Reviews (63)

Excellent book for girls and women..
I adore this book. It is about Princess Elizabeth who has to defeat a dragon when the Prince is kidnapped. Elizabeth has to rely on her own strengths, creativity and ingenuity to win the battle with the dragon. Every female I've read this book to has loved it, from my 3 year old niece to a group of 12 year olds to my university Women's Studies class. The book has a fantastic message about women's potential to break through sex-role stereotyping. The book boosted the self-esteem of the girls I was working with and led to some great discussions about the fact that they don't need to have a boyfriend to be happy, and the need to accept themselves and recognize their strengths. I think this book is empowering and uplifting and I reccommend it to anyone who is in contact with young girls. Heck, get it for yourself. You deserve it.

A Must Read for Four Year Old Girls
I am so happy I got this book for my four year old daughter. It's the perfect antidote to those unrealistic Disney stories (i.e., Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty). And don't get me wrong, I think that those Disney stories can be fabulous, but the subliminal messages are somewhat 18th century. The Paper Bag Princess, on the other hand is decidely modern. Its message is: if a guy isn't nice to you, he's not worth it, leave him. Really, is there a more important message about relationships that we ought to be sending to our daughters? There are other wonderful messages in here for girls: you are resourceful, be strong. And, as an added benefit, this is a great and funny book, both of my daughters love it. This would make a great gift to all of the young girls in your life (and I think the age range should start at 2, not 4).

Very Spunky!
Hoorah for a princess story where substance counts over good looks!

Not the Ordinary Princess.
This is a fantastic feminist tale for any age or gender. Once again, Munsch fails to not please. The Princess' ideals are modern, her feeling she doesn't need a prince.

This may be my favorite book!
What a brilliant story to encourage girls to be strong, smart, and realize beauty comes from within!

I have bought this for all friends with new babies...girls and boys. What a gift when we grace our children with the power of confidence and imagination. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (35)

Great Story For All ages
Le Petit Prince is a great story for adults and kids alike. Kids can read this book and see it as only a story about a little boy from another planet who wants to find somone who understands him. Adults can read this book and see deeper meanings to what is happening. If you dig into the story you find things in this book dealing with issues we have to face. It's a great book and I would recommend it to any of my friends but I would have to tell them to get the English version. I would prefer to read the French version.

Magnifique
I was given this book to read for a high school French class, and I'm so glad I did. (If you're by some fluke reading this, Coop, thanks so much for introducing me to "Le petit prince"!) It may be classified here as "children's" literature, but it's so much more. This is a beautiful, moving story of the little prince and his journeys through planets and on Earth. It contains some incredibly deep philosophy and will make you appreciate the simplicity and innocence of childhood... and make you want to regain that outlook on life. I know that I'm trying to see the world as a child again.

...Et si vous pouvez lire ce livre en français, c'est beaucoup plus beau. Le livre en anglais n'est pas mal, mais il n'y a pas l'élégance.

Open ended
It's a strange little book that defies classification. My husband and I both read it and went away with very different interpretations. The book is part whimsy, part satire, and part philosphy. Its deceptive simplicity defies classification on greater examination.

life lessons
I read this book a year ago with my French 4 Advanced Placement class. It is still sitting on the head of my bed, because I have read it multiple times and refer to it often. I have never been more inspired, nor more changed, by any one novel. The lessons that are meant to help children grow into admirable adults can teach us adults so much more. I looked at everything differently once I finished reading this book. I learned so many invaluable lessons that I will carry with me forever. I am absolutely sure that I will read this to my children someday. The lessons I learned, from not judging someone by what they look like to getting my priorities straight, have forever changed the way I treat people and the way I live. I believe I am more mature now because of the impact this book had on me.

great in its original language
I have read TPP in Spanish, as a child; in English and now in French. The French is 100 times better than any translation. If you have been raised in a romance language, you know that the charm and sonority of French or Spanish is completely lost, even in a good translation. If you have read TPP in translation before, read it in French. It is easy to understand and a great book for those, like me, who want to develop reading skills.
Regarding the story, it is indisputable that TPP is a classic full of wisdom. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (25)

Lovely and Imaginative Illustrations
The premise of the story is silly: King Bidgood is having so much fun in the bath that he won't get out. Whenever anyone tries to lure him away to other activities, he carries out the activities in the tub - fishing, eating, celebrating, etc.. Courtiers join him in full dress, and have a merry time while the page tries desperately to get the king to get out of the bath.

These are some of the most beautiful and detailed illustrations I have ever seen! My favorite is the page on which King Bidgood is fishing in the tub. There are water grasses, lilies, fish, and an amazing array of colors. All the pictures are lovely! It's a great book for sparking kids' imaginations because the illustrations are realistic although the story is fanciful.

I would recommend this book for any child who loves detailed pictures. There is always something else to be found, no matter how many times a child examines the pages. And, it's a great book for dreamers or kids who don't like to get out of the bath!

This will make you laugh!
When I was in 5th grade, I read King Bidgood's in the Bathtub, and got to hear the tape with it. It was so good, my brother and I would read it constantly. We would even walk to school singing the song (at the top of our lungs, of course!). A great children's book, all in all, with beautiful illustrations. The absurdity of fishing in a tub, going to war in a tub, eating lunch, and even having a royal ball in a bathtub will have you laughing in no time. Get it for the kids in you life, but I bet some adults will like it too!

Fun-filled and Satisfactory for Readers of All Ages
I am 20 and babysit my nephew (he's 3) weekly. I remember reading this book in Elementary School and being captivated by the beautifully done and action packed illustrations. Now it is a favorite of my nephew. The rhythm and pattern of the writing is just as fun to read as it is to listen to. He loves to try to remember every page and always chimes in with "King Bidgood's in the bathtub and he won't get out! Oh who knows what to do?" Kids can relate to this kooky king in wanting to stay in the tub, the story is imaginative and the vocabulary is kid-friendly but also helps kids to learn new words. I appreciate books that don't get old fast because children love to hear favorites again and again. King Bidgood, like Heggledy Pegg is a keeper.

We know what to do!
King Bidgood's in the bath tub and he won't get out cries the page who knows what to do. The queen, the duke the knite and the court all try to get the king out of the bath tub. instead of helping the page, it makes more for for him. Until the page knows what to do, he pulls the plug, glub glub glub! The pictures are beautiful! You have to spend time looking at the pictures because they are so detailed. My so loves this book. It gose in our favorite pile.

Audrey Wood is great
She did it again with this book. A cute story with good illistrations. The only thing I didn't like was that the book was a little dark. I usually like bright vibrant colors. My children enjoy the book and ask me to read it often. ... Read more

Book Description

Mia would give all the jewels in Genovia for the perfect present

Every year, Princess Mia spends the holidays in Genovia with Grandmère. This year, she's looking forward to the most perfect Christmas ever: her boyfriend, Michael, and her best friend, Lilly, are coming to Genovia, too.

But even a princess's plans can go awry. Lilly has a lot to learn about palace protocol, and with all the state holiday functions Mia must attend, there's no time to linger under the mistletoe with Michael. Worst of all, Mia hasn't been able to find him the perfect gift.

Can Mia stop her (bah-hum)bugging long enough to see that the perfect present has nothing to do with international express courier -- and everything to do with real love? (Though some shiny silver ribbon never hurts ...)

Book Description

A Prince
and a Pauper

Jemmy, once a poor boy living on the streets, now lives in a castle. As the whipping boy, he bears the punishment when Prince Brat misbehaves, for it is forbidden to spank, thrash, or whack the heir to the throne. The two boys have nothing in common and even less reason to like one another. But when they find themselves taken hostage after running away, they are left with no choice but to trust each other.

Reviews (101)

AWESOME BOOK -MUST READ IT !
This story is about a prince who is bored out of his mind and thinks he should run away from home. This is book is good for people who like funny and short books in grades 4 and up.
Some of the main characters are Hold Your Nose Billy, Jemmy, Prince Brat, Petunia, and Cutwater. Hold Your Nose Billy and Capiton Nips are really mean people who like garlic. They kidnapp Prince Brat and Jemmy. Prince Brat is a boy who you think has a perfect life but he does not think so. He thinks he has a boring life. Petunia is a bear who saves Jemmy and Prince Brats lives.
The main part of the story begins when Prince Brat and Jemmy run away from home and get kidnapped. It is set in a forest and in a palace in an imaginary time long ago.
I think the theme is never run away. Just stay home with your family. Sometimes you don't realize how good you have it. Also, learning to read is very important.

A book about two boys that eventually beome friends.
Hi!I read a book called "The Whipping Boy," by Sid Fleishchman.Do you like a book with humor and suspense,well than this is a book for you!This is a book for 3rd to 4th graders to read and enjoy.This book is about Prince Horace better known as Prince Brat and his own whipping boy named Jemmy.In this book they encounter close calls when they runaway from the castle.I can't tell you what happens at the end,so you will have to read the book to find out.I liked this book because it deals with some real problems and makes you think more about people who are poorer than you are.So the next time you want to read a good novel,go and get "The Whipping Boys!"

Whipping boy
Sid Fleischman's book, "The Whipping Boy" is about a king who will not punish his son so he has another child who gets whipped and punished instead of the prince. The prince deiced one day that he could not take getting in trouble and having the whipping boy get punished for his wrong doings. One night the prince deiced to run away with the whipping boy. On there journey they get captured by "Hold-Your-Nose-Billy," and Cutwater. The criminals deiced that they are going to keep them hostage. Jemmy did not like the prince to much because he had to take all of the punishment for all of those bad things that he did. Since they both got captured they had to become friends with each other, even though jimmy was from the lower class of people and the prince was from the upper class of people they had to get along. The whipping boy thinks of a plan, his plan is to escape to the sewers. The prince on the other hand does not think that it would be a good idea because he has never been in the sewers. The whipping boy has been in the sewers his life before becoming a whipping boy. Jemmy used to trap and sell rats that were in the sewer that does how he now all of the turns and different things. The prince and the whipping boy are trying to get along, become friends, and break though the barriers that are between them. The prince is finding out how Jemmy used to live, also the prince is coming immune to Jemmys life. The prince and the whipping boy are starting to take responsibility for there own actions. The prince does not like how Jemmy used to live. They find interest in each other. The prince is getting used to how Jemmy had to live.
They finally deiced that they have had enough of the kidnapper. Jemmy told the prince to follow me and they went though the tunnels. They finally get away though the tunnel because of how well Jemmy knew the tunnels. The prince did not want to go though the tunnels because he did not think that Jemmy did not know them until Jemmy showed him that he could get through them.
I thought that is was a very good idea for the prince and "The Whipping Boy" finally deiced to run away. I would have not liked being the whipping boy. I liked this book very much and I really do not like to read. I thought that it was easy for younger kids to understand to. I really liked this book.

The Whipping Boy
Sid Fleischman's book The Whipping Boy is a really good book. It is about a prince who got the nick name "Prince Brat" because he is a mischiouf maker because his pranks aren't funny. He has a whipping boy named Jemmy who is smart and clever. One day prince brat runs away and takes Jemmy with him. They don't get far before two cutthroats stop them. One of their names is hold-your-nose-Billy and the other is cutwater. They take Jemmy and "Prince Brat" into their cabin. Jemmy and "Prince Brat" must outwit the two and become friends, except prince brat keeps betraying Jemmy. The adventure will take them through alot of adventure. I recomend buying it.

Enjoyable while including major Social Issues
Sid Fleischman's book, "The Whipping Boy," is about a runaway prince and his whipping boy, who discover adventure on their journey, and surprisingly find friendship in one another. The boys' adventures include them being abducted by two criminals, "Hold-Your-Nose-Billy," and Cutwater. The criminals kidnap the boys and plan to hold them for ransom from the King.
"The Whipping Boy," focuses on the distinctions and differences of social classes throughout the book. These differences are vividly illustrated through Prince Brat (Horace) and Jemmy, the whipping boy. Prince Horace, who is from a high social class and is considered very important, is never whipped. However, Jemmy, who is from a lower class, serves as a, "whipping boy," and takes the punishments for Prince Brat.
However, "The Whipping Boy," also looks at the overcoming of these class barriers. At the beginning of the story, there was a definite difference between the upper class and the lower class. This difference is intensified in the description of the boys escape into the city's sewer. Jemmy, a member of the working class, is well-informed of the tunnels of the sewer because he has spent the early years of his life there, trapping rats and selling them for money. Jemmy seems at ease in the sewer, knowing what direction to take and where to hide. On the other hand, the Prince is very frightened in the tunnels below the city and clings desperately to Jemmy for security. The Prince has never been to the sewers. His life has always been spent in the luxury of the palace walls with everyone at his beck and call.
As the two boys spend more and more time together the Prince slowly begins to become a part of Jemmy's world. The same can be said for Jemmy's whose quick thinking while dealing with the two men helps the boys escape. When Jemmy is mistaken for the prince, he really takes over the role, and the two classes seemed meshed.
During their journey, Prince Horace and Jemmy both become responsible for their own actions. Jemmy, who has been away from his family and on his own for awhile, is prepared when he gets chased and tormented by the two men in the forest. The Prince, on the other hand, has to learn responsibility since he has never had to rely on himself before. At first, the Prince is stubborn and foolish in his actions, but, as time passes and he sees Jemmy for who he really is. It is when the Prince realizes this, that he learns a very important lesson, and the moral of the book. The Prince learns to break down the barriers that hold the two boys apart. The Prince shows a very big step in growth that even some adults have not taken yet. With his maturation, he is able to become true friends with Jemmy, and earn the name Prince Horace.

I really enjoyed how Fleischman is able to take a very serious and real topic, such as class discrimination, and simplify it for a young reader. The author does not make light of the topic, yet he addresses it in such a way that the reader understands and can relate the story to his/her own life. Children that would read or hear this book have most likely already read or heard fairytales that include royalty. However, I think it is rare that a child is given the opportunity to hear the story of the lower class. "The Whipping Boy," gives a vivid explanation and description of the class differences.
This main theme in this book is that friendship should be free of prejudices. "The Whipping Boy," would be an excellent choice in encouraging students to get along with one another no matter what their differences may be. It lays a very good framework for young students who have been or one day will be on the giving or receiving end of discrimination or prejudices without being preachy. The theme is a powerful one, yet the story includes enough adventure to keep the reader interested and engaged. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Must have!
this book is really cool, beacause billy gets adopted by two evil people called the de Greys and they make billy sign an oath (which puts him in severe pain if he breaks it) Ezekiel brings back a warhorse with a heart labeled "b" which they assume is borlath, but its not! the castle of mirrors is a magical place that rightfully belongs to ........... and we find out billy's relative in this book. also one of charlie's unendowed friends are really endowed... find out! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Very disappointing
The story is REALLY silly.
Moreover, throughout the book the value given to Pi
is WRONG (it is stated to be 22/7, and only at the very end is it casually mentioned to be an approximation).
This book is a perfect example of how NOT to attract kids to Math.

Good Intro to Pi
Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi is the story of a boy that must use math to save his father. Most of the character's names are terms found in math, like Sir Cumference and Radius, which cleverly adds to the effect of the story. The use of a dragon gives the story more of a fantasy feel which appeals to the younger audience. The illustrations in the book are done well and add to the medieval setting of the book because they look like oil paintings. The goal of this book is to introduce kids to the concept of pi in a fun and easy to understand way. It pulls this off by having a fairy tale setting and actually having a reason to use pi that kids can understand. This book is not a quick read, yet it's not long enough to lose the attention of a child. Even though this is a children's book, it should only be used for older children since it involves division with fractions. Because of this, it works as a great educational tool for those older children by introducing them to a fundamental math term they will most likely use later in life.

Excellent Conceptual Intro
The Dragon of Pi is an excellent conceptual introduction to Pi, a concept not even clear to most adults, for children. The ideas are clear and playfully woven into the plot. Using the globally favorite dragon as a character, this book is animated, informative, and an effective educational tool.

Silly motivation of pi
Of all the reasons to be interested in pi, surely curing your father's belly ache is the least inspired. This book is about politics not mathematics.

Nice idea, but ...
A young boy gives his father the wrong potion to cure a bellyache, and must solve the riddle of the ratio of a circle's circumference to it's diameter to get the dosage to cure him. I enjoyed the fun names (Geo and Sym, the Metry brothers), but I was disappointed in the author's choice to use 22/7 as the value for pi. If the story hadn't made such a big point of getting the dose correct (or Dad would never be cured), I wouldn't have had any trouble with introducing an approximate value. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A wonderful Reassurance
I am a 21 year old "princess" my Mother and Father gave me this book last Christmas. It is the best book I have ever read. I am 21 and I myself have never been kissed. I had formerly thought myself a freak of nature, or something, the opportuunity had just never been made to kiss someone, but after reading this book I am so happy that my parents helped to protect my kiss. It was a wonderful reminder int his day and age how special a kiss really is. wonderful book, I have one for my future daughter, and my soon to be born neice a great book every princess should own!

Every Mom and Daughter Should Share This Book!
My Sister-in-law sent this book to my daughter for her birthday, along with some similarly themed "princess" things. The first time we read it as a bedtime story, I had tears in my eyes. The beautiful illustrations and important message were perfectly interwoven. We will read this book many, many, times over the years, and as my four year-old becomes a young woman, it will be a wonderful tool to use to open discussion about love and the true meaning of purity. Thank you Jennie Bishop for sharing your Mother's heart with all of us!

Wonderful, and yet...
The concept of this book -- respecting yourself enough to value who you give your affection to -- is wonderful. Yet in reality, how many of us believe that our daughters or sons will wait until they get married to kiss? My six year old daughter loved this book, although it was also confusing to her since she sees so much kissing going on in the culture around her.

Virtuous Daughter! She worth far more than rubies!
Dear Parent!

HOW RARE!!!

We looked near and far for a book like this!

Christian parents are deeply concerned with raising their daughters to be pure for marriage. Where on earth can you find books or movies to help reinforce these beautiful ideals that the Lord has given us? How do you raise your precious daughter to be a Proverbs 31 woman... a virtuous woman?

This book was one of two we finally found. It focussed on the ages 3 to 12. Nice age range! Our girl is 9. How do you talk about sex without actually dealing with the complex things they are not ready for yet? A book like this gets to the -root- now... you deal with the nitty gritty later when they are better prepared to deal with it. The words used are not sexual in any form in this book.

We also recommend:

- The True Princess by A. Hunt

- Items from "Pearables" website. (also for boys!)

- Items from "Doorposts" website. (also for boys!)

- "Christian-courtship" website. (If your girl is older!)

Enjoy! And happy hunting for products that instill healthy modesty, christian etiquette, honor and such!!!

Every parent with young girls must have this book!
I found this book while searching for another book on Amazon and decided to buy it based on the comments about it. I was not disappointed! This is a beautiful book. The illustrations are captivating and the story is written very well. With three girls ages 2-6, I am always on the lookout for books that will inspire them to be lovely, pure and Godly. This one fits the bill 100%. My daughters ask me to read this book three or four times a day and like to pretend to be the princess waiting to give her kiss to a worthy man. A great book for girls of all ages inspiring them to keep their purity for the right man, one who is himself pure and chaste. If you have girls, you MUST get this book! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Story of Babar--the early adventures of the enduring, endearing elephant--was written in 1931 by French writer Jean de Brunhoff (1899-1937). Since then, it has been translated into at least 12 languages. It's amazing how much can happen to one little elephant in the course of one little book: Babar loses his mother to a hunter, wanders into the city, gets a new wardrobe, becomes the hit of high society, marries his cousin Céleste (totally acceptable in contemporary Elephantine society), and is crowned King of the Elephants.

The Story of Babar is essentially the tale of a country boy who comes to the city and, while there, comes of age. In the end, he returns home to share his knowledge and experiences with family and friends. The beautiful, delightfully detailed illustrations--de Brunhoff was a painter by trade--never fail to amuse. (Although none of the characters seem to notice, the sight of Babar in a suit leaning against the mantel while he regales his audience with tales of the jungle is plainly hilarious.) All of the Babar books are notable for their ability to tell larger stories with simplicity and style, and The Story of Babar is no exception. Potentially troubling moments--the death of Babar's mother, for example--are handled with taste, emphasizing Babar's unique gift for uncovering a silver lining in the most persistent of clouds. (Ages 4 to 8, though the cursive writing makes it best for reading aloud.) ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Interesting Classic
I had a beach Babar book as a child, so I bought this to share with my daughter. It is kind of bizarre, so keep in mind that it was written in the 1930's. First, Babar's mother is killed, as was the fate of most classic animal stories. Then, he decides to become more like men, HOW ODD! He wears clothes and walks on his back legs. Any time any of the elephants in this book wear clothes, they gain the instant ability to walk on their hind legs. When he returns to the elephants, he is crowned king, which is unlikely since elephants are matriarchal (they are led by females and grown males are banned from the group except during mating times). Then he marries his cousin, and they live happily ever after. In the spirit of Curious George, who was kidnapped from his home and forced to conform to human ways, this is a charming but very out-dated tale.

A childhood's classic.
Some children's books can be read over and over again, and Jean De Brunhoff's book about Babar, the little elephant is among them.
The copy we have in our house were purchasted in 1988 and has survived 4 kids. Out Marta is the forth one, and at age 6 she still loves to cuddle up with a smile on her face listening to the story of Babar. The very sad part for a six year old is the beginning where Babar's mother dies and Babar runs away. But Babar is lucky and meets an old lady who takes care of him. And the joy is always big in the end when Babar meets his childhood friends and cousins again in the end of the books. And even becomes a king and marries his cousin Celeste.
The book was written in 1939, but is still well worth reading for any child, and should be part of every lucky child's book collection. It will still be read again and again here in Norway, though the pages in the copy we have almost fall apart now (they can always be glued together again though)

Britt Arnhild Lindland

If I were king of the foreeeeest
Thank God for the French speakers of the world. Were it not for them, Babar might not have ever been created and we would have to live in a wretched Babar-less world. As it is, however, we are blessed to have this delightful story at our fingertips at any time. The story of Babar was originally published in 1933, and it has stood the test of time with dignity and flair.

The story of Babar is simple. After his mother is shot by a cruel hunter, the little elephant runs away to a metropolitan city. Once there, he is taken under the wing of a kindly older lady. Babar then proceeds to become the greatest dandy of children's literature today. Here is the section I love the most:

"Babar then buys himself: A shirt with a collar and tie, a suit of a becoming shade of green, then a handsome derby hat, and also shoes with spats".

Contrary to popular thought, an elephant in spats is the most dignified thing in the world. With these purchases Babar has transformed himself from rural rube to the original metrosexual. He becomes cultured, learning the rudimentary aspects of human civilization while regaling party guests with his tales of the forest (note his pin-striped pants and casual dinner jacket). Eventually Babar is lured back to his jungle home and is swiftly crowned King of the elephants.

The 1933 setting in which Babar acclimatizes himself has grown more charming over the years. And most remarkably? Most older picture books contain at least one racial stereotype somewhere in the midst of a picture. Not so our darling "Babar". I feel safe in saying that you might search through any future adventure of the winsome elephant and not stumble across a single picture or piece of writing that causes you a twenty-first century gasp of disgust. This isn't to say that there aren't some rather peculiar dated aspects to the book. I read this book as a child and had a vivid visceral memory return to me when I saw the sickly state of the former King of the elephants who passed away after eating a bad mushroom. That is a grotesquerie unknown to the kiddies today. But all in all, "Babar" is without fault. Certainly he's the essence of capitalism. One might believe the elephants crown him king as much for his pretty red convertible as for his brains. But Babar is still a unique and moving tale that will continue to entertain the masses of children for years and years to come.

A Classic
From the beautiful illustrations, to the charming characters, everything about Babar reminds you of a time when we took the intelligence of our children seriously. The first thing anyone who grew-up on more modern fare will notice is the delightful and literate prose. The reason children could speak latin by 5th grade 80 years ago, was that they weren't condescended-to; and Babar doesn't either. You won't get the modern "barney-speak" here, this generation had more confidence in your children, believe me. Although the prose may be too difficult for the average 5 or 6 yr-old to read on their own, they will have no difficulty at all in understanding it perfectly when read to them. Now my 5 yr-old daughter knows what a "perambulator" is, you won't get that from the Wiggles. As far as the complaints in regard to "scariness", all I can say is, if this is scary because Babar's mother is killed by a hunter, then you'd better take Bambi, The Lion King and close to all of the fairy tales off of the reading list as well. The subject is handled compassionately and tastefully. Of course I want to sheild my child from horrific content, but if we refuse to gently ease them in to life's realities, such as the loss of loved-ones, then their entertainment turns from safe into vacuous pretty quickly. I won't even waste bandwidth on the silly, leftist nonsense regarding imperialism. There is no political content here, subtle or otherwise. If you really want the kind of western culture "self-flagellation" that these aging hippies seem to thrive on, try Disney's Pocahontas, or a Cartoon version of The Life of Che Guevara. Assume the best of your kids and try the Babar series, particularly the older ones.

imperialist propaganda for the kiddies
I don't know why this book is a classic. Foreigners come to Babar's home and kill his mother. He goes to the land of the foreigners to learn to be just like them because the are so swell and all. He then takes their ways back home with him. marries his cousin and gets everyone to wear clothes like the foreigners. This is a nightmare, not a children's book. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Shakespeare's Secret
My mom called me for dinner but I just couldn't put the book down.Flipping after page after page I couldn't stop reading.This book Shakespeare's Secret was truly a page turner book.After learning about Hero,then her family, the mysterious boy, her neighbor, and many other interesting characters I couldn't stop reading about the diamond and where it's hidden.When I finished the book I knew i would never forget this wonderful book.I have it next to my bed and it is a comfort when I read it.

Great suspenseful novel
In every way, this is a terrific novel.Hero is a bright, thoughtful, funny girl whose anxieties and sufferings in middle school will resonate with every reader.But the most impressvie thing about Shakespeare's Secret is the story.The plot weaves details of English history and Shakespeare's life together with the suspenseful search for a missing diamond.It is a riveting story that kids will love.My seventh and fourth graders couldn't put this book down once they'd started!It is one of those special books that becomes an instant favorite.Highly recommended.

The book was amazing!
I got an advanced copy of the book, and i was just blown away.it was so mysterious and fun.i really learned a lot from reading it.i think that Elise is a great author and can't wait to read more of her books.I am not the kind of person who loves reading, but this book, i could not put down!
who knows? maybe they'll make a movie of it!(it was that good!) ... Read more

Book Description

Once upon a time, there was a diaper-wearing princess who wouldn't use her potty. Her royally frustrated parents were beside themselves: what could they do? They pleaded, they demonstrated, they brought in potties from all over the kingdom: pink potties, polka-dotted potties, musical potties, even one that glowed in the dark. But with every new potty, the Princess would only say "Take it away!" and wear her diaper instead.

In this comical look at toilet training, Wendy Cheyette Lewison and Rick Brown turn an all-too-familiar dilemma into a royally funny romp. A must for toddlers and parents trying to keep a sense of humor about toilet training. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Great book to motivate toddlers into toilet training!
I feel this book is an excellent tool to aid in the toilet training process. I bought character underpants and a neat potty, but it wasn't until my daughter read about someone else getting their panties, did she take an interest in going to the potty. The princess' experiences resembled her own - i.e. preferred going in her diaper, didn't want to have anything to do with the potty, and her OWN panties excited and motivated her. It helped her to have someone to "relate" to. We still have a ways to go, but I believe this book gave her a step up in the process.

No 'special potties' needed! Funny, gets them interested.
As I began reading this book about a little girl whose royal parents buy her every color and pattern potty imaginable to get her to potty train, I was a bit worried my child would begin demanding her own 'pink potty'. However, as you read you discover none of these bribes work with the little girl-she simply doesn't want to (sound familiar? It did for me). Anyway, only the thought of soiling the princess' pretty, new undies gives her the desire to run to the potty in the end. And it is then that she discovers she doesn't need any of those fancy potties, the closest potty will do(which is the plain, old potty)! Now, my daughter couldn't care less about pretty panties when we began to suggest potty training. ... This was her favorite book and it is so cute she actually continued choosing it in her nightly read selections for some time after potty training. ... Anyway, would reccomend this Princess and the Potty to keep the task at hand foremost in their little minds and then one other for more specific step-by-step instructional which can tend to be not as attractive for them to want to read. Good luck! If you stick to it and let them feel the few messes and help clean up, you'll succeed!

Excellent
Our little girl was really reluctant to use the toilet. I found this book really helpful because it showed a little girl having issues using the toilet. At the end there is a lovely picture of a happy little girl sitting on the toilet - very useful.

"Less Than Fairy Tale Reactions"
While this story happens "once upon a time," it sure sounds like some contemporary families I know. Princess is a royal - um, challenge who refuses to use her potty. King and Queen worry more about what the neighbors will think and about pleasing the princess than finding an effective solution. Even in my own home, we were overindulgent when training our firstborn on her own little throne (Stickers? Silly songs and dances? Nothing but a royal hassle!).

Since then we have read almost every potty book available on the market (over two dozen!). Most fit into two categories: INSTRUCTIONAL books that introduce the skills needed to master the potty; and those that are primarily ENTERTAINING, for children who understand what is supposed to happen on the potty, but need extra time to make it happen.

This text is more detailed than most, the vocabulary more difficult (with words like chambermaids and pantalettes, for example). But I found Wendy Cheyette Lewison's fairy tale ENTERTAINING. Unfortunately my little ones found it a little too lengthy and lost interest before I reached the end. Too bad. The Princess and the Potty is a delightful read from the once upon a time to the happily ever after.

Fun and Helpful For Toddlers and Parents
What a great "potty-learning" story! I was a little sceptical when I first saw the title - I thought it sounded silly. But after reading more descriptions and reviews I changed my mind. Boy am I glad I did! My 22 month old daughter loves it and so do I.
The pictures are fantastic and the story is done very well. I like how tactfully it is told. It feels like you are reading just any other fairy tale about a princess but it is nicely wrapped around the potty :-) Great reminders for parents too.

My daughter really gets into this book. She really likes the part where the princess says "This potty doesn't please me, take it away!" And always grins and nods her head sharply. (Maybe it's just the way I read it, but it's cute anyway.)

She loves to sit on the potty with this book and has me read it to her several times a day (esp. at bedtime) and also "reads" it to herself during the day. Unfortunately, though, it is soft cover with paper pages (most of her books are board books) she is pretty good with it but it still gets slightly damaged. I have to be careful to put it away when she is done with it so that it doesn't get trampled or lost under her toys and therefore crumpled.

Definitely a keeper, get it for you and your princess. Great to have in the library. (We also have "The Potty Book for Girls" and "My Potty Book for Girls") ... Read more

Book Description

In 2000 Harcourt proudly reissued Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's masterpiece, The Little Prince, in a sparkling new format. Newly translated by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Richard Howard, this timeless classic was embraced by critics and readers across the country for its purity and beauty of expression. And Saint-Exupéry's beloved artwork was restored and remastered to present his work in its original and vibrant colors.Now Harcourt is issuing uniform full-color foreign language editions. The restored artwork glows like never before. These affordable and beautiful editions are sure to delight an entire new generation of readers, students, children, and adults for whom Saint-Exupéry's story will open the door to a new understanding of life. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

A book of true beauty.
I do not read a lot of books. I have only read what was assigned to me throughout school and the occasional NY Times bestseller. A friend of mine gave me this book as a gift one day, she said I would enjoy it. She was right - I loved it. I didn't read it right away, but when I did I couldn't put it down. I am not an emotional person, or at least I never thought of myself as one, but this book made me look at myself and it broke my heart. I related with the character of the pilot and I felt as though the Little Prince was talking to me. The book helped me realize that I had forgotten a lot of things since childhood, like the meaning of friendship. The book also reminded me of what love really is. It made me realize what "grown-ups" really are, children who lost their innocence. The greatest thing about the book is that it is universal. It's message is simple: "love has no prejuducies, never dies and always forgives." It is a children's story but it is something all adults should read. There are few books that can do what this "children's story" can do. It will make you laugh, break your heart and make you think about what really is important in your life.

- Jeff

Forever
I read this book in its portuguese version when I was stil living in Brazil (my home land); french, when I started learning it as well as spanish . Despite all "nuances" of each language the book keeps its majesty. Everytime I read it I think it was not written for children. In Le Petit Prince, St. Exupery made life wonderful, beyond comprehension.

One of a Kind
This book is not for everybody; only for those with a great heart, a natural smile and soul.

ummm...i must be a moron
Someone please shoot me in the face, am i the only one who didn't enjoy this book. i read it last year in my 4th year honors french class, now up until the semester when we read this book, i had been a fairly good french student, i have family who live in provence, i visit them often and i had never made a B in french until the semester of junior year when we read "le petit prince" needless to say i made a C that semester. this was the dumbest thing i've ever laid eyes on...well besides a few girls i know. but who gives a merde about some little kid going from planet to planet asking a bunch of dumb questions, and be in love with a rose. im (upset), cause this made me totally lose intrest in french, and now that im a senior and in AP french...im not trying at all, this book is awful, maybe i should read it in english.......nah. oh well, c'est la vie

One of My Favorites!
When I first read this book when I was a senior in high school and read it for my French class, I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy this book. I'd heard so much about it. After reading it I can say that I love this book so much, no wonder Le Petit Prince is on some French currency! I've read this book in English and French, and I'd have to say that the French is sooo much better if you know French. It's not all that difficult to understand if you are at a beginning level. This is a great book and is worth every penny in both languages! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Kate DiCamillo, author of the Newbery Honor book Because of Winn-Dixie, spins a tidy tale of mice and men where she explores the "powerful, wonderful, and ridiculous" nature of love, hope, and forgiveness. Her old-fashioned, somewhat dark story, narrated "DearReader"-style, begins "within the walls of a castle, with the birth of a mouse." Despereaux Tilling, the new baby mouse, is different from all other mice. Sadly, the romantic, unmouselike spirit that leads the unusually tiny, large-eared mouse to the foot of the human king and the beautiful Princess Pea ultimately causes him to be banished by his own father to the foul, rat-filled dungeon.

The first book of four tells Despereaux's sad story, where he fallsdeeply in love with Princess Pea and meets his cruel fate. The secondbook introduces another creature who differs from hispeers--Chiaroscuro, a rat who instead of loving the darkness of his homein the dungeon, loves the light so much he ends up in the castle& in thequeen's soup. The third book describes young Miggery Sow, a girl who hasbeen "clouted" so many times that she has cauliflower ears. Still, allthe slow-witted, hard-of-hearing Mig dreams of is wearing the crown ofPrincess Pea. The fourth book returns to the dungeon-bound Despereauxand connects the lives of mouse, rat, girl, and princess in a dramaticdenouement.

Children whose hopes and dreams burn secretly within their hearts willrelate to this cast of outsiders who desire what is said to be out oftheir reach and dare to break "never-to-be-broken rules of conduct."Timothy Basil Ering's pencil illustrations are stunning, reflectingDiCamillo's extensive light and darkness imagery as well as the sweet,fragile nature of the tiny mouse hero who lives happily ever after.(Ages 9 and older) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (168)

Releuctant Readers Readily Read!!
Kate DiCamillo's fairytale of a mouse, a peasant, and a princess captured the hearts and minds of my fourht graders! This book is appealing to both girls and boys. They especially enjoyed when the author spoke directly to the reader. My students would beg me to keep reading! They couldn't wait to find out what was coming next!
I then took it home to my 6th grade daughter. She loved it too! I recommended the book to a colleague, and she had the same positive experience with her 5th graders.

Buy this book for your child! They will love it!

Mice, Betrayal, Bravery, and Love
It's long but has short chapters, and it is fun to read. My rating for it is 5 stars, but I would give it more stars if I could. It is so good that I didn't want to put it down. Despereaux's family doesn't like him because he is really different. Despereaux was supposed to eat the story, but he read it instead. He was born with his eyes open, very big ears, and a tiny body. However, he gets sent to the dungeon because he is different. Before this, he is crawling through the castle when he sees Princess Pea. He falls in love with the princess. Does he escape from the dungeon? Does Princess Pea love Despereaux?
Colton
Skokie, IL

5 Stars for Despereaux
I like it because it is exciting and interesting. The mouse is a lot different then all the other mice. His own brother betrayed him, and he was brought to the dungeon. Did he ever come out? There is a lot of love and bravery, and the little mouse was doing what he thinks is right. He also loves the princess.
Anita
Arlington Heights, IL

Clever, Charming and Poignant Children's Literature
Kate DeCamillo may well become an enduring literary force.

She's just as deep as Lois Lowry, but far more accesible.She has a story-tellers gift that rivals J. K. Rowling and Cornelia Funke.

There is even a common touch to her writing that's reminiscent of Twain, with a poetic gift that rivals his as well.

The book captures the reader and moves quickly--as children's books must.However, it makes numerous forays into deep questions such as the nature of good and evil.It's also lots of fun for younger children with a balance of convincing suspense and typically happy resolutions.

We begin with the story of a pubescent down-and-out girl.Her fate is wonderfully intertwined with that of a Princess, a King, a Mouse and a Rat.By its conclusion this girl's whole life is positively transformed.But all is nearly lost for many of the characters and the tension is quite intense for young listeners.

The book portrays many positive attributes such as courage, loyalty, aesthetic beauty, altruism and honor.It also includes darker elements such as cruelty, cynicism, deception, self-doubt, self-loathing and perhaps a very generic form of sadism.

My only very minor criticism is that the book begins by typecasting groups (principally mice and rats) in a way that isn't consistent with multiculturalism.I say "very minor" because life has taught me that significant correlations of behavior to groups mustn't be ignored.Generalizations demand to be handled with the upmost responsibly and they are.Ultimately DeCamillo does not fail to treat each character as an individual.

Buy two copies and give one away.Don't be afraid to give it to an adult: it's that good!

Tales of Despereaux
I think this book is an excelent book. It keeps the reader reading. I also think it is really cool how they keep changing point of view and perspective. I think anyone who wants to read a good fiction book should read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Parents and children alike will be won over by the lovable innocence of Gigi, a little girl who just knew she was a princess-she had known it from birth! But where were the castle and royal jewels? With a little help from Mommy and Daddy, Gigi realizes that she is not just any princess-she is the daughter of the greatest King of all!

A wonderful discovery for little princesses everywhere, Gigi, God's Little Princess will subtly teach girls of their importance and belonging to the King of all kings.

Reviews (1)

Pink-loving princesses will love it!
What's not to love about a curly-haired, freckle-faced "princess" with an attitude? Gigi had known from the day she was born that she was a princess-although she wasn't exactly sure why. With no castle or royal treasures, she didn't live like a princess. She had no subjects-even her cat didn't obey her. Yet, through this little story, Gigi learns that it is not the castle or the crown that makes a princess, but the declaration of the King-"you are God's little princess."

This simple message of belonging to "the greatest King of all" was created by Christian communicator, singer, and songwriter Sheila Walsh. Pink-loving princesses will love the whimsical illustrations by Meredith Johnson. Although royals of all ages may enjoy Gigi and her quest, its simple story line is probably geared to the youngest princesses who lay in wait for a bedtime story and a sweet reminder of God's gracious love. -- Susan Hammond, Christian Book Previews.com
... Read more

Amazon.com

The year is 57 B.C., and 12-year-old Cleopatra, Princess of the Nile, has a lot on her mind. Her father, the Pharaoh of Egypt, nearly died when a venomous adder meant for him attacked and killed his favorite servant. Now the Pharaoh has gone into hiding, hunted by his enemies, and the young princess has to keep her head--literally--as her power-hungry older sister Tryphaena threatens to grab her father's throne.

"I took the cup and raised it toward Tryphaena as if toasting her, but really I was watching the liquid, looking for oil floating on its surface, or powder sticking to the sides of the cup. If I suspected poison and tossed it into the pool, she would have her guards behead me on the spot. If it was indeed poison, one sip and I could die..."

In an elegantly written royal diary, Cleopatra VII has recorded every rich detail from this tumultuous time: her hairsbreadth escape by boat to Rome, where she and her father must plead for help; her struggle to absorb the overwhelming sights (and smells) of this new city and its "barbarian" ways; and her poise and quick thinking as she deals with the likes of General Pompey, Marc Antony, and the famous orator Cicero ("words fly from him like darts!").

Kristiana Gregory, a contributor to the excellent Dear America series, has done an admirable job ghostwriting for the princess, painting an engaging portrait of a resourceful, intelligent, compassionate young woman forged by the forces of her time. The book concludes with a helpful section of maps, portraits, a Pharaonic family tree, and 20 pages of illustrations. (Ages 8 to 12) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (136)

The Crueltys of Ancient times
I bought this book from a bookstore because my friend also had it and I wanted a copy. So I picked one up and began reading the book. I was surprised at the cruelty of this folk. Cleopatra's father killed his own sister . Cleopatra's older sister threatened to kill her own sister and father if they set foot in Egypt! boy am I glad that I don't live in ancient times. What makes this book good to read though is the fact that everything isn't goody good. Cleopatra wasn't that much of a saint in her time and in the book if you think about it she wasn't too sympathetic for Berenice. I also liked reading about the cruel ancient romans. The gladiators and the hungry tigers which proved that Romans were smart but one of the evilest people in history. This book is mostly true historically and a girl's emotional feelings about all of it is something worth reading!

Daughter of the Nile.
The book Cleopatra VII Daughter of the Nile is about a girl, Cleopatra who is always writing in her diary about the events that took place that day. Cleopatra was a 12-year-old girl who lived in a huge palace with many rooms. Soon she has to take over the thrown because her father has to go into hiding from threats, but Cleopatra was not the first heir for the thrown, her sister Tryphanea was and when Cleopatra got to take the thrown her sister was furious and Cleopatra?s friend Olympus told her that her sister was going to poison her. So Cleopatra leaves Egypt and goes to Rome. On the way to Rome she becomes very close to a servant of hers Neva. When she gets to Rome they hold a dinner in her honor. Cleopatra also had no problem with fitting in with the people around her such as Julius Cesar whom she married while she was in Rome, and then when he died she then married a man named Marc Antony.

I thought that is book was a good book. If you like to read about the history then this is the kind of book that you want to read. If you liked all the other royal diaries then you should like this book. I gave this book 4 star because I have read better books but this was a good book.

VERY ENTERTAING
I REALLY LIKE THIS STORY BECAUSE IT WAS SO EXITING AND I LIKED THE ROMANTIC PARTS TO ABOUT THE SLAVE NEVA AND THE GARDIUN, POZO. I WOULD RECOMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE FROM 8- 13 YEARS OLD.

I wish I could have more stars to fill in..........
Three cheers to one of the best books I ever read! This book brought be into the streets of Rome, Italy, and Egypt, as if I were an invisible character that was pulled into the pages of the book when I started to read.

The book was so good, when it came for book reports, even though it was slightly fictional, my teacher thought that the book was so good herself, that she let me use it for a biography!

The doughter of the Nile
This book was very instrestine. It was intrestine because I was a book base in real facts. This book said many tings about Cleopatra VII.One of the things I like about her was that she didn't care about her rish life, but she wanted to be the queen because her sister was very bad.Also state about her sisters and brothers.The only thing I did't like was when she marry her brother,but I was very intrestine and funny.It was intrestine and funny because you cannot marry your brother and sisters today. In my opinion it was a good book of Cleopatra's life. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

She's just a New York City girl living with her artist mom...

News Flash: Dad is prince of Genovia. (So that's why a limo meets her at the airport!)

Downer: Dad can't have any more kids. (So no heir to the throne.)

Shock of the Century: Like it or not, Mia Thermopolis is prime princess material.

Mia must take princess lessons from her dreaded grandmére, the dowager princess of Genovia, who thinks Mia has a thing or two to learn before she steps up to the throne.

Well, her father can lecture her until he's royal-blue in the face about her princessly duty -- no way is she moving to Genovia and leaving Manhattan behind. But what's a girl to do when her name is Princess Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo?

2001 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers (ALA), Books for the Teen Age 2001 (NYPL) and 2001 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)

Reviews (440)

The Princess Diaries
This book had a great sense of humor. Mia Thermopolis, who lives in San Fransisco, is your typical freshman high school NERD. She hangs out with her one best friend, Lily, who has her own tv show, Lily tells it like it is. She was living her own independant life with her single mother until her royal grandmother from Genovia comes in town and shares the news Mia really didn't want to hear. As it turns out, Mia's mom was married to the prince of Genovia, which makes Mia the princess after her fathers time on the throne is over. Mia can't believe it. Here she is one day a nerd at the local private high school, and the next day she is taking princess lessons from her grandmother! Will she proceed to take the throne or turn it down? Meanwhile, her mom starts dating her algebra teacher, which makes things harder because not only does she hate her algebra teacher, but she is also flunking his class! It really made me want to read the sequal, which is also a very good book.

One of the best books for teens
I have read the Princess Diaries four times, and every time I read it, it gets better and better. I have also read the other books in the series, and all of them are excellent.

This book opens up in Mia Thermopolis' freshman year at Albert Einstein High School in New York. Mia considered herself to be a "five-foot-nine, flat-chested freak," who was already flunking one class, algebra, in only the first month of school. Mia is like any other typical teen: she had a crush on the hottest boy in school, Josh Ritcher, she had self-image and confidence issues, she was concerned about getting good grades, and she enjoyed having slumber parties and joking around at her best friend Lilly Moscovitz's house. But things start to get out of hand. First, Mia's mother confesses that she is dating Mia's algebra teacher, Mr. Gianini, and Mia starts to have horrible fantasies about them French kissing. But the worse is yet to come- Mia's father finally tells her, after fourteen years, that he is the prince of Genovia, a tiny country in Europe, and that Mia is heir to the throne of Genovia. Mia knew instantly that she wasn't fit to be a princess- she didn't even WANT to be one! But Mia knew she had no choice, and immediately started getting "princess lessons" from her grandmother, Grandmere, the dowager princess, and got a total makeover. When Grandmere leaked the story of Mia being princess to the Post, Mia knows her life was ruined. Lilly refused to speak to her, everyone was trying to hang out with her just because she was a princess, and Josh Ritcher asked her out to the Cultural Diversity Dance just so he could get his picture in the papers! Mia managed to make one new friend, Tina Hamkim Baba, whose mother was related to royalty and whose father was this rich guy who owned thousands of oil wells in Saudi Arabia. Will Lilly and Mia be able to overcome their differences and become friends again? What will happen with Mia's F in algebra? Will Mia ever find a boyfriend who appreciates her for who she is? Read this and all the Princess Diari