one seems just right for little ones. Another version, the elaborately illustrated one by Janet Stevens, uses a colorful, imaginative vocabulary and would have more appeal to adults and older children (5 or 6 and up?).

Three Billy Goats Gruff; What a great childrens book!!!
This book has brought great joy to my daughters life. She is 2 1/2 years old and she just loves this story. I highly recomend this book to any parent who enjoys seeing their children envolved with a book.

Superflenderious!
I Loved this book!!! Robert Bender is a witty, compassionate, wonderful writer slash illustrator. He rules

A great bed time book.
Our little grandson (3) loves this book. We could read it to him multiple times per day. His other grandmother, said it was her favorite book when she was little. A must buy! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

A True Treasure!
The Whole Green World is an absolute gem of a book. The text is clever and charming and the illustrations are simply exquisite!Together, Tony Johnston and Elisa Kleven have created a world that every child -- and grown-up -- will want to leap right into. A cozy, comfy and colorful world made even more beautiful by a child committed to spreading the beauty of nature around "the whole green world". This a timeless book for readers of all ages to read, study -- the details in each picture are nothing short of amazing -- and treasure!
Enjoy!! ... Read more

Book Description

If you are lost in the wood,I will find you. If you're afraid of the cold and the dark,I'll sit beside you. With subtle text and expressive illustrations, That's What Friends Do beautifully evokes the joys of giving and receiving true friendship. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Color with a twist
The main attraction for my 2 1/2 year old son is that it had a dragon in a parade AND firecrackers! Of course that's not all, the book is very colorful & we enjoyed couting orange crabs at the sea, green toads in the graden,yellow taxis on the road, purple kites in the sky, dumplings on a plate & much more.
Very intertaining.

A wide range of ages can appreciate this one
Not just a book about colors. It's lovely to see Asian & American people and items intermixed esp. if you &/or your child are a minority where you live. But this is a book for *everyone*, read out-loud or read-to. Personally, I prefer the celebration pictures & parades more than the simple ones at the beach, and I still prefer their 'Round is a mooncake' but this book has grown on me.

a bright and colorful world
Illustrator Grace Lin's use of color and curly cue backgrounds are more than half the reason to buy this book. In short verse, the reader and female protagonist is introduced to very bright colors and a red dragon and firecrackers, red melons and lychees on green backgrounds, orange crabs on the sand in your hand, yellow incense sticks and taxis, green gourds and toads, green jade that mom and daughter share, blue sneakers, purple kites, pink peonies, and white dumplings to share with a brother. What colors surround you?? A glossary of ten words closes the book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In Jonathan London’s latest picture book about the only too human Froggy (following Froggy’s First Kiss, Froggy Goes to School, and others), our floppy-footed hero experiences yet another first: a new sibling. Froggy waits eagerly for his brother to be born. When Pollywogilina ("you can call her Polly for short") finally arrives, Froggy gets over his disappointment at her gender, but quickly loses patience with her inability to do anything. He wants to teach her how to jump off a swing, bounce on a pogo stick, and catch flies with her tongue. "But Polly was too little." Will she ever be big enough to play?

Wise older siblings will be happy to inform Froggy that yes, one day Polly will be bigger and ready to be bossed around. Only children (or young amphibians) who are expecting younger siblings will be intrigued at the process of becoming a big brother or sister, and may even learn a little about patience in the process. And everyone will love watching Froggy's green cheeks turn red when his first diapering job doesn't quite do the trick! Frank Remkiewicz's cheerful illustrations capture the ups and downs of those early days with a squalling baby in the house--and an antsy big brother waiting for the fun to begin. (Ages 2 to 6) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more