Amazon.com

Your 4- to 5-year-old will absolutely delight at how much she or heknows while working with the 300 questions in these Brain Quest decks for preschool children. It's the bunny, of course, that does not live "in a river, swamp, or sea." (That's where the crab and alligator live!) Later,it is not long-lashed Amanda the Panda--the deck's adorable guide figure--"who is eating with chopsticks." (Amanda has a fork. And a light brown bear has a spoon. It's the bunny who has the chopsticks!) Proud of their success in unraveling the answers from these cheerful illustrations, kids will gladly challenge themselves to the harder fare,like finding the rectangle in the picture, or counting the circles on the Olympic flag.

Parents too will enjoy the authors' focus on real-world scenarios andreal-world questions. Woven through these happy academic fundamentals are lessons about getting dressed, colors, body parts, and many other concepts that benefit preschoolers immensely. (Ages 4 to 5) --Jean Lenihan ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Better than I expected
I purchased this as an "impulse" item to ensure there was something educational under the Christmas tree.It turned out that it has been the most used present.My four year old daughter loves it, and we play it every night.She thought she lost it and began to cry hysterically at the thought that she would not be able to play her Brain Quest.We have also used the approach as a springboard to make up our own critical thinking questions for her when we are out.They are also good for all ranges of verbal skills - as many of the answers you can just point to the right answer, or again, use it as a starting point to tell a longer story based on the question or the picture.The only drawback - there's only 300 questions.We need another pre-school pack.

Amanda the Panda is the best
Amanda is the bear that helps the kids through the brain quest books. Fun, easy, great colored questions, and an answer key that is also colored so the kids can see that the answer they picked was right. My 4 year old plays with her baby sister by looking at the pictures and making up a question.

This game never gets old
I have the third/fourth grade and the fifth/sixth grade Brain Quests, I got them seven years ago when my two oldest were in sixth grade and my little one was in kinder. The questions really stretch the brain, but the answers are on the next page. The questions cover six different subjects, and they are all interesting.All of my kids used to take them to school to take out when they had some down time, such as standing in line in the lunchroom, and all the other kids would gather around and play with them. My older two have graduated and the younger one is in seventh, but we still take these out and quiz each other whenever we see them lying around.
The cards are beginning to curl a little around the edges, but that's only after seven years of being used, thrown in backpacks, laying around the dining room table, etc. I always wanted to buy more for my son and grandson, ages 3 and 6, but I forgot where I got the others. Now that I have found them on Amazon I will buy the kinder and preschool cards, and higher grades later. I highly recommend Brainquest, they are very interesting, durable, and educational, and they can be played alone or in a group. And like the ad said, no batteries required. What more could you ask.

I love brain quest pre-school
I love Brain Quest pre-school because it has lots of fun questions.I alwaysbring it with me on long trips.I am in4th grade now and haveBrain Quest 4th grade.

Hours of Fun
My 3-year old and I have looked at these cards many times. She has most of them memorized.That is OK because now she likes to play teacher! ... Read more

Book Description

Kids who are labeled BD (or ED, EBD, or SED) struggle every day—with their peers, teachers, parents, and themselves. It’s no fun to be labeled, and nobody wants to have behavior problems. Often, however, kids who get in trouble a lot don’t know how else to act. This book can help them improve their behavior and their lives.

Modeled after our best-selling SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR KIDS WITH LD, THE BEHAVIOR SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR KIDS guides readers to better understand themselves and the problems their behavior creates. "Dr. Mac" describes what BD is (and isn’t), the types and causes of BD, and special school programs for kids with BD. He suggests many strategies kids can use to handle strong feelings and make positive choices. Stories and quotes from real kids let readers know they’re not alone; Idea! boxes present activities for practicing new ways to behave. Kids learn to believe in themselves, take responsibility for their actions, make smarter choices, and enjoy the results of their better behavior. Includes a glossary and a list of additional resources for kids. An extensive list of resources for parents and teachers is available as a free download from the Free Spirit Web site. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Review from a Youngster
I like the way you can use a compliment or request sandwich. Somtimes I have somthing really important to say or ask somebody, but I just can't get the words out. Compliment or request sandwiches can help me do that. Just one thing though. I like mine with mayo.

I also thought of confession sandwiches. Two compliments with a confession in between, it might make the person who's confessing feel a little better about doing it.

-Patrick, age nine ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Getting through high school and deciding what will come next can be a confusing process for teenagers. Unfortunately, counselors and administrators are often too busy to give students the individual attention they need to get the most out of the experience.The Real High School Handbook empowers students with practical information and real-life stories - about courses, grades, testing, communicating with teachers, and postgraduation options - essential to making informed decisions about their high school careers. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An Excellent Resource!
I bought this book a while ago, because it looked informative and interesting. (Not to mention that I will be starting high school next year!) I started to read it, and was very glad I had bought it. Of course it tells you all that usual stuff about doing what you want, finding out what you like, and stuff like that, but it also has very practical information. It even has other resources and places you can go for help. I really recommend this book. Read this book, it's worth it.

Informative, readable, and full of good advice.
Susan Abel Lieberman has written a book that should be on the shelf of all high-school students and their parents. The Real High School Handbook is filled with solid information and advice, and colorful examples from the lives of students.In an engaging conversational tone, Lieberman challenges her young readers to take responsibility for their own futures-- and on page after page, she shows them specific ways to do that. It's clear that Lieberman has spent a lot of time time with high school students and knows the ins and outs of the high school scene. She has heard it all from--"it's the teachers fault,"--to "I just can't do it." Her answers to students' familiar laments are good humored, and straightforward. She's almost certain to capture the attention of students complaining about teachers, when she writes,"Just as every batter doesn't face an equally good pitcher--or umpire--every student doesn't get an equally good teacher. Whether a teacher is good or not,'fair'or not, the student, like the batter, is the one being graded on what happens." The Real High School Handbook is a terrific bedside-table book. Students will find themselves turning to it again and again--when it's time to make summer plans, calculate GPA's, apply to college or a job.They'll also find it invaluable when they want encouragement and reassurance. The Real High School handbook is a much needed guide to success for all students! ... Read more

Book Description

Here is a follow-up to the ever-popular Lunch Money, with all the clever exuberance and child's-eye view that made the first book an IRA-CBC Children's Choice and reviewers say, "This collection . . . belongs in every classroom." Late to school? Tell the story of all the daring deeds that delayed you. Got a science project? Make your brother disappear. From dreaded oral reports and cranky bandleaders to broken friendships and frantic fund-raisers, these twenty-two poems offer humor, surprise, and a knowing slant on the changing moods of a school day. Paul Meisel illustrates the mischief and mayhem with lively energy. ... Read more

Book Description

This book prepares teachers, students, and parents for this increasingly important test. It is based on California's state standards, which are what the SAT 9 is testing. This book is full of test taking tips and strategies, parent tips,the actual state standards, and lots of practice problems based on the standards. A must for anyone concerned about their child or school's preformance on the SAT 9 ... Read more

Reviews (1)

my 2nd grader acutally liked it
I got this book to help my daughter with her schoolwork. We did a couple of pages, and next thing i knew she kept on going without me. I was very happy that she liked the book and learned a great deal. I recommend it to anyone who has a elementary school child ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Outstanding, stereotype-shattering book!
A matter-of-fact book with lots of photographs about a male pre-school teacher who gets around in a wheelchair. Understated, highly engaging non-fiction. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Good book but did history stop in 1949?
Both of my children have found this book (and others in the series) extremely helpful.The language is clear and concise.The illustrationsand timelines are most helpful.I like the short biographies in eachsection about not well known, yet important people.

I have the"Updated Edition, 1997" book.My one complaint is that thisbook's details and explanations of history stops at 1949. There have beenmany American history moments since then which are acknowledged in anappendix outline. However, many of these events deserve much moreattention, like the history before 1949 gets. Shoot, the 1960's alone are awhole chapter! Maybe in the next edition the publisher could includedetails on the last 50 years.

This Book Was Great!
I am studying for the MSAT and this book was an excellent review for the history section!It is written in simple words and the illustrations were very helpful!I also have the one reviewing world history! =o) ... Read more

Book Description

All the keepsakes of a child's school years store easily insidethis uniquely designedrecord book. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Defective Product
The design and size of the book is very nice. However, if you decide to buy this book, or have already bought the book, then make sure that you count the amount of pockets that are included inside of the book. The back cover of the book claims that there are 13 pockets included for Kindergarten to High School Graduation. The book that I received for my daughter only has 12 pockets. Therefore, it only allows enough pockets for Kindergarten through grade 11. I am very disappointed that I cannot use the book because of this.

Disappointing...inside pages very dull & exposed spiral
I purchased this book for my younger daughter hoping it would be as nice as the one we hae for her sister. I am disappointed. the inside pages are DULL- they are made to look like loose leaf paper, which might have been a neat idea for a page or two, but the whole book is produced like this. It does have a place to put interesting facts, but they are the same for every year- which can be dull if the child maintains the same circle of friends and activities. The spiral is also exposed- which cheapens the look of the book. It seems to be the best I can currently locate as the one I have for my older daughter, now 8 doesnt seem to be available anywhere. Hers is much more attractive- different colors on the pages inside & the entries differ slightly from year to year- it is also spiral bound, but the spiral is covered with the same mate3rial as the front cover- like a photo album so it looks nicer. I couldnt find any others that ranged from k-12 so it seems like the best I can do- but it is very disappointing- her siter's book was the same price and is so so so much nicer!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pocket Full of Memories
This memory book is great. It has two pages for each year and a lot of neat things to fill in. The only downfall is that the cover is yellow and pink. I ordered it for my two sons and I don't think it's appropriate for boys.

This book has a place for everything.
I love the large deep pockets in this book. This is really a great book to hold all of my sons school keepsakes. These ladies did'nt leave anything out. I think this book would make a really good holiday gift.

Wonderful,practical way to store school years memories
Of all the school memory books I have seen this one is the best organized and practical. The 8.5 X 11 inch format and large pockets allow for storage of class and individual pictures, report cards ect. There are sections for the child to report on his/her activities, likes, dislikes and aspirations at each grade level. No more looking through all those boxes and drawers for the third grade class picture or the 8th grade report card. Everything is filed by grade level. ... Read more

Book Description

Growing Up Just Got Easier...

With the help of Angus, the lovable Answer Dog, best-selling author Heidi Murkoff extends a hand to children and parents as they tackle life's first experiences together.

It's hard to believe, but your child's starting preschool. Even if it's just for a couple of hours two or three days a week, it seems such a big step for someone in such little sneakers. Not to worry -- we're here to help prepare both of you for that step. We'll answer your child's questions about what preschool is like, what preschoolers do, who teachers are, and how they help to make preschool such a fun and special place -- so that the first day of preschool will be a day you'll both look forward to.

Have fun!

Heidi and Angus

Reviews (1)

great for my son at 3yrs
My son, who has Autism, likes this book! It helped with preparing him for preschool. (which he started one day after turning 3) It is written like a social story. I did have to adjust the text a little while reading it..his class is all boys and they don't play outside. He really likes the page "What is a teacher" and "will Mommy and Daddy stay with me". It brought up things I did not think to tell him..like he would have a cubby of his own. He still likes to read this book after being in preschool for a couple weeks. ... Read more

Book Description

Making the transition from grade school to middle school can be a very scary experience—but girls don't have to navigate it alone! Here's a book by five savvy and extremely smart girls written when they were in middle school for girls just like them. With straight-from-the-heart advice on everything from dealing with being popular (or not!) and staying true to yourself, to handling more responsibility at home and at school, this is a girl's ultimate guide to surviving and succeeding in middle school on her own terms. Including a forword written by the editor-in-chief of Girls' Life Magazine, this how-towill resonate with readers! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Fantastic Book!
A great book for anyone heading to middle school!It's not only full of terrific advice; it's also an inspiring story in itself (amazingly enough, the five authors wrote it while they were in middle school!).I sure wish I'd had a copy of this book back when I was eleven or twelve years old.

Ann Packer

Excellent - From the Girls Who Experienced It!
This is an exceptional book written for middle school girls by middle school girls.What an accomplishment! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Everything Works!
Everything works! The level of language, the teasing complexities, the discovery of personalities and little plot situations, the balanceof affirmations which also acknowledge life complexities at the 5th grade level--all of it works and is audience appropriate.

I also like the challenge of the forms and the occasional "strategic" placement of a metaphor that a young reader might have to chew in order to figure out.

Naomi is a stroke of brilliance.
In an age of kid-bashing and especially teacher-bashing, this book is such a powerful affirmation. It does not talk down to readers, and I can imagine a good teacher generating a whole sequence of discussions,assignements and projects from it.

Even though aimed at 5th graders, I could (and would love to have the opportunity to) teach a college intro. creative writing class from this book! It is an eloquent demonstration why form matters, and what form can achieve. Without pretentiousness, each poem's achievement affirms that "emoting on paper" and the alleged sacredness of one's first inspiration/ draft (typical student writer assumptions) is all a bunch of bunk.

Whether one is a 5th grader or not, teacher or not, if good poetry is in your diet, this book will nourish and feed you well. ... Read more

Book Description

The book, Etiquette Lessons is a collection of the good manners parents want their children to know. Girls & Boys at the Table & Teens at the Table Part I and II are easy to use instructional programs containing a series of 45 minute classes in table manners, social behavior etiquette and Introduction to Ballroom Dance. These two courses are designed for groups of children and young people ages five through twelve and thirteen through nineteen. Each program includes detailed lesson plans to help educators guide students through lessons such as how to use napkins and eating utensils to how to dress for dinner.Each lesson is presented with a light snack and beverage. Convenient instructions allow you to order Etiquette Achievement Certificates and Student Keepsake Booklets for presentation to program graduates.

In addition to basic table manners, teens learn tips on grooming, how to eat different foods, make introductions, write social correspondence, the art of conversation and Cotillion Dance Floor Etiquette. Each lesson ends with a quiz to help evaluate and insure program effectiveness.

All receive social skills that will last a lifetime.

“Our experience with Mrs. Reilly’s Etiquette Course was magnificent.”—Ms. L., Mrs. N., Mrs. K., a Montessori School

“Wait until you see this program, this is brilliant!”—Mrs. S.D., Publisher

“Ours is the practical and natural approach to etiquette training. Young people study these lessons gaining confidence and skill together. They soon begin to conform to the roles of ladies and gentlemen at the table. We strive to prepare our students to dine capably and independently. We review and reinforce good manners taught at home adding nuances of fine dining etiquette. This system of dining and social behavior creates opportunities for each graduate’s best traits to shine through.”—Teresa Kathryn Grisinger Reilly

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Everything You Need to Know About World History
This book, though it is suggested reading for 4th to 6th graders, was helpful to me.Not only am I an adult, I am in the process of getting certified to teach high school social studies.It provided me the essentials that I must cover for any class (other than at the collegelevel).The page layout is excellent; the variety in print type and coloras well as maps and pictures made it a"fun" reading and learningexperience. I highly recommend it for students, parents and social studiesteachers. ... Read more

Book Description

Smarter. Fresher. Better.

And now with new content, and new packaging.

Announcing the 650,000-copy, $750,000-marketing-budget relaunch of Brain Quest, America’s #1 educational bestseller with over 23.7 million copies in print. Featuring a complete updating of the content and an eye-catching, brainy-retro new look with easy-to-stock-and-shelve packaging, this is a dazzling makeover, inside and out.

For kids, it’s fun unplugged. For parents, it’s the easiest, most trusted way to know if their children are keeping pace. Assisting in the relaunch is an advisory panel of ten of America’s top educators, each of them winners of Teacher of the Year or Milken National Educator Awards. The result: completely revised questions and answers, with up to 20%new material, to bring each deck up to the standards of today’s curricula. The content is the same that kids will find on standardized tests, handled in such a way that it promotes mental flexibility.

The new Brain Quest is rolling out this Spring with a national “Thinking Cap” College Tuition Sweepstakes promo-tion; official spokesperson (Milken award-winning teacher and Brain Quest user Patty McGee); national publicity; and a revamped Web site (www.brainquest.com). Because it’s no tonly OK to Be Smart®—it’s absolutely essential. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A great way for kids to show off what they know
Anyone familiar with the Brain Quest series knows what we have here: grade-specific questions from six different subject areas with which to test your child's knowledge. It is very open-ended: you can keep score, you can play in teams, or you can use the questions as the basis for any game you like.
My sister and I used Brain Quest 3rd Grade to keep our daughters entertained one long weekend. One girl just started 3rd grade and the other just started 4th grade. What we noticed is that many of these questions seemed to be in areas that even the 4th-grader had not covered last year. There were enough questions on the girls' level to keep them from feeling frustrated, but don't be surprised if you find a lot of them go over your kid's head. This is a series, especially in the math area, that gives your child's brain a good workout.

Third Grade Genius Kit in a Box
Every third grade teacher on the planet would have serious lust for the Brain Quest Third Grade set if they knew what it had in it. Lots of classroom time is spent lining up, waiting for the bell, waiting for thebus, waiting for this or that and any teacher armed with a Brainquest packcan put good use to the time and the kids will love it. Kids love to learnand the Brainquest series is built on the assumption that kids want to besmarter, want to know more, want to understand their world better. Littletiny bits of informationon the Brainquest cards (which are anchoredtogether by a sturdy plastic rivet) keep kids headed toward braininess.Instead of buying your third grader's teacher yet another mug or cutelittle apple desk decoration thingie, why not give her a BRAINQUEST? Thispack has over a thousand questions and answers in a reader-friendly format.Don't let boredom drill into YOUR third graders' brains. Buy them aBrainquest and keep one in the car to make the most of travel time.

Wonderful for classroom visits to the library!
I am a children's librarian at a public library.I regularly read stories to visiting classes. Sometimes, I can see that a bright group of kids needs something fast to "warm them up". Asking afew choicequestions from this source (answers are supplied also) always wakes up thegroup and puts them in a receptive mood for the stories. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

LD Students CAN Help Themselves in School
Kids with learning disabilities often feel like failures in school. Their past experiences tell them that they are helpless to find ways to compete and succeed in the classroom. This book gives many practical, helpful suggestions that can turn a student who feels like a loser into a winner! The best thing an LD student can do is become his or her own best advocate. The ideas in this book make that possible. It is easy to read (about a third grade reading level) and organized clearly. Some of the chapters are titled: You CAN Get Organized, You CAN Learn in Different Ways, You CAN Handle Testing, You CAN Get Along with Others, etc. This emphasis on "you CAN" is just what people with learning disabilities need! The authors also include lists of suggestions for becoming a better reader, speller, more organized, etc. If you know someone with a learning disability, do that person and yourself a favor and get this book. Read it together, if possible. Rhoda Cummings and Gary Fisher have written several books about what they call Learning Differences (LD), and this is one of the best! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Little Jessica worries about everything: waking up in time for school,filling her dog's water dish, learning new steps in ballet, doing her spellinghomework (she's not even sure how to spell "worry"--"Wurry"? "Werry"? "Worry"?).But now her teacher, Mr. Martin, has given her something new to fret about: It'sFire Prevention Week, and her class has to present what they're learning to theentire school. "'Oh, no,' moaned Jessica."

Author Margery Cuyler and illustrator Arthur Howard helped Jessica through herlast tight spot in 100th DayWorries, and you can bet they'll see her through again--but not, ofcourse, without a lot of hair-pulling. As the week passes, Jessica learns how tokeep her home and family safe--"Smoke alarms! Sprinklers! Jessica had never seeneither in her house"--and proceeds to pester everyone at the dinner table to geton the ball, planning escape routes and installing smoke detectors. But then Mr.Martin piles on more: rules about space heaters and matches and extension cords("She'd never be able to remember so many things!").

But the real test comes when she has to memorize the biggest rule of them all,what to do if you catch fire--"Catch fire! Jessica had never beenso worried in her life"--which she then has to demonstrate for the entireschool! How can she possibly remember? "Flop, mop, and stroll? Stop, pop, andhole?" Only time will tell for this young worrywart, but readers will have funfinding outwhether her memory fails her--and, of course, learn quite a bitabout fire safety along the way. A fun and useful book, but be warned: if you'rehoping to avoid an obnoxious inquisition at the dinner table, make sure you testyour smoke alarms before you read this with your kid. (Ages 4 to 8) --PaulHughes ... Read more

Book Description

Smarter. Fresher. Better.

And now with new content, and new packaging.

Announcing the 650,000-copy, $750,000-marketing-budget relaunch of Brain Quest, America’s #1 educational bestseller with over 23.7 million copies in print. Featuring a complete updating of the content and an eye-catching, brainy-retro new look with easy-to-stock-and-shelve packaging, this is a dazzling makeover, inside and out.

For kids, it’s fun unplugged. For parents, it’s the easiest, most trusted way to know if their children are keeping pace. Assisting in the relaunch is an advisory panel of ten of America’s top educators, each of them winners of Teacher of the Year or Milken National Educator Awards. The result: completely revised questions and answers, with up to 20%new material, to bring each deck up to the standards of today’s curricula. The content is the same that kids will find on standardized tests, handled in such a way that it promotes mental flexibility.

The new Brain Quest is rolling out this Spring with a national “Thinking Cap” College Tuition Sweepstakes promo-tion; official spokesperson (Milken award-winning teacher and Brain Quest user Patty McGee); national publicity; and a revamped Web site (www.brainquest.com). Because it’s no tonly OK to Be Smart®—it’s absolutely essential. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great for road trips
My son loved the Q&A format of these cards and we exchanged "high fives" every time he got a "genius point."The cards include a good mix of super easy questions to more challenging ones--all targeted for a specific age level. It would be a stretch to call this game "educational" but the back and forth interaction between quizzer and quizzee provides great family fun. This works very well as a game to pass time in the car or on the airplane. ... Read more