Amazon.com

Seven decades after Babar was born, the world is still very much in lovewith the noble elephant. Before his untimely death at age 37, Jean de Brunhoffwrote and illustrated six stories about Babar and his friends and family. Inthis exquisite gift edition, every one of these stories is included, with not aword or picture left out. From The Story of Babar--in which the elephantis born, loses his mother, runs off to Paris, and returns to be crownedking--through The Travels of Babar, Babar the King, Babar andZephir, Babar and His Children, and Babar and FatherChristmas, the beloved pachyderm's incredible life adventures are chronicledfor our reading pleasure. In his introduction, picture book author-illustratorKevin Henkes writes, "Where else could one find a balloon accident, a deadlypoison mushroom, a runaway carriage, an extraordinary flying machine, a snakeattack, fire, war, death, birth? These books are full of adventure and fantasy,but they also deal with the stuff of real life. And I'm convinced children longto see both the dark and the light sides of human experience reflected in theirbooks just as much as adults do, perhaps more." Adults who truly wish to sharethe joys of the classics with the children in their lives could do no betterthan to present them with this grand collection. (Ages 4 and older) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great fun for the whole family
My husband and I grew up on Babar. So when we saw this book we bought for our 4 month old son. He loves to hear our voices as we read to him and he also loves the bright colored pictures. We enjoy the memories that the stories bring back to us. A great addition to anyones collection.

TIP: We take the dust cover of any of his books that have dust covers and put them in plastic sleeves for later when we are sure he will not rip them up. That way when he is older the book looks like new even though it really is old.

"Original" art? Ha!
I was so thrilled to get this book as a gift, especially since it includes the long out-of-print "Babar and Zephir." When I began to leaf through it, being very familiar with the older editions, I grew sicker with every page. Jean de Brunhoff's stunning artwork has been absolutely destroyed.

Do you know how you feel when watching an old black-and-white movie that you have long loved which has been "colorized"? Yes, your favorite golden age actress now has pink skin, fucshia lips too big for her face and what color are her eyes supposed to be, exactly? The Babar art has been colorized in the most grotesque and garish sense of the word--which is really horrid when you consider that most of Brunhoff's original illustrations were already in color to begin with. Random House has decided, apparently, that Brunhoff's colors are not bright enough. Where Brunhoff shaded, Random House has plastered one uniform cartoonish shade from line to line. Babar's green suit ranges from merely loud green to splitting-headache green. The suit which he wears while playing trumpet in the circus defies description. Suffice it to say it is very blue and very red.

The beautiful scene in which the Celesteville residents bring gifts to infants Pom, Flora, and Alexander has lost its pastoral sweetness and is positively grotesque. The babies lie in their pram, which looks as though my kindergartener re-outlined it in black magic marker, under glaring green palms and flowers with a turquoise blanket scarcely dimmer than the book's cover (see above), while royal blue butterflies flit nearby. Babar is standing in a suit that is (if possible) even greener than the greenery directly behind him. A uniformly orange cow and dromedary are in the reception line. Think Fisher Price.

Does your child really need to know that the mermaid Eleanore's sisters are peeking out of the water when Zephir captures Eleanore? Due to the paint job the sea has suffered, you may need to point this out, as Brunhoff's few lines are no longer recognizable as the tops of mermaid heads. Somebody overdid the brown on the faces of General Huc and Colonel Aristobald, these brave and clever monkeys no longer have visible eyes, mouths, or hairlines.

The subtlety, the grace, the old-world patina of the gorgeous Babar art is gone. In its place, we have. . .well, they do say that bright colors are good for babies' development.

I want to cry.

A GREAT CHILDREN'S BOOK!
We have a 3 year old and a 2 year old and they both really love Babar and the gang. They love the book and Babar videos. We've had this book for over a year, and our children continue to ask us to read it to them. This book is wonderfully illustrated and humorous. Enjoyable even for adults.

an elephant's intro to middle class life
One of the delights of being a parent is to return to the books you loved as a child with your own children. For the last 4 years, I have read and re-read these classic tales with my daughter, who loves them as much as I did. At 6, she is only beginning to yearn for more complicated sotries and characters.

While the stories at times appear a bit dated - they offer a curious mix of colonialism and advice on how to run a pluralistic animal kingdom - they offer wonderful lessons on how to get along with others. The characters are caring and many of them are somewhat flawed, as they try to puruse principled lives in the jungle. My daughter mentions them to me all the time when we talk about issues, offering us a common vocabulary and easy way to exlain things.

They also are simply very good stories, with adventure, humor, and plenty of good intentions. Warmly recommended.

Something different
Though Babar isn't one of the classic American children's storybook series, it definitely is worth introducing to your loved ones. This set of books is refreshing and cute, allowing for a different way of describing the world to children. I grew up with European parents who read Babar stories to me in French all the time. Compared to typically "American" stories, Babar is a curious yet wonderfully charming character who encounters just as many interesting adventures as any other. I definitely recommend this if you're searching for something different. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Although some mommies drive motorcycles, and others drive minivans; somemommies go fishing while others go shopping, all mommies want their children tobe who they are. That's Todd Parr's story, and he's sticking with it (asreinforced by his It's Okay to BeDifferent, This Is MyHair, and lots more funky, friendly picture books). Using his trademarkstyle of brightly colored stick figures, with bold outlined smiley faces forheads, Parr portrays a world of diversity and peace in his simple,esteem-boosting titles. Moms are celebrated here (naturally, you'll find dads inThe Daddy Book), in alltheir traditional, eccentric, athletic, hip, nurturing glory. Each spread showsmoms doing their thing: dancing moms opposite swimming moms, short-hair momsnext to big-hair moms, and work-at-home moms across from work-in-big-buildingsmoms. The refrain is that all moms love their kids: "All mommies like to hangout with you!" "All mommies like to watch you sleep!" The Mommy Book isreassuring and fun. (Ages 3 to 6) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Book Description

Things are just about perfect for Guji Guji and his somewhat unconventional family until the day three bad crocodiles appear. They don't see a family; they see "fat, delicious ducks." They don't see Guji Guji, the biggest and strongest duck in Mother Duck's family, either. "Look at yourself! No feathers, no beak, no big webbed feet! What you have is blue-gray skin, sharp claws, pointed teeth and the smell of bad crocodile. You're just like us."

Poor Guji Guji. What's a crocoduck to do?

An original in his own family, Guji Guji proves to himself and others that family, no matter where or what that family may be, is worth protecting and cherishing. ... Read more

Book Description

Tommy is four years old, and he loves visiting the home of his grandmother, Nana Downstairs, and his great-grandmother, Nana Upstairs. But one day Tommy's mother tells him Nana Upstairs won't be there anymore, and Tommy must struggle with saying good-bye to someone he loves. Updated with new, full-color illustrations, this classic story will continue to win the hearts of readers of all ages.

"Children will want to hear this again and again." --School Library Journal, starred review

"A quietly touching story [that] depicts loving family relationships." --Publishers Weekly ... Read more

Reviews (9)

I <3 this particular story.
As a child, a copy of this book was purchased for me by a close friend of the family. I was born without grandfathers, as both died before I was born. My grandmothers were all quite old and it turned out that this book was a comfort to me as they had both died by the time I was seven. Mine is the original colours - brown and pink - but I'm sure this copy is as good if not better. I definately recommend it.

Wonderful!
This is a wonderful tale of a 4-year-old boy's close relationship with his 94-year-old great-grandmother. His great-grandmother lives in the upstairs bedroom of the house with his grandmother and grandfather, who play a lesser role in the book. The little boy has a weekly routine of visiting "Nana Upstairs" and sharing mints with her. It is nice to see an elderly person being cared for in the home of relatives rather than in a nursing home! She is so frail that she can't sit upright unassisted, so she is tied into a chair. Don't worry; this is not a scary thing! The little boy also insists on being tied in, so they can be alike. Eventually Nana Upstairs dies. This is not over dramatized and my children were not upset about this, perhaps because the boy is comforted when he sees a falling star in the sky and thinks it is a sign that Nana Upstairs is sending him a kiss. Years later we see the boy as an adult and we find out that Nana Downstairs has died, and he sees another shooting star and is again comforted.

This is a lovely picture book representing a strong bond between a grandparents and their grandson. If you enjoy this book, you'll also like Tomie DePaola's "Now One Foot, Now the Other".

I learned of this book by reading an analysis of it in the book "Inside Picture Books" by Ellen H. Spitz, which is a very detailed analysis of the content of picture books focusing on themes of bedtime, separation, grandparents, death, children's behaviors/manners, and a child's self-concept and self-esteem.

My 3 and 6 year old sons love the book as do I! We originally borrowed it from the library but this is one we'll have to buy so I can keep up with their repeated requests for it!

The older version has pictures in pink, tan, and black. The new version has more colors in the illustrations. Both versions are illustrated by Tomie DePaola.

Nana Upstairs, and Nana Downstairs
This is a very good book. I liked this book because it showed the love of a family, and how they could all take care of each other. Nana Upstairs was a very special person to Tommy, and he will never forget all the good times they had, like eating their candy and talking while being tied to chairs. Tommy didn't understand why his Nana Upstairs couldn't be there anymore. I think he really started to understand when he saw the star. Tommy is my favorite character because he cares about his family so much, and he looks forward to going on the Sunday visits to Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs house. The cakes the Nana Downstairs makes, and the candy Nana Upstairs always has for Tommy. This was a wonderful story, and becasue it is true I hope Tommy will always have these wonderful memories.

Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs--by: Tomie dePaola
This is a very gentle way of coping with the loss a death brings upon someone. Tommy was very lucky to have spent part of his life with his great-grandmother. Being a true story, I'm sure Tomie dePaola cherishes the memories of his Sunday visits to Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs. The unusual things (like being tied to a chair) and the stories are what make the memories special. My favorite character in this story was Tommy. I would recommend this book to anyone, of any age. It is especially good for a child coping with the death of a loved one.

Wonderful Book!
This is an absolutely wonderful book that I read when I was a child. My grandmother died when I was in high school, and I immediately tried to find this book. It made me feel at peace with her and helped me get through her death. It was a wonderful book when I was young, and just as wonderful as I grew older. Timeless... as I'm now in my mid twenties, when I want to think of her, I read the book. My children will also come to love it! ... Read more

Book Description

Donna drops a nickel into the jukebox. With a whirr and a click the record falls into place and Elvis begins singing Blue Suede Shoes. The jukebox flashes red, yellow, and green as she dances to the beat. Donna's grandfather is a jukebox man. He has jukeboxes in dozens of diners, fish camps, and truck stops all over the state. Poppaw makes his rounds--changing records and fixing the machines. And as the jukeboxes throw patches of light on the floor, Donna discovers a whole new world. Jacqueline Ogburn's engaging story and James Ransome's sensitive paintings recapture a time when jukeboxes played the latest tunes and a young girl and her grandfather could share a special day.Jacqueline K. Ogburn's grandfather really was a jukebox man. Her most recent picture book, The Reptile Ball, was an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists. James E. Ransome's many books for children include The Creation, which won the Coretta Scott King Award for illustration. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The illustrations were magnificent-I would know-I'm the girl
I was the model for the young girl named Donna. It's a first-person story-and I'm telling it.My grandpa is the Jukebox Man.He is also on the cover.My whole family is in it.My little sister is in it, my dadis, my mom is, and my grandma is.This is a great book for children. James Ransome took many pictures of us in different poses, when we were inhis studio.He then painted oil paintings of them.They werewonderful!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

In this retelling of the old French legend, a juggler offers to the Christ Child the only Christmas gift he has. “The full-color pictures with subtle tonal modulations are an integral part of the design of the lumious pages full of movement and vitality. The Italianate aspects of the setting are beautifully realized.”--The Horn Book ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Beautiful Kids Story: Reveals God's Love
This easy to read and beautifully drawn children's story shows the intensity and power of God's love. The book's vision is that God's love is simple, straight-forward and more powerful than we could ever expect.

My 3 and 5 year old children love the book and want me to read it again and again. They say "'Read God's Clown' again daddy ...".

The ending deals with death but it is not death in misery or emptiness. The Clown of God reaches God's heart and I think it will reach your heart and your child's heart too.

Beautiful Story for Children
Tomie de Paolo's The Clown of God is by far, one of the most beautiful stories for children around. I was read this story as a child and it still is one of my all time favorites. The beautiful, soft-colored prints throughout the book will delight children along with the story about Giovanni, the poor boy who becomes a juggling clown in a circus. Giovanni goes on to become a famous juggler, but towards the end of his life, he once again becomes poor. He finds himself back home in Sorrento on Christmas Eve and performs a miracle in his local church. A story that will delight both children and adults.

A good story, not just for Catholic children
I read about this book here on Amazon.com, and wasn't sure I'd like it. We are not Catholic, and just from the review here alone, I knew that Catholicism was almost presumed. How would I explain the multitude of differences in our faiths to my five year old son? A priest versus a pastor. What on earth is a "brother," or a monk? Offering gifts to a statue of the Christ child, when we don't believe in making any graven image of God?

I checked the book out of the library to see what I thought. Yes, its Catholic flavor cannot be missed, but the message was an excellent one. The lesson the brothers taught Giovanni was one that I took to heart, that everything we do should be done for the glory of God. Though Giovanni wrote it off at the time, he ultimately got the message, and gave the best gift that he could to the Lord Jesus.

The only reason why I didn't give it five stars, was that my son didn't like the ending. He thought it was sad that Giovanni died, and therefore didn't especially want to hear it again. I used it, however, as an opportunity to teach him about death. Giovanni came to love the Lord Jesus, and the Lord Jesus loved him, so he went to be with Jesus when he died. That isn't a bad thing; rather it is good! There is no need to be sad that Giovanni died, because he went to a place where things were much better for him.

Part of me wants to give it five stars for the teaching opportunity about death that it provided! But I guess I'll leave it as I did. Too bad I couldn't give it a 4.5!

The Clown of God written by Tomie de Paola
This story takes place in a town called Sorrento. There is really only one main character, and his name is Giovanni. Giovanni was a poor boy who didn't have any parents. he could juggle very well,and would juggle for food. He would juggle different kinds of fruit like zucchini, lemons, eggplants, oranges, and apples. Signor Baptista's wife gave him the food because he brought people in to buy her fruit.
Then one day a traveling circus comes to town. Giovanni enjoyed it so much, that he asked the Maestro if he could become a part of the performance. The Maestro agreed that he could join them, but doesn't get paid, just a place to sleep and some food. Then, later, the Maestro gives him a costume and lets Giovanni perform for the crowd. Giovanni would juggle sticks, plates, clubs, rings, and burning torches. Then he would do his most famous act; with a red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and then a violent ball. When he got all the balls going at a good pace, he would throw "the Sun in the Heavens" ball that was gold. The crowds loved this act the best.
Over the years, Giovanni got very famous performing for dukes and princes. Then when he was a teenager, he ran into two Brothers. They asked him if he would share his food with them. Giovanni said yes to them. They told him that with his juggling, he was bring God glory. Giovanni didn't reallt think so, and laughed. Then he told the Brothers fairwell and left.
Then, Giovanni got old and no one wanted to see him juggle anymore. They started to throw vegetables and stones at him, so he had to leave. He decided to go back home to Sorrento. Then Giovanni reached the church of the Brothers that he met years ago. The Church was filled with people who were carrying beautiful gifts. He asked someone what was going on and they said it was the Holy Child's birthday.
He decides that he will juggle for the stern Child sitting in his mother's arm, for that was the only gift he could give. He did this when everyone was gone. So, Giovanni does his usually acts; the clubs, the plates, and the flaming torches. Then he does his most famous act, "the Sun in the Heavens." A brother sees him and goes to get a priest. When they get to Giovanni, they see him lying on the floor dead. Then the brother turns around and looks at the statue of the Lady holding her Holy Child. Read the book to see what happens.

just MY opinion
A masterpiece in both story and pictures. It should have received Caldecott honors when it was eligible. DePaola will be remembered for several achievements in books...the 26 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE series, the BARKERS series, STREGA NONA, NANA UPSTAIRS & NANA DOWNSTAIRS, and others, and THIS extraordinary book. ... Read more

Book Description

Best-selling children's title that communicates a parent's love for their child.Over 600,000 sold.Winner of the ECPA Gold Medallion.

Reviews (49)

If you love your children you will buy this book!
We received this book as a gift to read to our daugter on her 3rd birthday. What a gift! I could barely make it through without tearing up, because it expresses my wife and my sentiments exactly. Our children are adopted and when you read the book in that context, it makes it even more special. I too will never give another shower gift without including this book. It would also make a special gift for the adoptive parents of an older child, or as a high school graduation gift (Seriously!) If you want to convey the unconventional love you have for your children, buy this book. ><<>

Jest in case you're thinking of buying this book...
This is a sweet little story that Max Lucado wrote for his daughters when they were all very small. It's meant to be read as a bedtime story and serve as a reminder to young children that God created them and their parents will always love them. I found it to be very basic however. There is more that Lucado could have done with this concept. The text feels like it is missing something.

The illustrations however of Toni Goffe are another issue. Beautifully done ink and watercolor paintings add to that void that Lucado was unable to fill. These illustrations are beautiful enough to enjoy in their own right.

Why 4 stars?:
While I enjoy the concept of a bedtime book reminding children of how much God and their parents love them, Lucado seems to have left something out. Goffe's illustrations help to make the book more complete however.

my son misses his daddy
I bought this book as an after thought. I have a running joke with my 3 year old son that his hinney is mine and he tells me "no mom God made me and it's mine" Well my husband recently deployed and my little boy really misses him and is having some concern over is daddy coming home. I got the book to support the family joke, but got much more than I expected. I can't tell you how nice it is to have a really up lifting way to explain Gods love and mommy and daddy's love and how some day we will all be together, but in the mean time "just in case you ever wonder"...I will always be here for you ( even if daddy can't be). He asks me to read it every night. I agree with one review about the monster. He really noticed that page too. I think every child can gather strength and and a stronger sence of self from this book. I am now looking at getting them all.

Frightening Illustrations for Children
I read this book to my 22 month old daughter last night. It started out fine with a nice message. Near the end of the book there is a picture of a monster that scared my daughter so badly that she wouldn't come near me for the rest of the night!

She knew what she thought she saw and when I turned the page, she got a look of intense concern on her face. She turned the page back, looked at the picture and scrambled backwards and hid her face in my husband's shirt! She started crying and saying that she was scared. I guarantee she will remember the monster picture in that book for a long time and will think of it every time she is in bed with us sitting where she was when we read it.

The story seemed to get morbid at the end to me. It may as well have told my daughter that she's going to die, so am I and we will meet in heaven. I think she is a little too young for that concept. Had I read to the end of this book before I bought it, I would have left it in the store. From now on, I will definitely read to the end of every book I pick up before I buy it!

She Read it Over and Over and Over
I don't know exactly where this book came from, but it was sitting on my kitchen table this morning. Emma had one more book to read for her monthly reading award so we plunked down and started reading.

This board book is deceptive... it is written for a child: starting as a small baby and up to a teen and yet it can also be very much for the adult reading to the small baby up to the teen.

It describes how the parent loves the child and how God loves the child, asking the child to accept and know the answer to the question of whether or not they are loved "Just in Case You Ever Wonder"... and who doesn't wonder, "Does my family love me?" or "Does God love me?" or "What is there about me to love?"

Lucado lays it out beautifully for the child in each of us to know and treasure.

You will want to have a copy of this one around "just in case" a child wanders by who you might have the chance to sit and read for a while. You could even sit out on your front steps and wait for your neighbors to come out and offer to read to them for a spell.

I read it to Emma who then read it to two-year-old Sam and then to herself again and then to Sam again and then to herself again.

She started the day cranky and ended up going to school with a big smile on her face.

See what I mean about this book?

Read it to all the "children" of every age you can. It will be good for YOUR soul as well as theirs. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (31)

Gentle Way of Explaining Life and Death
I have read this book to both of my sons. It has a wonderful universal message to it. In a non-threatening way it shows youngsters that everything that lives has a natural cycle.
Well done Leo. You made a very positive contribution to thousands of lives.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

Not just for children!
I recently lost a very dear friend and was not dealing with my grief very well. Another friend loaned me her copy of The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages. She assured me that it would help, and it did. The book is simply simple and gracefully puts into perspective the inevitablity of death. I have since purchased several copies that I have sent to friends and family who've grieved loved ones. You will love the soothing illustrations and tender language of this book!!

Heartwarming and flowing
After the loss of my baby son Alexander, a year ago from SIDS, I wanted to find easily read books to share with my (...) old daughter, Marie Helen. The fall of Freddie the Leaf was by far the best of the bunch.
Easily understood, non compromizing on the fealings of either adults nor children. I highly recomend it.

Great Book for Kids and Adults!
I read this to my son, and it was a great way to talk about some tough questions in life.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

A beautifully simple tale
This is the kind of resource book you can refer to repeatedly, as needed. And, it makes the perfect gift for people of all ages. Deals with the subject of grief with sensivity and beauty. A real classic! Certain similarities to BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY, which is also a story for all ages, dealing with the loss of a pet. ... Read more

Book Description

Big George has five sons: George, George, George, George, and George. And everyone knows that anytime you need help, "Let George do it!"

Two-time heavyweight boxing champ of the world George Foreman (who has five sons of his own named George) offers a very funny book about an unusual family. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW
Let George Do It!
George Foreman and Fran Manushkin, illus. by Whitney Martin. S&S, $15.95 (32p) ISBN 0-689-87807-9

The truth-that the two-time heavyweight champ and grill shrill has five sons all named George-makes for some silly fiction in Foreman's first book for kids, coauthored with Manushkin (Baby, Come Out!). When all the boys in the family share the same name as their dad, there's bound to be confusion. The fun begins when Mom (aka Mrs. George) asks her sons to help arrange a birthday party for their papa, Big George. Tasks get done, undone and redone as the various Georges backtrack or cover the same ground as their brothers. And poor baby George-who can't really protest-ends up with more than his fair share of baths in the process. Though there's not much of a story here, youngsters will find plenty of laughs in the premise. And there's a lot to see in debut illustrator Martin's high-energy watercolors, too. The Foreman household brims with comic details: pictures of famous Georges-Washington, Orwell, Burns, Harrison-adorn the walls; the kids consult a George Foreman cookbook and Big George, who wears a belt buckle labeled "The Champ," is appropriately larger than life. Ages 4-8. (May)

Charming and delightful
What an adorable book about a very unusual family!Great for everyone -- and since it has a birthday theme, it makes a great birthday present. ... Read more

Book Description

Engaging alphabet books are perennial bestsellers with unlimited demand. As in their previous collaboration, the Woods bring lower-case letters to life in a fun adventure. Little x has left, upset he's hardly used, and the other letters set out to find him. They find x playing the castle xylophone for the mysterious Master, capital M, who threatens to turn them into alphabet soup! Some quick thinking by Little x saves the day, and soon they are all on their way home--just in time to make Mom's birthday surprise: a cake with Little x all over. He's the only one who stands for kisses! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent follow up to Alphabet Adventure
I bought this book for my four year old daaughter because we both loved Alphabet Adventure so much. The story centers on little x this time. He decidedes to run away because he is a letter that isn't used very much. All of the other letters embark on an adventure to bring him home. This book is especially perfect for this time of year. There is a spooky castle and a monster M that evokes images of Halloween. At the end of the story little x realizes that he is a very special letter after all. Children love the idea of a mystery and the illustrations in this book are really wonderful. Everytime you read it you will see something new. My daughter especially loves the page where the letters match up to an object that they begin with. My daughter has learned a lot from this book and Alphabet Adventure. I highly recommend them both. ... Read more

Amazon.com

On a cold windy night, an itty-bitty mouse "pitter-pat, tip-toe,creep-crawls" into a sleeping bear's cozy lair, looking for relief from thebitter winter weather. Soon he is joined by a veritable menagerie of woodlandanimals, and the party begins. Popping corn, brewing tea, tweeting, andchatting, the critters enjoy themselves thoroughly while the bear slumbersthrough it all. Until, that is, an errant pepper flake from the simmering stewwakes him up with a giant sneeze. As the bear goes from ferocious snarls andrumbles to pitiful whimpers, his uninvited guests realize what the problem is.

You've snuck in my lair
and you've all had fun!
But me? I was sleeping
and...
I have had none!

First-time author Karma Wilson and artist Jane Chapman (illustrator of PhyllisRoot's One Duck Stuck)have created a charming little tale of sharing and caring that will have readersof all ages cheering at the humorous finale. (Ages 3 to 7) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (34)

We love this book!
My 2.5 year old son has asked me to read this book endlessly since we received it. Besides gorgeous illustrations, the story is so cute and full of wonderful onomatopoeia words like GNARL, roar, twitter, pitter-pat, etc. that make the story so much fun to read and the kids enjoy it tremendously.

Bear sleeps deeply in his den and the other animals seek shelter from the cold night. They have tea and nuts and soup, and bear wakes up to find a party going on without him! Bear is devastated, not because of the animals in his den, but because they were having fun without him. We love the illustrations and the story--can't wait to buy the other book about Bear, "Bear Wants More."

Enjoy!

My all time favorite children's book
Bear Snores On is at the very top of a long list of my favorite children's books. Every time I read it I am reminded why I love it so much. The illustrations are absolutley beautiful. The rhyming text is adorable. The story itself is the cutest. My children, 3 & 1 1/2, love this book. You can't get any better than Bears Snores On. The follow up, Bear Wants More is also very good. You will not be dissapointed with this book, I promise :)

Animal insomnia
As I am sure you know, author Karma Wilson began her illustrious picture book writing career with the charming "Bear Snores On". Since this impressive debut, Bear has gone on to appear in further Karma Wilson outings. Yet it all began here, with a tale of hibernation and a friendly hootenanny of wild animals.

A big brown bear, his teapot and other cave utensils strewn hither and yon, is hibernating in the winter. Outside it is blustery and cold but (as we are repeatedly told), "The bear/ snores/ on". One day a timid mouse enters the lair and lights himself a small fire for warmth. No reaction from the snoring bear. Soon a hare joins the mouse and they have a cup of tea. No bearish interruptions. Then there's a badger. Then a mole, and a wren, and a raven, and a gopher. In no time at all a full flown party is in swing, ending when a small fleck of pepper causes the bear to sneeze. Suddenly he's awake and he's angry, but not for the reason you'd think. No, Bear's just upset that everyone had a party without him. But soon, the animals reassure the bear that the party can definitely continue with him, and their host entertains by telling them stories far into the night. By morning everyone is fast asleep. Except (oh irony) the bear.

There's not much to the tale, honestly, but it's not the plot that's important. Ms. Wilson has an ear for delightful cadences and rhyming sequences. Just listen to the following sequence, "An itty-bitty mouse/pitter-pat, tip-toe/creep-crawls in the cave/from the fluff-cold snow". I love how that (and every other) line scans. Accompanying these deft syllables is the art of Jane Chapman. With her guidance, the walls of the cave (illuminated by a crackling fire) glow a homey auburn. Characters are both realistically rendered and adorably fuzzy. I was particularly fond of a scene from out in the blustery snow where, looking into the cave, we see the black silhouettes of the dancing creatures against the yellow glow of the fire. Color and texture are alive and well with this artist, I assure you.

"Bear Snores On" isn't the MOST memorable of picture books, but its pleasant enough. It's perfect for the child that is frightened easily (nothing bad happens, unless you count bear growling at one point) and gentle in its characterizations. All in all, a class act all around. If you need a good bedtime story to tuck the little ones in with, I highly recommend the electric boogaloo that is "Bear Snores On".

Fabulous Book
This book has been a favorite in my house from day one. Great text,the phrase Bear Snores On continues throughout the book and each time it gets a little louder and I find that children like to say it with you louder and louder each time until bear finally wakes up from a pepper flake that made him sneeze. (My son's favorite part)The illustations are beautifully done and fit the text perfectly. Definitely one of my best book buys of the year. I Highly recommend Bear Snores On.

My childrens' favorite
This is the best book in the world! My kids love the rhyming and enjoy the beautiful artwork. There's so much you can add in sound effects it's great! Highly recommended for a bedtime book, cuddle time read, etc. I also own Bear Wants More, though I don't think it quite has the same charm as this one. ... Read more

Book Description

The kids in Room 207 take advantage of their teacher's good nature until she disappears and they are faced with a substitute. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Essential For Any Elementary School Teacher in need of a Sub
When I was in second grade my teacher read this book to the class. Everyone loved the story and the illustrations were pretty good. But the next day at class our teacher wasn't there! In her place was a strange woman. Now, if you know anything about kids you understand that they can run on a wolf pack mentality, especially when it comes to substitutes. Under normal circumstances we would have pushed this stranger, this substitute, to the brink of insanity. Sure, we'd have had some casualties headed for the principal's office, but a substitue was an opportunity not to be missed. That is, unless she looked like Miss Viola Swamp!

And boy did this woman ever fit the bill! I can't recall ever seeing a group of second graders so attentive to the day's lesson, so well behaved! Now, the substitute wasn't all that bad, just not as nice as the actual teacher. But we all had Miss Nelson is Missing on our minds and everyone of us kept thinking "What if...?"

I'm just guessing here, but I do believe my second grade teacher knew the affect this book would have on us. She knew we would pay attention in her absence and upon her return great her with enthusiasm and relief. She was right! Now anyone even thinking about becoming an early Elementary School teacher should think well on investing in this book. It may one day prove invaluable to your state of mind when leaving your class to a stranger!

Having a substitute teacher is not always a good thing
Remember when Joni Mitchell told us "You don't know what you've got 'till its gone"? Well, even if you have never heard about the "Big Yellow Taxi" you will realize that this is exactly what the kids in Room 207 learn when their teacher Miss Nelson goes missing. This was the worst behaved class in school and no matter what Miss Nelson tried the class would not settle down, made faces, giggled, squirmed and refused to do their homework. When Miss Nelson does not come to school the next day, the children are all excited because they think that now they can REALLY act up. But it is the children who are in for a rude awakening when they meet their new teacher, Miss Viola Swamp, a woman in an ugly black dress. After a few hours with Miss Swamp, the kids decide that they really miss their old teacher and wonder what could have happened to her?

No parent ever wants to hear that their kids do not like their teacher, but then what teacher wants students who are rude? "Miss Nelson Is Missing," written by Harry Allard and illustrated by James Marshall, teaches children several valuable lessons about appropriate decorum in the classroom without the children recognizing that they are actually learning something reading this book. This book makes having a happy classroom with a pleasant teacher sound like a very good thing indeed. Which, of course, it is! However, I think you will discover that teachers will like this book every more so that children. There are at least two other adventures of Miss Nelson and Room 207 that I know about, plus you can also read this classic children's book in Spanish in "La Senorita Nelson Ha Desaparecido!"

Miss Nelson! Come back, Miss Nelson!
Like a lot of children, I came to discover Miss Nelson in a kind of roundabout way. A child of the 80s, I am a first-generation "Reading Rainbow" graduate. Which is to say, I watched it from the beginning. One of the earliest episodes of this remarkable PBS program was a reading of the story "Miss Nelson Is Back". For years I lay under the mistaken impression that this was the first, heck the ONLY Miss Nelson book put together by that crazy duo of Harry Allard and James Marshall. Imagine my surprise when I discovered (much to my delight) the delightful "Miss Nelson Is Missing". Here is where the Miss Nelson saga all started, and it is a joy to page through.

As the book points out immediately, the kids in Room 207 were the worst behaved class in the whole school. They were rude and nasty and they didn't pay any attention to their sweet-natured teacher Miss Nelson. One day, however, Miss Nelson does not come to school. In her place is the nasty, mean, foul-tempered witch Miss Viola Swamp. A true crone through and through, Miss Swamp immediately whips the children into shape. They are crushed by homework and forced to work that's long and hard. It's not too long after Miss Swamp's arrival that the children start yearning for the lovely Miss Nelson. Unfortunately, no one seems to be able to find her. Finally, one day Miss Nelson comes back and the class is as well behaved as it can be. Only the telltale black dress hanging in Miss Nelson's closet suggests that there may have been more to the class's transformation than initially met the eye.

The story is one that children instantly love. After all, they feel incredibly intelligent when they discover on their own that Miss Nelson and Miss Viola Swamp are one and the same. Combine the funny text with James Marshall's goofy pictures and you've got yourself a fabulous classic. Mr. Marshall once noted that he based the design of Miss Viola Swamp on a teacher he once had (and disliked so much that he was able to reincarnate her years later as the world's ultimate horrible teacher). There's a lot to love in these pictures as well. When a child writes math problems on the blackboard, some of the answers are a little off. Children carry textbooks that read "Facts and More Facts" on their spines. Best of all, Mr. Marshall never fails to put a little drop of his beloved Texas into the pictures somewhere. Altogether, this book's a joy to flip through.

If you've a kid who has a quirky sense of humor and likes to see naughty children put in their places, definitely give this book a shot. It's a beautiful undertaking filled with great visual gags and an amusing text. Also be sure to seek out its sequels.

Miss Nelson is Missing
Miss Nelson is Missing is a great book for ages 5-8 years old.
The book is about a school teacher who has kids that screw around in class all the time. The kids go to school one day and realize Miss Nelson is not the teacher but some mysterious old grumpy lady. She had loaded them with homework, and the kids where very upset. You are is a real surprise on who the teacher really is.
There is a great lesson to be learned, and it is to not be noughty in class. you should also appreciate what your teacher does for you. All and all this is an exalent book for young readers.

Another Childhood Favorite! And It's Still Great Today!
As I mentioned in my review of "Stinky Cheeseman and Other Fairly Stupid Tales," I am taking a Children's Lit class in college, which requires me to read a lot of children's books. So, this is a great excuse for me to write more reviews. If you want to make fun of me for liking these books, so be it. I could care less.

"Miss Nelson is Missing" was always a childhood favorite for me. One of my first picture books I ever read, I think. I even remember that my copy came with a record that you could listen along to as you read. Wow, does that bring back memories. I picked this up a few days ago, and found myself enjoying it as much as I did when I was little, if not more.

This is a book about a sweet and nice teacher who has one of the most terrible classes ever. Everyone is mean and nobody ever listens to her. Miss Nelson knows that something has to be done.

One day, when she doesn't arrive to class, the children are so happy. They think they have driven her away forever. They are all smiles and grins.....until....

They meet Miss. Viola Swamp, an ugly and mean teacher dressed in black and white makeup. She puts them to work, yells at them, and makes them do tons and TONS of homework. Desperate and worried, the children turn to a detective in order to solve the whereabouts of Miss Nelson.

This book is incredible. Fun for all ages, especially the young ones. It's fun and gives a good moral lesson at the same time. It has great writing and very cool pictures. The reading level is pretty easy. Nothing too mind-bending behind it.

I recommend "Miss Nelson is Missing!" to ANYONE! Yes, I don't care how old you are. You're never too old to enjoy a good children's book, and I'm starting to re-discover that. Check this one out whenever you can. And if you have kids, I can almost promise you that this will be a favorite. ... Read more

Book Description

Chuck Swindoll shares 12 of the most important Bible teachings portrayed in 12 fun-filled stories kids can identify with and understand.

Reviews (2)

A Great Family Devotional
I've had this book for 3 years and both my children (now aged 5 and 11) still love to hear the stories. The pictures are colorful and enjoyable and the bible stories are well placed in the story themes. The story set up begins with a situation the bear family encounters and then a bible story that relates to that situation is recollected by one of the bears. The last story Heaven Can't Wait will have the reader teary eyed, and is told in such a way that although the child will experience the sadness of death, they will see the victory of eternal life with God. I wish there were more books written of Big Ideas In the Bible. This book makes a great family devotional!

My 6 year old loved it.
We were on vacation at a friend's. They brought out this book to read for her bedtime story. Well, we had to read 2 of the stories that night. The first thing the next morning, she got the book out again and asked me to read more. While the other kids were out swimming in the pool, she insisted I read her 2 more of the stories. When we got home from vacation, she told me she wanted to use her allowance money and buy a copy of the book herself. The tone of the book is warm and encouraging. The spiritual truths are shared in a beautiful and loving way. ... Read more

Book Description

Go team! Scooby and the gang love to cheer for their favorite football team, but there's something strange about the fans at the game. Are space aliens watching the game as well? It looks like another mystery for Scooby and the gang! ... Read more

Book Description

Singing turtles, flying farmers and a dragon who cries—these are just some of the magical characters you’ll meet in this delightful collection of children’s stories. This beautifully illustrated book follows Tuttlke's classic and immensely popular Japanese Children’s Favorite Stories, bringing together a wonderful mix of well-loved, traditional folktales and contemporary favorites. With sparkling illustrations on almost every page and the promise that goodwill and kindness will always carry the day, readers are sure to find much to love in these stories.

Other titles in the Asian Children’s Favorite Stories series include Japanese Children’s Favorite Stories, Balinese Children’s Favorite Stories and Filipino Children’s Favorite Stories. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Beautiful illustrations and wonderful stories.
As a child I was enchanted by the tales of Little Peach Boy, Inchling, and the other characters whose stories are featured in this book. Each story has a positive theme such as politeness, helpfulness and sacrifice. The characters are as memorable as those of the Brothers Grimm and the stories are complemented by beautiful illustrations.

I still have my 25 year old copy of this book and am purchasing a copy for each of my children to have for themselves.

Interestingly Enchanting
This book, in my opinion, should get 4.5 stars because it is interesting but also a bit confusing. It was fun to read the first few times, but after awhile the stories seemed predictable. Occasionally, the stories were random and confusing. The pictures aren't very detailed, but they show the point of what they are discribing. I also like the book because of the creativity of the authors. I know that as a writer you must construct creative and understandable stories and I am almost overwhelmed by the uniqueness of these stories. I recommend this book to younger children who enjoy reading simple fantasy stories with adventure.

Good for kids
This book was a good book for younger children. It had wonderful illustrations, and the morals were Wonderful. It's a book that young children would put at the top of their favorite book list.

A favorite from my own childhood
This was a favorite storybook from my own childhood. I have always been particularly haunted by the story of "Momotaro, the Peach Boy," and I had searched for a version of the story for my daughter. Recently while browsing the children's books at the art museum store, we found this reprint of the stories I had loved so much. My daughter now loves them, too.

Captivating to the children, enchanting to the adults
A wonderful collection of enchanting stories for young children, 3-7 years old. We have read from it since my boy was 3 years old - it is one of the very few books that have kept with him for a long period (he is now 5.5). I figure that he will be able to read the stories himself pretty soon, making this volume one of a handful of books that can be read to him and by him.

The stories are imaginative, full of fantasy, culturally different yet appealing to "standard" elements of the children's minds. The plots are interesting to the children, who quickly learn them by heart and ask for specific stories night after night. The drawings are marvelous. The fact that there are multiple, independent stories, makes it easy to customize the lenght of the day's reading as needed.

Of the many books that my boy has this is definitely one of the best, from his point of view as well as from mine. The wonderful illustrations, evocative of some of Miyazaki's magnificent animated movies, only add to the attraction of this exceptional book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The words and illustrations of Dr. Seuss have alway seemed inseparable--a peerless fusion of verbal and visual wit. Yet when the good doctor wrote the manuscript for My Many Colored Days in 1973, he specified that the book should be illustrated by "a great color artist who will not be dominated by me." Twenty-three years later, he has gotten his wish.Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher have produced a series of rich, painterly images that could never be mistaken for faux-Seuss. They have, however, caught something of his simplicity, and just as important, his sense of whimsy. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Non-traditional Seuss - on the acceptability of emotions
This book is very different from other Dr. Seuss books. First, the whimsical rhymes and made-up words which characterize Seuss in such classics as One Fish, Two Fish..., and The Lorax are absent here. Instead there is a simple elegance in couplets which brings colors and images together with emotions and moods. Second, the playful cartoon-style illustrations of more light-hearted classics are replaced by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher's more abstract paintings. These paintings cover the whole page with deep colors, drenched in emotion. Between the wonderful images suggested by the couplets and the engaging art (not illustration!) this book brings home a message to kids of all ages about the acceptability of their moods and emotions.

My daughters' reaction to this book has been tremendous. My older daughter (4 y.o.) wants to linger on each page to examine the art while my younger daughter (10 mos.) tries to feel the texture of the paint. I can see their faces reacting to the feelings suggested by each color and rhyme. We don't have many children's books that are 'illustrated' in a manner as poignant as this book (but we have an extensive library which most of the classics). Yet despite the 'message' it is never preachy - just a matter-of-fact statement that we all have emotions and they are all OK. Seuss provides the images as a frame of reference to help kids understand and explain them, which is especially helpful for little ones who haven't yet developed the vocabulary and reasoning to figure it out for themselves.

The best benefit is not necessarily even for kids to understand themselves, but to help kids understand grow-ups' moods - why mommy is tired after a long day at work, or why daddy is frustrated when he burns dinner, etc. I can just tell my daughters that I am in a 'grey' mood for a while, and all becomes crystal clear!

Not your usual Dr. Seuss - but terrific!
My daughter is a huge fan of this book - and so am I! I won't say that about too many children's books... As cute as some of them are, I can only make so many dog noises and elephant sounds in a day (over and over). But this is a book that we both agree on.

First of all, the book is beautiful. The colors are great. I love the illustrations. They're colorful but subtle, not your normal "in your face" Seuss (of which I am a fan).

Second, the book is just the right length for a toddler. Some of the other Seuss, while funny, is long. This is just about perfect.

Mostly, however, I like the message of this book: that you can be in one mood one day and another mood another day and that's okay. I think really small children, especially toddlers, have a difficult time understanding the concepts of mad and glad and sad... We expect them to be "on" at happy all day long. But they really are just little people and they experience different feelings, too. I like that this book says that's okay.

Yeah, the message is a little "touchy feely" but the book doesn't come across that way at all. It's Seussy-y without the camp, but with the same sense of rhyme and optimism. It works.

Love it!
When I read this book to my children (ages 4 & 1) I always try to emphasize the emotions & feelings behind each color & painting using my voice...I think it is an excellent book for opening up a dialogue with kids about their emotions & learning how to express them.

The paintings are inspiring but ordinary in a way that when you look at them you think "I could paint that!". Really a great, great book! It's a continuous favorite in our house, a must have for every child's book shelf!

I recommend the board book for younger kids because it IS so well loved & read. The images on the pages definately call out to be touched by little hands!

tomorrow could be different
I would highly recommend this book to anyone--young & old alike! I think it is especially good reading for those feeling like they are in a slump and finding it hard to move on. This book shows that today you might feel like it's a black, brown, or purple day, but if you hold on until tomorrow, you may have a yellow or pink day. Although this book was purchased for my two toddlers, who both love it, this is a coffee-table book at our house.

My 10 month old's favorite book
I wouldn't have expected it but this is my 10 month old son's favorite book. I think he likes the bright colors. Also the way the text is written inspires you to change your voice which he really has enjoyed. The bright colors, simple but cute graphics, short and rhyming verse all combine to make a really neat book. This is the first book that my son has really showed interest in, he actually coos and babbles and touches the pages as I read it to him. He sits through the whole book and likes it to be read to him more than once every day. I've tried "Goodnight Moon", "Guess How Much I Love You", "The Runaway Bunny", "Mother Goose", etc but no other book has fasinated him so far as much as this book. I'd highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

Open Granny's purse (yes, she said it's OK) and enter a treasure chest of mementos and magic. A unique, fourteen-page die-cut storybook crammed with interactive features and surprises for ages 3 and up, it contains a whole life waiting to be discovered.

Peek inside Granny's notebook. Try on her sunglasses. Check yourself in the mirror. Play with her keys. Look at her photos, read her letter, tie a bow, try on Granny's rings, wear her scarf. Not only is Granny's purse a veritable playground for little girls, but piece by piece it creates a portrait of an adventurous, independent, contemporary grandmother, imbued with spirit and gumption. This Granny's a traveler (and has the passport filled with stamps to prove it). A self-sufficient handyperson with her wrench and compass. A collector of lives and memories. And a genuine softie, with handfuls of treats ready to dispense.

She is also a very wise woman: "My mommy says, 'You should never look in a lady's purse.' My granny says, 'Never say never!'" "My mommy says, 'Clean up your room!' 'Never throw anything away,' says granny." And while mommy always says, "Sit still, please!," there's granny: "Let's go! . . . Life is an adventure!"

MY GRANNY'S PURSE is illustrated in full color, has a Velcro closure, and comes in a clear plastic, stackable gift box. Jam-packed with fun things, it's really a story about love between the generations. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Keepsake
We just received this gift for Christmas, and I loved it. I could tell right away that it wasn't a book that I wanted to just hand over to my exploratory 18 month old. Although she is very gentle, this book is designed for exploration and curiosity, and I could just see it having some pieces ripped away just out of a toddler's normal zest and enthusiasm.
That being said, we have already enjoyed several hours playing with the book together. She loves to sit on my lap and "explore" the book with me. There are so many things to look at, and open and feel. She loves to "put on the rings" and open the passport. I'm enjoying many more times like this, and then when she is old enough to look at the book by herself it will be in good condition, and she will have learned that books are meant to be read and enjoyed and not ripped up. This way it stays nice, and we also have time together. After all, aren't all books meant to be enjoyed that way?

FAB FINDbut not recommended for TODDLERS
o.k. so I think I bought this litte gem of an interactive book more for myself than my 18 mnth old. It would have been something I would of adored as a little girl, with it's pockets of treasures and flaps to pull out with brightly colored pictures of granny and baby. The only problem is that it is NOT DURABLE enough for a toddler. I don't reccomend it for children under 3 yrs old or if your child is a little rough with things. This will not last. It is made out of cardboard and alot of the little flaps are folded so that they can EASILY tear. You'll spend more time gluing the flaps back together than enjoying this great little book. Save it for later or bring out your inner liitle girl!!

My 4 year old loves it
My 4 year old daughter got this for her birthday and she just loves this great book/purse. I am ordering one for my best friends little girl. This is one of the cutest ideas I have seen in awhile. There are lots of accessories and lots of cute things that the child, mom and grandmother can enjoy. My mom really enjoyed playing with this book with my daughter. I do agree with the other review we will have to be careful not to loose the pieces. I think this would make a great gift for any little girl

Adorable!
I first saw this "book" at a kindergarten workshop. It is adorable and all were taken by it. Telling the difference in parents and grandparents in a very true to life, but simple way, this book is a must for grandmothers and grand-daughters! ("Mommy always says "No candy" but Granny says "Sweets for the Sweet"!) It would be comparable to "The Jolly Postman" because of the items that are included in the "purse", and this makes the book. However, here lies the only drawback I see; some pieces could easily become lost. This is the perfect book for anyone who ever had a grandmother who let you play with her purse! ... Read more

Book Description

"When Mama Bear's efforts to improve her family's manners are unsuccessful, she devises a Politeness Plan--a chart listing a chore as a penalty for each act of rudeness. Basic etiquette is presented in a practical way. Berenstain illustrations add humor and understanding."--School Library Journal. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Prince Charles wanna-be
This book was an excellent influence on my child's rude behavior. My son, (being a huge fan of this line of books) has gone from a barnyard animal to a Prince Charles wanna-be. He now thinks twice before belching in public, he asks to excuse himself from the kitchen table, the list goes on and on. Thank you Jan Berenstain!

The Berenstein Bears Forgot Their Manners
The Book the berenstein bears forget their manners is about brother, sister, and papa bear. They slowly forget about what they are doing. Everything goes wrong, brother and sister fighting. Papa Bear Yelling telling them to stop. Mama Bear is getting mad and starts a new manners plan. This books lesson is to always be grateful with you got, and be respectful. I think the age level on this book is the ages 4-7. I really like this book it teaches kids manners and what do, and what not to