Book Description

Whether playing at defending their own castle or simply chucking pumpkins over a fence, wannabe marauders and tinkerers will become fast acquainted with Ludgar, the War Wolf, Ill Neighbor, Cabulus, and the Wild Donkey-ancient artillery devices known commonly as catapults. Re-creating these simple yet sophisticated machines introduces fundamentals of math and physics using levers, force, torsion, tension, and traction. Instructions and diagrams illustrate how to build seven authentic working model catapults, including an early Greek ballista, a Roman onager, and the apex of catapult technology, the English trebuchet. Additional projects include learning how to lash and make rope and how to construct and use a hand sling and a staff sling. The colorful history of siege warfare is explored through the stories of Alexander the Great and his battle of Tyre; Saladin, Richard the Lionheart, and the Third Crusade; pirate-turned-soldier John Crabbe and his ship-mounted catapults; and Edward I of England and his battle against the Scots at Stirling Castle. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Book for those with a Backyard
I was really impressed with this book while sitting sipping a cup of coffee. Wondering to myself, how could I use this to have fun with my family if we lived in a space with, of all things, space.

This book not only shows how to make catapults of various types. It goes into the history of how the catapult was made or as it transformed throughout history. There are short vignettes about various historical subjects surrounding seizes throughout time and what types of catapults were used, what they looked like and how to build something like it using easy to but materials.

This is a fun book for the hobbyist who likes to tinker with things and how has a flair for fun projects (or projectiles for that matter.) I will buy this book when I get a place and I hope it sells for those who want to work with their kids on a fun project.

The Art of the Catapult is a fun romp....if you liked Lord of The Rings, you will like this book, putting catapults in perspective.

A note from the Author
Here is some additional information for prospective readers and buyers of Art of the Catapult, from the book's author.

This book has been written for readers aged 9 to adult, although younger readers will enjoy many of the projects if they have adult assistance.

Note: Adults will enjoy this book as well. As of the time this note is written, Amazon describes this book as written for readers aged 9 to 12. This is not correct, as adult readers will find it written for them as well.

The largest catapult project is a traction powered (human powered) catapult that can throw a water balloon or similar item a very long way! Most of the projects are somewhat smaller. Buy this book and enjoy throwing your weight around! ... Read more

Book Description

Monica wants the moon to play with, so her Papa sets out to get it. It isn't easy to climb to the moon, but he finally succeeds -- only to find the moon is too big to carry home. Children will love the joyful way in which this problem is solved.

Now available as a Classic Board Book edition, this delightful story literally unfolds as pages open dramatically, extending both outward and upward. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Blue moon, you see it standing alone
You hear about this sometimes. An artist becomes so famous and influential that they're eventually able to go back to some of their earlier works and (to their mind) improve them. Steven Spielberg did it with "E.T." Singer/songwriters are constantly reinventing their old classics. Eric Carle did it with "Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me". And though I usually object heartily to artistic preferences changing old classics that technically belong to the masses (ya hear that Speilberg???), in Carle's case I'm willing to make an exception. Changing a mildly interesting story into a complicated (but hearty) pseudo pop-up book, Carle has recreated his art the only way an artist should: he has made it better.

Following in the tradition of such children-asking-their-parents-for-the-moon classics as "Many Moons" (highly recommended!), in this simple story a girl asks her father to please get her that large circular piece of rock in the sky. The father complies, hauling out the longest ladder anyone has ever seen and taking it to the tallest mountain in the world. Initially depressed by the fact that the moon is (surprise!) too large to bring to his daughter, the father is eventually comforted by the moon itself. It tells the man that if he just waits for it to wax and wane, it'll become a manageable size in no time. This turns out to be the case and the little girl is delighted when the father hands her the sliver that is the moon to play with.

The book flap says that by reading this book, children will come to realize that, "even a seemingly unreachable goal can actually be attained". I dunno about that. If that's the moral of this story, then I want no part of it. No, the message I received from this tale is that a man will sometimes move heaven and earth to bring his children the things they want the most in the world. They might not always succeed, but if a man were able to get the moon for his daughter, he'd do so.

Carle's illustrations are classic Carle. I'm personally a little lukewarm on him. The pictures here are a little more swirly and paint based than his usual cut paper concoctions. The book flap mentions that for the reissue of this book Carle, "created new illustrations for his original story", so I do not know how much he has changed. If the pictures are lovely, however, they are merely a compliment to the book's real joys. Pages in this story fold out to reveal the enormity of the father's task. A single ladder, once the pages are unfolded, takes over a four page spread. And the moon itself, when at its full capacity, opens up to become larger than the book that holds it. The effect is stunning and enjoyable for those kids that love interactive pictures. Nicest of all is the durability of the paper used for these effects. I'm sure we've all seen the effects a three-year old can wreak on a pop-up book it loves. I took this book, published in 1986, from my local library and the pages STILL work just as well as the day they were made. If that's not sturdiness, I don't know what is.

Should you be scientifically inclined and you object to such notions as a moon being physically smaller when it is but a crescent, avoid this story. If, on the other hand, you enjoy a good fold out pop-up book enlivened by colorful cut-out illustrations as much as the next guy, then I highly recommend this delightful piece of lunar propaganda. It is certain to be beloved of millions of star gazing children worldwide.

another beautiful active book from Eric Carle
Author Eric Carle (The Very Lonely Firefly, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Busy Spider) excels in creating books that offer children more than words on a page -- he consistently incorporates additional elements (lights, holes(!), textures) that make the books even more interesting to thirsty little minds.

In this book, a smaller portable version of the original, a girl asks her father for the moon. Fold-out pages complement Carle's unique illustrative style as we discover a looooooong ladder that reaches to the moon and back, and a magnificent four-page center spread revealing the full moon in all its glory.

This fantastic tale for young children is sure to delight parents and kids.

What a great dad!
This book is the beautiful story of a dad who goes to all lengths for his daughter - he actually gets the moon for her!
In typical "Carle fashion" this book expands (as the moon appears to do), the pages ascend ever higher (as the moon ascends in the sky). As with Carle's other stories you don't just hear them and see them - you FEEL them. I love the motion in this book. The tenderness of the gift from father to daughter and the representaion of the child's joy in playing with the moon. This story has a wonderful opening, fantastic struggle and beautiful ending. I especially enjoy how the moon itself is a character in the book.

My 19 MO daughters favorite book
Every night my daughter wants us to go outside and look for the moon. When I saw this book I knew I had to get it and she LOVES it. We change the name from "monica" to our daughters name, and when you get to the moon pop-out page she always laughs and screams and jumps. I also recommend "The night moon fell down" - another wonderful favorite.

Wonderful concept poorly implemented
I bought this book for my 11-month son who is very hard on regular books. Unfortunately, he will not get to read it until he is much older because the fold-out pages are much too flimsy for a board book.

I was very disappointed to bring it home from the store and have the page with the moon that unfolds tear just from me opening those two pages.

The book is very very pretty, I just wish it were more durable. I don't see how a child could avoid damaging it. ... Read more

Book Description

1 told 2
and 2 told 3,
"I'll race you to the top
of the apple tree."

One hundred and one numbers climb the apple tree in this bright, rollicking, joyous book for young children. As the numerals pile up and bumblebees threaten, what's the number that saves the day? (Hint: It rhymes with "hero.") Read and count and play and laugh to learn the surprising answer. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Chicka, Chicka -One-derful!
Every kindergarten teacher must have this book! We will all need a chicka, chicka apple tree in our classrooms (to accompany our Chicka, Chicka coconut trees.) In the same style as Chicka, Chicka Boom, Boom, this book features the numbers climbing an apple tree. 1-20 climb, and then counting by 10's until 100 is at the top of the apple tree! Enjoy sharing this with your class! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Great Book!
This book is a great way for kids to learn about geology, with a fun storyline. I loved following the rock as it embarked on a journey through time, and the illustrations were are just beautiful. I would reccommend this book for all ages, as it is fun and proves to be a great resource for geological information!

Great Story to Teach Children about Geology and Earth Scienc
It is clear the author wants to engage the reader into seeing the excitement of the geologic cycle, and to teach earth science to children using scientific terms. The book is beautifully illustrated, and exceptionally well written It is clear the author has an excellent background in geology.

When I read the book to my grandchildren, they want it read again and again. Looking at rocks, the children and I have a new perspective of what a rock really is and how it came about.

I look forward to other books by this author!

Children are fascinated by this book!
I enthusiastically recommend this book! Who knew that the journey of a rock through time was dramatic AND fascinating? When was the last time you considered how a simple rock came to be? This story is as educational as it is entertaining to the children who have read it in my home. I had a five-year-old guest for the weekend, and THIS is the book she wanted out of all the books in my library. She was drawn to this rock and cared what happened to it. It was fun for her to "find" the rock in every beautiful illustration. Every time I read it to the younger children, I learn a little more, too!

A Journey to Enjoy
*Earthsteps: A Rock's Journey Through Time* is one of those rare children's books that an adult can also enjoy reading over and over. The illustrations complement the thoughtful and intelligent text, making it a journey to enjoy and to learn from at the same time. My 14 year old read it eagerly, as did my 11 year old. I expected that because they are both voracious readers who have a geologist father, but what I was delighted by was the excited interest of the 5 through 9 year olds to whom I read it at the school where I substitute teach regularly. I highly recommend this fine work to everyone.

geology made fun
as someone working with geologists and geology as a career, i found earthsteps to be a fun way to introduce this subject to children. most children are not exposed to earth science, so a book of this calibur should be a part of all elementary school libraries. ... Read more

Book Description

What IS Cancer, Anyway? Explaining Cancer to Children of All Ages is one of the books in the Barklay and Eve Children's Book Series. This book provides basic information that is essential when someone in the family has cancer and does so in a calm, clear, reassuring manner that children and adults will appreciate. Barklay and Eve, the two lovable main characters, define cancer, explain radiation and chemotherapy (including the reasons why some people loose their hair). This is a hopeful story which has a fun connect-the -dots page of the American Cancer Sociey's symbol of hope. THIS BOOK IS ENDORSED BY HURRICANE VOICES, A BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Keeping it simple
How do you go about explaining something to your children that you have difficulty understanding yourself? Well Barklay and Eve make the process easier. This wonderful book describes the most complicated procedures in simple terms without talking down to children. I found the illustrations and story content charming and informative. Children will find the common hair loss of cancer a much less frightening process when they see the fun that Eve has with a wig. While dealing with cancer can't be made easier, Barklay and Eve can make explaining it easier. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Want to get a battle-droid's-eye view of the inside of an AAT battle tank? Care to see what Darth Maul's hiding in the trunk of his sinister-looking Sith Infiltrator? You're in luck: the crew that brought us the super-cool Star Wars Visual Dictionary and the Incredible Cross-Sections for the first movie trilogy is back. Boy wonder archaeologist-author David West Reynolds has put together another Incredible Cross-Sections guide, this time pulling apart the vehicles and vessels in Episode I: The Phantom Menace. DK has mastered the art of making Star Wars fans drool, and this latest guide is definitely state of the art, opening up everything from Naboo starfighters to Trade Federation transports.

As always, Reynolds approaches the Star Wars universe with the respect and love of a fan, putting each ship in context with his characteristic friendly but scientific style. The clean chromium lines and meticulous wiring of Queen Amidala's Royal Starship reflect the order and honor of Naboo royalty; the flowing, shell-like details on a tribubble bongo sub show off the Gungans' organic aesthetic. The best ships, of course, belong to the bad guys: you can check out the secret weapons and cloak field generator packed aboard Maul's Infiltrator (which, we learn, has an "experimental" ion engine that will later put the I-E in TIE fighters), and the Trade Federation's droid starfighter and control ship get a full giant fold-out. From the "bunker-buster" high explosive shells spit out by an AAT to the flame emitter weapon on Sebulba's podracer, this inside-out tour makes all the stops you want it to. --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (67)

A Dream for Technophiles!
Where do I start? This book is amazing! I am a full fledged Star Wars fan, but since I don't own Fort Knox, I can't afford to buy all of the merchandise. As a result I have to be extremely picky about which items I purchase. I had only to see the Millennium Falcon drawing on the cover, and I was hooked!

I have read The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels, but I found the information contradictory to previously published material, and a bit amateurish. Incredible Cross Sections does such a well-thought-out job, and is worded so well, that you almost forget these things don't exist! The gate-fold spread of the Death Star is absolutely incredible! The detail is also carefully executed, right down to the gold-foil insulation on the air ducts in the Millennium Falcon. Everything a Star Wars Technophile could want is in this book. I highly recommend buying the companion book as well: The Star Wars Visual Dictionary.

All I can say is, More! I would love to see another edition of this book containing some of the other vehicles.

Highly Recommended!

The Star Wars Universe has gotten bigger...and better!
I'm a big fan of the Incredible cross-sections books. I've read through all of the other cross-sections books for Star Wars, and when the edition for Attack Of The Clones came out I had to read it. Not only did it live up to my expectations, but it surpassed them. It is richly illustrated and has great information on most of the new vehicles from the Trade Federation Core Ship to the Republic Assault Ship to the revamped Slave 1. I highly recommend this book to those who love Star Wars. And even if you are a huge fan of the films it still makes for some good reading.

Very Detailed UnlessReallyinto Vehicles May Prefer Dictionar
Unless You are really, really obsessed with the star wars ships and other vehicles you are probably better off to purchase the visual directory by the same author. The directory has more pages and is more interesting as it looks at all the characters, creatures, weapons and everything else as well as the ships although the ships and vehicles are not in as much detail as the ones in this book.

The detail in this book is very extensive, so if you are fascinated by Star Wars vehicles then this is definitely the book for you. If you wanted a broader picture of the whole Star Wars world then get the dictionary instead. If your a huge Star Wars fan then you'll probably want both.

Yeap Dad this is a good one.
Ep 2's turn to have it's spaceships and other craft pulled apart and exposed in all their glory. Once again the foldout format is still the best and great for childern and grownups alike.

This Is Wizzard Anni!!!
This edition is devoted to the Spaceships and Craft from The Phantom Menace.

As with Star Wars Cross Sections it is very well detailed and even better with todays print technology. Great for children and first generation Star Wars fans alike. ... Read more

Book Description

Here's a hands-on introduction to dinosaurs that invites preschoolers through first graders to lift and peek under more than 70 flaps! Vividly realistic panoramas bring the extinct world of dinosaurs to life and show kids how and where dinosaurs lived, what they ate, how they bred, and how they fought. With cutaway close-ups of fascinating dinosaur features and intricate, diorama-like scenes, this is the most dynamic and information-packed Great Big Flap Book ever! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great first dinosaur book for preschoolers!
My son, who is almost 4, absolutely loves this book! It's a perfect "first book" about dinosaurs because it's interactive and the text is short and simple enough to hold the attention of this age group. My son especially loves lifting the flaps that show the dinosaur bones! The last two pages of the book are especially cool. The left-hand page has a cleverly designed series of flaps that let the child "discover" a dinosaur skeleton. The facing page features flaps with letters of the alphabet - when the child lifts them, they see a dinosaur whose name begins with that letter. ... Read more

Book Description

An essential tool for standardized tests, the Spectrum Math series offers grade-appropriate coverage of basic arithmetic and math skills. Each book features drill and skill practice in math fundamentals, as well as applications of mathematics in everyday settings.

• Standards-driven math instruction
• Chapter Pre-Tests, Chapter Tests, Mid-Book Tests and Final Tests
• Developmental exercises
• Activities that extend problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Assignment Record Sheet
• Record of Test Scores Sheet
• Answer Key

Reviews (1)

This book helped me in math and can help you too.
I am sixth grader who is really into math. I think that this book really helped me go ahead. This book did not only help me go ahead, but I also got into advanced math.I have told many of my friends about this book and they have found it helpful as well. I give this book five stars and a two thumbs up. ... Read more

Book Description

The complete home-study program to help children practice the essential math skills they learn in school. Matches the math curriculum so your children will reach their full potential in school -- and on important standardized tests! The successful way to improve your child's math. These workbooks have been compiled and tested by a team of math experts to increase your child's confidence, enjoyment, and success at school. First Grade: Provides practice at all the major topics for Grade 1 with emphasis on addition and subtraction concepts. Includes a review of Kindergarten topics and a preview of topics in Grade 2. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good review for standardized tests, and skill evaluation
We got this to supplement our daughter's Math studies, and it is very colorful and fun! It contains gold stars for every lesson completed, and when you're done, you have a chart full of stars to keep! A great help for parents working with their kids during a big year for six and seven year olds! The price is great and the quality is typical of DK...top-notch. You would pay closer to twenty dollars for something like this in a "teacher" store.

Great book for knowing the breadth of 1st grade math
I'm a homeschooling Dad who is the teacher for the first hour the day with my son, a first grader. For a part of that hour I spend with my son, I wanted to use a math workbook that would provide a comprehensive overview of the material a first grade student is expected to master by year-end. Quite randomly, I chose the Math Made Easy series workbook. I'm delighted I made that selection!

The Math Made Easy provides an incremental, comprehensive approach to teaching math. There are 156 pages -- lessons, if you will -- to work on. Early on, your student learns how to tackle simple math problems, and then those concepts are developed into more complex problems in later lessons. This is an excellent way of learning -- incrementally and progressively. So, rather than learning everything there is to know about reading an analog and digital clock for 10 straight lessons, the easiest concepts of all math concepts are presented early in the workbook, and then those same concepts are presented in more challenging formats (to a first grader, anyway) later in the workbook. That requires the student to recall the earlier learning that was done in the workbook, in order to tackle the more challenging problems that are presented later on. So, for instance, time-telling lessons appear on pages 29, 86, 87, 88, and 116.

My son and I generally complete 2 pages in about 20 minutes. Sometimes we do 3 pages, sometimes only 1 page. We started using this workbook in late September, and we'll likely finish our workbook by February -- a complete first grade math education in about 4-5 months!

Although we use the workbook for 20 minutes a day, we often spend more time -- up to 30 minutes more a day -- taking a concept presented in the book and developing it more fully on our own. What's nice, though, is if the lesson for the day is on, say, graphing, I can easily come up with ideas for graphing beyond the few problems presented on one page in the workbook.

Put another way, the goal for using this workbook isn't to see how quickly you can finish it, rather, it's how well can your student master the material in the workbook. The workbook provides the breadth of what a first grader should know, but you'll need to add depth beyond the workbook if you want your student to fully master the material.

The only things I don't like about the workbook is that it is not full-color inside (black and white or grayscale); too often the lessons require the student to draw pictures (it takes a first grader too long to draw them) or hard-to-draw shapes like stars; and sometimes the student is expected to write-out numbers, which is a problem if your student doesn't yet know how to read or write.

In contrast, what I like is the comprehensive nature of the book, the interesting presentation of some of the material (the less-than and greater-than symbols < > are fashioned into crocodile heads that always eat the larger number!), the star-sticker reward system for completing a workbook page, and that early lesson topics are revisited in more challenging formats in later pages of the workbook.

In a word -- I highly recommend this book!

Introducing Math to 6-7 year olds
This is the second book in the "Math Made Easy" series. It will help to prepare your child for standardized tests and supports National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards.

Not only will the lessons build confidence, all the parental notes and answers are included. You can easily tear those sections out of the back of the book. In the Answer Section with Parent's Notes, you will find all the answers to all the activities in the book. These pages will enable you to mark your children's work or they can be used by your children if they prefer to do their own marking.

The notes for each page will help to correct common errors and problems and will indicate the type of practice needed to ensure your children have an understanding of where and how they made mistakes.

This workbook will provide practice for all the major topics for Grade 1 with emphasis on addition and subtraction concepts. There is also a review of Kindergarten topics and a preview of Grade 2 topics.

Features a progress chart complete with stars so you can stick in a star when the corresponding lesson has been completed.

Contents:

Numbers
Numbers & Pictures
Counting Review 1-20
Counting by 10s and 2s
Halves and Quarters
Adding Animals - counting animals in pictures and then writing in the numbers
Sets
Money
Fun ordering stories - what happens 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Time - writing time in each box.
Connect the numbers
Comparisons
Days & Seasons
Addition, subtraction, real-life problems, digital clocks, bar graphs, symmetry, matching fractions, shapes and places, odd and even, estimating length, equations, reading calendars, properties of polygons
Measurement problems
3-dimensional shapes.
Puzzles - reading clues to solve the puzzle. "I am a number between 20 and 30. If you
count by fives, you will say my name. Who am I?"

I don't remember school being this fun. ;) The pictures are
quite cute in all the Math Made Easy books. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fantastic
My children have been using Saxon Math for 3 years. I love how the book uses the repetitive form to insure they do not forget the things they have learned. I also love that the book uses small steps each day so as not to overload the childs mind. Each lesson teaches one step which they master before going on to the next step. Also Saxon lists the chapter reference in parentheses under each number in the practice problem sets for each lesson so if they still don't understand they can go back and refresh their memory. If not for Saxon my children would not be doing so well in Math.

Amazing results.
I started using this book with reluctance, not flashy, no color... blah, I thought. But I got it for free (from my niece) so I said what the heck, let's give it a try. My 7th grade daughter has always struggled with math and I felt this book might be too much, but surprise! She has improved greatly, math is no longer a chore, she finishes quickly, and she finally gets it. Whee!! The book introduces new concepts but at the same time gives practice in old concepts, in that way the child does not forget the previous concepts, she is constantly reviewing.

THIS IS A GREAT MATH BOOK FOR 6TH GRADERS
I HAD THIS BOOK IN SIXTH GRADE, AND IT WAS A GR8 BOOK. THE AUTHOR EXPLAINS EVERYTHING IN DETAIL, BUT THINGS CAN BE A BIT CONFUSING =) ... Read more

Book Description

When it was first published a decade ago, OLD TURTLE was hailed as a beautiful fable about ecology, peace, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Now considered a modern classic, OLD TURTLE continues to inspire people all over the world. Few books can match the understated power of its hopeful message or the evocative beauty of its illustrations. Each book will be packed with a CD featuring the author, Douglas Wood, reading the book, accompanied by original musical compositions. To commemorate the tenth anniversary of this best-selling favorite, a percentage of the book's proceeds will be donated to worldwide peacemaking organizations. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Old Turtle
Wow...What a wonderful book! I would have to say this is probably one of the very best books I have ever read! Along with the amazing illustrations is a wonderful story of who the animals, mountains, the winds and the waters, the fish, and the rocks and the birds, and the trees see God. I think in a way it gives us a simile on how all of the different things of the earth could symbolize how all the different religions see God. But as the Old Turtle said God is all of the things that they said. God IS!
I would highly recommend this book to parents or teachers to read to children.
The Illustrations of the book are water colors and with how the author places the setting and talks about all the creations of the world I think it really ties the book and illustrations together. ~Kellie~

A thought-provoking, smile-inducing, really groovy story
The Old Turtle is truly an incredible book that works on so many levels. The author incorporated his love of, and respect for, the environment, as well as his concept of God, into a very well-written, enjoyable story. The illustrations were beautifully done and work so well with the subtle, underlying theme of the story. While the book will surly be enjoyed by children of all ages, I purchased it for a Christmas gift for my 28 year old sister. Likewise, I intend to buy another copy for myself so that I can continue to enjoy it, and share it with my children when I have them. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to humans of all ages.

This Is One Outstanding Book! Extraordinary!
I still have this amazingly and beautifully illustrated story book in hard cover with the "1993 ABBY Book of the Year Children's Book Award" gold sticker on the front. This book is a priceless gem that I have read to my children countless times.
Douglas Wood's phenomenal writing teaches us about honoring the diversities among nature, plants, trees, mountains, the ocean, and all of the different kinds of people on Earth.
Cheng-Khee Chee created the most beautiful watercolor illustrations that look brand new over a decade later in the hard cover edition, which is truly the only edition you would want to buy.
The story is too beautiful to describe. It is an amazing experience. If you want to know which book out of a million to read to your children, this is the one.
HIGHLY Recommended. It is Priceless, and as an adult, I love reading this book as much as my children love hearing it. A MUST BUY, and A MUST READ!

Start teaching diversity and tolerance early on.
I received this book years ago as a holiday gift from an adult friend to an adult me! However, my grand-daughter has heard this story over and over since she was 3 or 4, and it has led to many wonderful discussions about tolerance, diversity, the Creator, taking care of Mother Earth and all her children, what "God" might be like, etc. I'm not really wild about organized religion, but through repetition and gentle discourse according to her age, I've managed to convey to her a grounded understanding of spirituality to be found in nature and in everyday life.

In addition, this has become my standard newborn baby gift.

The best spiritual book ever!
I NEVER write reviews, but I had to write about this one!

It talks of all the different aspects of the earth and their arguments with each other over what is God. Old Turtle speaks up and proclaims that God is all the things they have said, but most importantly, GOD IS.

Old Turtle then goes on to talk about how humans are coming and are a gift. The humans do come, but they forget the gift and thereby destroy much of the earth. When they remember, they realize that if they love, they will experience the gift of God again.

This is how I want to teach my son and new baby about God. Not the politics of who is "right" or "wrong." We can all just be assured that through whatever spiritual path we are all on, we can take solace in knowing that GOD IS.

Beautiful story. ... Read more

Book Description

THE REST OF THE STORY-ALL THE REALLY INTERESTING STUFF YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT SEX.More changes occur in your body and brain during puberty than any other time in your life.Puberty marks the beginning of big changes in your relationships with your parents and the opposite sex.It's a wonderful and exhilarating time, because you're finally becoming an adult, but it can be a stressful and overwhelming time, too.If you don't understand what's happening to you, or why, ages 11-14 can be downright scary.Facing the Facts was written to give you all the information you need to understand exactly what's happening to your body during the years ahead-and why God planned it to happen just that way.You'll learn about: 1) The role of puberty in the development of sexuality; 2) How girls' and boys' bodies change, both inside and out; 3) Exactly how a woman gets pregnant and gives birth; 4) Why God wants you to save sex for marriage; 5) Love and dating: How relationships mature; and 6) Tough answers to some tough problems.Your body and its sexual nature are beautiful and exciting gifts from God that He wants you to understand and appreciate.Reading Facing the Facts and talking about it with your parents will help you be ready fro the coming physical changes, equip you to handle the sexual pressures you'll encounter throughout your life, and give you a better understanding of God's perfect design for sex. TABLE OF CONTENTS: Introduction Chapter 1: Why Is God Doing This to Me? Chapter 2: How God Made Women and Men Different Chapter 3: The Changes Ahead for Girls Chapter 4: The Changes Ahead for Boys Chapter 5: How Does a Woman Become Pregnant and Give Birth? Chapter 6: Why Save Sex for Marriage? Chapter 7: Love and Dating Chapter 8: Tough Answers to Some Tough Problems Chapter 9: What Kind of Person Should I Become? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A good place to start
As a Christian Parent raised in a family that never discussed sex, I found this book (and the series) to be a great starting point. It hits all the right topics in a way that communicates a Christian view without using guilt or sounding preachy. Parents should read it themselves, then pass it on to their child. Don't wait for your child to hit puberty before you start talking about this important subject.

Used by a large west-coast church for sex education
La Jolla Presbyterian Church uses this book as the basis forits sixth-grade sex education program. The program has grownremarkably over the last three years. To see how the book is used, go to www.datana.com/mary and use the "Sex Education for Christian Teens" link. ... Read more

Book Description

Why do newspapers turn yellow?

How does bleach make colors disappear?

Why can't you mix oil and water?

Find out the answers to these and other mysteries of chemistry in this fascinating collection of ideas, projects, and activities that teach the basics of chemistry theory and practice.

Turn steel wool into a glutinous green blob. Separate an egg from its shell without breaking the shell. Make copper pennies turn green. Have fun while you learn simple chemistry from a solution of colored water, and the behavior of gases with the help of a soda bottle. Through these and other activities, you'll explore the structure of matter, the workings of acids, gases, and solutions . . . and much more.

You'll find most of the materials you need around the house or classroom. Every activity has been pretested and can be performed safely and cheaply in the classroom, at a science fair, or at home.

Also available in this series from Janice VanCleave:

• ASTRONOMY FOR EVERY KID
• BIOLOGY FOR EVERY KID
• DINOSAURS FOR EVERY KID
• EARTH SCIENCE FOR EVERY KID
• GEOGRAPHY FOR EVERY KID
• GEOMETRY FOR EVERY KID
• THE HUMAN BODY FOR EVERY KID
• MATH FOR EVERY KID
• PHYSICS FOR EVERY KID.

Reviews (1)

Great!
My mom bought this book for me, and I was always begging to do more experiments. They're so easy and fun to do. This is a must have for kids who are doing science fair projects! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Kids love trains, and Kevin Lewis and illustrator Daniel Kirk's Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo will do nothing but encourage the obsession. "Sun's up! / Morning's here. / Up and at 'em, / engineer," cheerfully begins this rhyming picture book. As the simple large-lettered text chugs along, Daniel Kirk brings a child's playroom and train set to life with bold, bright illustrations reminiscent of his work in Bigger. In the course of the book, the toys bustle about to make sure the steam engine is loaded up with freight and finds its way (through the country, 'round the mountains, into tunnels, and across the river) to its destination--the city. There the "sleepy-sleepy choo-choo" rests, right next to a tired little boy, until the next day's work begins: "To theroundhouse/ you are bound. / Good night, engine, / safe and sound." (Baby to preschool) ... Read more

Reviews (46)

Come inside a boy's imagination for some train play!
This is a great rhyming story about a boy's imaginative train play. A young boy has set up a creative train layout in his room: going over the fish tank (bridge), to the freight yard, up mountains, down valleys, etc. His entire room is laid out with track and many of his toys are involved in the layout such as blocks to prop up the track and dolls to lift boxes. As we read the book we see the toys "moving" and doing jobs and the illustrations are such that we are as small as the train and looking out and around as if we were riding the train ourselves. At the end the train is said to go into the roundhouse and the boy is seen sleeping in bed with his locomotive and the track laid out on the floor all around his room! Great imagination!

The text itself is well written and rhyming and just has a great flow to it.

I bought our first hardcover edition right after it was published which was over 3 years ago. My older son has loved this since he was 2 years old and I have read it over and over and over. He is a real train lover and even now at age 5 he loves this book (over many of the other train-themed children's fiction books we own).

The text is not annoying in any way and I truly don't groan when I have to reread it to him several times. My second son has loved this book since infancy. Sadly, after 3 years of handling it finally fell apart and now I am buying a second hardcover edition. I browsed the board book version in a store but was disappointed. The hardcover is a larger size than usual and the illustrations are bold and large. In the board book version some of the illustrations are greatly pared down in size and much is lost. If you own the board version I highly recommend also buying the hardcover edition if your child likes the book. This would make a great gift!

A great rhyming, chime-in read-along about TRAINS!
"Sun's up, morning's here. Up and at 'em, engineer!" After one reading, this became my 2-yr-old son's favorite book. He loves to chime in with the last line of verse on each page. As a train fanatic, he loves seeing all the parts of the toy train and making the Whooo Whooo sounds. As a parent, I find the setting in a child's room (rather than in the outdoors) very refreshing. Morning, naptime, bedtime, we are probably reading this book.

A MUST HAVE FOR ANY BOY OR GIRL AGE BIRTH TO 3
If you're having a baby or if you have a toddler you must have this book. My daughter (age 3) loves it and I love reading it to her. I sit her on my lap and bounce her up and down to the rhythm of Chugga Chugga Choo Choo (and I add extra Chugga Chugga Choo Choo's while I turn the page so that the rhythm never stops).

It's got such a sweet ending, I start drawing out the Chugga Chugga's at the end and yawn "Sleepy Sleepy Choo Choo Till Tomorrow".

The illustrations are adorable. This would be a great shower gift, it's just so much fun to read.

attention getter
I definately think this book deserves five stars! The colors and pictures are so bright and fun they will catch even an adults attention. The words are catchy and repetitive witch is great when your trying to read to busy toddlers or in my case children with special needs. Those of you who know or have children with special needs know that your lucky just to get them to listen to the first five pages. However I got this book at the library and read it to my little two year old brother who has autism and he sat through the whole book and then wanted "more more". The sounds are also good practice for little ones the Choo Choo sound and Whoo Whoo,my little brother who can say very little was running all over the house saying choo choo and whoo whoo. I was very impressed with this book and am going to buy it right away!

My toddler's favorite bedtime book
My 2 year old loves this book! His first word for train was "choo choo!" We enjoy the rhyming ("Sun's up, morning's here, up and at 'em, engineer."), and the whole theme of the toy train and all the toy characters (a la Toy Story) in the child's bedroom. He loves the "whoo whoo" whistle sound the train makes, especially when the train is in the tunnel and you get the echo! It is a little short, as another reviewer states, but hey, so is a toddler's attention span! ... Read more

Book Description

From making an earthworm farm to launching a plastic bottle rocket, here's hours of fun for curious kids ages 8 to 12. Plus, kids learn a lot of science with the 250 simple-to-perform activities in this book. In half an hour or less, using only readily available materials like bottle caps and liquid detergent , kids can try experiments that demonstrate real laws of chemistry and physics, principles of animal and plant biology, geology, meteorology (the study of weather), and astronomy. This well-illustrated, best of the best collection from McGraw-Hill's popular "Science for Kids" series also gives kids help putting together a science fair project. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good for a beginning homeschooler for science
This book has very many things to do for science, but we have been homeschooling for 10 years, so there was nothing new in it for us! If you are new to teaching or homeschooling this may be just what you need though. It is very nicely laid out and easy to understand. ... Read more

Book Description

The complete home-study program to help children practice the essential math skills they learn in school. Matches the math curriculum so your children will reach their full potential in school -- and on important standardized tests! The successful way to improve your child's math. These workbooks have been compiled and tested by a team of math experts to increase your child's confidence, enjoyment, and success at school. Fourth Grade: Provides practice at all the major topics for Grade 4 with emphasis on multiplication and division of larger numbers. Includes a review of Grade 3 topics and a preview of topics in Grade 5. Includes Times Tables practice. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A good summer review
This workbook was an excellent review of all topics covered in 4th grade math with an easy to manage number of problems per page and excellent examples. The 5th grade book covers much of the same material, so I wouldn't buy both

Not really fourth grade level in my school district
This is a nice math workbook, however, it's not really equivalent to what fourth graders are doing in my school district. I bought this hoping to give my daughter a head-start for fourth grade, but 90% of it is a review of what she has learned in the third grade.

Great Workbook!
I am homeschooling my daughter and this is a great math workbook. She finds the lessons enjoyable. It covers all areas of 4th grade math. It is not enough to be used alone, but a wonderful addition for extra practice in all areas. Your child will love this book!

Introducing math to 9-10 year olds
By the time you reach the fourth grade book, there isn't much to color! What this book provides is practice in all the major topics for Grade 4 with an emphasis on multiplication and division of larger numbers. It includes a review of Grade 3 topics and a preview of the Grade 5 workbook. You will also find plenty of Times Tables Practice.

This is part of a series of workbooks designed to encourage children to practice the essential math skills they learn in school. It matches the math curriculum so your children will reach their full potential in school and in important standardized tests.

The all-important "Answer Section with Parents' Notes" provides all the answers to all the activities in this book. This enables you to mark your children's work. The notes for each page help to explain common problems and gives advice on how to ensure that your child understands where and how they have made the errors.

They include a Progress Chart complete with gold stick on stars and a Certificate to show achievement and completion of this workbook.

Contents:

Reading and writing large numbers
Multiplying and dividing by 10
Rounding Numbers
Subtracting three-digit numbers
Adding decimals
Division with remainders
Problems involving time
Areas of rectangles and squares
Bar graphs
Probability
Speed Trials for Multiplication Tables
Times Table Practice
Ordering sets of measures
Naming Polygons
Problems involving time
Congruency
Lines of Symmetry
Renaming fractions
Column Addition
Multiplying by two-digit numbers
Place Value for Decimals
Word Problems
Conversion Tables

The successful way to improve your child's understanding of math! You might want to think up some extra rewards besides stars for completing some of these pages! Maybe for every so many stars, they get a bigger reward. ... Read more

Book Description

In autumn, a strong wind blows flower seeds high in the air and carries them far across the land. One by one, many of the seeds are lost -- burned by the sun, fallen into the ocean, eaten by a bird. But some survive the long winter and, come spring, sprout into plants, facing new dangers -- trampled by playing children, picked as a gift for a friend. Soon only the tiniest seed remains, growing into a giant flower and, when autumn returns, sending its own seeds into the wind to start the process over again.

Eric Carle's eloquent text and brilliant collages turn the simple life cycle of a plant into an exciting story, a nature lesson, and an inspiring message of the importance of perseverance. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

LOVE IT!!!
I absolutely adore this book! It is soooooo well written! Its pictures are absolutely beautiful! This book is a must for anyone with children! It is just that good! You should buy this book right away! I PROMISE that you will LOVE it too!

Dust in the wind.
A treat for both child and adult nighttime-tucker-in-person. The edition in our home came with seed packets and plastic trowel for hands on gardening by my own "Tiny Seed" when she was 5.

Bloom where you're planted...and hope for kind soil.--Laurel825

The Tiny Seed
This is a very good book. I think that this is a very inspiring story to people who might think they are too small and won't amount to anything. This is not true in this case, it just takes a little longer to develop. The others develop quckly, and they end up ending quickly to. When he keeps going on, and never really gives up. He sure thinks about giving up a lot but never really does. In the end it will work out better for the person who has to try hard to get through everything, something bad is bound to happen to you. When you tr and never give up, you will succeed. You will become bigger and better than anyone who got an east way through life.
Because you had to go through so much on your journey, when everyone else had it easy,when they have to strugge to get through things, you will get to sit back and relax.
And this story demonstrates that just because you are small you can't grow bigger or can't do things. ...

The Tiny Seed
If you want a good book for your children and want to educate them at the same time? Yes? Then you should read this book to them it tells the kids how a read gets from the plant then the seeds spread all over. In a cycle over and over. This story tells about a tiny seed like it was any person in the world because every one is different and this seed is different from all the others.

The Tiny Seed
The Tiny seed is about how a seed from any plant gets to different places to spread the plants around instead of one area. It is about how the plants cycle. ... Read more