Reviews (4)

Not appropriate for young children
I am very enthusiastic about exposing my children to different cultures and ideas, and when I saw this book and read the reviews on Amazon, I was excited to get it for my girls. When the book arrived, I read it immediately. The story and the pictures are beautiful. I liked everything until the very last sentence of the book -- I was very surprised to read that Yeh-Shen's stepmother and stepsister were "crushed to death in a shower of flying stones." Although I understand that this may be part of the original story, I am giving this book one star because it is supposed to be appropriate for children 4-8. I don't believe, with such a violent and disturbing ending, that it is appropriate for this age group.

A great book
I think this book is very,very good. It was a great book about China also a good book for childrens around the world. This book is about a girl named Yeh-Shen that was a orpahan. She had to work for her stepmother and her stepsister. Yeh-Shen had a fish that she did not know that it was magic fish. The fish's name is goldeyes. Yeh-Shen stepsister found out that Yeh-Shen had a friend that was a fish. The stepsister want and told her mother. The stepmother told Yeh-Shen to get some wood from the far side of the land. At the end of the story Yeh-Shen married the king.

One of the best versions of Cinderella
In almost every culture, parents tell children a story that resembles the European Cinderella. Scholars have collected more than 500 versions of the story. In the past couple of decades a lot of these multicultural variations on Cinderella have been turned into children's picture books. The familiar story gives kids a great introduction to people of the world. Several of these books are very good, but two are exceptional. One is John Steptoe's "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters," an African version of the story. The other is this one.

"Yeh-Shen," a Chinese version of the tale almost a thousand years older than the earliest known European version, contains many familiar details - a poor over-worked girl, a wicked stepmother and stepsister, a magical helper, a king in search of a wife, and a lost shoe. But while Cinderella is simply handed gifts from her fairy godmother, Yeh-Shen earns her wishes through kindness to a magic fish. This one change makes a big difference in the ethical tone of the book. It also makes the reader feel much more sympathetic toward Yeh-Shen, who seems to deserve every bit of good fortune she gets.

The illustrations greatly add to the book's charm. Ed Young's style is striking and unique. There's a misty, ethereal quality to his art that makes everything look as if it were taking place in a dream - which is just perfect for the book.

THE OLDEST VERSION OF CINDERELLA
This is the oldest known version of Cinderella. It dates back to 9BC China. Having taught a unit on the history of Cinderella to my class every year around Holiday time, I'm pleased to finally have a copy of the book -- the copy from the Minneapolis Public Library is missing -- because it teaches children that not every version is about pumpkin coaches and glass slippers. Beautifully illustrated by Ed Young, the theme of the fish/fairy godmother character plays throughout the book.

Enjoy this version, along with Shirley Chimo's Egyptian and Korean Cinderellas, The Turkey Girl, The Rough Face Girl, Sootface, and of course, the old classic versions.

This book is an excellent addition to your multicultural children's collection! ... Read more

Amazon.com

"I stink!" How can you not love such swagger and candor? And Kate andJim McMullan's big-eyed, loudmouthed garbage truck really must stink--byits own admission, and given all those smelly bags it's been cramming into itshuge back hopper.

Most kids already love garbage trucks on general principle, and one assumes thatcan only go double for a sass-mouthed, animated dumper like this one, out on itsearly-morning rounds: "See those bags? I SMELL BREAKFAST! Crew? Get me to thecurb! Lights? Blink! Brakes? Squeal! Tail gate? SAY AH!" The many opportunitiesfor loud, large-type sound effects should make for spirited readings, and arecipe for "alphabet soup" lets young readers practice their letters, workingthrough the ABCs from apple cores to zipped-up ziti with zucchini.

The text to I Stink!, while fun, is nowhere near as clever as the art.But fortunately Jim McMullan's fun, fat drawings and type treatments more thanmake up the difference, loading Dumpsters full of personality into thisgrimacing, grinning, growling--even burping!--big rig. Kids will have a goodtime doing diesel-powered imitations, but even more importantly, they'll learnwhere they'd be without their neighborhood trash truck: on top of "MountTrash-o-rama, baby." (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Have you ever heard a 2 year old say Mount Trashorama Baby!?
We read this to our 2 year old son and a couple days later he repeated it back to us! In the stroller, in the car, when the garbage truck would come on Monday mornings.....i think you get the picture! He would say the Alphabet part too! Not only a GREAT book, but also teaches something (whitout seaming to!) at the same time! We love it and the illustrations are equal to the story! GREAT BOOK - a must have for any children's library!

Defecation: The Book
The most testosterone laden picture book ever conceived and executed. You thought "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel" was a tad bit too masculine for your kids? Then forgo the wonders of "I Stink". A rip roaring celebration of the joys of sanitation (THERE's a new word for your kids to learn!) this book follows the daily work of a garbage truck as it makes its daily rounds in the wee hours of the day. The book is so good natured in its exclamations you just can't help but love it either. And trust me, the kids will.

Here's how the book begins. No namby-pamby openers for this morning vehicle. "Who am I? I've got lights. Ten WIDE tires. No A.C., not me. I've got doubles: Steering wheels, gas pedals, brakes. I am totally DUAL OP". You half expect this truck to disintegrate into a series of well-chosen cuss words, it's so certain of its own glory. Acting more like an Oscar the Grouch in garbage truck form, the dirty monstrosity exhibits its own forms of belching before launching into the ABC's of its morning diet. A word of warning: don't read this book too early in the morning. You may find yourself growing nauseous (even as your kids howl for more) reading about fish heads, ugly (stained) underpants, and year-old yams. The authors aren't squeamish about defecation either. Here we can clearly see dirty diapers, kitty litter, and puppy poo (not to put too fine a point on it). The truck then explains how indispensable he (I'm only assuming it's male, but it's a pretty clear guess) is summarizing the predicament we'd be in. Without the Sanitation Department, "You're on Mount Trash-o-rama, baby". Never thought you'd ever hear a garbage truck call you "baby"? You obviously could not have predicted this book.

The authors are careful to thank not only garbage men Earl Harrington and Billy King in their opening, but also "everyone at the New York City Department of Sanitation". It is a fitting tribute, and an excellent book to offer unto them. Capped off by beautiful endpapers (displaying our friend the Garbage Truck in mesmerizing shades of deep blue and turquoise) this disgusting, smelly, filthy book is a class act through and through. Kids love it, grown-ups (that aren't prone to sickness) really get into it, and the world is a better place for it. Garbage workers rarely get their due. Now, they're not only commended for their work, but lauded as well.

My two-year-old's favorite book
And mine, too. You can't beat the art and typography or the story and text. That the authors have done research and write with verisimilitude only adds to the relief and joy that you feel after having read so many boring children's books.

Favorite of boys 2-4+
We love this book! It's a bit tiring to read aloud with all the exclamation points, but the "alphabet soup" recipe guarantees lots of giggles. This truck has attitude to spare and then some. The art is terrific. Highly recommended!

(...)

I Stink
Lately, the preschoolers have gotten into the habit of saying things stink, so they loved this book. We've been telling them not to use "bad" words like stink and this book is one way to get it out of their system. They're absolutely enchanted with the idea of a stinky truck that eats stinky garbage and that talks! They find it hysterical when I pretend to be repulsed by the "stinky" pictures of garbage. Very entertaining book. Excellent text and pictures ... Read more

Book Description

In a rainbow-colored station wagon that smelled like a real car, the relatives came. When they arrived, they hugged and hugged from the kitchen to the front room. All summer they tended the garden and ate up all the strawberries and melons. They plucked banjos and strummed guitars.

When they finally had to leave, they were sad, but not for long. They all knew they would be together next summer. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Hug after hug after hug!
This children's book is a joyous and hilarious visit by a very large family to relatives in another State. Although everything gets very hectic, when the relatives finally leave, everyone seems to miss the visitors right away and already are looking forward to the next visit. I think that every family can relate to this story. The book was illustrated by Stephen Gammell and it was a 1986 Caldecott Honor book (that is, a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children.

Wonderful Memory of a Family Reunion
This is a delightful and sweet story of a family traveling to visit relatives. The illustrations really bring the book to life. This is a great summer story for any child, but is especially fun and perfect for my 5 year old son who does better with new situations if he is able to have a sort of preview of what it is going to be like. We originally checked this book out from the library but have purchased a copy to keep. He loves to read the book and look at our photos from our family reunion trip.

Reminds me.....
I and my family are from Virginia. This is just the way we are when we visit family in other states...we sleep on the floor, eat lots of food, everything! I am going to purchase this book to send to my niece. I hope that she remembers when her family comes from Virginia to do all the things in the book. When she misses us, she can read the story and think about us.

the relatives came
This is a great book for kids ages 3-9. It is a good book for young people because I think it teaches kids no matter what all ways love your family and they will love you back. I read this for English class and if I have a choice to read it again I would. It is about a family that comes from another state to visit their relatives, they get there hug for hours on end and eat dinner then go to bed. There's not enough beds for everyone so each person has a arm or leg on them but, they don't mind at all because there with family. I loved the book personally and I think kids would too. After the age 10 or so they might think the book is childish, any age 9 and under I think would love it.

Challenged Book
This book was selected to be included on a banned book list. While taking Children's Literature at West Virginia State College I was given the opportunity from Mr. Samples to explore the possible reasons why this book was challenged. After unlimited amount of time researching this book I never found a concrete answer why. Also, I did not find who had selected the book to be on the list. I did however have my own opinion of the possible reason. One of the illustrations in the book showed two cousins sleeping together, each were of the opposite sex. This would be the only "flaw" this book would have, overall this is a great book. I would highly recommend using this book with your students in a classroom. This book celebrates the meaning of family with hugs and more hugs. Please enjoy reading and re-reading The Relatives Came. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Whether they're working at home or working far away, teaching you how towalk or how to ride a skateboard, wearing suits or wearing two different socks,daddies can be pretty cool. With childlike smiling stick figures, bold,brilliant color, and upbeat text, picture-book creator Todd Parr celebrates thediverse, wonderful world of fathers in The Daddy Book. As in his Mommy Book, Parr focuses on thedifferences between individual parents ("Some daddies make cookies. Some daddiesstop for doughnuts."), but brings it all together every few pages with lineslike, "All daddies love to kiss and hug you!" or "All daddies like to watch yousleep!" Parr's quirky artwork and eternally optimistic--yet neversaccharine--books are truly irresistible, for both grownups and kids. Don't missany of his friendly, esteem-boosting titles: The Best Friends Book, It's Okay to Be Different,Underwear Do's andDon'ts, and lots more. (Ages 3 to 6) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Book Description

Jan Brett's intricate illustrations against a beautiful papyrus background make a stunning picture book of a favorite story-this time featuring Noah's granddaughter. As the floodwaters rise, she helps take the animals onto the ark and get them settled down. But it's not easy when giraffes are sleeping next to pandas and lions are curled up with turkeys. Finally the gentle rocking of the ark lulls them all to sleep until the waters recede and Grandpa Noah, his family, and all the animals leave the ark. This simple telling, combined with extraordinary illustrations of every animal imaginable, makes On Noah's Ark perfect for young and old. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Oooops! She left out the main character!
Beautiful illustrations do not make up for the fact that there's not even a nod to the Creator of the story! Come on, "Grandpa Noah says that the rains are coming"!?!?!? Wasn't it God who said the rains are coming? (...)

Wish it were longer!
Written from the viewpoint of Noah's grandson, this is a charming story from onboard the ark. My just turned 2 year old loves it and I don't mind reading it over and over (and over and over). We have other Noah's Ark books but many require too much explaination or are too scary for this age group. I am planning to buy this for cousins and friends.

A beautiful book
Once again Jan Brett's illustrations are a treat for the eye. This is a simple telling of the ark story from another point of view. Noah wasn't the only one on the ark and children love to imagine what other people on the ark were like. This is a wonderful book to use to get a discussion going with young children and get them thinking about the ark and it's passengers.

A different story
This is a beautifully illustrated story about a little girl on a fantastic animal cruise. If you want a lovely book with gorgeous pictures of animals, you'll like this book. If you want to teach your child about the Noah of Genesis, look instead at the wonderful Noah's Ark by Peter Spier. That book also has lovely illustrations, but sticks much closer to the Biblical version of the story.

One of Jan Brett's best!
Beautiful illustrations and a creative storytelling make this version of the Noah's Ark story a must have! Jan Brett is one of my favorite author/illustrators and this book will not disappoint any of Brett's fans. This book is a joy for both parents and children to read. My 2 year old daughter loves it. ... Read more

Book Description

"While walking through a toy store, the day before today, I overheard a

crayon box with many things to say..." Once upon a time, Shane DeRolf wrote

a poem. It was a deceptively simple poem, a charming little piece that

celebrates the creation of harmony through diversity. The folks at the Ad

Council heard it--and liked it so much that they made it the theme for their

1997 National Anti-Discrimination Campaign for Children. Following on the heels

of nearly a year's worth of televised public service announcements, Random

House is phonored to publish the picture book, illustrated in every color in

the crayon box by dazzling newcomer Michael Letzig and conveying the sublimely

simple message that when we all work together, the results are much more

interesting and colorful.




... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great for Diversity & Team Workshops
I use this story with just about every adult and youth group I speak to. I use it to build upon our diversity and how if we all get together (as the crayons do in the book) the picture is complete.

This is a MUST BUY if you work with any age group. The story is so simple, yet powerful.

One of my favorites!
I frequently use books to teach lessons (in an indirect way) to students. My area of expertise is teaching students with disabilities.

For the individuals that I teach, it is important to make them think about issues -- rather than "telling" them what to think.

This books lends itself to some great discussions. Recently a friend of mine used it with members of the Student Council at our high school -- they LOVED it!!!

A must have...(along with Giraffes Can't Dance).

J. Michael Woods, M.Ed.
Teacher, Exceptional Student Education
Doctoral Student, Florida Atlantic University

Not just for kids!
We regularly use this book for team building training for teens and adults. Before "story time" we hand out crayons to the group. The participants are asked what color they would like and then are given a different color (as an example that in life you don't get to pick your gifts and talents!). And then everyone gets to sign the book with their crayon. This book is a hit with all ages and a fun way of dealing with the serious topics of respecting differences and working as a team.

Wonderful Book About Cooperation
This book is great for children at the elementary level. It teaches about cooperation and how to get along with others.

The Crayon Box That Talked has a lot to say!
This is my son's favorite book. I used to read it to him (he's 4) but now he reads it to me...and I learn something new everytime he does.

The poem is simple yet profound...it's about a box of crayons that doesn't get along until...well, read it and find out!!!

It's a must have for all home libraries. Adults can learn a lot from this book, too. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (14)

Book Review
This is a beautifully told Algonquin Indian version of the Cinderella story. From reading this story we learn that not all things are seen with the eyes, but with the heart, as with the Rough-Face Girl who earns the love of and the right to marry the Invisible Being. We should all be like the Rough-Face Girl by seeing the beauty of the earth around us and not taking any thing for granted.

I highly recommend this book.

Impossible things are happening every day
I first read a version of the Algonquin Cinderella story in the collected folktale book, "World Tales", compilated by Idries Shah. The version repeated in that book and then retold in "The Rough-Face Girl" is almost perfectly identical. In a way, this proves the entrancing nature of this tale, and its capacity for retellings. With Rafe Martin's book, one of the best Cinderella stories from around the globe (if not THE best) is accompanied by David Shannon's fabulous illustrations. The combination is incredible.

In this tale, once an Algonquin girl lived with her father and cruel older sisters. These girls forced their younger sibling to feed their fires, causing her arms and face to become burnt and scarred. Her hair became charred and lifeless as well. Also in this village was an invisible man who was rumored to be rich and powerful. One day the sisters decide to wed the Invisible Being (I guess they both figured on sharing him). When confronted by his sister, the girls are asked to describe his bow and the runner of his sled. Unable to do so, they are sent away. The next day the rough faced girl goes to do the same and she too meets with the sister of the Invisible Being. You can probably guess the rest.

As Cinderella tales go, this one gives its heroine more of an active role than the European Cinderella ever had. Where Cinderella relies on a magical fairy godmother and a prince to track her down, the rough faced girl fashions her own clothing and sets out to meet the Invisible Being despite the taunts of the villagers that doubt her. True, this is a fairy tale and therefore subject to the idea that for women, fulfillment comes with a good marriage. But honestly, most tales rely on this conceit. This tale has elements of the Cupid/Psyche stories, Beauty and the Beast, and many others, while at the same time remaining a true and accomplished original.

Shannon's accompanying illustrations are very interesting. Most artists that depict Native Americans in storybook form (like, say, "A Boy Called Slow") don't draw characters that display much in the way of emotion. Call it a different kind of racism, if you will. Shannon, however, seems to have taken heart from the fact that this is a fantasy and not a piece of non-fiction. His evil sisters sneer and flounce. As they parade through the village in their new clothes their noses are held quite high. His rough faced girl is never viewed directly, so long as she remains scarred and unhappy. The closest moment we get is when she is crouched beside the fire, the shadows playing on her face and bandaged arms. When at last she bathes in a lake and is revealed to be beautiful the moment, while nice, is accompanied by an odd illustration that conjures up the word "pin-up" more than anything else. In my favorite illustration, we see the Invisible Being towering over his new betrothed, obviously a really good looking dude. Shannon has a way of playing with light and shadow in this book that conceals as much as it reveals. I was particularly taken with the clever picture that displayed the Invisible Being astride the milky way, his waist made up the three stars that represent Orion's Belt.

Truthfully, I am not well acquainted with the Algonquin way of life. I therefore cannot vouch that this book is perfectly faithful to the mode of dress and lives of its people. What I can ascertain is that the book is respectful to its subjects as well as its subject matter. It's a fabulous looking and sounding creation that every child, teen, and adult should be well-acquainted with. Worth a gander.

This is a beautiful story :)
The Rough-Face Girl is a delightful story. It is a modern story of Cinderella. I love the impact that the story gives. It shows that beauty comes form within. The girl in the story goes though many changes and with everything she goes though she keeps a beautiful body image. The illustrations were detailed wonderfully. This is a story book that everyone should own.

Rough-Face Girl
The language is beautiful; the illustrations are exquisite. A universal theme that beauty comes from within.

The Rough Face Gril
The Rough Face Girl By Ar-Day Wilson

The rough face girl was about a girl that had two

sisters and a father. The two sisters would boss her

around. They made her stand by the fire; so her face got

burned. She later married an invisible man and they lived

happily ever after.

The rough face girl was the youngest, friendly, and nicest

person. She is a very beautiful girl, but on the outside she

doesn't really know that.

Nobody thinks she should marry the invisible being.

When she came to his teepee his

sister was waiting for her and asked her three questions.

She got them all right.

The way she solves the problem is by going to marry the

invisible being. So that nobody will ever make fun of her

again. If they do they will deal with the invisible

being.

I think this is a good book because it teaches you that

it doesn't matter how you look on the outside but you look on

the inside. I would recommend this book to others because it

teaches you how it is important not to judge people from the

outside. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

A children¿s book about collective bargaining? ¡Si se puede!
In light of the "zero tolerance" policies maintained by most schools, conventional wisdom says parents should discourage their children from fighting or causing trouble.
Kathleen Krull's latest biography flies in the face of such convention, daring children to resist the status quo, to take a stand and to, yes, fight.
This past Saturday San Antonio honored the legacy of Cesar E. Chavez with a march to the Alamo - the mission, not the premiere. But how much do we really know about the noble migrant laborer who passed away peacefully in his sleep 11 years ago? How much do our children know about this Chicano organizer - only the second Mexican American to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
With broad brushstrokes and soft, warm tones, Krull and illustrator Yuyi Morales paint a picture of a quiet, peaceful man who was compelled by injustice, greed and racism to overcome his own fears and insecurities.
The story begins on a summer night upon the lush, utopian, magical fields of his grandfather; family that relaxes after a long, but satisfying day working the land surrounds Cesar.
Watching young Cesar run away from school on the first day of class back to the loving embrace of his gentle mother, the reader relates, beginning to see the human being behind the legend.
To drought and depression paradise is soon lost and the Chavez family must strike out towards California to seek out new opportunities, a new Promised Land.
But Cesar finds instead an oppressive blanket of harsh reality, patched together by insecticides, calluses, short-handled hoes and pennies a day for backbreaking work. After many brutal hours under the unrelenting sun his family returns to a shack with no doors in an overcrowded shantytown. And school provided no refuge, either, as teachers torment Cesar for his poor English.
Through these difficult pages he appears downtrodden, quiet, sad, fearful. As injustice is heaped upon his shoulders Cesar quietly bears his load.
But he remembers his early childhood, knows "Farmwork did not have to be this miserable" and gradually Cesar realizes things will never change by themselves - he must force change.
The book then details the nonviolent means Cesar used to battle oppression and stand up for the rights of migrant workers, returning a sense of pride and hope to a people long deprived of these basic human needs. Krull recounts in simple language the first meeting of the National Farm Workers Association, the grape picker strike of 1965 and the subsequent March to Sacramento from the San Joaquin Valley.
Morales' sweeping images use few straight lines, so the rigid black eagle of the NFW and the large banner reading "HUELGA" stand in stark contrast, anchors providing the weight due such monumental matters in a book washed over in light acrylic and pastels.
But the pictures match the man - mild and unassuming, with the strong, black eagle representing the warrior spirit of the Aztec imbedded inside.

Cesar Chavez demonstrated the power of unity and organization. And "Harvesting Hope" begins to show that a person with tenacity and compassion spurs change from the way things are to the way things should be.
Unfortunately, this is a lesson that may go largely untaught in a school system dedicated to keeping our children in line and outbursts to a minimum, making Krull's work that much more necessary and relevant.

Top notch, two thumbs up, and other cries of adulation.
In her author's note, Kathleen Krull points out that Cesar Chavez continues to remain a controversial figure in the United States today. The fact of the matter is, he followed perfectly in the footsteps of the men he admired; St. Francis of Assisi, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and Gandhi. Helping to lead migrant workers in the first successful agricultural strike the U.S. had ever known, he is best remembered worldwide as a hero. In her book, Krull follows Chavez from a happy early childhood in Arizona to an unpleasant shift to the fields of California. As we watch, Cesar grows from a boy forced to endure the humiliations of the fields (and the poor schooling as well) to a man capable to leading workers in a non-violent protest against the grape growers of Southern California. Especially impressive are the ways in which Krull ties in young Cesar's lessons about life (his mother cautioning him to use one's head to work through conflicts) with their actual implementation years later. Illustrated by Yuyi Morales, the book looks like nothing so much as Jonah Winter's fabulous biography of Frida Kahlo. Beautiful surreal images meld with sweeping panoramas of a life of difficulty. You'll find yourself reading it over and over again just to look at the pretty pictures.

The fact of the matter is, there's not a single misstep in this book. Anyone familiar with the previous Pura Belpre winner, "Esperanza Rising" will see that this book succeeds where "Esperanza" was apt to fail. But, quite frankly, it's unfair to compare the two. Fiction will always pale in comparison to well-written non-fiction. In this book you have an honest story told simply with an elegance all its own.

Richie's Picks: HARVESTING HOPE
"César reprimió la amargura que le causaba haber perdido su hogar y empezó a trabajar junto a su familia. Era pequeño y no muy fuerte, pero un trabajador incansable. Casi cualquier cultivo era un tormento. Arrancar betabeles le desgarraba la piel entre el dedo pulgar y el índice. Los viñedos rociados con pesticidas le irritaban los ojos y le hacían difícil la respiracíon. La lechuga era lo peor de todo. Plantar lechuga con un azadón de mango corto le causaba espasmos de dolor por toda la espalda. Trabajar la tierra de otros en vez de la propia, le paracía ser una forma de eslavitud.
"La familia Chávez hablaba constantemente de ahorrar lo suficiente para poder volver a comprar su rancho. Pero al atardecer, la familia entera había ganado no más de treinta centavos por todo un día de trabajo. Conforme pasaban los años, hablaban cada vez menos del rancho."

That's right, a total of thirty cents pay for a long, backbreaking day of labor put in by the whole family!

Oh. You didn't understand that the first time because it was in Spanish? Hey! What's wrong with you?

"The towns weren't much better than the fields. WHITE TRADE ONLY signs were displayed in many stores and restaurants. None of the thirty-five schools Cesar attended over the years seemed like a safe place, either. Once, after Cesar broke the rule about speaking English at all times, a teacher hung a sign on him that read, I AM A CLOWN. I SPEAK SPANISH. He came to hate school because of the conflicts, though he liked to learn. Even he considered his eighth-grade graduation a miracle. After eighth grade he dropped out to work in the fields full-time."

When Cesar was young, his mother cautioned him and his siblings "against fighting, urging them to use their minds and mouths to work out conflicts."

And so, instead of punching out those people responsible for making his family's life so tough, Señora Chavez's son grew up to be a disciple of Gandhi and of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Cesar organized migrant workers one by one, persuaded them to go on strike against grape growers, and led them on a march of over 300 miles to Sacramento, thus obtaining the first contract for farmworkers in American history.

As Kathleen Krull reiterates in her author's note, "Before [Chavez] formed the National Farm Workers Association, [farm] workers had...the longest hours, lowest wages, harshest conditions, shortest life spans, and least power of any group of workers in America."

Krull also explains how Chavez would go on hunger strikes as a publicity tool for achieving economic justice for the migrant workers. (This strategy had worked well for both Gandhi and, earlier, for the Suffragists. Sadly, while also effective for Chavez, it eventually killed him.)

HARVESTING HOPE: THE STORY OF CESAR CHAVEZ (the title of the English language version) is an essential biography for elementary and middle school libraries about one of America's greatest civil rights leaders. It is written in the 32 page picture book format and illustrated with brilliant, Caldecott-quality acrylic paintings by Yuyi Morales who trekked through the fields and vineyards for inspiration.

Before sharing this book--the English edition--with her eighth-grade English students last month, my wife Shari asked her students about Cesar Chavez. Despite being raised in California where Cesar did all of his groundbreaking work, not one in a hundred of these students knew anything significant about Chavez. A couple had heard of him--thanks to there being streets and plazas named in his honor.

The book has unfortunately been mislabeled as being for ages 6-9. In reading it to a class of 8-10 year olds, I found those students did not have the same firm grasp of the vocabulary and concepts (union organizing, contracts, walking 300 miles, owning 80 acres, etc.) that makes it a more ideal fit for middle schoolers. (Yes, this review will serve as my nomination of the book for the California Young Reader Medal in the Picture Books for Older Readers category.)

As with great books about other important and inspirational leaders who have devoted their lives to change for the better, HARVESTING HOPE: THE STORY OF CESAR CHAVEZ provides fertile ground for planting a seed of activism in the hearts of young readers. Hopefully, the book will also provide inspiration for celebrating Cesar Chavez Day (March 31st) in significant fashion, as we do with Martin Luther King Day.

(And if you would like to read, or read aloud, an unforgettable speech about Martin--Lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.-- that was given by Cesar Chavez on Martin Luther King Day, 1990, you can find it on the San Francisco State University site at http://www.sfsu.edu/~cecipp/cesar_chavez/cesarmlk.htm .)

Outstanding Illustrations and Thoughtful Treatment
This is a well-written book enhanced immeasurably by Yuyi Morales' vivid, mural-like illustrations (done with acrylics, handmade stamps, and computer-created cutouts). Morales' tableaux display swirling designs, bold colors, and expressive faces to portray the joys and struggles described in Kathleen Krull's narrative. It's not a preachy book, but relies instead on short revealing statements of fact: "Once, after Cesar broke the rule about speaking English at all times, a teacher hung a sign on him that read, I AM A CLOWN. I SPEAK SPANISH."

The book describes the inhumane treatment of the farm workers, focusing on Chavez' own experience: "Anyone who complained was fired, beaten up, or sometimes even murdered." Some may complain that this represents a monolithic view of ALL landowners in California. Still, this is a children's book, not a history of agricultural employment in California. The author correctly points out the terrible conditions that Chavez battled through non-violence, notably the 1965 grape strike which ended with Chavez signing the first farmworker contract in American history. The book ends with a 2-page "author's note" that summarizes what Chavez accomplished. I look forward to more of Morales' work.

Incredibly moving and beautiful
This book tells the story of Cesar Chavez and his fight to improve the lives of itinerant farm workers. The story is wonderful- inspiring and educational and always interesting.

And the illustrations must be seen to be believed. The artist uses a gorgeous palette of colors and mixes the fantastic with the realistic in her moving depiction of the life of a true American hero. Buy this book immediately! ... Read more

Book Description

Ms. Frizzle's class is growing a beautiful garden. But, Phoebe's plot is empty. Her flowers are back at her old school! So, the class climbs aboard the Magic School Bus. And, of course, the kids don't only go back to Phoebe's school, but they go inside one of Phoebe's flowers! Follow the kids' adventure and learn how living things grow. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great fun!
I enjoyed this book very much because it is such a fun way to learn about science. This is the first of many Magic School Bus books I purchased, and I've been hooked ever since. ... Read more

Book Description

Francisco, a young Mexican-American boy, helps his grandfather find work as a gardener, even though the old man cannot speak English and knows nothing about gardening. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

An Honest Story about Honesty and Hard Work
Let me begin by saying that I am a big fan of Eve Bunting and admire her for writing about people who otherwise receive little attention in stories. "A Day's Work" is worthy of that reputation. It is a story of day laborers from Mexico; moreover, it describes how the whole family pulls together to make ends meet (a theme that Francisco Jimenez beautifully explores in "The Circuit/Cajas de Carton). Though it's a simple story, there are several surprise twists. As with her other stories, Eve Bunting tells this one with her characteristic sensitivity without indulging in, you know, the mushy stuff. This book will enable children and adults alike to take a new look at honesty and, as the title says, a day's work.

Good Book!
This story describes an American lifestyle that most of us will not experience. It avoids criticism of that life and presents a situation in which honest people are trying to survive. The author provides a human face to the characters. Very nice.

A must-have for your multicultural collection
Beautifully illustrated, this heart-warming story is an excellent real-aloud for grades 2-5. Many themes in the book include honesty, hard-work is rewarded and family. I love the fact that no stereo-type Hispanic characters are in the book.

It is about a boy helping his grandfather.
I think a kid would like this book because it tells how a kid can help his parents do their jobs. I think a kid would not like this book because this book is not that exciting.

We need more books like this one for kids today (& adults!)
"A Day's Work" is wonderfully engaging and a beautifully illustrated work. It is so rare to find a children's book today which integrates moral truth so seamlessly into a believable and thought-provoking story. We will never be without this book on our bookshelf to read to each child as he comes to the age of reasoning! A MUST HAVE for any family who values teaching their children at an early age about honesty & accountability. ... Read more

Book Description

There are so many different types of families, and THE FAMILY BOOK celebrates them all in a funny, silly, and reassuring way. Parr includes adopted families, step-families, one-parent families, and families with two parents of the same sex, as well as the traditional nuclear family. His quirky humor and bright, childlike illustrations will make children feel good about their families. Parents and teachers can use this book to encourage children to talk about their families and the different kinds of families that exist. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great for all families
The fact is that different families exist.We need to teach our children that is okay that there are many different families and no one family is better than another. So many kids are taught from such an earlier age to judge. I think books like this one do a good job of teaching that not everyone has to be part of a cookie cutter life. If everyone would just accept those around them instead of finding the difference or the fault the world would be a more peaceful place to live.

Normalizing Gay Parents
I was introduced to this book during our public library's "story time" - for two-year olds. I'll agree with the other "5 star ratings" -- with the glaring exception that I do not want to be teaching my children that having two mommies or two daddies is "normal". Alas, I'm one of those "religious fanatics" who believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman. This book is obviously geared toward preschool children, and I don't want to have to explain about gay parents before my kids even understand about sex! The book has great illustrations, etc. but, if you want skip a possible discussion about children having gay parents - I'd pass on this book.

Educator Favorite
I'll admit a bias right up front: Todd Parr is one of my favorite authors. Each of his books that I have introduced and read to my classes has been a big hit with the students---and this one is no exception.

Each page contains one sentence about families. For example, midway through the book we read, "Some families live near each other," which is humorously illustrated by two mouse holes with six sets of eyes peering out. The opposing page counters with, "Some families live far from each other." Here we see two colorful, alien space families on opposite planets.

In addition to living conditions, habits, and physical appearances, Parr also discusses different family structures. "Some families have a stepmom or stepdad and stepsisters or stepbrothers," while "some families have two moms or two dads."

While we learn that families can be quite different from one another, we also learn that families share some things in common. "All families," writes Parr, "are sad when they lose someone they love," and "all families can help each other be strong!"

There is a wonderful vitality to the book thanks to the bold drawings, bright, nearly neon colors, and handwritten text. Add to that an affirming story with an important message and you have here a definite winner. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff

A wonderful, caring tribute to today's diverse families
Todd Parr is an absolute gem! He knows so well how to create fun and appealing books for children that promote self-acceptance and an appreciation of the diversity of modern society. In The Family Book, Todd shows us how families can be different from each other in some ways, but how all families are similar as well. "Some families are the same color/ Some families are different colors....All families like to HUG each other!" "Some families have two moms or two dads/ Some families have one parent instead of two....All families like to celebrate special days together!"

I highly recommend this book for all families, schools and communities that are trying to prepare children to understand, appreciate and embrace the differences that they will encounter in their lives. In particular, biracial, adoptive and alternative families will find this book a very special addition to their home libraries. Thank you, Todd Parr, for sending a message of love to the world in your books! ... Read more

Reviews (34)

PC considerations aside, a memorable children's classic
This charming book has taken a lot of heat in recent years for not being politically correct enough to suit modern sensibilites. The author and artist have been accused of non-PC conduct, the most famous charge being the representation of all Chinese as looking alike through out the book.

I remember reading this book as a young child back in the 60s and being entranced by its clever story of five look-alike brothers with supernatural powers who save their own from an unjust punishment. I've thought of this book many times over my 45 years, remembering it with a fondness and awe unmatched by many other books--children's or no, that I have read. I have only recently revisited this fondly remembered favorite, all too mindful of the criticisms launched against it, paying close attention to the text and art.

The book, originally written in 1938, deserves to be judged not by our modern sensibilities, but for where the world was at the time it was written. Keeping that in mind, the book becomes less the poster child for racism than a respectful retelling of an old Chinese folktale. Careful study of the artwork will reveal that aside from the identical brothers (and their resemblance to each other IS an unassailable plot point from the original folk story)
there is as much effort placed into creating depictions of peripheral characters as there generally is in any children's book. The pen and watercolor wash drawings are simplified as one would expect for the age group that is the target audience, but each person rendered is an individual in facial expression, hair style and dress. Complaining of the sameness of all Chinese depicted becomes mystifying--as aside from similar dress and skin tone used the charge proves to be specious. (And I don't hear anyone complaining the the "Where's Waldo" series was racist and again there, the resemblance of all people depicted is a plot devise to provide the puzzle).

If the criteria of our modern world is not met by a nearly 70 year old book, we are wasting too much time clucking over the artifacts of the past and not doing enough to improve racial unity in the real world. Chances are this charming tale won over many a young heart in is 64 years and possibly even compelled some of those young readers to explore Chinese culture and myth more closely.

Cornerstone of my Childhood
This is one of my absolute favorite children's stories. I would always make my mother get it from our public library. I know the story by heart, and I haven't heard it or read it in over 10 years!! The story is simple but so entertaining. I remember being amazed at the 'special powers' each brother had. I also thought it was nice how the brother would always ask for permission to say goodbye to his mother and brothers before each new execution attempt. This is a great folk tale that easily captivates the attention and imagination of young children. The illustrations are wonderful as well, and make this book great for story time....

Remembering my childhood, as an Asian
I remember this book, I remember it well. In kindergaten I was an Asian child, exposed to this book. When I was only 5, the teacher read this to the classroom. There were only about 3 Asian kids in the classroom. When reading this, I remember the cruel tortures putting on Chinese men. But what I also noticed is that their eyes are slant small, and with their queues, and their hats, and their yellow skin. All basis of racist caricatures.

I used to enjoy this book, but after I got made fun of, I didn't pay attention to the book anymore, because of it.

I remember now, that I got made fun of, after they read this book, and other grades to come, they keep calling me Chinky, and such. People treat me as if I have some sort of super power language, where the kids keep asking me questions and questions each day(the same kids) about the same sentence, "How do you say hi?" "Do you eat dogs?" "Ching Chong" "You're part of the 5 Chinese brothers!" etc.

This book is racist, for the way the Asians look the same, the way they look, and their passive reactions, giving wrong interpretations about Asians. No one realized what horrible atrocity I've gone through in kindergarten.

No one understands my feelings!

A wonderful old children's book
Keeping in mind that you cannot judge works from the past with today's eyes ... especially since it is a re-telling of an old Chinese folk-tale ... I must say that this is simply a wonderful children's book that I really enjoy.

Having recently had the opportunity to re-read The Five Chinese Brothers ... it instantly took me back to my childhood back in the early 1970s when my mother would read it to me again and again (my fault) ...

I feel that the lessons taught in this book are important ... things that all children should learn at an early age ... any concerns can be easily explained by performing that ancient rite of talking with your children.

You Can Find Anything If You Look Hard Enough
I remember always wanting to check out this book every time we went to the library when I was in Kindergarten through first grade. I was fascinated by it. To be honest it has been quite a long time since I have read it (I'm 24 now) , but I still remember the basic story. As for fostering racist stereotypes, that is ridiculous. I wasn't "damaged" by it. Or even tramautized by the "capital punishment" aspect (as another reviewer termed it).
But just look at some of the folk lore and Grimms tales that children all over the world have been exposed to in olden times. This is tame in comparison.
Obviously there is a limit to what they should and should not be exposed to. But stories like this aren't one of them.
Children are impressionable but not stupid. And it is the parents' responsibility to teach morals and non-racial values. I feel sorry for anyone who let's media and literature raise their child for them. This book with it's simple cartoonish drawings are not going to warp their minds. And I'm sure that I will get it for my 2 year old daughter when she is a few years older.
Please, people, find something else to criticize. It isn't enough to worry about the presentday, some have to get all worked up about a children's book from the 1930's. There is enough negativity in the world as it is.

Of course we all have differences and similarities. I just don't understand why it is so important to focus on the differnces. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (7)

Makes a GREAT gift
My 3 1/2 year old son loved this book so much that I decided to give it as gifts to all of his friends this year (as we go through the birthday party circuit). Besides the cute pictures and the lovely prose, it has a wonderful message that is appropriate for anyone.

What a beautiful book
We saw this at the library, and immediately loved it. Lena's Mom is an artist, so she is used to noticing color in everything. As she and her Mom walk through town, they notice how everyone's skin color varies in depth or pigmentation, but they find a way to compare it to something scrumptious. Mr. Pellegrino is the color of pizza crust, a golden brown. Lena's best friend, Jo-Jin, is the color of honey. Lucy has skin that's peachy and tan. Mr. Kashmir, who sells spices, is the color of ginger and chili powder.
People come in all colors, not just nationalitites. After someone told my 5 year old daughter that we were "white", she said (pointing to her cornea), "THIS is white, I'm peachy tan!" I felt warm and toasty reading this book, like the way I feel when I drink hot chocolate and eat warm bread on a cold day. We need to teach love, not tolerance, and this book is a great tool for doing this.

My Favorite Children's Book
I am an elementary school counselor and read this book to second graders. They love the comparisons of skin colors to foods, and it leaves everyone feeling good about the way they look. It is a strong multicultural book, but the presentation is very subtle, and not preachy.

Great Book
This book is a great!A modern, hip book for all ages. The wonderful world of Color comes to life in all the Colors of People! My 4 year old loves the yummy discriptions of the book and learns to respect the differences in all of us. Thanks Karen Katz for writing and illurtating a great book. We hope more iwll follow

Great book
This is a wonderful book to introduce children to the concept of multiculturalism. I am white, my husband is Mexican and my daughters are dark like my husband. It is wonderful to see a book with a white mother and dark daughter, and it's wonderful to see all the different colored characters. My 4-year-old loves this book and I love reading her a story with a character she can relate to. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

Hi dee ho! It's off to a picnic we go! One hundred very hungry ants hurry to sample the delights of a picnic, but marching in single file seems too slow for 100 empty tummies. The smallest ant of all suggests they travel in 2 rows of 50, four rows of 25 . . . and the division begins. One Hundred Hungry Ants is not only a spirited and whimsical story, but also serves as an enjoyable visual introduction to math. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

One Hundred Hungry Ants
This book was enjoyed by myself and the kids I read it to. The ants on their way to a picnic held our attention with anticipation of how the ants were going to form thier lines. The 100 ants changed formation several times and it shows of all the possibilites there are with using different rows with the same 100 ants. It's a good way to introduce higher numbers and can include lessons on adding, multiplying and even subtraction since the little guy took off in the end. I found very enjoyable because of the cute repitional phrase that allowed the kids to feel familar with this book very fast.

Fun, useful, and cleverly illustrated
My kindergartener and I were talking about money, one day, and he volunteered that he'd learned that ten dimes make a dollar when his kindergarten teacher read "One Hundred Hungry Ants". This book has no discussion of money, but it teaches that 100 equals 2 times 50, 4 times 25, 5 times 20, and 10 times 10, just the right lesson for him at that time. The rhythm of the rhyming works pretty well, and the pictures are very clever, adding a lot of enjoyment to the story. This one is worth reading again and again, if that's the kind of child you have.

How the ants come marching (by the numbers)
As you might guess from the title of this little book, one hundred hungry ants are marching towards a picnic to get some yummies for their tummies. However, marching single file in a line 100 ants long is going to take way too long to get from where they are to where they want to be and the littlest ant is worried the food will all be gone by the time they get there. So he comes up with the idea of marching in 2 lines of 50 instead as a way of getting their faster.

That is just the first of several ideas the littlest ant has about how to divide up 100 ants in this story told by Elinor J. Pinczes and illustrated with what I assume are colored wood block prints. There are plenty of counting books, but "One Hundred Hungry Ants" deals with issues of multiplication and division. It seems to me that the key thing here is that sooner or later in reading this book young readers will be anticipating the littlest ant next suggestion. The front flap of the dust jacket points out that this book provides the math skills young kids can use to make change for a dollar and that certainly has to be a good thing, well worth the learning.

Just a Mom's Humble Opinion!
There may be many books about math, but I have yet found any that go beyond 10 or sometimes 20. I found this book interesting, fun and quite beautiful with its slate blue muted tones. I thought the graphics where so calming. The added bonus was my 7 year old daughter enjoyed the book and wanted to read it over and over!

Great book for a 1st grade teacher!
I use this book every year with my first graders and they love it! They think the illustrations are funny, they eagerly predict how the ants will divide their lines next, they want to hear it read more than once (Read it again! Pleeeese Miss B?) The children also like to take it off the shelf in the classroom library and share/discuss the story later with a friend. This is one of my favorite math books, not only because it teaches a concept but also because it makes kids laugh! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

a sweet, & educational tour of the masters of impressionism
For her birthday, Katie's grandmother takes her to the museum to see the impressionist paintings. At first, Katie thinks they look like dots, but her grandmother tells her to stand further back to see the flowers and the people. Katie has a rich imagination. She steps back and not only can she see the flowers, she can smell them. She closes her eyes and she finds herself within the painting itself, interacting with Jean Monet, son of Claude Monet, who is one of the subjects in the painting.

Katie picks flowers for her grandmother and enters one painting after another, meeting different artists and interacting with the various subjects. She is chased by bees that follow her into the museum, but her overall experience is one of adventure.

Katie and her grandmother are whimsical impressionistic drawings themselves, and in the museum are photos of the actual works of Monet, Renoir and Degas.

The book also tells readers the names and dates of the paintings and in what museums they are seen today.

This is not only a great book to introduce children into art, but also a great exercise for the imagination - picturing yourself escaping into a painting and meeting new people. It is a great book for parents to read to their kids or for children to read on their own.

Meet the Impressionists.....
It's Grandma's birthday and she's taken Katie to one of her favorite places, the art museum. As Katie looks at The Luncheon by Monet, it looks so real and inviting that she thinks she can actually smell the flowers. A bouquet would be nice for Grandma and so she steps over the frame into the picture..... James Mayhew has written a wonderfully imaginative story that will introduce youngsters to the impressionists. As Katie moves from picture to picture, meeting Renoir's Girl with a Watering Can, playing with Monet's son Jean in Field of Poppies and dancing with the ballerinas in The Blue Dancers, children will explore the beauty and magic of these and other paintings. His simple, gentle text is combined with creative, detailed illustrations that transport kids, along with Katie, right into the pictures. With an afterword about the artists and their pictures to expand lessons and discussions, it won't be long before you're taking a trip to the museum!

Katie Meets the Impressionists
We discovered this book at the D'Orsay Museum and our son immediately loved it. We also found that it was a wonderful tool to draw in a child such as our nephew that has learning difficulties & an attention deficit. Both children enjoyed the artwork and discussing museum etiquette. We were so impressed with this book that we purchased the other two in the series at the Lourve!

I want it!
I found this book at the Museum Shop in the Louvre. I stood there, flipping through the pages, laughing at the text and admiring the illustrations. I said I was buying it for my children but I really wanted it for myself.

Katie Meets the Impressionists is a fun story with beautiful illustrations, a great way to teach children about Monet!

A Beautiful Journey into the French Countryside and Cities
Young children will love the bright pictures of France in the 1800's as they journey with Katie. A wonderful way to teach little ones about the art of the Impressionists. The book is also a great way to teach a preschooler about historical customs and manners. The author has a unique artistic gift which he is able to share with children. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Olivia, like many young pigs, experiences life very intensely. She is utterly obsessed with having her mother make her a red soccer shirt (even though the team color is green), until, of course, she discovers that her favorite toy, her very best toy, is missing, at which point she becomes utterly obsessed with finding it. She looks under the rug, the sofa, and the cat. She shouts accusingly at both her younger brother Ian and her baby brother William, who responds with an unsatisfactory "Wooshee gaga." That night (a dark and stormy one), she hears a horrible sound emanating from behind a closed door, and, in a dramatic scene illuminated by her flaming candelabra and showcased in a fold-out spread, she sees the family dog Perry chewing her favorite toy to bits. As devastating as this is to a passionate young pig, "even Olivia couldn't stay mad forever." She sews up her dismembered toy and falls asleep that very night cozied up with both it and the toy-wrecking Perry. The New Yorker cartoonist and Caldecott Honor artist Ian Falconer (Olivia, 2001) fills his pages with delightful visual stunts, such as the time-lapse drawings of Olivia waiting and waiting and waiting for her mom to sew her soccer shirt and the exaggeratedly scary shadow the toy-eating dog casts on the wall. Olivia fans will rejoice to see their favorite pig being her usual extreme self. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (27)

A Questionable Tale
I'm a huge fan of Olivia and was thrilled to browse through this book and then pick up a copy for my nephew. It wasn't until I read it to my husband that I realized what a terrible story this is.

This is a story about a selfish little girl who doesn't take the time to acknowledge her mother's handmade soccer shirt, yet proclaims her father to be the best person in the world when he gives her the promise of the purchase of the best toy ever.

I love Olivia and parts of this book were so, well, Olivia! But I just don't feel the book presents the kind of message I would want my nephew...or my own children...to hear and think is okay.

I returned the book very sad indeed.

Obviously has potential.....must try harder
After the first two books 'Olivia' and 'Olivia Saves the Circus' this story comes as a dissapointment. The wonderful art work and the wry humour are still there, but as others say the story is weak and disjointed.

Don't be discouraged the first two are still superb.

Very Disappointed
I bought this book sight unseen(taught me a lesson)for my granddaughters birthday. After receiving it in the mail I decided I better read it before giving it to her and I am sure glad that I did. This book starts out with Olivia wanting a different color uniform than the rest of her soccer team and then in mid-stride the story switches to her missing a toy. Very fractured and no closure to the uniform problem. Needless to say i am returning the book without ever letting my granddaughter know of its existence.

Come on, the book is great!
Olivia is "a brat"? Parents who wrote this are clearly not getting it! First of all, Olivia's character is based on the author's REAL DAUGHTER and on real events from her life. It DOES happen to kids that they are bratty, dissapointed, and demanding, it's HOW they and their parents RESOLVE these issues is what's important. Secondly, we know by now, that she is a strong-willed little pig who clearly knows what she wants, and what she wants is HER FAVORITE TOY! Mind you, she is not afraid to go to a dark room for it, neither she minds to saw it back together. AND she forgives the dog. AND there is this this cutest comic strip! My son LOVES it! Even my Russian rendition...

Disappointed
"Olivia . . . and the Missing Toy" is about Olivia trying to find her toy and eventually found that her dog destroyed it. She sewed it back up and fi