Book Description

Do you know someone who makes you want to shout with joy, turn a flip or fly a kite? Someone who is so great, you even need new words to describe them? That’s just how this little pig feels towards his friend who isas great as all of the best things in the world.

Rebecca Doughty’s playful language and jubilant illustrations add up to a boisterous celebration of love, one that will inspire readers to invent new superlatives for their own loved ones. ... Read more

Book Description

Random House is happy to be reissuing Judy and Phoebe Dunn's The Little Pig. With 32 pages of full-color photographs, The Little Pig follows one spunky little pig's life on a farm--from birth to blue ribbon at the local pet show!
... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

very cute!
When you think of manners, usually the last thing that you think about is pigs. You get a notion in your mind of a pig rolling around in the mud or digging its snout into the slop and making a mess. I think, though, that the choice of pigs to demonstrate good (and bad!) manners in this book was a perfect choice. Children, including mine, are naturally drawn to pigs, which I believe is the reason for the popularity of Charlotte's Web and Babe. Just seeing a picture of pig dressed up as a teacher on the front of the book was enough to take this book off the shelf and put into our library bag.

My family and I really enjoyed that the author looked at both good and bad manners. The human mind often needs to see a positive and negative connotation to truly grasp an idea. It also gives the parent an opportunity to discuss why something is considered "good manners" and what can be improved in the situations where "bad manners" are exhibited. The author covers a good deal of the "manners" that parents try to instill in their children, but in a fun way for the whole family!

To top things off, the illustrations in this book are wonderful! They tease the imagination to see animals playing human roles. Also, the emotions of the animals seemed to be expressed through the style and colors of the background and the writing on the pages. Then, of course, are the subtle things on each page that entice you to spend time carefully looking at each page. On every page there are small things that are sometimes overlooked at first, but quite enjoyable when found! The use of colored newspaper pieces in the background as everyday objects was ingenious and added so much appeal to the book. This book is a work of art that is useful in teaching manners! ... Read more

Book Description

The hilarious story of how a piglet tells her family how she was caught by a wolf and nearly became soup. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Wonderfully funny and imaginative.
Hog-Eye is one of my children's (6 and 8) all-time favorite books. (It's one of my favorites as well!) The little pig's creative explanation of how she missed the bus is humorous, but her family's sideline responses to the story are what make this book really wonderful. Hog-Eye demonstrates just how important a little ingenuity and the ability to read can be.

One of my daughter's favorite books ever...
My six year old daughter and I have read this book over thirty times, and we're still laughing! A little pig, trying to explain why she missed school, invents a tall tale about a hungry wolf, a soup recipe, and her own ingenious efforts to escape the wolf's clutches. Don't miss this book!

Excellent read aloud
Hog-eye is one of those books that elementary librarians like myself search for. It is a wonderful excellent read aloud that the children enjoy especially the "underwear" part. It is also a wonderful book about the importance of reading without hitting the children over the head. Also I could really get into reading aloud this book. It was such a fun experience for students and I. Thank you Susan Meddaugh.

Innovative children's book with funny dual story line.
If you're looking for a children's book that reflects the attitude of today's kids, read Hog Eye. With an unique dual storyline, the main character is telling about her adventure and dubiously clever escape, and her large family is reacting and commenting. You enjoy a delightful blend of interactions. And when you get the the punchline of the story, your kids will remember it FOREVER. A real keeper. A regular read for our three kids ... Read more

Reviews (2)

All Time Favorite
I LOVE reading this book to my kids, and they love it, too. It's not too long, great illustrations, and I swear I know that grandma. The family is off to town for the day but the farm animals are in the road. One by one, the whole family tries to get them out of the way. Finally granny says, "Shoowee, up to me!" and gets the job done by calling out "Time for sup!" She gets covered in mud by the stampeding animals, but she's off to town anyway. Must be read enthusiastically.

Cute rhyming story
My 2-year-old son loves this book! It has a wonderful repetitive rhyme that your child will love. "Pigs in the mud in the middle of the rud. Oh, no. Won't do. Gotta shoo. But who? I'll shoo, that's who, Papa said." My son especially likes when the Grandma says "Ooooooeeee! Up to me!" at the end and saves the day. ... Read more

Book Description

Radiant, elegantly textured illustrations capture the very heart of this unusual story about a divining rod, a beloved pig, and a quiet granddaughter with gifts of her own to uncover. Together, word and image reveal that there is indeed much more to this world than what we see. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Just announced
This book has just won the 2003 Maine Lupine Award. The annual award was named in honor of Barbara Cooney's "Miss Rumphius".

Uplifting!
"The Water Gift and the Pig of the Pig" is hardly what I would call a depressing picture book! Yet the previous reviewer used the word no less than five times in her appraisal of this magical, uplifting story by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. Far from depressing, "The Water Gift" conveys a positive message of hope and determination. When Grandfather's beloved pet Pig goes missing so does his "gift" for dowsing. "Dowsing" is the ancient folk art of locating underground water (and other hidden things) through the use of a forked stick or divining rods.

Desperate to both restore Grandfather's faith in himself and to find the missing Pig before a nasty neighbor does, shy Isobel takes up her own sticks to see if she, too, has "the gift." As for how Isobel overcomes the many fears and doubts she faces and whether or not she reunites Grandfather and Pig I leave that to you, the reader, to discover for yourself.

Linda Wingerter's jewel-like paintings perfectly compliment Martin's literate and poetic prose. This book is a future classic waiting to be discovered.

OUTSTANDING
This is one of the most beautiful books I have come across in recent past. The illustrations are elegant and understated, and the story has a quiet delicate rhythm that guides you gently through this tale. I highly recommend it for adults and children alike.

depressing
This is, without a doubt, a very strange book. It has a dark and ominous feel to it as you read. It left me feeling very unpleasant and disturbed after finishing the book. The dark colored pictures are very depressing. The flow of the book is lethargic.

This book is a chronicle of depressing tale of a man who has been given a gift of finding water through the use of diving rod, who then mysteriously loses the gift and becomes depressed. He gives up the things that he loves because he lost his gift. No one can seem to break him out of his depressed mood, even his granddaughter. It is kind of a heavy theme for a book that appears to be written for a younger age.

The reader is drawn to the book because of the appearance of a pig on the cover. It would leave one to believe that the book would be mainly about the pig, but the pig is just a supporting character to the story.

I would not recommend this book to anyone, unless you want to be left feeling low and depressed. Our children were not very receptive at all. ... Read more

Book Description

When Oliver gets a Mighty Pig cape for his birthday, he’s thrilled. As soon as he puts it on, he imagines he has incredible superpowers. It takes his family a little longer to adjust, but soon Mother Pig has Oliver doing some rescue operations that look suspiciously similar to setting the table and emptying wastebaskets. Then one morning Oliver discovers his cape is missing!

All beginning readers who have ever wished they were superheroes will delight in the humorous antics of one very determined pig. With clever wit and simple vocabulary Jean Van Leeuwen has created another wonderful addition to her easy-to-read series, colorfully illustrated by Ann Schweninger. ... Read more

Book Description

Willa knows exactly what she wants to be when she grows up—a fairy princess, complete with wings, wand, and fairy dust. But being a fairy princess is not as easy as it looks, and soon Willa"s in trouble at school and in a fight with her best friend. Does Willa have what it takes to make good things happen and be a good fairy princess? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A fine story of achievement and reality
Willa wants to be a real fairy princess when she grows up - complete with wings, wand, and fairy dust. Her efforts to get a head start on her career land her in trouble in school, and in a fight with her best friend: is it worth it to pursue her dream early? A fine story of achievement and reality. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Clarence does it again!
In this installment, we find our western horse and city pig travelling back home to the city. Along the way, they meet an old dog with a passion for dancing. My students loved reading about Clarence in the first book and flipped over this selection. Really is a must for any collection!

The Adventure Continues.....
When we last saw Clarence, the pig, and Smoky, the purple horse, they were about to leave the dude ranch and head back to the big city where Clarence lives. They've packed their bags and are ready to begin their long journey, over the mountains and across the desert. "Clarence can hardly wait. But first, Smoky is going to show Clarence a great surprise. Clarence loves surprises." They travel, and picnic, they sleep under the stars in a tent, go fishing, nap, watch the clouds roll by, and even get to stay in a hotel. "Clarence loves the hotel. He really loves room service. Smoky orders hay." But best of all, they meet a new and special friend along the way. Old Edgar, the dog, hums and dances. In fact, he is such an amazing and energetic dancer that Smoky warns Clarence, "You'll have to watch him to make sure he doesn't twirl away." And as the three friends travel on to see the great surprise, that's exactly what happens..... For those who loved Clarence Goes Out West And Meets A Purple Horse, Jean Ekman Adams is back with another Clarence and Smoky adventure that's sure to warm your heart and tickle your funny bone. Her engaging text, with its simple message of friendship, loyalty, and acceptance is filled with gentle humor and begs to be read aloud. But it's Ms Adam's marvelously bold and bright artwork, rich in witty western detail, that makes this picture book sparkle, and brings these endearing characters to life. With a satisfying, happily-ever-after ending to complete the story, Clarence And The Great Surprise is perfect for youngsters 3-7, and is a sweet little treasure of a book, you don't want to miss.

Clarence is a winner the second time around!
I am delighted that author/illustrator, Jean Ekman Adams, has returned Clarence to his devoted fans with a second book. Clarence stole our hearts with his first adventure, "Clarence Goes Out West and Meets a Purple Horse." Now he and Smokey are off on another adventure and they have taken a dancing doggie along with them. The same endearing illustrations are found throughout this second offering and "the great surprise"...well is a great surprise. Clarence and friends are gentle souls with silent lessons abounding throughout their stories and illustrations, all of which will delight readers of every age. I eagerly look forward to the next adventure.

Clarence and the Great Surprise
Jean Ekman Adams does it again with Clarence and the Great Surprise. The tale of Clarence and his horse Smokey continues with their trip to the "great surprise", the Grand Canyon. On the way they meet Edgar the dog. Again Ms. Adams uses gentle humor and teaches the reader a lesson in friendship. ... Read more

Book Description

This beautiful calendar offers a collection of treasured parables and poems by the thirteenth-century Persian mystic, the "poet of the soul." Illustrated with timeless details from illuminated manuscripts, this beautiful calendar offers readers a chance to experience spirituality in their everyday lives all year long.

Reviews (2)

Pig Out and Enjoy
If you live in Iowa . . . or. . . if you have a pig farm. . . or if you earn your living from the pork industry. . . or if you just plain get a kick out of pigs, then buy this book and read it to your young children.

Alphabet books can be boring, simple, intriguing, and/or tell a story.This one tells a story.It seems that a family of pigs gets together each summer for a pignic.(Don't we all?)And, ironically, the family has a pig with a name from each letter of the alphabet.More intriguing, each of them brings a food to the pignic that begins with the same letter as their name.Isn't that great??They can remember Cousin Karl's name because he brought ". . . pickled kumquat mousse" to the event.Enjoy the fun.

Perfect for the primary school aged child
I love this book and so do the children in my 1st grade class!The illustrations are whimsical and detailed enough to hold the children's interest when they "read" independently. There is one short sentence per page (For example: Ray steamed pots of rice.)so that young readers can build reading confidence with this book. If you are a fan of alphabet books, pigs, and/or food (after all, it is an accounting of a"pignic" ), you will enjoy this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Iggy saves everything -- from old mattresses to balls of string -- and his son, Ziggy, is embarrassed by what his schoolmates are saying about all this junk. His father has turned their yard into a pigsty!

What Iggy creates out of all the bits and pieces is beyond what anyone would expect -- come and see!

A happy, rhyming environmental tale by one of the world's favorite singers, Olivia Newton-John (with Brian Hurst), with endearing pictures by popular children's book illustrator Sal Murdocca is just what budding environmentalists (and their families) will enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Pig Tale - Save the Earth
A Pig Tale is a very catchy poem about a little pig named Ziggy and his dad, Pop Iggy.Ziggy gets made fun of by everyone because his dad collects junk.Then one day, his dad announces that he will make something spectacular with all of his junk and everyone waits to see what it will be. When the barn doors open, everyone sees his "amazing invention, amost beautiful thing!"It's a beautiful balloon!Ziggy and hisfather circle the globe in their balloon and Ziggy is very proud of hisfather.The story has a wonderful morale:"Protect our dear earth.Don't throw it away. You, too, could make magic from garbage someday.Thisis an excellent book to have around during the study of Earth Day,especially for younger children.

I think it's great & Olivia needs to write some more
I think when someone has great talents such as Olivia they need to do something with them. Of course, to a certain extent, but to not share them by acting, singing, or writing or whatever it takes to express/share thetalents is selfish & wasteful. I have loved Olivia Newton-John sinceshe first hit the scene & have never been able to get enough of her. Iam not meaning to sound weird or anything, it's just that Olivia has rarequalities & if she shared just a little more of herself through actingor more importantly a book on her self it would prove to be a great assetto the world & the many people who would benefit from it, like myself.I would love to have a recent book of Olivia Newton-John on my bookshelf toreinstate juvenation, as an inspiration & just to enjoy in my leisure.I don't know about others but I find many people interesting; however,Olivia takes the cake. I'm not saying she's obligated in anyway or that sheshould be obligated to do these things with her talent, because of courseshe is human, too, & deserves her freedom; but if I had talent likethat & someone said these things to & about me, I think I would beencouraged to fill their request(s) not due to obligation but simply in theterm of that "IF I CAN HELP EVEN JUST ONE PERSON GET THROUGH LIFE ALITTLE EASIER, THEN I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED A LOT!!!" & I believe theworld would greatly benefit from a person with Olivia's talents &therefore a recent up-to-date book on herself. I would really like to havesomething from Olivia to this effect. Olivia is a fantastic person & isa Blessing in disguise.

A great book to read to your children
Sit down with your children and read a very pleasent story. They will love it and so will you.A great way to have some real family time together.

Kids LOVE It!
I've read this book to my kids time and time again.The message of the importance of recycling has really hit home with them.They enjoy the rich illustrations and the rhyming verses are very catchy.Your kids will love it too! ... Read more

Book Description

The lost little pig isn't lost at all - he's right behind his mother, chasing after a butterfly. But if Mother Pig and the other animals don't find him soon, Little Pink Pig just might turn the whole farm upside down! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The first book I ever read...
This was the first full book I ever read at nursery school, aged three, and I have never forgotten it after 28 years! I'd recommend it to anyone with a keen young reader in the family - it will really appeal to an active imagination. ... Read more

Book Description

RED, YELLOW, GREEN, AND BLUE...

THIS COLOR CONCEPT BOOK'S FOR YOU!

Pig and Duck need a truck, but what color should it be? Join these two pals as they learn about colors and color combinations with the help of a friendly truck salesman. Then turn the rainbow wheel on the cover and select your own favorite color! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

SIMPLY IMPRESSIVE!
THIS IS STORY ABOUT A PIG AND DUCK WHO'S AIM IT IS TO BUY A TRUCK! THEY ONLY AGREE THAT THEY NEED A TRUCK, BUT CANNOT DECIDE ON A SUITABLE COLOR AND DO NOT CARE TO COMPROMISE EITHER.THROUGH SENSITIVE RHYME SCHEME THE BOOK EXPLORES THE SUGGESTIONS FROM BOTH PARTIES ON CHOICE OF COLOR THEN EACH OF THESE SUGGESTIONS ARE PUT TOGETHER TO TEACH THE READER THE MAKING OFA NEW COLOR. THE PICTURES ARE BOLD IN COLOR AND THE BOOK IS FUN TO READ. THE TRUCK SALESMAN SUGGESTS THE COLOR THAT IS MADE UP FROM BOTH OF THE SUGGESTIONS, HOPING THAT THAT WILL KEEP THE PEACE BETWEEN PIG AND DUCK. THE STORY IS QUIET ADVENTUROUS AND EASY TO READ.IN THE END THEY DO AGREE ON THE MAGNIFICENT COLORS OF PURCHASE! A FUN STORY, CUTE CHARACTERS AND WELL PRESENTED! THANX! ... Read more

Book Description

To celebrate Peter's birthday, Frederick Warne is publishing new editions of all 23 of Potter's original tales, which take the very first printings of Potter's works as their guide. The aim of these editions is to be as close as possible to Beatrix Potter's intentions while benefiting from modern printing and design techniques.

The colors and details of the watercolors in the volumes are reproduced more accurately than ever before, and it has now been possible to disguise damage that has affected the artwork over the years. Most notably, The Tale of Peter Rabbit restores six of Potter's original illustrations. Four were sacrificed in 1903 to make space for illustrated endpapers, and two have never been used before. Of course, Beatrix Potter created many memorable children's characters, including Benjamin Bunny, Tom Kitten, Jemima Puddle-duck and Jeremy Fisher. But whatever the tale, both children and adults alike can be delighted by the artistry in Potter's illustrations, while they also enjoy a very good read. Because they have always been completely true to a child's experience, Potter's 23 books continue to endure. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good sense and peppermints
"'Bacon and eggs, bacon and eggs!' clucked a hen on a perch." Pigling Bland faces a wicked, dangerous world,but good sense, resourcefulness and peppermints... No, I won't spoil a classic 1913 Beatrix Potter story for you. To be read out loud in a quiet, old-fashioned voice by the fireside on a winter's evening, savouring the sonorous words and inimitable watercolour illustrations. There's even some love interest. Ideal for the 4-8 age group and older. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Darling book about friendship!
One of our teaching assistants came to me and begged for this title to be added to the library collection. After checking the book out online, I ordered it. To my delight, it arrived in my book order, and I immediately read it to my 2nd graders in library. We all fell in love with Clarence and Smoky. Both characters are well written and delighfully drawn. The simplistic storyline can easily be read by beginning readers. This is a must for every personal collection!

A Special Tale of Love and Friendship.....
Clarence, a city dwelling little pig, sets out on his first big vacation to a dude ranch, out west. After a long and interesting bus ride, he arrives and meets Smoky, a very large and friendly purple horse who introduces him to all the pleasures of western ways. Smoky takes him on long rides through the mountains and canyons, teaches Clarence to play cards with the boys, line dance, and perform on the washtub in a cowboy band. They eat, nap, and even read stories together. It's a wonderful week. But as his vacation comes to an end, Smoky tells Clarence he's getting too old to work on the ranch anymore, and is going to be sold. Best friends are hard to come by, and Clarence can't stand the thought of never seeing his favorite horse again. So he uses all his bus money to buy Smoky, and together they begin the long ride back to the city. It may take years, but as long as they're together, they have all the time in the world..... Jean Ekman Adams has written a delightful story with a gentle message about loyalty, compassion, and friendship, that won't be lost on young readers. Her simple and engaging text, with its satisfying, happily ever after ending, is beautifully enhanced by her charming, bold, and vibrant illustrations, full of endearing ranch characters, and subtle, humorous detail. Perfect for youngsters 3-7, Clarence Goes Out West And Meets A Purple Horse, is a sweet and entertaining, feel good story, that is sure to put a smile on everyone's face. This soon-to-be classic, is a picture book youngsters will beg to read again and again.

Fun life lessons
Not only does my daughter thoroughly enjoy Clarence & Smoky & the colorful illustrations, but I like the idea that she's getting fun lessons on compassion, friendship & priorities. Having lived in the big city & now finding myself in "the West," I truly enjoy this book myself. (Or perhaps it's my similar tendencies to pack my favorite snacks & not enough clothes when I travel...)This is one of the few books I don't mind reading 4 times before bed!

Loved it, Loved it, Loved it
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed Gene Adams book. After working on dude ranches for 10 years and I can relate. I think children will will love Clarence and Smokey, and have fun going on adventures with them. I hope there will be more to come from Gene, Clarence and Smokey.

Clarence is great for everyone!
I vacationed in Arizona this summer and planned to buy something memorable to mark my trip...a poster, outfit or a piece of southwestern jewelry. What I came home with was this book! I found it at a gift shop and could not part with it. The illustrations are so sweet and comical. Ms. Adams uses the colors of the Southwest, so it's a real work of art. I have no children and no really good reason to own "children's" books, but "Clarence Goes Out West..." now sits on my coffee table for my friends and family to enjoy. Thanks for sharing your talent with us, Ms. Adams! ... Read more

Book Description

Pinky Pig's clarinet has met with an unfortunate accident. Lucky for Pinky she works at Hamburger Heaven: she can work hard and save up for a new one. But the customers are growing tired of the same old menu - cheeseburgers - and Pinky might soon lose her job due to a drop in sales. So she springs into action, devising a menu in which all the customers can choose any tasty topping for their cheeseburgers. Hedgehog loves the Snailburger Supreme and Skunk thinks the Stinkbug Burger's a dream. Pinky, the innovative young porcine heroine of this charming rhymed tale, is sure to serve up lots and lots of laughs. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A fun treat for the family...
What a fun book to read with your children. The illustrations are wonderful, as is the story itself. My children ask for it over and over again....

It will make you laugh
I love this book as much as my children. We first came across it in the library then we had to make it part of our home library. It rhymes all the way through about crazy things. You won't regret getting this book! A++++++++++

A Pig Selling Hamburgers!
Hamburger Heaven is a whimsical delight. The characters are inventive and both adults and children will enjoy the 1950s diner setting. The story will definitely make children laugh as well as evoke a few "ew, gross" responses to the funny burgers. This is a great story to read to your kids and one they will probably be excited to learn to read on their own. Very cute! ... Read more