Book Description

MEET THE COBBLE STREET COUSINS

Lily, who wants to be a poet.
Tess, who wants to be a Broadway star.
Rosie, who wants a little cottage with flowers by the door.

It's winter vacation and there's no school for three weeks, but the Cobble Street Cousins aren't worried about being bored. They're learning how to sew from their neighbor Mrs. White. And they're starting to keep a diary about their year living in the wonderful attic room in Aunt Lucy's little blue house. Best of all, there's a Winter Solstice party at Aunt Lucy's boyfriend Michael's apartment, with special presents for everyone. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Cobble Street Cousins - Special Gifts
The "special gift" is this book and the entire series of Cobble Street Cousins. I am the proud mother of four lovely daughters and what a pleasure to find such a sweetly written book. I have recommended this book to friends with daughters and they have loved it as well. It is hard to find a morally appropriate, light, non-violent book for young girls. Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is the type of book all little girls should grow up on. ... Read more

Book Description

• Lily, who wants to be a poet
• Tess, who wants to be a Broadway star
• Rosie, who wants a little cottage with flowers by the door

Lily has a wonderful idea -- to surprise Aunt Lucy with a dollhouse that looks just like her flower shop. But first the girls have to buy a few things at The Olde Craft Shoppe, and with the Cobble Street Cousins, even a little shopping trip can turn into an adventure! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

fun and feminine
My daughter loves these books! They are filled with warm, happy relationships, fun craft projects and girlish adventures she can relate too. Junie B. Jones is a lot of fun, but my daughter is a softer, gentler person, and these gentle books fill her imagination. She loves to imagine herself in the attic with Tess. ... Read more

Book Description

Meet The
COBBLE STREET COUSINS

Book Description

MEET JAKE DRAKE, BULLY BLASTER

When Jake was three years old at Miss Lulu's Dainty Diaper Day Care Center, what did he know about bullies? Nothing. But he learned fast -- too fast! Why? Because Jake is kind of smart, and he's not a tattletale, and he doesn't have a big brother to protect him. He's a perfect bully-magnet.

But now that Jake is in fourth grade, he can look back and see that the year that made the difference was second grade. That's when Link Baxter moved to town. Link was a SuperBully, and Jake had his hands full just trying to survive. Then it was class project time, and who did the teacher assign to be Link's partner? You guessed it.

Jake has to use all his smarts -- and his heart as well -- to turn himself into Jake Drake, Bully Buster. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Jake Drake bully buster
I read Jake Drake bully buster.
It is a great book and if you asked me to give you up to five stars it would be five stars.
I thought that it was a great book and that ages 8 and up would be a great age to be reading this book. The writer of the book made you really get into the book you would not want to stop reading it. I would recommend this book to everyone and I would say if you like Jake Drake bully buster try reading the other books too. The book is about bully's and being mean (which we should not do). One of the charters is Link he was 8 years old and wanted to be the MVP on the bully "all star team" and I think all kid's would say he made the team. Link was a brat to Jake and Jake was sick of being messed around with and just wanted his class to be "bully free" but I guess that couldn't happen.

Jake drake review for me
I liked this book, because I found it to be a good book.. The character Jake had a big problem. When I was reading the book, I had to keep reading to find out what happened next. If I could read anther book by Andrew Clement I would. He is a good a author.

READ
This book is about a boy who is getting picked on a lot, but then he gets picked on by a super bully. He has to get rid of him. How do think he can get rid of him? If you want to find out, then read the book. ... Read more

Book Description

In order for Hector to throw his annual winter party, he has to expand his hold to fit all his guests -- but a giant pebble is standing in the way. And he's really got to move it when his brother Cosmo -- and all of Cosmo's wumblepups -- move in for the winter!

As if Hector didn't' already have a lot to do, he now has to look out for all his nieces and nephew -- and this is no easy task, especially when they are up against hungry ant lions with a taste for little red bugs.... ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A must read for nine year olds
Hector on Thin Ice by Elizabeth Shreeve is the fourth and final book in the wonderfully written and entertaining seasonal series "The Adventures of Hector Fuller." These short chapter books make exciting read-alouds for 1-4 graders and are appropriate for readers in that age group who are ready for chapter books. The books have for a main character a reluctantly adventurous wumblebug who steps into the world with a healthy dose of trepidation and good will. His love for and attachment to family, friends and home spur him on to acts of great daring and sacrifice.

In Hector on Thin Ice, Hector is desperately trying to dig out a new home before deep winter, his old home having been destroyed by a flood in the previous book, Hector Afloat. When his bad-joking brother and his large family arrive unexpectedly and tell Hector they have come to stay, it is too much for the red wumblebug. He wanders out into the snow and almost freezes before being rescued by a little niece and nephew. The whole family decides to work together to expand Hector's hole but the additions soon lead them into the domain of many other hibernating creatures and his fearless niece thinks nothing about waking them up. Soon an ant lion is after them and, after an exciting chase scene, it is Hector's turn to come to the rescue.

As a 2nd-3rd grade teacher, I have seen first-hand how appealing The Adventures of Hector Fuller books are to 7 - 10 year olds. Hector Fuller's conflicting feelings over his desire to stay close to all that is known and loved and the big world out there, which ever beckons him forward, is familiar to these children, as they take their first tenuous steps away from childhood.

More Hector - yeah!!!!
Another in the adventures of Hector the wonderful wumblebug.We love him and all his friends and were so happy when this came out so we could see more of this funny guy.My kids love these books and don't even realize that they are learning a little about the natural world when we read them.We especially like the wumblepups in this book.Very funny - get this book for your early readers! ... Read more

Book Description

Gold Rush!

Seattle, July 1897

Ever since his mother died, Davey has had a secret plan: He's saving his money so he can run away to Alaska to find Uncle Walt, the only relative he has. No one is going to stop him -- not even mean Mrs. Tinker, who owns the Seattle boardinghouse where Davey lives and works.

When gold is discovered in the Klondike, Davey is convinced that's where he'll find his uncle. But then Davey's money disappears, and with it his hopes of finding his uncle -- until Davey comes up with a new, much more dangerous plan. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great series for boys
My son loves this book. It was on his summer reading list, and it's just at the perfect level for beginning or reluctant readers. Our family is headed for a summer vacation in Seattle, and we can't wait to go to the Klondike National Park in Pioneer Square and imagine what the streets looked like in 1897! ... Read more

Book Description

Fletcher doesn't understand why humans are so fond of vacations -- from a lazy basset hound's perspective, every day is a vacation. But pets are welcome at Raccoon Lodge, and the dog biscuits are homemade, so maybe there is something to this vacation thing after all.

There's only one slight problem -- the lodge appears to be haunted by a cool ghoul, and that may spell trouble for Fletcher and Jasper's new friend, a timid raccoon named Rocky. Fletcher may have to take to the slopes himself to solve this mystery! ... Read more

Book Description

One night Hector falls asleep to the sound of rain rat-a-tat-tatting on the roof of his wumblebug hole. And even though the rain has been coming down for days, Hector is not worried. He's safe and snug.

But then Hector wakes up to discover his hole is filling up with water fast! Hector is swept out of his home, along with all of his belongings. The next morning he sets off in search of a new place to live. And though Hector is sad to lose his old hole, he soon discovers what makes a hole a home. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great book in a great series!
This book has been very popular in my third grade classroom.This book along with the others in the "Hector" series are consistently checked out of the classroom library by my students.As a teacher I am always excited to find books that capture my students' imagination the way these books have.The kids are drawn to the books by the individual adventures that each story offers, and keep returning to the stories because of their repeated themes of friendship, devotion, and connection to home.These are themes that all my third graders relate to.We're hoping that more will come in this fine series. ... Read more

Book Description

Hector Fuller is one lucky wumblebug. His uncle Baxter wants Hector to take over his bee farm. Hector will be rich and he'll have all the honey he can eat!

There's only one problem: Hector doesn't like bees. All that buzzing gives Hector a headache. Besides, Hector's not sure he wants to leave his home and all his friends. Maybe having all that honey isn't what Hector wants after all. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Hector learns a lesson . . .
This book continues with the very successful formula of presenting an exciting adventure for children and an interesting parable for adults. As a family we enjoy rereading this book multiple times and reliving Hector's adventures. We are eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

Hector Finds a Fortune
Hector Fuller is great. It is a book that you don't want to be over. You want to keep reading it and reading it.

Hector springs Loose
I love these books. Once Hectors starts looking for a new place to live, he has one adventure after another.

Hector Finds a Fortune
We are in love with Hector the wumbelbug.What an endearing story and perfect addition to Hector Springs a Loose.My kids always reach for Hector and we all enjoy reading these wonderful adventures.We can't wait for the next one!

Fun read-aloud!
I am a school librarian and have been reading Hector Finds a Fortune to my first graders. They absolutely love this book! It's very funny and also teaches kids a good deal about insects. This is a great book to read out loud as well as an excellent chapter book for beginning readers. My students and I look forward to Hector's further adventures! ... Read more

Book Description

Hector Fuller is a wumblebug. A more likeable bug you'll never find. But you'll also never find a wumblebug anywhere other than the pages of a book -- this book, to be exact.

One morning Hector Fuller is playing the piano in his wumblebug hole, as content as a bug can be when his home is taken over by a hopping flea circus! Fleas are everywhere, hanging from the ceiling and bouncing off the walls. To make matters worse, Hector's allergic to fleas -- all six of his legs are itching like crazy! There's only one thing for poor Hector to do: He'll have to find a new home.

On his search, Hector meets new creatures and sees amazing sights, but will he ever find a home as perfect as his snug little hole? ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Delightful tale for the curious child and adult alike . . .
Ms. Shreeve's book is a wonderful and imaginative tale about the adventures of a wumblebug. In this delightful story, the wumblebug learns about his neighbors and matures through his experiences. Whereas some books for children are boring for the parents, this book is equally entertaining as a charming story for children and a fable for adults. Highly recommended.

We love Hector!!
We love Hector the wumblebug!This is a fun story that really paints a great picture of what it would be like to be a bug!The author puts a lot of the natural world into the story so you learn about real bugs that live with the imaginary wumblebug.My kid loved this and the other book "Hector finds a Fortune" - we hope there are more Hector adventures to come.A good read aloud or early reader.We did both in my house

We love Hector!!!
My family is so glad we found Hector the Wumblebug!!These two books tell the adventures of this little bug and also give a great feeling for what it might be like to live in a bugs world.The author has a great way of talking about the natural world and still telling a story!My kid loves these books and we hope there will be more adventures of Hector.Good read aloud for a young one or excellent early reader.We did both in my house!

Hector Springs Loose
This book was nonstop fun!We enjoyed every minute of this adventerous tale.We also loved Hector finds a Fortune and my children can't wait for more!(me too)

Great book for younger kids!
I am a school librarian and have been reading Hector Springs Loose to my second and third graders. They love it! Not only is it very funny, but it gives kids a lot of useful information about insects. A wonderful read-aloud, as well as an excellent chapter book for emerging readers. The other Hector book in the series is just as fun. ... Read more

Book Description

SORCEROR SHOWDOWN!

Just when all the trials appear to be over for Rollo, the evil sorceror Stygius Rex returns, demanding that the new troll king surrender the lands of Bonespittle to him. As an incentive, Stygius produces Rollo's father and his former bridge mentor as hostages!

The only way to stop Stygius is for the trolls to find a legendary treasure that was created by a troll king long ago and left with the elves in the Great Chasm for safekeeping. Now Rollo must figure out a way to make peace with the elves, find some treasure he isn't sure exists, rescue his father, and defeat Stygius, all the while hoping he can free his little fairy friend Clipper from the evil spell she's under. Will the new troll king ever make it to his coronation? ... Read more

Book Description

The trip down the Yukon River from Lake Bennett to Dawson City is exciting and dangerous, but Davey's adventures don't end once he arrives at the bustling mining town. Dawson is overrun with sad-looking, abandoned dogs Davey longs to help, but what can a twelve-year-old boy do? And how will he ever find his uncle Walt among the thousands of people who have flocked to the Klondike in search of gold? Even more important, what will happen to him if he can't?

But Davey's problems are forgotten when fire threatens to destroy the town. Will Dawson survive? And will Davey find what he's looking for among the ashes? ... Read more

Book Description

Where is one place you don't want to go alone?

Remember Werewolf Club members Ralf Alfa, Billy Furball, Lucy Fang, and Norman Gnormal? Well, they are back.

Now they wreak havoc on a local restaurant they call "The Lunchroom of Doom." Tomato catsup squirts. Paper straws fly. Laughts and weird things abund. Don't miss this gripping story of the supernatural. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Another fun romp with the young werewolves
"The Werewolf Club #2: The Lunchroom of Doom," is a fun entry in this young adult series by Daniel Pinkwater. The book is illustrated by Jill Pinkwater. The story is narrated by Norman Gnormal, a member of the Watson Elementary School Werewolf Club -- a sort of peer support group for kids who are werewolves.

This installment brings some interesting new elements into the series -- most notably, Honest Tom's Tibetan-American Lunchroom, were the 'wolves eat lunch. The kids face a naysayer in the form of a narrow-minded Board of Ed psychiatrist who claims that werewolves don't exist. They also discover a fiendish extraterrestrial plot. Good fun, with a nice message of empowerment for kids who are different.

The Werewolf Club is Back!
Poor Billy Furball, he's been thrown out of the school lunchroom for having a food fight with himself. It was so bad, they had to bring in special cleaning equipment. And on top of that, because of his behavior, Billy has to see the school psychiatrist, who has informed him that there is no such thing as werewolves...it's just a game that got out of hand. Now, to support and cheer up their fellow werewolf, the rest of the club has decided not to eat in the lunchroom either. First, they tried to eat outside, but it rained. Next they tried to each in their club sponsor's car, but it was too full of shedded werewolf hair. So, finally they went down the block to eat at Honest Tom's Tibetan-American Lunchroom. The food wasn't bad and they got to meet Captain Sterling of the North American Space Squad. He has been abducted by aliens more than 400 times. Now as the club lunches each day at Honest Tom's, strange things begin to happen...This is the second book in Daniel Pinkwater's Werewolf series, and just like the first, it is full of wacky characters and laugh out loud scenes. The easy to read short chapters and hip, kid-speak language will keep your youngsters hooked and turning pages to the very end. This is a silly, funny, very absurd story that is just perfect for 7-10 year olds. ... Read more

Book Description

Uncharted Territory

In 1803 President Thomas Jefferson bought the Louisiana territory from the French for $15,000,000. The purchase made President Jefferson's dream of extending the U.S. west of the Mississippi River come true.

Now the much larger United States had difficult questions to answer: How would Louisiana be governed? How would it be divided into states? Would those states be free states or slave states? What would happen to the Native Americans? It would take over one hundred years, a war over slavery, and the creation of thirteen new states before these questions could be answered. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great way for kids to learn aboutAmerican History!
This wonderful, 84 page chapter book is an excellent way to get American history into your children. It's easy to read, easy to understand, and your children will find it entertaining as well as informative. They will learn about Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon Bonaparte, Robert Livingston, James Monroe,Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacagawea,andtheir respective roles in purchasing and exploring the Louisiana Purchase.Black and white illustrations are included throughout the book to help them visualize the events.It's so good, you'll want to read it yourself and learn what you didn't learn in school! I recommend using it for family reading times for K-6th grade. ... Read more

Book Description

On the way home from school one day Matthew finds a penny. Remembering the rhyme his grandfather taught him -- "Find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you'll have good luck" -- Matthew slips the penny into his pocket and takes it home.

Suddenly Matthew becomes a very lucky boy. First his parents take him to the pound to pick out a puppy. Then at school he makes an amazing catch during the softball game. Could it be that this penny really is a lucky penny? ... Read more

Book Description

Weird things are happening to Matthew McGhee. First a purple blob follows him home. Then he hears his mom making plans to send him off to a faraway place. When Matthew finds an egg-shaped bruise on his arm, he knows for sure something very strange is going on.

Matthew's always thought he was different from other kids, but he never thought he was from a different planet! Do these weird occurrences mean that aliens are coming to bring him home?

When the phone rings one night, it's for Matthew. It's the call he's been waiting for.... ... Read more

Book Description

Klondike or bust!

Stowing away on the steamer Al-Ki was only the beginning of Davey's daring quest to find his uncle in the Klondike. Now he's camping in the rough-and-tumble town of Skagway, working for his photographer friend Erik Larsen, and preparing for his next challenge -- the steep, treacherous, hundreds-of-miles-long Chilkoot Trail.

When Erik falls ill on the trail, Davey fears he will not be able to go on -- until he gets help from a surprising ally. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

My kids love this series
There are so few historical fiction series for young readers that also have good stories. This is one. Both my boys are reluctant readers, and they really enjoyed another series by Hopkinson, Prairie Skies. When we found SAILING FOR GOLD in her new Klondike Kid trilogy, they were so excited. Well, this one is as good as the last. Recommended! ... Read more

Book Description

Westward Ho!

Congress has ruled that settlers in Kansas Territory will decide whether Kansas will enter the Union as a free or a slave state. Charlie Keller's papa is an abolitionist, and he's moving the family to Kansas so he can cast his vote for freedom.

Papa and Momma, big sister Ida Jane, even baby Sophie, seem excited about being pioneers -- but not Charlie. Why couldn't they stay back home in Massachusetts with Grandpa and with Charlie's beloved old dog, Danny, who is too old to make the trip? Turning the wild Kansas prairie into a farm is hard work, filled with worries and danger. Will Kansas ever feel like home to Charlie? ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A real story about real people!
Pionner Summer is a "ready-for-chapters" book that really has it all.Pioneer Summer deals with emotional issues that children, regardless of the historical era, have in common.Eight-year-old Charlie is leaving his home and friends and making his way to a new home.At one time or another almost all children have dealt with a difficult transition period.Also, Charlie is dealing with the process of developing his personal belief system.His parents are committed abolitionists.Charlie must decide if he feels as strong about the issue of slavery.The other reason Pioneer Summer is an excellent book for the "ready-for-chapters" student is because the story brings to life an time in history that is rarely given adequate attention in history books.Pre-Civil War history often gets short exhanged in order to dedicate more textbook space to Westward Expansion and the battles of the Civil War.Pioneer Summer is a real story about the real people who settled the Kansas territory in hopes of influencing the vote on the issue of slavery.One last reason to love Pioneer Summer--it leaves many unanswered questions about Charlie and the Keller family that can only be answered by reading Cabin in the Snow and Our Kansas Home.It is a great way to introduce sequels to young readers.It left me wanting more and I teach history!!

This book makes history interesting for the young reader!
My 8-year-old son Sam is more of a non-fiction kind of guy--interested more in facts than in stories.But this one held his interest beautifully.It was a great history lesson for him and a great review for Mom and Dad!And, it was not too hard to read nor too easy, but just right.We got our first copy at the library, but I'll soon be purchasing all three in the series.

Great chapter book series!
My son loves the Prairie Skies series and can't wait for OUR KANSAS HOME.It's a warm family story but full of rich historical details that never overwhelm the plot.My son is in fifth grade but is a reluctant reader, so I'm always on the lookout for books that hold his interest but that aren't too babyish. Highly recommended!

Exciting historical fiction!
As a teacher and as a parent I've often been frustrated as I try to help my kids study for history tests about the pre-Civil War era.They have to learn about the Kansas-Nebraska Act, but it's just another date to memorize.But in Hopkinson's new chapter book, kids get a look at what life might have been like then.The note says she used letters and manuscripts to research the time period, and it shows.Even though the book is geared for third graders, my fifth grade classroom has enjoyed it too. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Book Description

LASSIE, GO HOME -- MUSH IS HERE!

Now that Kelly Mangiaro's family has moved out of their apartment into a house, she figures her parents will finally let her get a dog. Instead, her mother gets a job, and Kelly gets a baby-sitter.

Then Kelly comes upon Mush, a mushamute -- a breed not recognized by the Westminster Kennel Club, or by anyone else for that matter, possibly because mushamutes come from the planet Growf-Woof-Woof, in the solar system of Arfturus. Mushamutes can talk, tell time, cook up a storm, and even clean up the kitchen afterwards. Who needs a baby-sitter when there's a mushamute around? Now if only Kelly can persuade her parents to let her keep Mush.... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good for preschoolers, too.
My daughter (who just turned four) picked this out at the library.We've enjoyed reading this clever story many, many times and I particularly like the fact that both Kelly and Mush, the two main characters, are both female.This is a great beginning chapter book for a bright preschooler - -uncomplicated and charming but droll enough to keep parent readers happy too.

Excellent.
My favorite part was when the girl (Kelly) found out that Mush was a dog from space. Noa

A very funny, entertaining book for 7 to 12 -year olds
About a really funny dog from outer space who can talk to people and other animals.This dog is really smart and it prefers to eat food that humans would eat, especially roast duck with all the fixings.It made me laugh a lot. ... Read more

Book Description

What's salty and cures werewolves?

There's only one way to cure a werewolf and that's to eat Alexander the Great's Magic Pretzel. You knew that, right? So, that's what Norman and his werewolf friends at the Watson Elementary School try to find, with the help of their teacher, Mr. Talbot.

There's danger! There's adventure! There's hilarious fun! Do they find the Magic Pretzel? Well, read this amazing chapter book and find out! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fun for both werewolves and humans
Daniel Pinkwater's "The Werewolf Club #1: The Magic Pretzel" is a fun book for young readers. The story is an entertaining blend of fantasy and humor, and is well enhanced by Jill Pinkwater's cartoony illustrations.

This book tells the story of Norman Gnormal, a boy whose parents have raised him as if he were a puppy. A kid who doesn't quite fit in with the average crowd, Norman finds a fairly supportive peer group in an after-school club for students who hapen to be werewolves. The club members go on a mission to help their faculty advisor, Mr. Talbot, with a dilemma invoving the magical relic of the book's title.

This book reminded me a little of the film "The Little Vampire," but is sillier (and hairier). The text opens with a spoofy werewolf Q&A, and incorporates some clever references to werewolf films and lore. Good fun!

How Do You Cure a Werewolf?
Fourth grader, Norman Gnormal has been raised as a dog...it's what his parents really wanted when they had him and his earliest memories are of playing fetch with his father. Now the principal of the Watson Elementary School has signed him up for the Werewolf Club, since there aren't any other activities for boys who think that they're dogs. At the first meeting, scary and weird Mr Talbot, a werewolf himself and the club's sponsor, sets the group's first mission in motion. They are going to cure themselves of this evil curse by stealing the "Magic Pretzel", kept in a burglar proof case in the Museum of Pretzel. One bite, under the full moon and the curse will be lifted! Daniel Pinkwater has written a fast paced, funny, absurd and delightful short chapter book, that is just perfect for kids aged 7-10. With action packed scenes and hip kid-speak language, your youngsters will be turning pages to the very end as Norman, the only non-werewolf of the club, uses his canine skills to find and capture the prized pretzel. This is the beginning of a terrific series and a sure way to help your kids enjoy reading.

The Werewolf Club howls
This is my first book by the Pinkwaters (Daniel writes and Jill illustrates) but it won't be my last. The Werewolf Club : The Magic Pretzel, is a silly, absurd book but in the most delightful way.

You see, Mr. Talbot, half-man, half-wolf, and sponsor of the Watson Elementary School Werewolf Club needs the one thing that can keep you from turning into a werewolf: The Magic Pretzel. Unfortunately, it is under the care of Talbot's half brother, Lance Von Sweeny, who keeps it locked away. Enter Norman Gnormal, the only nonwerewolf in the club, who was raised as a dog by his quirky parents (who actually wanted a dog instead of a little boy). Norman uses his tracking skills and canine-like smell to help Talbot find the magic pretzel, but of course it ain't easy.

This is the first book in the series known as THE WEREWOLF CLUB and I hope the next book is just as wacky and wonderful as this one. The illustrations aid a great deal to the story and serve the writing style very nicely. Grab a bowl of pretzels (magic or otherwise) and enjoy. ... Read more