Book Description

A toddler's graduation from diapers to the potty is always a veryimportant moment--and one to make parents and toddlers proud! In this book,Hannah needs to have her diaper changed so she can go out and play. Then Mom andDad bring a big box home, and Hannah is anxious to open it up and see what'sinside. Is it a rocking chair? A bed for Teddy? No, it's a potty--which meansit's time for Hannah to graduate from diapers. This gentle and humorous littlestory is charmingly illustrated and told in verse. Little girls will enjoylooking at the pictures and having the story read to them. Meanwhile, they'llstart getting the idea that it's time for them to grow up, exactly like Hannah.So that at last, they'll be able to say: "I'm off to the potty, No more diapersfor me! And I feel great, I am proud of ... ME! Here's a pleasant and effectivenew way to begin a child's toilet training. Barron's also publishes a potty bookfor a little boy, starring Henry. (Ages 1-4) ... Read more

Reviews (27)

My daughter loves it!
This is a fun, easy to understand book for young girls. It is a cute story that covers the basics. It took my daughter about 2 months to warm up to the book, but now we must read it about 3-5 times per day -- usually in the bathroom. I like the fact that the character does not "play" with her potty, like in many of these types of books. The child's name in the book is Hannah, so this was also a plus for us, since that is our daughters name.
That being said, the quality of the binding is not what I expected, we are very careful with our books, yet it is coming apart in the middle.

Corny but effective
I bought this book after returning home from a business trip to learn that my 2 1/2 year old daughter had regressed in her potty training desire! So far, the book is very effective. We read it once a day and she listens actively. We talk about the little protagonist, Hannah, and what she's doing as she learns about the potty. I'm so glad that there are books out there for little kids, because the understanding that my daughter is gaining by reading this book seems to be working. It seems that presenting potty training in an intellectual (as opposed to simply behavioral) manner is helping with our toddler.

success
Before my daughter got into the bathtub every morning, i put her on her little potty and read her this book. At times, we would read it twice -- she loved it! (i replaced Hannah's name with her own). After 2 weeks of patiently reading it and going thru our ritual, the light finally went on and she knew what needed to be done -- pee pee! promptly, we laughed and clapped, just as Hannah does in the book. we had a 20 minute celebration and she kept looking inside the potty proudly. i give full credit to this book for helping my daughter understand the potty concept more easily. yay!

A Good Introduction
Hannah can eat her breakfast, brush her teeth, and even dress all by herself. Her biggest hurdle? The potty! As with most potty training experiences (mine included), Hannah and her parents need plenty of patience...and paper towels!

Reality check. I had two minor issues with the book: Hannah easily removes her diaper. My girls struggled to get theirs off (at least at first). And Hannah seems to graduate instantly from diapers to underwear after only one successful potty. In my house that meant instant mess!

Otherwise, readers will chuckle over Alyssa Capucilli's delightful rhyme, rapped by Hannah herself, and Dorothy Stott's hilarious antics of Hannah's potty partner Teddy the bear.

We have read almost every potty book available on the market as of 9/2003 (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.

I think The Potty Book for Girls fits more in the INSTRUCTIONAL category for the following reasons:

1) It identifies the purpose of the potty.
2) It specifies bodily functions such as "poop" and "pee."
3) Shows the transition from diapers to big kid underwear.
4) Includes the hand washing step.

For other potty books that are instructional, check out What to Expect When You Use the Potty by Heidi Murkoff, You Can Go to the Potty by Martha Sears, or My Big Girl Potty by Joanna Cole.

My daughter loves this book.
My daughter is 22 months old and is interested in potty training. This is her new favorite book. What I like about it is that it is clean... no pictures of anatomy like in Once upon a Potty. That's a little much for a toddler in my opinion. What is great about the book is that it lets children know that potty accidents are OK and that they should just keep trying! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

School Book
I use this book in school and it makes math really easy to learn! If you are looking for a book with algebra and geometey questions, this is the book for you. With thousands of questions, their answers, and explanations, this book will help you learn good math skills. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Although this book was around when many of today's parents wereyoungsters, it has remained a steadfast must-have in every toddler's library. For starters, it's a great vocabulary guide that names the many things that go (and some that haven't a prayer of going, but are great fun to imagine anyway). It's also teeming with detail-rich scenes and characters on every page, teaching children the rewards of looking long and closely (such as finding the hidden "Goldbug" in each spread). Along the way it entertains with the silly and slapstick--everything from toothpaste and toothbrush cars to six fire department vehicles that show up to extinguish a ladybug-size fire in a miniature pink convertible. What's most amazing about this book, however, is its longevity. When you purchase it for your fledgling talker, you should consider it an investment. Even 11-, 12-, and 13-year-olds are known to pore over the book nostalgically, cooing at Lowly Worm and eagerly tracking Officer Flossie's book-long chase after that irresponsible, speedster driver in a cowboy hat. (Ages 2 and older) --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (55)

I agree - thank you Richard Scarry!
I started reading this book with my son when he first learned to talk a few years ago. He's not tired of it yet (and neither am I). There are so many fun illustrations (I especially like the "pickle car"), and so much going on that this book can be read again and again. Now that my son is familiar with all of the vehicles, and able to point them out when we go driving in our car (although we have yet to see a pickle car in our area) we have fun not just reading the story, but looking for the tiny "Goldbug" on every page.

My 2.5 year old son's FAVORITE book
We were given this book when my son was born; he has always enjoyed the colorful and imaginative pictures, and has been finding Goldbug on each page since he was about 18 months. However, his early love for this book pales in comparison to his obsession with it now -- it's the only book he wants to hear at story time, day after day ... Luckily for Mom and Dad, it's also whimsical enough that we enjoy it, too, day after day.

My Son's FAVORITE Book
I have just purchased my SECOND copy of this book. My 22 month son loves it so much that it has been through the ringer in the past months, with his favorite pages ripped out because of over use! I had it when I was little, and it brings back great memories. But, I never expected the reaction that he would have to this book! It is perfect for any who loves PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES!! If only there was a board version!

Great Book for Generate Interest in Reading/Focus of Toddler
This was the first book my son received in 1992. I started reading it to him before he was 1 years old. He loved to sit quietly and look at the book. He continued to look for Goldbug until he was in kindergarten. Great book for spending quality time with your child and get the added bonus of an educational foundation for reading.

A tradition continues
This book was a favorite of our youngest son, age 31. Now our well loved copy is a great hit with the grandchildren. I have to buy three new copies. In this day of DVD, VCR it is a thrill to have children so engrossed looking for Gold Bug. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Dr. Seuss gets serious, you know it must be important. Published in 1971, and perhaps inspired by the "save our planet" mindset of the 1960s, The Lorax is an ecological warning that still rings true today amidst the dangers of clear-cutting, pollution, and disregard for the earth's environment. In The Lorax, we find what we've come to expect from the illustrious doctor: brilliantly whimsical rhymes, delightfully original creatures, and weirdly undulating illustrations. But here there is also something more--a powerful message that Seuss implores both adults and children to heed.

The now remorseful Once-ler--our faceless, bodiless narrator--tells the story himself. Long ago this enterprising villain chances upon a place filled with wondrous Truffula Trees, Swomee-Swans, Brown Bar-ba- loots, and Humming-Fishes. Bewitched by the beauty of the Truffula Tree tufts, he greedily chops them down to produce and mass-market Thneeds. ("It's a shirt. It's a sock. It's a glove. It's a hat.") As the trees swiftly disappear and the denizens leave for greener pastures, the fuzzy yellow Lorax (who speaks for the trees "for the trees have no tongues") repeatedly warns the Once-ler, but his words of wisdom are for naught. Finally the Lorax extricates himself from the scorched earth (by the seat of his own furry pants), leaving only a rock engraved "UNLESS." Thus, with his own colorful version of a compelling morality play, Dr. Seuss teaches readers not to fool with Mother Nature. But as you might expect from Seuss, all hope is not lost--the Once-ler has saved a single Truffula Tree seed! Our fate now rests in the hands of a caring child, who becomes our last chance for a clean, green future. (Ages 4 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (58)

The Lorax - Still Powerful After 30 Years
Children used to Dr. Seuss' lighthearted, whimsical stories filled with wacky names and places will undoubtedly perceive a vast difference with "The Lorax". It still contains the wacky names, places, and rhymes, so characteristic of Seuss, but with one blatant overtone. This story goes all out to show the devestating consequences of human greed, and what can happen to the environment when humans misuse and take advantage of nature and natural resources.

The story begins when a boy comes to the home of a peculair creature called Once-ler. The boy wants to know about something called the Lorax; "what it was", and "why it was there". After paying the Once-ler a small fee, he narrates the story for the boy. The pictures incorperated into the story are also poignant; for, as we see in the beginning, the small town in which the Once-ler lives is very grey and barren.

However, as the Once-ler begins his story, the pictures become brighter, more cheerful, and colorful, as we see how the town once looked, long, long ago. There were animals, birds, green grass ... and trees!

The Once-ler says, "I came to this glorious place. And I first saw the trees. The Truffula trees". Transfixed by these trees, the Once-ler cuts one down to make a "Thneed". Now, a Thneed is supposed to be a useful thing, which people can find many uses for. Shortly after the first tree is cut down, the Lorax appears. He explains that he talks on behalf of the trees, because the trees cannot talk for themselves. "They have no tongues".

The Lorax is very upset at what the Once-ler has done. But the Once-ler ignores him, and continues to cut down the trees to make Thneeds, until all the trees have been cut down. This action, of cutting down the trees, building a factory to make the thneeds, and releasing waste residue into the water is greatly illustrated in the pictures, showing the cause and effect of polluting the environment.

Eventually the pictures return to the grey, morbid colors we see in the beginning. The Lorax has had to make all the birds, animals and fish leave the town before they die of hunger and starvation, and before they choke to death on all the smog generated by the Once-ler's factory.

As we can clearly see in "The Lorax", Dr. Seuss is making a very defined political statement about how humans have manipulated and destroyed our natural surroundings for their own personal greed. "The Lorax" was written in 1971, in the hayday of environmental activism, and one year after the first Earth Day.

Still, Dr. Suess does not make this story into a gloomy one. He gives us hope. The Once-ler tosses down a seed to the boy; the one last remaining Truffula seed. With this one seed, Dr. Seuss tells us the possiblities are endless, and hope is not lost.

A Serious Message in Classic Suess Style
I grew up on Dr. Suess books(I even learned to read with one), and I think he is one of the greatest children's authors ever. His hypnotic phrasing and wonderful illustrations are enough to delight children and adults as well (my brothers and I still enjoy looking through our old Suess favorites). In my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to go with two other classmates to a local elementary school on a weekly basis to teach basic lessons on honesty, friendship, etc. When we taught our lesson on the environment, I brought "The Lorax" to read to the class. To my surprise, when I asked who in the class had read the story, only three out of the 28 students had. Many looked skeptical, thinking it was a little kid's book, but once I started reading, the entire class was mesmerized. After I was finished with the story, we had the most lively question-and-answer session that we had ever had-the story really hit home with the kids and brought our planet'! s ecological crisis into terms that they could understand. Afterward, many of the children asked where they could get a copy of "The Lorax". Thank you to Dr. Suess for a masterpiece of children's literature!

Inspiring for a lifetime
When I was in elementary school in the mid-1970s, probably around the age of 7 or 8, all the students in the school were assembled and shown the film of the Lorax. The film was very similar to the film of The Grinch that was made at about the same time and is now a video classic - - wonderful animation and great word-for-word narrative reading of the text. I had been unaware of the book before that. I remember very clearly being very moved and inspired by the tale, and I can trace part of my development as an environmentalist to it. I now work in environmental outreach/education, and every once in a while I get out the book of The Lorax and get re-inspired, especially by the line "UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." I still find the book very relevant to today. It's not extremist in any way. Even its depiction of the Once-ler is not as an evil man, but someone very recognizable. He doesn't mean harm, but "Business is business, and business must grow." Sound familiar? He doesn't recognize the damage he's causing, or understand just how painful and permanent it will be, until too late. This book reminds all of us to not take our beautiful world for granted, but to take responsibility for it.

One of the best Seuss books there is!
This story about being a steward for our world and environment is a job for parents and kids alike. My two year old has is memorized (as I do) but we never tire of reading it.

The Lorax
My children love this book. By the time my son was two, I had read it to him so many times that he had memorized it! He, as well as my daughter, just love this story. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Good, but...
This book is a great way to give kids sex education. It covers all subjects clearly and in an interesting fashion. However, I disagree with the age range it is recommended for. It is recommended for ages 8-10, and, while most of the material is appropriate for this age group, some is not. Children should receive sex education in stages. A child who takes the book and begins to read will learn about body changes and babies being born, but many in the age 8-10 age group are not ready to learn about intercourse. I know this because I have a 7 year old and a 10 year old. My 10 year old read the book "Growing Up, It's a Girl Thing" and was quite thrown by some of the information on periods and body changes. But all of that information was perfect for the stage she's at -- it was the information she needed, but nothing that would worry or overwhelm her. (It is the book I'd recommend for the first step in a girl's sex education.) My daughter is very well read, but not ready for "It's So Amazing." I will hold on to the book until she is.

This book is So Amazing!
Every parent should have this book available for their children when they start asking those delicate questions. It's So Amazing! cover topics from maturation, to reproduction, homosexuality, and sexually transmitted disease in a non-judgemental, factual way. The bird and the bee that are part of the learning audience help children to feel comfortable with their own reactions to the material covered; the bird is excited and anxious to learn more, whereas the bee is apprehensive and not quite comfortable with it all. The illustrations are humorous, helping to lighten such serious topics but without detracting from the importance of it all.

All topics may not be appropriate for most 7 year olds. However, chapters are arranged to start from the most basic topics and progresses to topics that are more sensitive. If the book is read with parent and child together, new chapters can be introduced as the child is ready to learn and understand more. It is also an excellent choice for a child to read alone.

After the experience of learning sex education from the dry, clinical books available that traumitized me when I was growing up, I am very pleased to know that my son's experience will be so very different from my own!

FAR more than what I expected!!!
First off you need to know this is a large book. It's huge. The picture does not at all convey how huge this book really is. It's about two times the size of a normal size book. I really don't think the description is adequate. I expected this to be a basic story book. It is far more than that. This is a very scientific book. It is a lot like the book "A Child is Born" only geared for kids. By this I don't mean watered down or talking down to kids. It is perfect. In fact I would venture to say you could actually use this as your primary educational tool when teaching your kids about sex for the first time. I originally got a book that was advertised as being the best book to read to your kids when telling them about sex. Actually I think this is 1000 times better b/c it has pictures, it tells it graphically but in cartoon style. It is FAR less traumatic for those parents who don't feel comfortable broaching this subject. I will be using this as my primary book from now on. I am fully impressed. It is really underrated if you ask me.

Recommended for 9 year olds and older
This is a very comprehensive book about everything your child will need to now about childbirth and childbearing till about mid teens (including such issues as multiples, IVF). The reason I recommend this book for 9 year olds and older is because of the complexity(read confusion) of some of the egg-sperm pictures and even more important the book introduces the concept of intercourse. One of the pictures featured has a couple kissing under the blanket, the term sexual intercourse is introduced in the book.
It also has the introduction to the sexual maturity. Having a 6 and 3 year olds and expecting an addition now, I was looking for a simpler book to introduce/ answer questions about childbirth that would be appropriate for my older kid and did not find this book fitting the purpose.

The best book about sex education for kids
We first learned of this book from the library. It is so wonderful that I had to purchase it. My son and his fifth grade class are just beginning the sex education curriculum. I wanted him to be fully aware of what he was going to be learning before they began this study. I was amazed at how ready he was to learn. I didn't think he was this ready to hear all of this. Boy, was I wrong. It explains things in a way that is non-threatening to the child. It is a completely animated story. It explains the plumbing differences between the sexes. It even explains what the different meanings of the word sex. It also shows examples of different kinds of love you can have for people and things like stuffed animals. This book is very detailed on where babies come from and how they are really made. The book also has a light side to it. The bird character wants to learn more about it all and his friend the bee doesn't want to hear any of it. I think that is exactly how a lot of children are when it comes to this subject. It explains that some of the things in the book might seem wierd or gross to the child right now and that it's okay to feel that way right now. So when my son does have questions after class, we can talk about it and look at it together (in private) with this book. I can't say enough great things about this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Hanging Low, Keeping Cool," "A Hairy Question," "Feeling Private/Feeling Guilty," "You Don't See Any Blind, Crazy Morons Around Here, Do Ya?"

Can you guess what all these chapter titles are about? Give you a hint:everything you ever wanted to know about (but were afraid to ask)... You got it,boys and puberty! Author Lynda Madaras and her daughter Area Madaras haveexpanded and updated their sensitive, detailed, often witty guide for boys onthe cusp of adolescence. To help boys realize they are not alone in theirconcerns about masturbation, body hair, growth spurts (or lack thereof), femalepuberty, voice changes, perspiration, shaving, and sexuality, this classic guideis written in a down-to-earth, nonjudgmental style and filled with answers tothe many questions boys have as their bodies begin the transformation intoadulthood. As a result of thousands of reader letters over the years, as well asthe ever growing body of information about puberty in boys, the third editionhas been revised to include more detailed discussion of penis size (the authorsget more questions about penis size than all other topics combined), updatedinformation on acne treatment, expanded sections on eating right, exercise,steroid abuse, and weight training, and important facts about STDs, AIDS, andbirth control. Filled with anecdotes, illustrations, and diagrams, the guide isdesigned with the understanding that some boys and parents will want to read ittogether, while others will want to pore over it on their own. Either way, thisresource will prove to be incredibly useful for boys and their parents overthese strange, exciting years. The companion volume for girls, What's Happening to My Body? Book forGirls is a must-read as well. (Ages 8 to 15) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Not for preteens
I bought the third edition of this book hoping it would be something my ten year old son could refer to if he has questions he is embarassed to talk about. The book is very factual without being overly clinical, but some of the topics discussed at lenght are more suited for older teens. The exhaustive list of slang names for male and female body parts really isn't necessary -- adolescent boys seem to do well in that department all by themselves! I also feel that the chapter "Girls and Puberty" has far more detail than a pre-teen boy needs or can handle. The book would be much better if it were presented in a loose-leaf format so I could give my son the sections he is able to handle at his age. I also wonder why the author has removed chapters on the important topics of birth control and STD's, which she says were in her previous edition. The book will certainly help me in my talks with my son, but I'm still looking for the right book for him to read on his own.

What;s Happening to My Body? Book for Boys: A growing up Gui
I initially borrowed an earlier edition of this book to read, as my son is 11 years old. My husband is very uncomfortable in discussing puberty with his son, and even with me. He was a very late bloomer and therefore, not a great resource on when things may occur or start to occur in my son. I read the book and then sat down one night with my son. As we sat on the couch, I read the book to him, as he looked on. We laughed some, we talked some, we giggled some, we learned a lot. His father came in during our conversation and sat down. Dad then was able to become part of a discussion that had already started and did not have to bring up himself. This worked great for our
family. I found humor, so did my son. It did have a lot of slang terms, but every child may not know exactly what they mean, and this way, my son now does and can be better educated in the slang and in the correct names. Too graphic? I do not thinks so, there were certainly some chapters we did not address
at this time, as they are more appropriate for another (older) time. The book is around the house so he can read it as he wants, there is nothing in the book that I do not want him to know. Very educational for me as well as I grew up in a family of females and therefore had no idea at what ages certain things happened to boys. My son then was able to talk to me about some of the changes that were happening to him. He then had other questions? I was able to discuss these questions with him intelligently and comfortable in my facts. He was very nervous about going through puberty, now he is not. I believe this a book for the family, not just to be handed to the child. Every child has questions that need to be answered, this book has most of the answers. I found it nonjudgemental. It did not discuss abstenance in its chapter on birth control, I wish it had, but the book will help us as a family discuss the topic of birth control and we can add in our moral values as we teach, learn and discuss.

My 10 yr old REALLY thought this book was GOOD!
He said it explained a lot about some things he just didn't feel like asking me or his father about. I am glad I got it for him. He feels much more comfortable with his pre-teen body now.

Parents; yes- Teenage boys; no way.
I was looking for a book for my stepson, (he's almost 12) and noticed that this book received a lot of positive reviews- so thought I'd try it. I just wanted a book that my wife and I could read first; turn him loose with it on his own, then talk with him afterwards about what he thought of it. Unfortunately, we won't be giving it to him, and here's why:
This book doesn't really relate to 8 to 15 yr old boys- on their own level. The words are way too big, and the book's approach is way too clinical. I remember being a teenagage boy, and I think it's safe to say that if you try to work words like "bulbourethral glands" or "pre-ejaculatory fluid" into the conversation- you lose 'em REAL fast. No kid would EVER sit around reading it! Then about every 10th page, you'd find a crude drawing of everything from simply naked boys; to cross-sections of penises, breasts, and vaginas. It ranged from clinical to slightly creepy, and just put yourself in the shoes of a teenage boy: you may want to know what it feels like to touch a female breast, but cross-sections of milk ducts can be a little scary to think about. And really- who actually needs an arrow pointing to a "nipple", in order to know what (or where) it is? "Oh THAT's a nipple! How illuminating! Can't WAIT to get my hands on that uterine lining"!:-) Which brings me to my main complaint about the book: We searched cover to cover, but found NO sense of humor in the approach- and I believe that if you want to help teenage boys to be comfortable about the topic of sexuality - you need that. Let's just say that if you want to give your teenage boy a book that he'll actually read, enjoy,and benefit from - Keep looking.

Hated it!
I bought this book for my 14-year-old nephew. When the book arrived I scanned it and found it had a lot of sexuality information that I disagreed with. I thought this book was going to be straight health & science...this is what happens to your body as it matures, this is what you can expect. Instead, I found it had opinions on sexual orientation,... etc. Abstinence wasn't given equal time. I thought the title of this book misrepresented its content. This book just wasn't for our family. I returned it for a refund. ... Read more

Book Description

A caterpillar comes to school in a jar. The class watches the caterpillar each day as it grows and changes. Soon, it disappears into a hard shell called a chrysalis. Then the chrysalis breaks, and a beautiful butterfly flies out of the jar! This is a perfect beginner's guide to the mystery of metamorphosis.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 1997 (NSTA/CBC) ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The Perfect Butterfly Book for Preschool-Third Grade
I am the director of a lower school (pre-k-2nd) and we have used this book for years. It is the perfect way to introduce children to the wonderful world of metamorphosis. And if you can also actually get the Painted Lady Butterflies and "grow" them in your class, it is an invaluable experience. We have our children keep journals and then buy them each a copy of this great book (it's cheap in paperback) and they get to keep the experience forever. One correction to another review: painted ladies and all butterflies do spin chrysalids, not cocoons. They look similar, but the chrysalis usually has little specks of gold in it, which is where the name comes from. Yes I am a huge fan of this book--and a huge fan of butterflies. This author also has a lovely book about honeybees, called Honeybees.

THE Book to accompany Butterfly Houses, Pavillions
We got this book in addition to a home "Butterfly Pavillion" by InsectLore. It prepared my son and us for what to expect as the Painted Lady Butterflies were developing through each stage. So even during the lulls in the action, we could spark some anticipation. Which heightened the whole process for my 5 year old.
We also found out this book is used at his kindergarten for their butterfly learning.
This is the first Let's-Read-And-Find-Out book we've bought and were impressed enough to want to get the other books in the series.

lovely story, but...
The only complaint I have about this book is that the caterpillar disappears into a chrysalis -- not a cocooon. The last Painted Lady butterflies we had (a watch-your-caterpillar-change-into-a-butterfly kit) all spun cocoons - no chrysalis!

A peek inside a mystery
This book is the perfect accompaniment to spring! Even if you can't bring a caterpillar into your classroom, you can still share the magic and mystery of their turning into butterflies with this wonderful book. The tone is so kid-friendly, kids will be learning without even realizing it. A great resource!

I share it with all of my classes!
This book is perfect for 3rd grade and under. I normally use it as a read-aloud, although this would be just fine for them on their own. Great book! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Its a text book
my public school system uses this book for their algebra classes its supose to be used with a teater there is also a book that has problem solutions

I'd rather be taught by a good teacher
Okay, I don't really know what to say about this book. But I try to teach myself how to do some problems out of the book and sometimes it's plain confusing. In the examples they give you steps but they don't really explain why you do the steps. They basically give you answers and it's not really a good book to learn from. A good teacher who knows how to teach would be good to add on with the book....

Annoying Book
This book has a fairly annoying layout which refers back to information not previously mentioned. The examples are also fairly overly complex, there are much simpler ways to solving the problems. Regardless, it was a required book.

It's okay...but a good math teacher's better
I'm an 8th grade Algebra-I student, and this book is not the best, as I can find much better explanations on how to solve the problems elsewhere (like on the internet), but it's the only book I can use. It has somewhat detailed descriptions and is very good. It has odd numbered answers for self-help and answer checking, and does a very good job of teaching the subject.

a view from a student learning algebra for the first time
This book takes you by the hand step by step. It eases you into algebra without you suspecting. Selected answers and self tests help you asses your learning. The book is also interesting with colorful pictures and real to life equations. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Gardening!
I like that book on Mrs. Spitzer's Garden and I gave it to my grade 5 teacher from 1999 & 2000 named Mrs. Laureen Murphy for her husband for christmas!

I like gardening and this book.

Mrs. Spitzer's Garden-a hit at our house!
Cute, cute, cute. This is a darling book with delightful illustrations. The flowers have faces, which fascinate our 2 year old. She just loves it. It's colorful and cheerful and a real delight to read. It's one of the first ones she chooses to read before bedtime. A great book for toddlers and parents too!

Teachers, you must start the year with this book!
What a joy to read! The illustrations are beautiful and add details to the reading. It's summertime and the principal gives Mrs. Spitzer some seeds to plant in her garden. She does all the right things and up come the sprouts. Plants and children--a wonderful analogy of what goes on in a classroom during the year. Teachers, you can't miss making the text-to-self connections. Kids love to hear this book too. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

A nose for digging? Ears for seeing? Eyes that squirt blood? Explore the many amazing things animals can do with their ears, eyes, mouths, noses, feet, and tails in this beautifully illustrated interactive guessing book bySteve Jenkins and Robin Page. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Got a whale of a tale to tell you friends
"What Do you Do With a Tail Like This" has the dubious honor of being the only Caldecott Honor Book from 2004 that was a serious contender in the first place. Informative, lively, and easy on the eye, authors Steve Jenkins and Robin Page have created quite a nice little piece of work. For those kids interested in the wide variety of animals, this book is a humdinger. Using a unique series of collage animals, each individual creature has been painstakingly cut from beautiful handmade papers. Sometimes these creatures are done exceptionally well. The skunk resting on its front legs has a furry white stripe made from what looks to be carefully teased paper fibers. Some creatures could have used a little more work. The blood that gushes from the horned lizard's eyes looks like nothing so much as a red/orange Rorschach test. Each section shows a section of the creatures to be discussed with such leading questions as, "What do you do with eyes like these?" or "What do you do with a tail like this?". The next spread shows each animal doing its thing with interesting facts and information. For those kids who'd like to learn a little more about a particular animal, the authors have included in-depth facts at the back of the book.

It's a beautiful book. One suspects that Page & Jenkins may have even gone so far as to hand dye the papers themselves to get just the right shades. How else could they have found a blue that matches so well the blue footed booby's webbed toes or the scarlet pink of a scorpion? Perhaps most impressive in some ways are the different methods employed to fool the reader into believing they're looking at fur, when in fact the page is full of paper layered on paper. There are flaws. Oddly, every animal in this book gets a short synopsis of its abilities, with the exception of one. I don't know what the egg-eating snake did to insult the publisher, but for some reason it does not have a catchy answer to "What do you do with a mouth like this?". There are some factoids about the snake at the end of the book, but such a huge typo is bizarre, and keeps me from granting it the five Amazon.com stars it so richly deserves.

To my mind, "What Do You Do With a Tail Like This" is the most technically complex 2004 Caldecott Honor book to win the award in quite some time. Regardless of how emotionally attached you grow to the book, you cannot help but enjoy looking at the complex and well rendered animals that appear in every shape and form in these pages. This is a book that was well loved during its creation. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The Best!
I used this book for a semester geometry course (covering Chapters 1 through 13), and it was marvelous! Besides the fact that there are no typographical errors, the book flows logically from one chapter to the next. In addition, its early introduction of proofs guarantees a successful continuation and comprehension of the essence of geometry. Moreover, the lettered exercises at the end of each section go from easy to difficult--allowing for a gradual increase in skill. Finally, the logic appendix at the end is a great introduction to proofs and to the mathematical field of logic.

Easy to use and covers material well.
I have used other Geometry books that seem to give over 1/3 of the book for basic elementary geometry and didn't even introduce proofs until almost 2/3 the way through the book! This book almost immediately starts out with some great information about Postulates, and lets the student slowly be introduced to the concept of "proofs" without throwing it on them near the end of the year. Numbered angles are usually written in red, which helps it stick out from the lines/segments/triangles and helps visual learners and others quickly identify parts of the diagram. Short Biographical notes tell of people that use geometry in the 'real world', short paragraphs include information about places that geometry are useful from house building to satelites in space. This is a VERY good geometry text and it comes HIGHLY recommended.

Not a great geometry book.
This book fails to teach geometry properly. Sure it lists the theorems and sometimes examples of them. This book doesn't provide enough examples of problems and a better explanation of the topics in order to help the student.
Once in awhile an example will come up, but they only help for a problem or two. You're basically stuck trying to figure out a problem. It doesn't even explain how to work on proofs! You're left figuring them out on your own and wondering if you did them right.

I believe the other reviewers for the book are either the publisher and authors who want to sell the book. Also instructors who like this book because they have all the answers to them, so they think they know how to do the problems. I'm sure they would be stuck without their solutions manual!

There are far better geometry books out there, so teach with those and NOT this one!

A must have in every household
This is probably one of the best mathematical books that I have read thus far. This book must be read by every pre-college student who seeks the heavenly path to Mathland and Logicland or Philosophy. It was genuinely interesting to read and work the exercises that range from simple to very challenging. The chapters are broken to small units which make things very easy to comprehend, and provide innate feeling that you are making a lot of progress, all the time. What a wonderful feeling when you are doing math. The book contains a lot of background that will prepare you well for future studies of Math, Logic, and Proofs beyond Geometry. The real life examples are interesting. And last, but not least there is no danger that you will need a foot surgery if the book will fall on your feet, the book had more than 600 pages, but somehow the publisher kept it small and light weight. I wish I had access to this book in High-Scholl.

I really like this book.
This is an excellent resource for a traditional geometry course. I especially love the challenging problems at the end of each lesson. The homework problems have a wide range of difficulty that can accommodate the most advanced honors student, but it can also be used in a regular level class. No errors or typos in this book. Does not integrate technology, but I use GeoSketch Pad assignments to supplement in this area. I have taught with this text for four years and love it. ... Read more

Book Description

This rockin', rhythmic railroad adventure celebrates the uniqueness of America and the beboppin', doo-woppin' sound of jazz, from jammin' New York City all the way to New Orleans. With bold, powerful art by the "New York Times" best-selling team of Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, H. L. Panahi's text comes alive with a pulse and beat all its own.

Reviews (3)

[NO GOOD!]
This book is no good, my students never bring it to class and never crack it open, yet they still manage to recieve mostly A's and B's. Paying somewhat attention in class could help you just as much if not more than reading this nuisance of a book!!!
If it wasn't for the superindendant of our school district this book would have found itself in the dumpster,(...)

Biology Sucks
I'm sorry poor biology teachers but never buy this book or any biology book ever. Biology sucks and should never be taught. So why dont you just quit and think about how your life went wrong. You werent thinking when you decided to become a teacher. That was a big mistake. Hahahaha I laugh at you. You make jack for a paycheck

It [stunk]
If you're a teacher wanting to buy this book, DON'T! It is so heavy, I would find any way I could not to have to shove the stupid thing in my backback. It does not explain things well,and it made freshman year accel. biology MISERABLE! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A middle schoolers piont of veiw
I have to say I haven't completely read this book, but I stumbled across it while doing some research at my school library. Personally, I think it's great that this book is so open...sex shouldn't be hidden away in the closet. In this day and age, it's important to talk about sex, and books like this are helpful. Many kids my age have sexual encounters, but still don't know all the basics. I live in an international community, and some parents leave their children in the dark. Further more, no matter how well a parent educates their child, there are ALWAYS questions, trust me. It's good for anyone, to be able to get answers, because talking about sex with your parents is very rarely comfortable. However, a lot of the illustrations in this book disturbed me. I know at my age it's not nessary to be embarresed, but some of the pictures were...too detailed...too graphic. It's great to be open about sex and love....just make sure it doesn't go too far.

It's Perfectly Normal
Kids talk about sex A LOT. The problem is they often pass on incorrect information. This book is perfect to make sure that what they learn is correct, accurate and healthy. I read 1/3 of this book to my 9-year-old daughter and despite the late hour, she was mesmerized. The pictures are explicit, but is necessary so that children make no mistake about what is being discussed. It also has funny cartoons that address people's attitudes about sex, and which a kid can relate to. I like the part where it covers the various definitions of sex: gender, desire, reproduction, intercourse and homosexuality. Kids really do get warped concepts of sex and this book covers all the ways people talk about it (silly jokes) and their attitudes about it. The book also covers anatomy, puberty, families and babies, birth control, and staying healthy. It's well organized, well-written and concise. I recommend every parent who hears the word sex uttered from their child's lips, read this book to him/her. Even teenagers can benefit from this information.

WARNING! This book needs supervision
Although this book is informative I do not believe it was meant for the shelves of a school library! Parents or guardians should go over this book with their children/young adults. The drawings are very graphic and do not belong in the hands of the inexperienced without supervision. Our Jr. High School currently has this book on it's shelves because of the high reviews and the "kids" check it out to pass around with their friends. It isn't being read but the pictures get a great deal of exposure. Please check with your school library for this book on it's shelves.

Very shocked
While I agree that the things discussed in this book are important to teach your children I strongly disagree with the graphic nature of the illustrations and some of the content in this book. I have also read that some organizations like Planned Parenthood are pushing this book to be placed in grade school libraries. If this is true I as a parent of a pre-school daughter am OUTRAGED that our public schools are allowing this. I don't believe this is appropriate material for children that young. This is borderline pornography. I also believe parents should be the one to share this information with their children not some teacher with a slanted bias toward some of the content in the book, ie..homosexuality, abortion, how to use a condom, etc. Parents should go to their schools and see if this is happening and voice their opinions.

Not for preteens...
I personally do not think that I would use this book at all for any age child or teen, but I am very concerned that its "recommended" age range is 9-12. I wouldn't want my 9-year-old child seeing drawings of naked men and women, learning how to put on a condom, and reading about how scientists are "working hard" to make the abortion pill available to the general public. This book treats abortion very lightly, making it appear to be something not serious that people do casually, not the life-altering and painful decision that it is. If you really want to use this book at all, I would wait at least until your children enter high school. ... Read more

Book Description

Everybody needs a rock -- at least that's the way this particular rock hound feels about it in presenting her own highly individualistic rules for finding just the right rock for you. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

You will never look at rocks the same way.
After reading this book to my fifth grade students they all find their our favorite rock and value it among their most prized possesions. The reverence and care that they shower upon their rock is unbelievable. Only Byrd Baylor could inspire that kind of compassion through such simple prose.

a gem of a book
I am a senior who volunteers in a local elementary school helping the science teacher one morning a week with whatever she needs. (I also volunteer in the main branch of our county library.) In anticipation of a unit on rocks, she handed me a book list and asked me to check out as many as I could find. "Everybody Needs a Rock" touched me so much, I told her I was going to buy one for each of my 2 grandchildren. She said, if I was ordering, she wanted a copy also to permanently keep in her classroom. Today I ordered 3 copies and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if she ended up ordering ANOTHER one for HER grandchild! It's just a beautiful, simple, charming book with lovely illustrations. There's nothing more to say. See it for yourself.

enjoyable lesson and artwork
Under the guise of giving ten rules for choosing one's "special rock", the author advises kids (and adults who read to them), to connect with nature and to act with deliberation. The line drawings are muted in color yet evocative and filled with imagination, and will be of interest to kids who have seen only traditional artwork.

Everybody Needs This Book
I bought this book for myself at Rocks and Stuff in Chelan, Washington. We visit this store on our annual vacations and are always awed and fascinatated by what we find there.

This book is a gem, telling us the importance of rocks, all the things they can be for us. More importantly than that, it tells us about our sense of self and our place in the bigger world. All that in a kid's book.

This book will be part of a gift, along with some cool rocks, for my niece, who picks up rocks wherever she goes.

Everybody Needs a Rock
This book has a very special meaning. When I look as this book it tells me that making a decision of any kind big of small takes time. It takes thought and concentration. As you are to pick a rock you have to look at it from al sides, just like you would have to in any decision you would make.
Decisions even as small as picking out a rock are important. Maybe you could apply these 10 rules that are read in the book and use them to solve everyday dilemmas or situations.
I think this book also tells us that the materialistic thing in life are no always what you need. Sometimes it takes just a rock to be your best friend. I would highly recommend this book to children who just think that toys or material possessions are what they need. There is a beautiful would of nature out there, and if you use your imagination even a rock can be your friend. ~ Kellie~ ... Read more

Book Description

It's hard to be five.
Just yelled at my brother.
My mind says do one thing.
My mouth says another.

It's fun to be five!
Big changes are here!
My body's my car,
and I'm licensed to steer.

Learning not to hit? Having to wait your turn? Sitting still? It's definitely hard to be five. But Jamie Lee Curtis's encouraging text and Laura Cornell's playful illustrations make the struggles of self-control a little bit easier and a lot more fun!

This is the sixth inspired book from the #1 New York Times best-selling team of Today I Feel Silly: & Other Moods That Make My Day and I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self Esteem.

Amazon.com

Despite their glaring absence from history books, women have beenresponsible for countless remarkable discoveries, from the X and Y chromosomesto a 3.5 million-year-old hominid skull to the dark matter of the universe. Inthis compelling, cleverly illustrated tribute to the curious and brilliant womenwho have changed the world with their findings, readers will meet the NASAprogram manager who came up with the idea of using a small "microrover" on Mars.They'll also meet the 19th-century Spanish girl who discovered 15,000-year-oldcave paintings that cast a new light on Stone Age people. More than a dozenstories reveal the monumental contributions to science and history made by the"fairer sex"; a selected timeline ranging from the 1300s to the present coverseven more territory. Although by no means comprehensive, this compilation byCatherine Thimmesh presents a respectful glimpse at the stunning, too-oftenoverlooked accomplishments and revelations of women--and girls--through time.Especially with the stories about 11- and 12-year-old girls, Thimmesh offersinspiration for young readers to rock the world with their own creativediscoveries. Illustrator Melissa Sweet uses collage and scraps of notebook togreat effect, evoking the painstaking long hours behind each breakthrough. (Ages8 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Women and Girls of Science
A thoroughly enjoyable look at some women and girls in science. Well written and interestingly presented research. Mentions some well known and some lesser known scientists. Has a section on top science fair projects prepared by girls. Superb book design. Uses collage and watercolor creating a log book/scrap book effect.

What an interesting book!
I love the writing in this book. I read Catherine Thimmesh's other book, Girls Think of Everything, and I was really surprised to learn how much girls have contributed to this world. So I was happy to know that they've discovered lots of stuff, too. What they don't tell you in history class!! Thimmesh is a snappy writer, putting only the most interesting parts into her descriptions. GREAT GIFT for any girl you know. Maybe that's EVERY girl you know. Read it ... GIRLS ROCK!!! ... Read more