Book Description

Far, far south, in the strange and beautiful land of Antarctica, it is dark both day and night all winter long. When at last spring comes, the penguins and seals raise their young. But, one year, loud, unfamiliar sounds announce the arrival of a new presence -- one the creatures hope can share this fragile world with them in peace.
... Read more

Reviews (2)

Beautiful Introduction to Being Green
This is a story about the emperor penguins of Antarctica and it touches on the Weddel seals and the Adélie penguins as well. The first have of this beautifully illustrated book explains how the female emperor lays her egg and how the male tends to it for up to two months while the female is at sea. It's just a fascinating introduction for a child about how different animals can be from us and also, how important they are.

The story also introduces the child to the effects man is having on the lives of the animals that live in the frozen south. Ms. Cowcher's drawings are just so captivating, that your child can't help caring about the animals. It's a good primer for the Greens, for caring, for perhaps a future Rainbow Warrior.

Sophie Cacique Gaul

Beautiful illustrations
The first thing that drew me to this nonfiction book was the gorgeous illustrations by Cowcher. They are beautiful. Her use of "cool" colors such as blue, purple, green, and gray add to the wonder of this book. If you are a teacher, this would make a great addition to your personal library to use with units on penguins or Antarctica. It also comes in a "big book" format and is worth the money! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Who can resist the allure of the hidden wilderness water hole? Certainlynot one rhino. Not two tigers. Nor three toucans. Pretty soon the delicious poolis drawing moose, catfish, pandas, tortoises... and more than 100 other crittersfrom Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. But is it our imaginationor is that rhino-sized water hole dwindling to a mere shadow of its former self,a puddle not fit for eight ladybugs, let alone 10 kangaroos? As the seasonschange across the world, and the animals get thirstier, the water supplydiminishes. Eventually, even the flowery-shirted frog that has stoicallylingered through the drought packs his suitcase and takes off. The only hope nowis a drop of rain on the parched earth...

With his usual elaborate detail, Graeme Base, mad genius behind Animalia, The Eleventh Hour: A CuriousMystery, and other wild and wonderful titles, presents a one-of-a-kindcounting book. Naturally, Base would never be content to stick with a simple 1through 10 format. Readers of all ages will linger over each spread, firstcounting the highlighted animals and giggling at the translation of their gruntsand growls (the moose's "Moo, moo, mooooooiii!" means "Hey, get your hoof out ofmy ear!"). Then it's time to check out the diminishing size of the die-cut holein the pond. And finally, readers will want to find each of the 10 additionalanimals cleverly hidden in every illustration, based on the silhouettedcreatures in the border. A safari on paper--with an environmental andmathematical education thrown in for good measure. (Ages 4 to 8) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Outstanding Work of Art
This is one of my 3.5 yo's favorite books. It is one of the most beautifully illustrated books that I have ever seen. I can't get over how gorgeous it is. It needs to be read many many times to soak up all there is to see 1) counting book 2)Counting backwards book (the frogs go from ten to one as the story goes on 3) A Geography book 4) an "I spy" book for all the hidden animals 5) An animal habitat book 6) humor book with the "translated" sayings and the silly frogs. 7) a science book on the importance of rain to the environment So bam - you have reading/literature, math, geography, visual discrimination, science (biology and geology), and art too all in one gorgeous package. This is my first encounter with this writer/illustrator but I am definitely going to search out other books.

Endless fun for kids!
I am a great fan of Graeme Base and have all of his books and have bought many more as presents for friends. The Watering Hole is a great story for kids to learn about animals - maybe strange animals that aren't in their country! Learn their sounds. I read it with my friends kids and we tried to imagine what the different animal sounds were in different lanaguages. You can always find a new way to enjoy the book. It also has an environmental theme, which many kids understand and like to talk about. A MUST buy!

get the right one!
I loved it! The art is spectacular and even adults will enjoy finding the hidden animals. Good for many age levels BUT I bought one for my grandaughter, but gave it to a good friend. When I went to buy another one, it had no hole in the pages! It is still a beautiful book but for younger readers, I would recomend the book with the actual hole in the pages.

A family favorite
My son is just 18 months old. He recieved this book as a gift when he was born. He now loves it and we must read it every night. He doesn't care much about counting yet and I've yet to find all the animals in the pictures but he loves the bright pictures, the story, and most of the all the tigers. We love it so much I bought others by this author-all equally as good. My 12 year old nephew who is an excellent reader even enjoys some of this authors books. A must have for any young reader or older reader too!

A Marvel
This book is just wonderful, not only for children - my 3,5-years-old son just loves it - but also for grown-ups. The drawings are excellent, a fine mixture of realistic and cartoon with lots of subtle information in the frames. The texts are funny. The message is gripping: without water (we) all will go away.

From this book one can learn about the animals, the various continents and environments they live in, numbers one till ten. It is an experience for father and son to learn about the marvel of the waterhole. ... Read more

Book Description

PREGNANCY AND BIRTH-GOD'S MIRACLE OF CREATION ALL OVER AGAIN.Before I Was Born is the second book in the GOD'S DESIGN FOR SEX series, written to be read with children ages 5-8.With an age-appropriate, straightforward text and informative illustrations, Before I Was Born explains sex as a special gift God gives to a husband and wife and covers such topics as: 1) Why God made boys' and girls' bodies different; 2) God's plan for loving marriages and families; 3) The basic facts about intercourse, presented in the context of marital love and intimacy; 4) Conception and fetal development; and 5) Childbirth and breastfeeding.Created to answer the questions inevitably asked by young children, Before I Was Born will help you give your child a vital head start in understanding God's intended purpose for procreation and sex. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

very appropriate for Christian families
I had a hard time finding a book that I was comfortable giving to my 8 year old daughter, but this book did the job! We are a Mormon family, and I am very happy with this book, as it puts sex into the context of being a gift from God for husbands and wives. It refers to Bible scriptures, and discusses sex as a way to begin a family within marriage. The pictures are beautiful watercolors, so they aren't shocking for a child to view. It explained how sex works, and helped to begin a comfortable discussion with my daughter. I am very impressed with this book, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to begin a similar discussion with their children.

overwhelmingly Christian
The info is complete, but I could really do without the preachy Christian world view.

Having said that, if you are a devout Christian and a frustrated with having you beliefs undermined, then this is the book for you. Good knowlege, and solid writing.

For Everyone Else: a better pick would be:
Where Do Babies Come From?: For Ages 6 to 8 and Parents (Learning About Sex Series, Bk. 2)
by Ruth S. Hummel,

Both books are solid picks for Public and School Libraries, dependant on your service area

Informative at a childs level
My husband and I have two boys under the age of ten and we are facing issues with sex. Our children are hearing about sex from children at school and on the bus. We are a Christian family and want our children to have Christian views on something so important. We bought the whole series and our boys now have all the answers they need from us. Thank you so much for this series.

An Important Topic about an important issue
To the parents who wrote that children ARE NOT thinking about these issues, you are really fooling yourself and in denial. I'm certainly not pleased to be facing this topic with my seven year old, however children are questioning these issues a lot sooner than we ever did.
This book is a good tool to explain to an already inquisitive child.

why bother?
There is no point to these books. kids that are 5-8 really dont care about sex and the consequences. They wont remember it, and by the time that they start to care, they will most likely be atheists anyway. God has nothing to do with sex. Your creationism ideals are old-fashioned and have no place in modern society. The facts are that the human race was produced from natural selection and survival of the fittest. Kids are going to have sex anyway, no matter how much you preach to them. You shouldn't force your childern into your own religious dogma. If you really need to teach children about sex talk to them yourselves instead of having a lifeless substitute. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"I kept wanting it to happen. When it did I remember thinking, 'It'sabout time.'"

"I was worried at first. Then it really wasn't so bad after all."

"I remember my brothers weren't allowed to hit me in the chest anymore. I waskind of pleased about that."

What mysterious condition are these now grown-up girls talking about? Ah, yes,puberty! With scads of personal stories and an abundance of useful, detailedinformation about girls' changing bodies and feelings, author Lynda Madaras andher daughter Area Madaras have expanded their guide for girls on the verge ofchange. First published in 1983, the bestselling classic has been revised andupdated several times over the years to keep up with ever evolving facts andwisdom about puberty in girls. In this third edition, the authors continue theirstraight talk on the menstrual cycle, reproductive organs, breasts, emotionalchanges, puberty in boys, body hair, pimples, masturbation, and all the otherfun, scary, and interesting things that go along with growing up. Filled withanecdotes, illustrations, diagrams, and honest, sensitive, nonjudgmentalinformation for the young girl, the revised edition also addresses the newscientific facts about when a girl actually begins puberty (earlier thanpreviously thought), advice on "female athletic syndrome," eating disorders,unwanted attention because of early development, and information on eatingright, exercise, AIDS, STDs, birth control, and so much more. A welcome,reassuring book for parents and daughters, designed with the understanding thatsome girls and parents will want to read it together, and some will want to readit on their own; without a doubt, though, all will benefit. Got boys?Don't miss What's Happening to MyBody? Book for Boys. (Ages 8 to 15) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Good info, but better for older readers...
I have to agree somewhat (not completely) with one of the reviewers... This book is not well suited for girls who are nine or ten (my daughter is nine and a half). It's got a lot of good information, but some of the illustrations are too graphic (my daughter found the ones of male genitalia very disturbing, and she is not immature for her age). The age span on this book should be adjusted upwards to more like 12 and up, not 9 to 13.

That being said, this book covers a lot of ground, and for the most part does so well. It has a lot of important information found in books of this type: stages of puberty, signs to look for, the female reproductive cycle, bras, getting one's period, and so on. All these things are presented clearly, although again, I feel they're geared more towards older girls, rather than pre-teens.

All in all this is an ok book, but not excellent, and is not appropriate for the age range it's listed for. Buy this book for a 12 year-old or up, but don't push the envelope with younger girls, they don't need the pressure that such graphically displayed information provides, which can overwhelm them.

All girls should be as lucky as I was...
I am 21 years old now and stumbled upon this page looking for "our bodies, ourselves". When I was about 10 years old my mother gave me this book as a way to help bridge our inability to communicate well on personal topics. It helped me immensly, as well as a few of my girl friends who's mothers (gasp!) never said a word to them about anything they were going through. I had one friend who didn't understand when her mother told her their were "napkins" in the hall closet when she needed them, and that's all she ever said to her daughter. I reccomend that ALL mothers (and fathers, too) give their daughter at least one book like this, in addition to open, frank conversations. There is nothing pornographic about the pictures in this book. They are NOT photographs - they are drawings that are informative, rather than specific examples. Madaras is careful to explain that her illustrations are not what every girl's body looks like - and explains how things can vary. I read this book over and over again when I needed it, and was able to easy navigate to the information I was looking for. One of the most important aspects of this particular book for girls is that is has information about what is going on with their male counterparts, which helps girls feel less insecure when they read about how embarrassing things can be for the boys. I highly reccomend this book to girls 9 and up, but if your daughter is immature for her age, 10 or 11 might be a better age to introduce her to some of the information, as the book deals touches on topics such as sex and AIDS - which are better left to the parents' disgression at that age.

Great
My Mom bought this book for me when i was 12 and it really helped. It answered all of the questions that i wanted to know but was too embarrassed to ask. Plus it had things that other girls my age had writen in. I recomend it to girls 12 and +

ALL A YOUNG GIRL NEEDS IN A BOOK ABOUT BECOMING A WOMAN
This book covers every topic a girl is curious about as she enters puberty, (a few she might not be curious about yet, but will need to know about BEFORE she is twelve. With children becoming sexually active at 13 and not knowing how easily a girl become pregnant and teen AIDS on the rise--this is information that every girl needs to have. Buit are parents ready to let them have it before they need it, so they can be prepared to make informed choices and know why NO is the correct answer???

ONLY FOR PARENTS WHO WANT THEIR DAUGHTERS WELL INFORMED
This book has draeings and diagrams and honest language about body changes and sexuality and it answers many questions that most 9-14 year old girls are thinking. (Many don't ask because they are either too shy or too afraid). Warning, if you think giving children information is going to cause them to be sexually active, don't buy this book. Because it has all the information a preteen could want. ... Read more

Book Description

Potty training can be fun. With warmth and sensitivity, Joanna Cole and Maxie Chambliss guide young boys though the challenges and rewards potty training--from the first steps to the joy of graduating to big boy underpants! A helpful "Note to parents" is included.

Reviews (11)

This potty book will make your child into a big boy!
This book is a great source for potty training toddlers. It will build their confidence, and will gently teach them how they are expected to act as big boys. It has easy to understand text, and visual illustrations that allow children to relate on a more personal level. With warmth and sensitivity, the authors guide young boys though the challenges and rewards of potty training--from the first steps to the joy of graduating to big boy underpants! I highly recommend this book!

My son LOVES this book
We are just starting potty training and my son LOVES this book. He can totally relate to Michael, the little boy in the story. I think it does a great job of explaining the potty training process in simple, easy-to-understand terms. Each time we read it he gets excited about trying to use the potty. I highly recommend it.

Great for a Stubborn 3 year old
My son is now 3 years and 7 months old and FINALLY potty trained. Alhtough other books were cute, this one was practical explaining accidents and the need for night time diapers after day time training. Very cute and one of my sons favorite books.

Potty Problems.. Get This Book!!!!
This book is a great example for potty training toddlers. It clearly illustrates how to show, in easy to understand language, your potty trainer, suggestions on how to use the potty. Such visual illustrations allow the child to relate in a more personal level. This book also shows children that it is o.k. to have an accident, without ridicule. Great Book. Here's a tip for those anxious parents, your child is precious and unique so do not be upset if they do not catch on right away, be patient and kind, and the will succeed with your support. Good Luck.

Almost potty trained!!!
My little boy really saw himself in this book, he has a special teddy that he would sit with while reading on his potty.
Its a good book for introduction to the potty! ... Read more

Book Description

"Allie the Allergic Elephant" helps children learn about food allergies and how to be a good friend when you can't share snacks. "Allie" explains peanut allergies in a way that parents, teachers, and children themselves can talk about allergies and understand them better. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

From a kid whose been there, done that
awesome book! zeroes in on the key parts of having an allergy! great book to read to little kids. I personally have a life threatening allergy to peanuts and all tree nuts. thank you for your time.

Librarians loved it!
I bought the first edition for my nephew with a peanut allergy. He enjoyed it because it addressed his difficulty in explaining his allergy to his classmates.

I bought 2 copies of the second edition and donated them to elementary schools where I volunteer in the library. Both librarians were excited to receive the book and were anxious to read it to their students. One librarian took the book immediately to the Kindergarten teacher because a student had arrived that day with a peanut allergy.

I like the book because it explains how an allergic child must be "excluded" when it pertains to peanuts, but wants to be "included" in everything else. I can't wait for the author to write more books about other allergies.

Brings Compassion to a Clinical Subject
With three children in my family, all of them know people who can't eat nuts. At first, they think it's wierd. "What? No peanuts? Why can't you eat peanuts?"

Allie helps those with the allergy understand, and Allie brings compassion to those who live with, work with, and play with an allergic child.

As the author of three non-fiction books, I appreciate a good tale. And Allie's tail is precious.

Charming story -- Important message
I purchased this book as a gift for a friend with an allergic grandchild. He told me it was a special delight to read the book together with his grandson. The story is charming, and effectively communicates an important message about acceptance and coping... in a way even a very young child can grasp. The wonderful illustrations (by a gifted young artist) captured the boy's imagination and brought the story to life.

Excellent book for kids with food allergies
I bought the 1st edition over a year ago and the teacher in his classroom has said that the children love it. They like to hear it read to them. They love the pictures! She said after a year it was well used as they play with it alot. A book needs to hold up with kids at this age. I just purchased the 2nd edition feeling that it was different enough to own it. I am glad I did. The pictures have changed a bit and look wonderful, but the message is still excellent and kids can understand it. Most messages are lost with kids at this age when dealing with serious issues such as food allergies. Geat job! Even though the book is 100% focused on peanut allergies, which is why I got it, the rules remains the same with all food allergies in how they relate to other children playing with the children with the food allergy. I would recommend any parent that has a pre-schooler or a child in K-5 or thier school to buy this book! ... Read more

Book Description

A book for children ages 6 - 12 who have Asperger's Disorder. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A Good Start
This is a book I wish had existed a generation ago. It had high and low points. The high points were the voice of acceptance that was being given to explaining Asperger's, which is a neurological condition on the autism spectrum to children. It is a good starter book for sharing with children on the spectrum who continue coping with "undefined differences."

One thing that bothered me was that the writing suggested a "uniform, one size fits all" approach and description of Asperger's. This can be misleading to readers. Still, it was a good faith effort and one that can be used to empower children on the spectrum and explain their "differences" in a clear cut, humane and frank way.

A great Child to Child Perspective
This is a great Child to child perspective on AS. It displays some humor while the child voices AS as he sees it from his family.

if you've got a young child with AS, get this book
I found this book to be helplful in dealing with other children who will be dealing with my son. We take it into his class on the first day of school and have the teacher read it to his peers so they somewhat understand him and his behaviors. We also read it right after his diagnosis and it helped our son to relate and understand what AS is. I recomend this book.

About Asperger's Huh?....
This book helped me get into my son's mind and understand why he does some of the things he does. It confronts some of the everyday problems that Asperger's kids have, and gives the disorder a face. It's not sugar-coated, which I appreciate; it accurately describes the difficulties these kids encounter. I highly recommend this book as a tool to help others understand the mind of an Asperger's child.

One perspective
Each person with Aspergers is unique and wonderful. This book was disappointing because it makes generalizations when there is not a "cookie-cutter" description that fits across the board. My husband and I read it first and decided not to share it with our 7-year old Asperger child because most of it would be more confusing than enlightening. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Among the greatest charms of children is their ability to view a simple activity as a magical adventure. Such as a walk in the woods late at night. Jane Yolen captures this wonderment in a book whose charm rises from its simplicity. "It was late one winter night, long past my bedtime, when Pa and I went owling." The two walked through the woods with nothing but hope and each other in a journey that will fascinate many a child. John Schoenherr's illustrations help bring richness to the countryside adventure. The book won the 1988 Caldecott Medal. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Both Story and Art Enchant
I like this book and so do my children. Although it will have more appeal to fathers and sons, any parent and child can enjoy this story of the magical bond that takes place when a parent introduces their child to one of life's moments of wonder.

Who among us doesn't remember wonderful moments when you and you alone were the focus of your father's (or mother's) attention in a special setting that created a life-long memory pleasently returned to again and again. That's the magic of Owl Moon where a little boy takes a long walk in the woods over new fallen snow with his father. They are journeying to, as his older brothers had done before him, find a great owl, if he can be coaxed from his high above throne where he rules the night.

The story is simply told but carries all of the magic foretold by the setting. The water color illustrations are beautiful in their simplicity and convey the wonder of nature and the togetherness of father and son.

Good Parenting and instills love of nature
Owl Moon is a wonderful story of a young girl's first hunt for the Great Horned Owl with her father. As they trek through the snowy forest, Jane Yolen's text and John Schoenherr's illustrations work together to create a realistic adventure and to express good parenting. The picture book comes to life through a peaceful countryside and a still forest. The child's continual silence and concentration add to the hunt. Within the text the child says, "I put my mittens over my mouth and listened hard." This displays her constant effort to remain quiet and to take the adventure seriously. Each illustration depicts a calm forest dominated by snow and nature. I feel that this book contains ideas that are "simple but not necessarily simplistic" much like Perry Nodelman's analysis of children's literature (221). For instance, in many scenes animals can be found hiding without the knowledge of the characters. The animals all sit calmly. This shows that the intent of the father and child is not to disturb nature but to quietly observe and to be apart of it just while they pass. This idea can not be found written within the text yet, it is understood when they see an owl and do not shoot it. This peaceful respect for nature that the father is instilling in his child is shown when they came to the clearing in the dark woods. She speaks of how the fit it exactly "and the snow below it was whiter than the milk in a cereal bowl." This emphasizes her grasp of the beauty and enjoyment natural world in a child-like way. It brings to mind games equal to finding shapes in clouds. The illustrator has also gone through the trouble of presenting the field in the shape of a large bowl. I feel that the most important aspect of the work is the example of good parenting it delivers. He spends quality time with his children, while he instills important morals. Pa has also taken all of her brothers owling and they have told her "sometimes there's an owl and sometimes there isn't." This reveals a sense of close family unity in which can be seen as the positive message of the story. However, the tone is not didactic. Pa even uses onomatopoeia to make the adventure more intense. He calls the owl with a long "Whoo-whoo-who-who-who-whooooooo." All of this helps emphasis the joy of the communion with nature. Her father has been instilling a respect for the owl and natural world, while strengthening the father child relationship.

Remarkable illustrations and almost poetic narration
Owl Moon is a delightful story of the family tradition of Owling, Owl watching. The reader is taken on a winter journey through the woods as a father and daughter go Owling.
Beautiful illustrations by John Schoenherr help the reader experience this journey from a unique perspective. Schoenherr places the reader in the air, looking down on the journey. By using this technique, the reader becomes one with the Owl, experiencing the quiet togetherness of man and nature.
This story provides a moving narration, inviting the reader to experience the quiet solitude of a winter walk in the woods. The reader also feels the warmth of the special relationship shared by this father and his daughter.
Yolen instructs the reader that the only thing needed to go Owling is hope. Hope that just maybe if you're quiet enough, or lucky enough, you will spot an Owl. This wonderful story delivers much more than just the sighting of an Owl.
Owl Moon is sure to delight readers of all ages. The remarkable illustrations and almost poetic narration make it easy to see why this book is deserving of the Caldecott Award.

Wonderful Story for Any Age
I first read this book when i was a junior in college. At first I didn't like it very much. Then two years later I picked it up again and found the beautyful. It was like reading poetry. Each word was carfully chosen. The story of a little girl having the chance to stay up late and go owling with her father. Yet, it goes beyond that. Here is a little girl who feels like she is doing something wonderful and exiciting, becuase she is doing something with her father.

The way this stroy is constructed is wonderful. Although the book says that it is for children between the ages of 4-8 I have read this story to 6th graders and they have found interested and they thought it was "cool." This is a wonderful book for young and old, because of language and the way the words flow. It is just one of those books that are just plane fun to read.

Amazing and Artistic
Jane Yolen's book, "Owl Moon," is about a little girl and her father who go owling on a cold winter night. Yolen's describes the scenery of the wintry night, looking for an owl with vivid imagery. The father and daughter search patiently in the quiet, waiting for a slight glimpse of the great bird. When, finally they see an owl, they are intrigued for the minute of victory.

In the book, "Owl Moon," John Schoenherr uses pen and ink with a watercolor wash. The use of watercolor creates a sense of mystery and depicts what it is like to walk in the woods on a winter night with no more light than what is given off by the moon and stars reflecting off of the snow. This vagueness is complimented by the use of pen and ink in order to create a sense of reality by showing what little detail the characters were able to see as they continued on their journey. The added detail in the foreground also helped to create a sense of depth. Schoenherr chose colors which added to the mystery of the darkness and created the sensation of a cold night. I especially enjoyed the way that the author added detail within the expressions of the father and daughter when they finally heard a response from an owl. The owl itself was shown in great detail which I feel was to convey a sense of realness to the mystery of great bird. Another technique that I enjoyed was the adding of other hidden woodland creatures throughout the book which added to the anticipation of finding the owl. By doing this the illustrator is able to capture the child's attention as he/she begins to search for the owl along with the characters of the story.

Each page painted a wonderful picture both visually and within the story line of a father and his daughter creating memories of time together that neither one would forget. Although they spent the evening together in silence I feel that the time together showed a special bond being created between the two. Not only does the idea of silence throughout the story create a sense of adventure, it also shows that words are not always needed in order to create wonderful memories and that love can be conveyed between people by just spending time together. Although this book is recommended for children ages 6-10, I believe that it readers of all ages would enjoy this story and that the message of quality time spent with the ones you love could be enjoyed by the whole family. This is a wonderful story which could be shared in both the classroom during read-alouds or at home as a bedtime story. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Lois Ehlert, beloved illustrator of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom andmany other bold, beautiful picture books has outdone herself with this gorgeous(seriously breathtaking) celebration of butterfly metamorphosis. "Out in thefields, eggs are hidden from view, / clinging to leaves with butterfly glue. /Soon caterpillars hatch. They creep and chew. / Each one knows what it must do."As the gentle rhyme unfolds, we turn the small, partial pages that form thelarger spread of fabulous foliage in this lush, oversized book. Before our eyes,the eggs turn to caterpillars, the caterpillars to cases, the cases to lovelybutterflies. "They pump their wings, get ready to fly, then hungry butterflieshead for the sky." The colors become increasingly dazzling, each butterflyspringing to life with Ehlert's color-soaked cut-paper magic. Several pages ofbackground material conclude the book, labeling different kinds of butterfliesat different stages of development, from the buckeye butterfly to the paintedlady to the monarch. A "Butterfly Information" page clearly labels butterflyanatomy and answers basic question about these fascinating fluttery insects, a"Flower Identification" page showcases butterfly-attracting flowers such as thepurple coneflower (echinacea), phlox, and lantana, and the last page offers afew pointers on growing a butterfly garden. (Ages 3 to 6) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Elegantly beautiful.
This is not a storybook, but it is a book to be loved. With interesting art in vibrant colors, the book describes the life cycle of the butterfly in poetry and then presents more detailed information on moths and butterflies -- and about which flowers will attract them. The inventive art, on odd-size pages, is outstanding. Some of the art is geometrical, some looks like paper cutouts layered to look three-dimensional. And don't worry about the dust jacket -- if it rips, just pitch it -- the gorgeous art is repeated on the book cover itself.

Waiting For Wings Soars!
This delightful story explains the life cycle of the butterfly in a clear, enjoyable way that young children will understand. The rich language with many action verbs and the author's clever use of rhyme make this book appealing to young children. The size of the illustrations are consistent with the story grammer as the pictures are largest at the point of climax in the story- when the butterflies are ready to fly. The illustrations are very brilliant in color which will appeal to young children. The end papers and title page are illustrated and a part of the story. The cover opens up to a large flower garden with the title on the right side. Descriptions of butterflies, flowers and how to grow a butterfly garden are included.
This book will help young children gain a better understanding of nature and enhance their early literacy skills at the same time.

Toddlers and Babies, too!
I have a three year old daughter who must be read to before sleeping. I also have a three month old baby girl who is often in the bed with us while we read. Often, the baby is restless and cries before we finish our books. Waiting for Wings is a fabulous solution. I find this interesting AND educational for my toddler. In addition, the colors are bright and contrasting, allowing my baby to be entertained while the book is read.

Just O.K.
... I was disappointed when I actually got the book. It may be good for the 1-3-year-old set, but my 4-year-old is much more sophisticated about butterflies than this book addresses. For the same money, there are alot of other books that have more beautiful artwork. Don't waste your money-check this one out from the library instead!

My daughter loves this book!
My 3 year old daughter loves this book! Beautiful drawings of flowers and butterflies. The drawback was that for a couple months after getting this book, we had to read it every night, and we had to name every butterfly on every page. "What kind of butterfly is this?" "That's a Monarch butterfly." "What kind of butterfly is this?" "That's a Tiger swallowtail butterfly." I'm sure that's good in the long run, but holy cow, she was obsessed with this book! :) Thankfully, the obsession dwindled a bit, and now we can enjoy our occasional readings of the book together. I do recommend this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Mountain gorillas are fierce, playful, territorial, curious, and beautiful. They are also one of the most endangered species in the world. For many years, these gorillas have faced the threat of violent death at the hands of poachers. In order to protect the gorillas, funds are raised through "gorilla tourism,"bringing people into the forest to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. This tourism is vital, but it has brought a new threat to the mountain gorillas: illness and death by human disease.

The Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project is a group of courageous and talented veterinarians working to save the mountain gorilla population in Rwanda and Uganda. They study the effects of human exposure, document the daily lives of the gorillas, and even act as foster parents to an orphaned gorilla baby named Fearless. Through engaging text and stunning photographs, Pamela Turner takes readers on an exploration like no other in this gripping tale of science, nature, and the conservation of life. ... Read more

Book Description

On a special field trip in the magic school bus, Ms. Frizzle's class goes into outer space and visits each planet in the solar system. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Best children's science series ever.
The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System is one is a series of science adventure books by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen (Illustrator), all of which are trulky excellent. The chart the adventures of Ms. Frizzle and her class as they go on some really interesting field trips.

The books operate on several levels. They work as adventure stories as the manner in which they get diverted from an ordinary school field trip to the adventure at hand is always entertaining. The illustrations are truly wonderful and add to the story line very effectively. The books do in fact contain a lot of basic information about the topic at hand, so your kids are actually learning something as they read. And, as a final bonus, the books always involve some sore of class socialization issue, so your kids are exposed to some real life classroom issue, (here it's a Miss know-it-all type) and strategies for dealing with them as well. On top of all that, the books are just plain fun.

A great series for late pre-schoolers and early elementary age kids. So, what are you waing for? Jump on the Magic School Bus and have some fun!!!

Magic School Bus Lost in Solar System
Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System
By Joanna Cole
Illustrated by Bruce Degen

In the beginning of the story the class is going to the museum. But it is closed for construction so Mrs. Frizzle pulls a lever and they blast off in to space. The first thing they go to is our Moon then the sun then Mercury then Venus then Mars. Then they come to the Asteroid Belt. They lose Mrs. Frizzle and on the way back to Earth they find Mrs. Frizzle in the Asteroid Belt. And in this book Arnold's cousin comes with them and she keeps on touching Mrs. Frizzle`s things when she is gone When she is lost they tell her not to but she does anyway. This book tells me all about the universe. And the plants and when they get back to earth they make a project about the Solar System. I think that anyone could like this book. I say it would be good when you are studying the universe. That is the time you should read this book. Like I said it could be good for everybody I'm 9 and I still like this book so I bet you will to. I like this book because it is very interesting.

The Magic School Bus
This book is about a class who goes to the musuem but it is closed. So they see it up close. Janet was bragging about everything. After the trip they had learned a lot

I think the book is about being nice. The book is about learning new things. Learning new things is part of life. The book is saying to learn. The book is telling us to try new things.

I think the book is nice. The book has a series. It teaches you stuff. It also is funny. It's my favorite. It's fun to read.

Magic school bus "lost in solar system"
I like this book because it has to deal with the solar system and i like to learn about space. It does a very good job teaching you about it, and the book was really fun to read. I like how the bus turnes into a space ship and goes to all the planets.

Star Light, Star Bright
Not content with what Earth has to offer, Ms. Frizzle takes her class on a field trip of outer space for the fourth installment of this acclaimed science series, "The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System." Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen are bright as ever in their latest out-of-this-world adventure.

The Friz was already planning for this field trip at the end of her previous voyage, "Inside the Human Body." She informs her students that they're "going to the planetarium to see a sky show about the solar system." And since the kids have already swam through water ("At the Waterworks"), dug up rocks ("Inside the Earth"), and been digested ("Inside the Human Body"), an afternoon at the planetarium seems like a walk through the park. Or, better yet, through the solar system!

There is only one thing dimming everyone's shining star. Arnold's cousin, Janet, is visiting for the day and she isn't exactly the quiet type. She's a regular Ms. Know-It-All, expressing her opinions whenever she feels like it. "I know all of you will be nice to our guest," says Ms. Frizzle. And with that, the class blasts off for the planetarium.

However, it looks like the Friz's mission has been grounded. The planetarium is closed for repairs! But that's when the magic school bus takes matters into its own hands. If you can't bring the stars to you, simply go to them yourself!

The students in Ms. Frizzle's class learn all sorts of interesting facts about outer space. They get up-close and personal with the other eight planets - Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. They are educated on universal bodies such as the Asteroid Belt, meteorites, the Sun, various moons, and rings of the planets. They even find out about things such as gravity, orbits, sunspots, various temperatures in space, etc.

Then something happens that threatens to end the students' quest of knowledge through the solar system. What will Ms. Frizzle do? And even though Janet is a bit haughty, is she the only one that can save the entire class from drifting off into space?

Once again, Cole and Degen prove they have no boundaries. Mixing humor and truth - and not to mention a dose of drama - author and illustrator lead Ms. Frizzle's class and readers alike on an intriguing journey of the solar system. Written in 1990, "Lost in the Solar System" is yet another solid effort from all those involved. But would you expect anything less at this point?

The end of this book, like the three before it, has useful information on what was fact in the story and what was made up. And, like she's done three times before, Ms. Frizzle leaves the reader another clue as to what spectacular exploration she has rolled up her sleeves during our next encounter. Dolphins, fishes and sharks - oh, my! If her outfit is any indication, readers had better start packing their diving suits right now!

As Ms. Frizzle herself would say, "Buckle up, class. We're going down!" ... Read more

Amazon.com

The perfect first space book for those almost-readers, There's No Place Like Space takes us on a whirlwind tour of our solar system, with a few constellations thrown in for good measure. Cat in the Hat (along with beloved Thing One and Thing Two) straps on his space suit and rhymes his way among the nine planets, presenting important facts along the way. Where else could your preschooler learn phonics and astronomy at same time? "A planet can have satellites that surround it.Uranus has lots of these objects around it" is just one example. This is a fine addition to the library of any young stargazer--few books are written with this many facts furnished in such an easy-reading manner. (Preschool to early reader) --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent!
My 4 year old LOVES this book. It presents accurate information about the planets in a simplified, fun way that young readers (and parents, too) enjoy. If your budding astronomer or astronaut is looking for simple, fun, colorful books about space, this is the best!

A wonderful book!
I cannot say how impressed I am with The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, they truly are wonderful books. There's No Place Like Space! is fun to read and helps children understand space and our solar system in a fun rhythmic way. My son loves this book and has shared it with his pre-school class with high praises from his teachers. The information in this book will give a young child a good base of knowledge for future learning.

Loved by both young and old alike
This book is wonderful! I feel that any time a book sparks the interest for young people it deserves high praise. My daughter enjoys all of the books in the Dr. Suess Learning Library Series, but especially this one. ... Read more

Book Description

Potty training can be fun. With warmth and sensitivity, Joanna Cole and Maxie Chambliss guide young girls though the challenges and rewards potty training--from the first steps to the joy of graduating to big girl underpants! A helpful "Note to parents" is included.

Reviews (12)

SHE DID IT!
This is to update my review dated September 14, 2000. I read this book to my daughter every afternoon at naptime and every night at bedtime - at her request! Last Wednesday, October 4, 2000 I bought her big girl underpants as an incentive - just like Ashley in the book. And guess what? She started to use the potty! In fact, she still enjoys hearing the story, because now she says that she is "just like Ashley". Thank you so much for a great little book.

SHE DID IT!
I wanted to update my review from September 14,2000 to let everyone know that I read this book to my daughter - at her request! - every afternoon at naptime and every night at bedtime. Last week, October 4, 2000 she was officially "trained" - consistently using the potty. She's had two accidents, but loves her "big girl" underpants. She still asks me to read "My Big Girl Potty" every night, but now she interjects - "I do that" or "I'm a big girl" - throughout. As I said before this is a gentle introduction to potty training that really worked for us. Thank you.

Favorite Potty Book!
I think we've purchased every potty book there is to have and this one is my daughter's FAVORITE! She calls it the RED potty book and we lost our first copy and had to replace it quickly. It's simple and easy to understand without being condescending or cutesy. When my daughter has an accident, I always say, "That's okay, honey -- children have accidents when they're learning. Remember Ashley in your red potty book?" Then we go read it again. And again. Any of you with toddlers know their fourth most favorite word: 'Gain!

Worth A Look
Both Mommy and Daddy actively participating in Ashley's potty training process. Ashley realistic transitions from diapers to "special big-girl underpants" over time, not instantly. Author Joanna Cole uses questions to draw the child into the story ("Do you wear diapers, too?") as an encouraging parent would. The story concludes with ten common sense tips, such as "Don't rush!" and "Never scold or punish." and "Use a diaper at nap time..."

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 My Big Girl Potty 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 or You Can Go to the Potty by Martha Sears.

Great Resource
I purchased this book for my daughter to help in potty training her. Even though she likes 'The Potty Book - For Girls' by Alyssa Satin Capucilli better, she enjoys this book as well. Showing all the stages of potty training including showing Ashley sitting on the potty w/ her clothes on, then removing her diaper, accidents and finally, 'big girl' underwear, it helps little ones to understand the concept of 'going' on the potty. I gave this book 4 stars only in that it's a little more 'wordy' than 'The Potty Book - For Girls' and isn't as colorful but I do recommend it to anyone. ... Read more

Book Description

When Papa Bear tells the cubs why they should never talk to strangers,

Sister begins to view all strangers as evil until Mama brings some common sense

to the problem. "The Bears' rules for safe conduct among strangers are listed

on the last pages, including a rule about the privacy of a bear's body. A good

book to start awareness in young children."--School Library Journal.




... Read more

Reviews (20)

The best book on strangers for young children
I used this book about 6 years ago to help teach my child about "stranger danger". This book helps to teach about strangers without scaring children away from everyone and everything. All the Berenstain Books are definately worth reading to youngsters - they all teach a lesson or two in a very positive, easy to understand way that is suitable for a wide age range. Most of them also make excellent bedtime stories (I didn't think this one was good for bedtime) and often help children to open up about a subject and discuss what they are thinking or feeling. They are also very good First Books for the cild to read as they get older. I highly recommend this and all of the Berenstain Bears books. My child outgrew them and had given them away, so I am now purchasing a few to give as a Christmas present to a co-workers 3 year old who I think will enjoy them as much as my child did.

One of the least paranoia inducing "stranger books"
I have gotten rid of most "don't talk to strangers" books because they are mostly fear inducing. I want my children to use common sense, and this version emphasises that. Sister (gotta love the names :-) ) fears everyone when first told that not all strangers are trustworthy. Mama comes to the rescue with some much needed common sense and moderation. The book concludes with a plausible example of Brother maybe trusting a stranger too much.

A good starting point for working with young, very trusting children, on appropriate interpersonal interactions, and may help prevent the child from fearing even the grocery store clerk.

What about the rest of the strangers?
The book does teach children about what to do with strangers, but the view of strangers is not appropriate. They are all darkened men. A more developmentally-appropriate, anti-bias book would include strangers of all races, class, personality, and gender.

The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers
This is a great book for teaching young children about strangers. My son is 5 and really enjoys reading this book over and over again. The content is informative, but not scary. The comparison momma bear makes between strangers and a barrel of apples is so simple and accurate. The simplicity allows the children to understand you never know what is on the inside of an apple or a stranger. A visual key kids are likely to remember.

Learning About Strangers
This is a good book. My 5 year old son enjoyed the story, and the lessons that I wanted to convey about strangers (what is a stranger, stranger rules, etc.) were covered very well. The story shows how one can become too afraid as well as how one can be lured into leaving with a stranger. Children learn to be careful without being paranoid. Children also learn that "telling" is not the same as being a "tattletell".

We have enjoyed all 8 books that we purchased from this collection. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (67)

The Hundred Dresses
Wanda Petronski is a poor Polish child living with her father in Boggins Heights. She wears the same ill-fitting blue dress every day. One day Wanda tells the other girls that she has one hundred beautiful dresses in her closet. The other girls don't believe her because she wears the same dress every day. The girls make up the hundred dresses game to tease Wanda. Maddie decides one day that the hundred dresses game is wrong but she is afraid to stand up to the other girls. Then Wanda isn't at school for several days. When there is a contest at school nobody thinks about Wanda until her one hundred drawings of her dresses win the contest. All the other children are amazed at Wanda's drawings. The teacher tells them that Wanda has moved away and that they will have to forward her award to her new home. Maddie decides to write Wanda a letter apologizing for teasing her and send it to her new address. She never finds out if Wanda gets the letter but she learns a valuable lesson about the consequences of her actions. This is an older book but it teaches valuable lessons about teasing and prejudice. It also teaches children that there are consequences to their actions. This is a great book to have in your classroom or at home. This book is on reading lists for grades 4 - 6 but the lessons it teaches can be used for children of all ages. This book can be used in connection with language arts, social studies, and math.

It was fun to read!
The Hundred Dresses is about a girl named Wanda Protronski. Wanda is poor and has no mother. She lives up on Boggins Heights. Some girls make fun of her. The name of the mean girl that teases Wanda is Peggy. Peggy is pretty, neat, and very popular. Her best friend is Maddie. Maddie is messy, poor, and sort of popular. Almost all of her clothes are hand-me-down. Classroom 13 has a drawing contest and Wanda wins. Everyone thought that Peggy was going to win. Wanda leaves town and moves to the city. Peggy and Maddie try to get her to come back. This took place at the school's playground, classroom 13, and in Boggins Heights. I thought this was a wonderful book because it tells why you should be nice to people and not tease them. I recommend this book for 3rd-5th graders because it is a little to hard for lower grades and too easy for higher grades.

Missing the Point
(...)
An incredibly ugly depiction of a little Polish girl and her classmates making fun of her. Promotes the stereotypical "Dumb Pollack" without showing any betterment of the little girl's situation. I found this book very offensive. I had ordered it as a gift for a little girl, but this book is wildy inappropriate in that there is no moral resolution at the end. The tormenters get away with their harassment, and there is only suffering for the Polish girl. The only thing it would teach a child is that you can get away with being bigoted and rude to others. Too bad Amazon doesn't allow for a zero rating because this because deserves it. "

(...) Of course it is an ugly story; it is also realistic. Children do treat one another that way; adults do too. As another reviewer pointed out, although the little Polish girl is not stated explicitly to be Jewish, it is very much a Holocaust story; although she is definately not African-American, it is a Civil Rights story; although she is (probably) not a Lesbian, it is a gay-bashing story. It is the story of anyone who is put upon because she/he is or is percieved as 'different', and how this sort of thing can only go on when good people stand by and do nothing.

Of the two other little girls in the story, the one who makes fun of the poor Polish girl and the other who stands by and doesn't want to defend her (although she knows she should)--how do you think they feel at the end of the story? Will they do it again? And, what if later 'the shoe is on the other foot', and they find themselves victims?

Every child will be able to identify with each of the children in the story, and the story can be a starting point for discussions of prejudice, bullying, and many other important moral topics. The book doesn't give pat answers, nor does it tell us what to think--but it gives us an opportunity to think about these things.

Wanda Petronski's Success Story
This story about Wanda Petronski, an immigrant girl from a poor family ridiculed by her more popular, wealthier and American-born classmates is as relevant to children today as when it was first published. I read and re-read this book as a child; like Wanda, I was the only one in my class with a funny-sounding Eastern European last name. Fortunately, my situation was not as dire as hers, but I felt Wanda and I were kindred souls.

Estes' perceptive take on the effect of cliques of popular girls and the influence they wield was ahead of its time. The relationships between the girls echoes what we read today in books like "Odd Girl Out" and "Queen Bees and Wannabes." Peggy, an Alpha Girl if there ever was one, ridicules Wanda's foreigness and the shabby blue dress (her only dress) that she washes and irons each night to wear the next day. Maddie, Peggy's wannabe friend, is troubled by Peggy's insensitivity but is afraid to speak up. Maddie's afraid that Peggy might turn on her, too. Then, Wanda stops coming to school. The other children forget about Wanda, but Maddie still thinks about her and wonders what happened to her. She persuades Peggy to go visit Wanda's house on the wrong side of the tracks; the part of town where the poor people and "foreigners" live. Wanda has moved away to a larger city, but the experience of knowing Wanda has changed Maddie for the better. She's more independent and willing to question Peggy and the values she represents. She's more open and empathetic to the experiences of people from different and less fortunate backgrounds than her.

And what becomes of Wanda? In this book's wonderfully ingenious ending, Wanda takes her poverty and marginalization and turns to a creative end. Wanda, so poor that she only owns one dress, paints pictures of a hundred dresses and sends them back to the class at her old school. Wanda refuses to be victimized by her classmate's ridicule. Instead, she becomes an artist! I loved this ending as a child; it shows how children can overcome their problems with imagination and a respect for their own inner lives.

Louis Slobodkin's illustrations complement the story perfectly (he also collaborated with Estes on the Moffat books). His evocative artwork supplies just the right amount of detail and leaves the rest to the reader's imagination. This is a truly great work of children's literature and we should rejoice that it's still in print.

Great Second/Third Grade Fiction
Wanda, who has no mother and lives with her father, wears the same dress to school but claims she has 100 beautiful dresses in her closet at home. She is teased by other students. Wanda moves away and the truth behind her hundred dresses is revealed. Is it too late to make amends?
(...) ... Read more

Book Description

Grounded in teacher awareness, this series includes information about observing and assessing children at work, adaptations for diverse student needs, as well as classroom management. Students solidify beginning number concepts through independent and small-group explorations that encourage the use of a variety of easy-to-handle manipulatives. The Planning Guide includes planning and classroom management tips.Grades K-3 Book 2: Addition and Subtraction ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A "Must Have" for Every Elementary Teacher
This Developing Number Concepts Book,along with the other two books in the Developing Number Concepts series, presents a complete number curriculum for kindergarten through third grade. This book, as well as the other two,are clearly written and extremely user friendly. This book,Addition and Subtraction,gives novice and experienced teachers a close look at what the teacher needs to know about teaching these operations. The activities are simple and require manipulatives and materials most teachers already possess, yet at the same time are child centered and motivating. The "Analyzing and Assessing Children's Needs" section is an excellent model for providing ongoing assessment in the classroom. I believe these books are a must for every elementary teacher. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

not to good
The book itself is bad enough. it teaches you as though it was teaching a mathmatician. i am a student, and the whole class has c's,d's,and f's. it does not give any other information that students would be confused about

Pretty average, depends on your intentions
In 9th grade, while taking Algebra 2 / Analysis, I used this book. Well, I didn't "use" it to learn the material. (Partly because I knew it all anyway, but that's besides the point.) The truth is that this book doesn't really teach you much as it's explanations are breif and I never really read them anyway. It's good it you want to do homework problems as it has many problems and even solutions in the back.

Therefore, it really matters what you intend to use this textbook for. If it's just for homework and doing problems, it's good. If it's to teach an entire Algebra 2 course, it's not so good.

Confusing and Somewhat Boring
I am a Math teacher and tutor and this book is BORING. Many of the problems which the student is asked to do in the exercises at the end of each chapter border on the irrelevant. Unfortunately, I am currently tutoring some students who are required to "endure" this textbook. ...

Revi