Reviews (5)

Excellent language practice
I'm an adult with a reasonable command of Spanish as a second language. I can read a newspaper fairly easily, and I can hold mutually interesting conversations with people, so long as their speech isn't too slangy, to regional, or too fast. I found Potter #5 in spanish translation to be an entertaining way to do some "continued reading". If you're an adult who feels sheepish about reading kid's books, trying to improve or maintain your command of Spanish, this will give you a good excuse.

There's nothing like reading a book like this to make you realize that there's many different kinds of vocabulary. Compared to say, magazines, newspapers, or more technical books, Potter #5 is chock-full of everyday dialogue, human relationships, colloquial expressions, and words having to do with emotional states, facial expressions, noises, and such. Not to mention the more specialized vocabulary, like, "spell", "dungeon", "sorting hat", or "dark arts". I certainly found a good dictionary to be useful.

Although this book is published by a press in Spain, the characters speak a Spanish closer to the Latin American than the iberian variety (e.g, the "y'all" second person plural verb inflection is not used, and "coger" is avoided). This is, I suppose, a reflection of the demographic weight of Latin America vis-a-vis Spain, and, for all I know, is standard practice in one-size-fits all translations. I suspect it is a careful translation, although my Spanish really isn't good enough to tell.

If you think that reading a translation from the English is a poor way to learn about hispanic culture, I would reply that 1) the Potter books are hugely popular in spain, 2) This is a european, not a north american book. whereas we have not a single authentic castle, Spain has hundreds of 'em. And 3) who cares, if it gets you reading spanish?

Absolutley Awesome
The Harry Potter books are so amazing even in Spanish. The translation is awesome and it's really nice for me too because i'm fluent in Spanish. It's really fun to read and i'm sure you'll enjoy it

harry potter 5
this book is 1 of the best books i have ever read. it's exciting and entertaining and it gets your imagination started. it's a great thing to read when you have nothingto do.

Absolutely Amazing and Compelling
Well when i buy the copy of the Order of the Phoenix in Spanish i was amaze about how good the translation was. This is indeed one of the best chapter of the Harry Potter saga, the story is great and the challenges, that are young Potter has to face are very compelling and indeed harsh reality that he has to fight,and i recomend this book to anyone you won't dissapointed.

Harry Potter in Spanish!
As soon as I got my copy of this book I was thrill.The translation is great and it retained the original enthuciams that the english version has.I recommed this book to anyone that knows spanish or is learning,this will be the ideal gift. ... Read more

Book Description

Shortlisted for the Keith Barker Millennium Children’s Books Award.

Aboard the Swallow, John, Susan, Titty and Roger find themselves under attack from the fierce Amazon Pirates, Nancy and Peggy. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Swallows and Amazons forever!
I read this book for the first time when I was 37 and loved it so much I took to the sea and had adventures of my own. It's a wonderful, wonderful book for anyone who has ever dreamed of being on a boat -- or even for anyone who hasn't. Pemmican, bunloaf and chocolate have become staples of my diet; the descriptions of Susan's meals are out-of-this-world. In addition, the book is filled with practical lessons for sailing from how to line up markers to get into a hidden harbor to how to sail at night. I am Titty and my friend is Susan because he keeps careful lists and is always prepared. Our boat is "Summer Song" and we sail on the coast of Maine. We're looking forward to David Godine's publication of the complete series of books.

Exciting book for children [and adults] of all ages!
The first book in the Swallows and Amazons series, this book contains the adventures of the swallows, John, Susan, Titty and Roger, and their amazon pirate friends, Nanci and Peggy. Adventure is the keyword for this book. Battles with the amazons, the taking of Captain Flint and his walking of the plank, fishing for sharks and camping on desert islands. Swallows and Amazons contains all of this and more. An exciting read for all ages, it is a guide to adventure, camping and sailing that can't be beat. A must for any bookshelf

Timeless Delight
I first read this when I was a child, and remember crying buckets when it finished because I thought there was no more - in fact I was wrong, there are eleven more books, all wonderful. These stories are full of joy, inoocence and adventure, and are a tonic in our dark and uncertain times. I visited the scenes of some of them in England, and was surprised at how geographically exact they are. The characters are real, the stories believeable, and, with the various illustrations by the author, they create a truely magic world. They are also books about how to do things. You can, for example. p[ick up quite a good education in sailing and seamanship from reading them, along with how to smelt gold, burn charcoal, survey tidal mudflats, and all manner of other things. Hal GP Colebatch's book, "Return of the Heroes," which I have reviewed in its own page, sets out a good deal about Ransome, and among other things indicates some relationships between him and Tolkien. If you love sailing, and the innocent, sunny golden days of childhood, buy these books and do yourself a favour. If you have hildren, buy these books for them!

A classic deserving of a wider audience
I didn't discover Ransome's series until I was in my 20s, but I picked the first one up out of curiosity and was hooked.

As a child, I was a great explorer, going all over the local landscape, giving names to the different topographical features. I loved to camp and ramble. I loved boating, although I never sailed, and a picnic on an island in the river nearby (and a chance to explore said island on my own while everyone else was fishing) was a joy I'll never forget.

This book, and the others in the series, recapture those happy days for me. This one is very innocent, with no real violence or menace, but full of joyful adventure. The children are great role models; they're feisty and independent, yet still respectful of their elders. They're imaginative but know when to set aside their fantasies and deal with realities.

The book also conveys the joy of adventure and the great outdoors, and also shows that everyone has something important to contribute. Sure, one member of the group might be more interested in cooking and provisions, but that's necessary.

The adults take a back seat in these books, generally, but they're there. This one, especially, can be seen as a test by the parents to see how responsible their children are, and it's implicit that the kids are doing their best to prove themselves to their parents. The parents don't neglect them, they're there if they're needed, and check up on them regularly, but they also give them space to ramble and have an adventure.

Today it may seem as if these parents are letting their kids run wild; but I think families today could use books like this. When you have kids who are shuttled back and forth to band practice and swim team and heaven knows what else, they need the time to just relax and let things happen. When kids live in front of the TV and play video and computer games all day, they need to be reminded that there is all sorts of adventure outside. When kids are smothered by overprotective or controlling parents, they need space to be independent and prove themselves.

The only caveat I can give this book is sometimes the language can be confusing. The accumulation of sailing terms can bog a novice down, and there are some Britishisms that may puzzle some American readers, like referring to something called "bunloaf" and calling dessert "pudding." But heck, that's only minor, and ideally will inspire readers to do some research.

I highly recommend this for older readers, for children who enjoy the great outdoors or for children who have the opportunities and need to be inspired to take them. Adults, like me, who have happy memories of exploring will enjoy this as well, and it may inspire more adventures! These books may inspire you to buy more camping equipment, so beware! :)

A wonderful tale of times gone by
Recently I've started going back and re-reading some of the books I loved as a child - something insprired by Francis Spufford's wonderful "The Child That books Built".

One of my favorite series from my childhood was the Swallows & Amazons series. How I loved the idea of sailing off with the Walker and Blackett children; I had the biggest crush on Nancy that I've ever had for a fictional character!

So, here I am re-reading them and they are truly as marvellous as they ever were. If you have any interest in sailing, camping, the lake district or just plain good story telling, read these books.

The first in the series, Swallows & Amazons, is also, arguably, the best of the bunch. This is the tale at it's purest and before more and more characters come in to dilute the stories a little. Don't get me wrong - a number of the other books are also five star candidates but there will always be a special place in my heart for the one that started it all.

For children today, I think these tales will still give something. For their time the girls in the stories were very strong characters - in particular Nancy Blackett holds her own with any of the boys. And where we do find some rather ... examples (the girls cook while the boys mend sails) I think we can easily put it in the context of the time, and use it as a touchpoint for how far equality has come (or perhaps to use examples of families where it really hasn't changed much).

Arthur Ransome is very detailed about the specifics of sailing; for me that was part of the beauty of the books. I never did learn to sail but I always thought I could after reading his novels! But, if that's not your cup of tea, feel free to skip those parts - you won't lose much by doing so. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Spurred on by another mysterious rhyme from Morgan le Fay, the magicallibrarian of Camelot, siblings Jack and Annie climb into their magic travelingtree house once again, this time on a journey to Merry Olde England--andShakespeare's theater. Their quest? To find "a special magic" that will,"without wand, spell, or charm / turn daytime into night." Armed only with theirbackpacks and a book about 16th-century England, Jack and Annie manage to solvethe riddle, save a bear from a cruel fate, and make their stage debut in "AMidsummer Night's Dream."

Following the wildly successful formula of her Magic Tree House series (Earthquake in the EarlyMorning, Twister onTuesday, etc.), Mary Pope Osborne delivers another exciting chapter bookfor young readers (and read-aloud listeners). Additional information aboutShakespeare is included, plus a partial list of the more than 2,000 words andexpressions he invented. As always, illustrator Sal Murdocca's appealingblack-and-white drawings are well matched to Osborne's story. (Ages 5 to 9)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Mary Pope Osborne's insightful look into Shakespeare's Time
Once again Mary Pope Osborne delights her readers as she offers them a spectacular trip back in time to the Elizabethean Age and Shakespeare's theater. As Osborne lures readers in with her captivating tales, the illustrations by Sal Murdocca add to the book by showing readers what "Olde England" looked like. Stage Fright on a Summer Night gives vaulable historical data, while allowing Jack and Annie to experience the stage life and a personal encounter with Will Shakespeare. This book provides a great introduction for young readers to Shakespeare's plays and to common problems experienced by young actors. This Osborne book reminds me of King of Shadows by Susan Cooper, but Osborne focuses on a younger audience and shows us that youngsters,too deserve to know about one of the greatest writers ever known.

Stage Fright on a Summer Night
Stage Fright on a Summer Night by Mary Pope Osborne is a wonderful book for children. In this Magic Tree House book Jack and Annie travel back in time to Olde England and meet William Shakespeare as they are look for the magic to turn daytime in to night. In the book they the children learn about the city of London, the London Bridge and the theater in William Shakespeare's time.
Mrs. Osborne has a great way of making her readers feel as if they are actually in Olde England with Jack and Annie. She also gives her readers just enough just enough historical facts that the readers are learning without know that they are. They think that they are just having fun reading a good book. I also liked the way Mrs. Osborne included quotes from Shakespeare's plays and then at the end of the book told in what plays the reader could find these. A long with the quotes Mrs. Osborne also included a list of words that Shakespeare had invented and that we still use today. I think that this is a great for young readers to see. With both the quotes and the word list in the back of the book I think this would be a great book for a teacher to use in his/her classroom to introduce both London and William Shakespeare to students.

Children love reading these books and they are educational
My seven year old loves reading these books over and over again. While she is enjoying the books, she is learning about different places and times in history. She's learned about the Amazon, the wild west, hawaii, the civil and revolutionary wars, the middle ages, ocean mammals, and so much more. I highly recommend the whole series.

Stage Fright on a Summer Night
I loved Stage Fright on a Summer Night.It's about to kids,Annie andJack who go back in time to London.While they're in London they meet William Shakespear who askes them to cover for to faries(who are really two boys.)Jack and Annie agree to cover for two faries.But Jack gets stage fright and tries not to show it,but in the end he forgets his fear and was fabulous! William Shakespear thanked them and said good bye.

it was coolllll
I gave my book five stars ***** because Jack and Annie go back to old England when William Shakespeare time. Morgan Lefay has this magic tree house they go back into time. When they were there this man came up and wanted them to be in a play. The man was William Shakespeare. I really recommend this book for you to read. ... Read more

Book Description

Cookie Monster really wants a cookie. What's the magic word?
Elmo knows! Toddlers will have loads of fun as they help Elmo think of the right words to say in Elmo's Good Manners Game. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Gimmie Cookie Please!
This book is my son's favorite bedtime book, as it has been for over a year now. This book has been instrumental in creating a good foundation of manners for my son. We also use this book to reinforce sign language for "Please" and "Thank You."

Concerning the language used: If one reads Cookie Monster's request in the Cookie Monster voice, then children recognize the difference between human language and monster language.

I highly suggest this book. It is a fast read with great results!

You can't lose with Elmo!
My almost 10 month old son loves Elmo. But truthfully, I think he likes holding the book (great for diaper changes) more than he likes to hear it read to him. But I do use this book bedtime, and it works like a charm!

I love it and my son does too!
This book is wonderful. Not only did it motivate my 2 year old to learn the words please and thank you, he seems to have learned alot more with his Sesame Street pals here. The picures are so vivid and life like (or should I say character like :>)we've used this book to identify his pals, learn body parts (where is Cookie Monsters eyes...) and learn colors. Great book at an amazingly low price!

nice try
I didn't like their definition of manners. When Cookie monster wanted a cookie he said "gimme cookie-me want cookie". In the book elmo teaches that cookie monster should actually say "gimme cookie, please". I just don't consider that good manners. Other than that it's O.K.

A fun way to learn
Elmo's Good Manners Game is a great way to teach toddlers (especially Elmo fans!) common manners, such as saying please and thank you.

With colorful illustrations, Elmo helps teach Cookie Monster how to ask for a cookie nicely; Bert to greet someone politely; the monsters how to excuse themselves from the table; Big Bird how to share and Herry how to apologize.

It's a simple way to (hopefully) help ingrain good habits into little reader's minds! ... Read more

Book Description

A popular Potter favorite is available again in a handsome new package. The carrying case comes complete with a handle, and buckle closure, and has the smart new design celebrating 100 years of Peter Rabbit. Books inside include titles such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Tom Kitten, and The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck. Now being re-issued because of high demand, this is a great way to start a Potter library. ... Read more

Book Description

Discover the people and traditions of one of the most dynamic countries in the world.

Discover the rich diversity of the world's most populous democracy in this stunning guide. Witness the beauty of the Taj Mahal, learn how India gained its independence, discover the splendor of the Mughal dynasty, and much, much more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Heavy but Worth it!
These DK white books are uncommonly heavy. They don't have as much detailed information as the Blue Guides or Rough Guides, but are good for brief visits or first timers. Where they excell is their outstanding illustrations and diagrams, often cutaways. The maps are good, but the labeling system makes it difficult to locate things easily. Lots of full page color photos give a preview of the trip. It's a daunting task to try to cover India in a single guide, but this book almost does it. It's well organized, color coded by region. The picture of Palitana in the Gujarat section became the foundation for that section of our 2003 trip to India [ cascoly.com/trav/india.asp ], and the diversion provided one of the highlights of the entire 6 week trip.

Bottom line? Your best bet is to get the Rough and Blue Guides, then be sure that someone else on the trip is carrying the DK. Or buy the books you need, and then just scan the pages you need to bring with you. ... Read more

Book Description

You probably know that Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa. Didyou know that he also invented an early version of a helicopter and a tank, andthat he planned to execute the Time Warp Trio for spying on his inventions?Sam's bright idea to look for the inventor of the Book takes the guys to 15thcentury Italy to meet up with Leonardo. But it's going to take at least threemore bright ideas, two magic tricks, and one great invention to get them out oftrouble and safely back home. If not, it could be a lifetime of Italian armytoilet-cleaning detail for Joe, Sam, and Fred. ... Read more

Book Description

Well before yoga became fashionable via Sting and Madonna, the beloved elephant king Babar and all the residents of Celesteville were finding peace and tranquillity through yoga. And now elephants everywhere can join them! Through easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step illustrations, Babar's Yoga for Elephants presents 15 positions and stretches as well as helpful breathing exercises. The book also provides useful advice on what to do with your trunk while in position, a dilemma that human yoga books often ignore.

Written by Babar himself, the book explains how yoga was introduced to Celesteville and how he and Queen Celeste keep fit doing yoga on their many travels. Including a pull-out poster showing Babar in yoga poses, Babar's Yoga for Elephants is sure to become a classic for elephants as well as their human friends. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Darling Book
Hatha Yoga is generally form based. Elephants need to know the "proper" position for their trunks while they perform asanas. The author shows where the trunks should be positioned for maximum effect.

Humans can also follow the book's pictures, sans the trunk positions, and perform a nice hatha class.

Stretch, Breathe, Relax, and Enjoy.....
As Babar earnestly tells us on page one, archaeololgists recently discovered drawings on cave walls of elephants in yoga positions. After much research and study, these scientists came to the conclusion that "not only were elephants capable of performing yoga, it seemed they had invented it." Unfortunately, over many millions of years, this ancient art was forgotten. But now, yoga has once again become popular among elephants, especially in Babar's home of Celesteville. "The life of a modern-day elephant is stressful and complicated. Yoga turned out to be exactly what we in Celesteville needed, offering calm and control in days that were busy and demanding..." Join our friendly and endearing pachyderm as he explains in detailed, easy to follow, step by step instructions and pictures, fifteen yoga exercises. And then join Babar and Celeste on their many travels and adventures as they demonstrate just how they use them. Often they try and match their yoga positions to the things around them. "I think it is a nice way to meditate. This allows us to connect to the world around us." At the Metropolitan Museum of Art Babar posed in the Arm Balance position and looked just like a skyscraper. Paris' Eiffel Tower inspired Proud Warrior, and Venice's Piazza San Marco was the perfect setting for Standing Head to Knee. And at the Golden Gate Bridge, he and Celeste enjoyed doing the Cobra together..... Laurent De Brunhoff's engaging and humorous text begs to be read aloud and shared and is complemented by his playful and entertaining, signature illustrations. Together word and art create a clever how-to picture book, that will have youngsters out of their seats and on their mats, practicing yoga poses and breathing exercises, stretching, and improving their balance and strength. Perfect for kids of all ages, Babar's Yoga For Elephants is a timeless treasure and a sure classic in the years to come. As Babar reminds us on the last page..."Do a little yoga every day. At first you may not notice any difference. But keep it up, and after a few weeks I believe you will feel better in body and spirit. All of us in Celesteville hope that Yoga for Elephants will bring you peace and inner harmony."

My Elephant Aide
After teaching Yoga for 30 years, it's wonderful to have my favorite character Babar, as an aide. I'll use his book as a humorous textbook for my practice.
Thank you dear Babar, I've always admired you.
SUSIe

what a smashing success
I very much enjoyed the adventures of Babar when I was younger. This book has just tickled my fancy and I am ordering one for my yoga teacher and partner. It is well done, entertaining, extremely accurate (how do elephants get into those poses when I can't?) and a great treasure for someone into the practice of yoga. This will be on my list of Eastern-themed gift books to give this Holiday season, along with my other favorite gift book Open Your Mind, Open Your Life by Taro Gold.

Pachyderms Practicing Peaceful Poses
I bought this book after seeing some of its illustrations - a little elephant in red shorts turning a backward sommersault - in a magazine. Written in an endearing, matter-of-fact tone by Babar the elephant, the book begins with Babar's explanation of how it came to be known that elephants are actually capable of doing yoga. In the next several pages, Babar provides the reader with instructions of very basic yoga poses, and he himself illustrates how to do the movements. The illustrations of Babar folding and stretching himself into yoga poses are hysterical and adorable. Babar then takes the poses on the road, while travelling internationally. He uses the yoga to relax and meditate in front of inspiring world famous monuments. This book is fun for children as well as adults. Entertaining, cultural, clever, imaginative and just so darn CUTE. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I Spy Books are fun
I spy books are fun to read. In i spy funhouse it is very good. They are very good at hideing things. I like all of the i spy books. They are all good books.

Entertaining Fun in your House
This is a funhouse book, It is worth a second look. Read it and you'll see, It does splendidly.

Kids love it, Moms love it, Neither throw a fit, And gladly they will sit, To read this book a bit.

The pictures are great! Can YOU find its mate? ... Read more

Book Description

A Spanish translation of the original Curious George story. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

teaching my granddaughter Spanish :)
I bought this for my three-year-old granddaughter at Christmas. She loves it and has developed a pretty good accent (as good as mine, anyhow :) She knows what a bolsa is, and a monito and of course a sombrero amarillo. She has it firmly in mind that balloon = globo, so the globe of the world is like a balloon. Red is rojo and blue is azul.

And she hasn't yet taken to smoking a pipe :)

What's especially interesting is that she doesn't require that the story be translated, though she does like to talk about what Jorge is up to on a given page. "WHY did the man put Jorge in a bolsa?"

poor judgement
I had never read this book as I child but since I knew it was a classic I decided to buy it for my daughter. I never realized that Curious George and his owner smoke pipes and make it look appealing. I guess this has to do with the fact that this book is very old. If you dont' mind giving your child the idea that smoking a pipe is acceptable than buy this book for your child. Mine won't be reading it.

Revisit Curious Jorge...in Spanish!
If you like Curious George, you'll enjoy him all over again in Spanish. Jorge is unstoppable- he gets to know the city and finds a happy home at the zoo. The fun is in the trouble that he causes along the way! ... Read more

Book Description

2002 marks the 100th anniversary of one of the best-loved children's books of all time. Since 1902, over 40 million copies of The Tale of Peter Rabbit have been sold worldwide, in more than 35 languages. Recently, it was named the second best-selling children's book of all time by Publishers Weekly. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A tale too good to pass up
Caveat: Now if you're in the market to buy "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", I highly recommend that you do NOT purchase the horrendous version illustrated by David McPhail. This interesting monstrosity takes a book that was previous perfect and renders it perverse. I am reviewing the original Beatrix Potter edition of this tale, but because Amazon.com doesn't like to differentiate reviews, I'm fairly certain that this review will also appear for the McPhail book as well. Please, dear readers, do not in any way shape or form purchase the McPhail version if you want the original adept "Peter Rabbit"! Where Potter is adept and charming, McPhail is syrupy and doe-eyed. Where Potter is subtle, McPhail is over the top. Where Potter succeeds, McPhail fails. To locate an original edition of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" click on the author "Beatrix Potter" as it appears at the top of this screen. That should bring you to a selection of choices, one of which is the original "The Tale of Peter Rabbit". Oddly, the only way to purchase that particular original version of the tale is to select her name. I don't know why. Call it a flaw in the Amazon.com system, if you will.

Now, why doesn't Peter Rabbit age? I'm not being literal here, people, so please don't inundate me with explanations that patiently explain that fictional characters in books cannot get old. I won't hear a word of it. Reading "Peter Rabbit" today is just as fresh and new an experience as it was one hundred years ago. Author Beatrix Potter created the story of Peter Rabbit for a young boy with whom she was acquainted. Using the novel idea of drawing animals as they appeared in nature, just in funny clothes and talking, her books are remarkable because she had a dual talent for both illustration and clever narrative. Now after all these years I opened up "Peter Rabbit" to see why I loved it as much as I did as a kid. And the fact of the matter is, it hasn't aged a smidgen. A remarkable and astounding feat for a story originally published in 1903.

Peter lives, as many of us know, in a large fir tree with his mother and his siblings Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail. His father was baked in a pie (a fact that many parents have decried as too dark for children, and that many children have shrugged at without a second thought). Though instructed by his mother NOT to go digging in Mr. McGregor's garden, he's a naughty little thing. His tasty trip is brought up short, however, when he stumbles across the farmer himself. In the course of their chase Peter loses his little blue jacket with the shiny brass buttons and must return to his mother (after a series of close shaves) without it or his shoes. He is promptly put to bed with a cup of camomile tea (a fate we non-camomile tea drinkers must assume is harsh) while his siblings eat the tasty blackberries they picked that morning.

Beatrix Potter claimed that though she was adept at illustrating animals, she had the darndest time (my words, not hers) drawing people. You will note, therefore, that Mr. McGregor is a bit of a featureless wag. The story was remarkable in that it was the first time (I believe) that animals drawn in a picture book actually looked like real animals. Peter is exactly the kind of bunny you'd expect to catch in your yard, except that he's occasionally wearing jaunty spring wear. The similarities in this tale to that of the Brer Rabbit tales of the American South is interesting but due to the fact that Potter was writing this story in 1903 Britain, she probably didn't steal the plot. The book is a classic in the purest sense, of course. If you can get a copy that is small (intended from the start to be the size that little hands could open easily) do. It's a beautiful tale that is as fresh and green today as it was when written long long ago. A classic.

A must
I got this book when I was very young and to this day I still love it. It's a cute story about this naughty little bunny going into Mr. McGregors yard and getting into a big mess. I love the drawings and everything about it. A great book for the kids.

Classic for adults and children
Four rabbit children are told to pick berries by their mother, who also warns the rabbits not to go near Mr. McGregor's garden. Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottaintale obey their mother, but Peter, the mischievous of the four rabbits, ignores his mother's warning and ventures off for some tasty food from Mr. McGregor's garden. While Peter is greedily eating some radishes, he is spotted by Mr. McGregor. Peter tries to dash out of Mr. McGregor's way, only getting further and further away from the garden gate. Will Peter get away from Mr. McGregor, and find his way out of the garden? What will happen when his mother hears what he has done?

Personal Response:
I have loved this story since I was little, probably because any child can relate to Peter's mischievous ways. I have not met a child who could not attest to getting in over their heads after doing something they were told not to do. Beatrix Potter does an amazing job illustrating this well known tale. She brings life to the characters with her beautifully detailed illustrations. The illustrations have soft lines and curves to give a pleasant fell to the story. The pictures go along with the pages of the story as well as adding detail to the reader's mind about the plot and setting. The reader can see the vastness of the garden by looking at Beatrix Potter's illustrations.
The author's ability to suspend disbelief is not very great, because of the nature of the story. This story is made to be a fairy tale, which is not usually believable to children or adults. Children are accustomed to talking animals in stories at the age they would read this book. However, the plot of the story is very realistic to the child. It is realistic because the child can relate to disobeying their parent, and getting into trouble of some sort. They can also relate to the punishment that Peter gets at the end of the story.

A wonderful tale of Peter Rabbit
Peter Rabbit is one of four rabbits in his family. Very much curious as well as disobedient, Peter decides to wonder off into Mr. McGregor's garden. He has heard the warning given to him by his mother of what Mr. McGregor does to curious, wandering rabbits. Peter slips away from his brother's and sister's while they play in the fields and decides to see this wonderful garden. While in the garden, Peter fills his stomach with delicious carrots, lettuce and other various vegetables. While eating, Mr. McGregor finds the somewhat stuffed rabbit and chases him around his garden. Peter, realizing the mistake he made, only wishes to be free, that he might not make the same mistake again. This book is very well written and can capture the heart of even the oldest person. Filled with detailed pictures, Peter comes to life in this classic tale of tales.

This is my Nephew's favorite book
The pictures in this book are absolutely wonderful. It was my oldest nephews favorite book, his little brother also loves it, unfortunately after five years of hard use I just replaced it with a new one. This is the first time we've ever "worn out" a book!

If my two nephews could write a review, (they are boys, 5 and 2 yrs old), they would tell you that this book is a treasure! ... Read more

Book Description

While Laura Ingalls grows up in a little house on the western prairie, Almanzo Wilder is living on a big farm in New York State. Here Almanzo and his brother and sisters help with the summer planting and fall harvest. In winter there is wood to be chopped and great slabs of ice to be cut from the river and stored. Time for fun comes when the jolly tin peddler visits, or best of all, when the fair comes to town.

This is Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved story of how her husband Almanzo grew up as a farmer boy far from the little house where Laura lived.

Reviews (47)

A gem
If I could pick one book that every 7,8, or 9 year old MUST read, it would be this one. The story of Almanzo Wilder's life growing up on a farm in New York is totally compelling to children at this age. He's just a small boy, but he's strong, capable, and shoulders so much responsibility in the day-to-day on the farm. He works hard, and like all boys, is daydreamy and wistful to be off playing rather than hauling water or chopping wood, but there's such an intensity of life this brings him that the typical media and gizmo saturated child of today is genuinely envious of Almanzo and charmed to journey with him for the year retold in Farmer Boy.

He comes from a large family, his parents very loving yet very hardworking people who expect a lot of Almanzo. Nearly everything they eat, wear, and use is produced there on the farm, and it is one of the greatest pleasures of the book that the planting and weaving and washing and building and milking and all the other countless necessaries are vividly detailed and the reader can almost taste Almanzo's favorite apples and onions or smell the sweetly dusty air of the hay barn. I think every child who has read this book is eager to go out at once and grow a pumpkin just the way Almanzo does it--Almanzo has the secret for growing the biggest pumpkins in the county. And there's no greater inspiration than Almanzo to tempt kids into adventuring with some good wholesome food. The boy's mealtime accounts are absolutely mouthwatering. And working hard from sun up to sun down, that boy could eat!

But Almanzo is restless, and not so much to be free to play all day, but to be allowed to work with his father's prize horses. His father is known have the finest horses, and he's not about to let just anybody mess with them. Horses must be handled just right, otherwise you could easily ruin them, and Almanzo's not ready to be trusted with them. The 'coming of age' for Almanzo is one of the most touching and powerful in all of children's literature.

Please - if you've a child this age who hasn't yet read or heard Farmer Boy, don't let this book pass them by. By the end of the book you have come to know and love Almanzo so well, it's a sad good-bye indeed. Reader's won't meet him again until years later, as a young man who first meets Laura Ingalls in "By the Shores of Silver Lake".

Farmer Boy
FARMER BOY
In Farmer Boy, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, there is a boy named Almanzo Wilder. He is spunky and loved the farm life and especially horses and colts. His father owned and trained them. Almanzo always wanted a colt, but his father wouldn't let him have one. When he goes to the county fair he sees horses there. He asks if he gets a colt, he could take it to the fair next year.
I think that Laura tries to tell us that hard work and being responsible really do matter. Also that if you try you can accomplish anything you want to. I also think that she tries to show us how hard life was in the 1800's. When they needed milk they have to go out and milk the cow in the cold. They can't go to the store and buy a half- gallon of milk.
I really enjoyed reading this book because Laura gives good descriptions and words it very well. She also shows how hard farm life was back then. So does his responsibility pay off? Does he get a colt or not?
By: Maura

Yikes!
I've never read any of Wilder's books except this one. I've never even seen "Little House on the Prarie." The first thing I thought while reading this book is, "Did people really live like this?" Sure, the kids in the book had some fun, but mostly their lives were work, from sun up to sun down. The father, in the winter (40 degress below zero) had to get up at midnight and make the cows move around, otherwise they would freeze where they stood. Thank God for modern technology, which has made our lives so much more easy and pleasant. I recommend this novel for everyone. Wilder writes in a simple, sparse style, one you might call "Hemingway for children." Hard to believe people had to live like this, just in order to have enough to eat.

One of the best from a great series!
Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Farmer Boy" is a departure from the rest of the famed "Little House" books in that it does not relate the story of her own family's hardscrabble existence on the western frontier, but instead tells the story of her husband's boyhood on his family's prosperous farm in upstate New York. Thus, it introduces readers to an entirely new family, the Wilders, and the Ingalls family is not even mentioned. However, this is one of the best books of the "Little House" series.

"Farmer Boy" details a year or so in the life of 9 yr old Almanzo Wilder. A good deal of this book is spent showing that life on a farm in the 1860's, even for a well-to-do family living in a civilized part of the country, still meant never-ending, hard, physical labor. Young Almanzo and his siblings spend their lives working on one chore after another- the work changing as the seasons change. Undoubtedly, modern children will read this book and be thankful that they don't live in a time where sleeping in past 5 AM was considered odd and children were expected to be seen (at work) and not heard.

In addition to describing day to day life on a farm, Mrs. Wilder also details the family relationships between the Wilders. Almanzo's parents are shown as loving, but, in contrast to Pa and Ma Ingalls, they come across as a little more stern and authoritarian with their children. For example, James Wilder, Almanzo's father, is always called "Father" never "Pa."

Almanzo's relations with his three siblings are also described. (Almanzo actually had five siblings, but oldest sister, Laura, and younger brother, Perley, were left out of the book.) Almanzo looks up to his 13 yr old brother, Royal. Ten yr old sister Alice is shown as being very spunky and loveable and was obviously Almanzo's favorite sib. (Alice, who was a very pretty girl, died at a fairly young age and this book is her younger brother's tribute to her.) And finally there is Eliza Jane, age 12, who comes across as every younger brother's nightmare of a bossy older sister. It's obvious that Laura Ingalls Wilder did not care much for her sister-in-law Eliza Jane because she portrayed her pretty badly in her books. However, one of the great moments of "Farmer Boy" involves Eliza Jane showing in her own way how much she truly loved her younger brother. The wonderful descriptions of familial relationships in the "Little House" books are one of the big reasons why this series is so beloved.

"Farmer Boy" exudes all the hallmarks of a great "Little House" book- the wonderfully detailed depiction of life on a farm, the loving but still realistic portrayal of family life, and it also exudes a warm-hearted sentiment for an era long gone. Yet, "Farmer Boy" shows some of the darker elements of mid-19th century life. An attempted burglary is a subject of one chapter and the book opens with a pretty scary depiction of an 1860's schoolhouse. The "Little House" books often present a fairly rosy picture of the one-room schoolhouse, yet "Farmer Boy" shows a darker side. In this book, the teenage sons of farmers are shown coming to school just to bust it up and pummel any teacher who gets in their way.

Finally, as an Irish-American, I've always been amused by the unconcious bigotry towards Irish immigrants found in the "Little House" books. The few Irish characters in these books are either shown as fall-down drunks or as fools- read the story about cutting-ice in "Farmer Boy" to see an example. I don't think Laura Ingalls was anti-Irish, but just writing down 19th century attitudes about certain ethnic groups. She did the same thing for American Indians, but even more blatantly.

The story of Alonzo Wilder's boyhood
In book three of the Little House series, Wilder turns her attention to the childhood of her husband Alonzo Wilder, who grew up in somewhat different circumstances in New York State. Although life for the Wilders is somewhat more settled and secure than it would be on the prairie, it is still a struggle to make a living off the land. But it is a good life, one that revolves around the family and the simple pleasures of rural life such as attending the fair. I found this book to be one of the more enjoyable of the series and find it unfortunate that Wilder did not write more about her husband. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Bunny Cakes
This book fascinates my 3-year-old, possibly because the actions of little brother Max are similar to hers! She is fascinated how the cakes are made. There even is an "icky" element to the story, which she delights in. Rosemary Wells continues to write in her captivating style and the illustrations are so enjoyable. As a parent, I enjoy reading this book over and over.

Max as always finds a way to get what he wants-a great book!
The charm of the Max and Ruby books owes much to the fact that many of us have had an older sibling or friend like Ruby---she knows more, is able to do more and wants to be in charge, but Max always finds a way to get what he wants! This book also explores the mystery of writing, and made my older son eager to learn to write---and I think writing is a topic less stressed in picture books than reading. Everyone should have a grandma like Max and Ruby, someone who will love both edible and inedible cakes equally! As always, Wells is wonderful!

another good Max and Ruby Book
I think this is one of the better Max and Ruby books, along with Bunny Money and Bunny Party and Max Cleans Up.

Max and Ruby
This is a nice little story that is popular with my three children ages 3,4,6. Any child who is a fan of Max and Ruby will like this story...........................

cakes
I liked bunny cakes b/c it kind of tells you to try as hard as you can and you will eventually get the hang of things.like max and making cakes and writing the ingerdients. ... Read more

Book Description

Ms. Frizzle's class is growing a beautiful garden. But, Phoebe's plot is empty. Her flowers are back at her old school! So, the class climbs aboard the Magic School Bus. And, of course, the kids don't only go back to Phoebe's school, but they go inside one of Phoebe's flowers! Follow the kids' adventure and learn how living things grow. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great fun!
I enjoyed this book very much because it is such a fun way to learn about science. This is the first of many Magic School Bus books I purchased, and I've been hooked ever since. ... Read more

Book Description

40 Easy-to-Make, Fun-to-Use Centers With Instant Reproducibles & Activities That Help Kids Practice Important Math Skills­Independently!
Meets the NCTM standards!
Enrich your center time and promote independent learning with these easy-to-store math "kits"! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great!
This book is great for instant independent centers during workshop time! The boxes are easy to use, and can take as much time as you need them to. ... Read more

Book Description

Homer Simpson is a man's man, an Average Joe, a loving father and husband, and a devoted beer drinker. But do you know the "real" Homer? Find out what's on Homer's mind, discover the mysteries of Homer's fridge, hang out in Homer's haunts; meet his friends and enemies; and spend a typical day with the lovable lout who will lift you out of your D'oh-ldrums. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Just before his 13th birthday, Obi-Wan Kenobi left Yoda and the other teachers at the Jedi Temple. But he wasn't supposed to become a Padawan, a future Jedi Knight, he was assigned to be a farmer! Jedi Apprentice: The Rising Force joins the headstrong Obi-Wan a few weeks before he's to turn 13, when he'll be too old to begin training as a Jedi Knight. Trying too hard to become Qui-Gon Jinn's Padawan, Obi-Wan shows his lack of discipline, and that--in addition to Qui-Gon's mysterious past--keeps them apart. But the Force keeps pulling the two together: Obi-Wan resigns himself to the Jedi Agricultural Corps on barren Bandomeer, only to find that Qui-Gon is on a mission to the same planet. Traveling there on a mining ship, the two must work together to forge a truce between the warring Hutt, Whiphid, and Arconan miners on board. The inexperienced Obi-Wan stirs up trouble but gets plenty of chances to redeem himself later--after the pirates attack and after the ship crash-lands on a hostile planet with the crew still at each other's throats. Experienced Star Wars author Dave Wolverton keeps the blasters firing and the lightsabers swinging in this fun, fast-paced adventure. (Ages 9 to 12) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (120)

Wonderful Start to Obi-Wan Kenobi's life as a Jedi Knight!
This story was excellently written, not to mention that it fully explains what happened to Obi-Wan Kenobi when he was young, and why Qui-Gon Jinn became so close. Well, actually, this story only begins their friendship, and it statrs off very rocky. Qui-Gon doesn't want to take Obi-Wan as his Padawan learner, but Obi-Wan has to find a Jedi Knight to take him as his apprentice whithin the next four weeks (before his 13th birthday) or he has to be a farmer! They end up going to the same planet of Bandomeer, and encounter a groupe of very routhless Hutts from a mining company called Offworld mining. They are at war with the Arcona Miniral Harvest Corperation, and a few "accidents" occour on the trip to the Outter Rim plannet. By the end, Obi-Wan has had to pilot a ship, fight off Draigons (creatures on an island they crash land on), and even call Qui-Gon using the Force, which he shouldn't be able to do because he's not his Padawan. Their kindrid destenys show up in the second book, The Dark Rival. Both are wonderfully written, and extreemly enjoyable. If you are not a big Star Wars fan, or you don't know much about Star Wars, then this would be a perfect place to start.

This book's a children's reader?
This book opens up a whole new perspective on the apprenticeship between Qui-Gon Jinn & Obi-Wan Kenobi, and once you read the first book in the Jedi Apprentice series, you'll immediately want to read the second. This is the only book in the series written by Dave Wolverton; the rest are written by Jude Watson. This is also the longest book in the series, and it gives a rare glimpse into the life of a young Jedi trainee. It's the only literature I've read that gives a clear look into what exactly happens to a student before he is chosen to be a Padawan (or, if he's unlucky, a farm assistant or healer). You can also see what Qui-Gon & Obi-Wan were like before their adventures in Episode I. This is truly an interesting book to read, but be prepared to shell out cash for the rest of the series, because each book seems to leave you wanting to read the next.

Great Bedtime reading for my little Jedi....sometimes!!!
There is no real Star Wars reading material for young readers (4-7 years) However, this first book in a series for 9-12 year olds is just amazing. It's very readable to a younger child (4-8) at bedtime. As soon as I started reading the book to my son (6 years old) it was an instant hit...with both of us.

It starts BEFORE episode I, when Obi-Wan Kenobi is a boy of 12 years and in Jedi Training hoping to become the Padawan learner of the rebel & loner, Qui-Gon Jinn before he turns 13.

My son got so into the book he would force himself to stay up to listen to more of the story! Obviously, this is not what you want to happen when you want your little Jedi to go to sleep. (However, it does speak volumes about the writing, the story, etc...)

I have a sneaking suspicion that we'll be reading the entire series. This first book, was that good.

Flash back into the past...
In the starwars movies obi-wan is over 70 years old-in this book he is 12. Obi-wan is not even a jedi yet. It is a real prolgue. If I did not read these books and then i saw the phantom menace it would not be as good. I reccomend to any starwars fan if you like the movies you will like the books more.

Excellent must have for the Star Wars Fan!
This book is the start of the life of one of the most famous Jedi Knights, Obiwan Kenobi. Learn how he ALMOST did not become a Jedi Knight and then finally teaming up to become a padawan under Quigon Jinn! Also read about the adventures of them against Xanatos, Quigon's ex padawan who was succumbed to the Dark Side. I guarantee you won't put the book down once you pick it up.
Kindly note: Better have the sequel books of the Jedi Apprentice series ready or you will be sulking until they arrive. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"This little dog is under a spell and needs your help. To free him,you must be given four special things:

A gift from a ship lost at sea,
A gift from the prairie blue,
A gift from a forest far away,
A gift from a kangaroo."

How would you feel if you found a note like this in your magic tree house? Eight-year-old Jack and his 7-year-old sister Annie love the funny, enchanted dog Teddy--and know they have no choice but to collect the gifts and break the mysterious spell. In Tigers at Twilight--the 19th adventure in award-winning author Mary Pope Osborne's popular MagicTree House series--these brave, resourceful children have already found the first two gifts, and must find the third in "a forest far away." Knowing that the books in Morgan Le Fey's magic tree house have the power to transport them all over the world, they see their next destination on the cover of Wildlife of India. Once in the thick of the Indian jungle, it doesn't take them long to make friends with the monkeys, to see the huge gashes that tiger claws have made on the tree trunks, and to spot a python. This story is straight out ofan episode of Wild Kingdom; the children spot animal after animal, with only a few close calls. When they find a rare tiger in a poacher's trap, however, the story turns around, and the children are eventually led to the third gift. A tribute to the disappearing tiger, and an animal-filled, action-focused adventure with plenty of cartoon-style illustrations, this slight book is sure to keep kids' attention. A generous layout combined with simple, short sentences promote quick reading that will build confidence in beginning readers. (Ages 4 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Tigers at Twilight
Tigers a Twilight
I absolutely delect the book titled Tigers a Twilight by Mary Pope Obsorne , a fabulous writer that discribes the problems that occur in a way that you will react, like the part when the children, Annie and Jack try to rescue the tiger.you might inmediatly get attracted to the book after you read only the first word from the book. I totally reccomend this fabulous mystery book because two kids magicly appear to be in India and learn more about nature.

Tigers at Twilight
Join Jack and Annie in this thrilling expadition to find the third gift to free the enchanted dog Teddy in the 19th book of the series of the Magic Treehouse, Tigers at Twilight. Jack and Annie have one more gift to go before Teddy is freed from the enchantment. In this outrageous adventure Jack and Annie must face many dangers such as tigers, snakes, and rinos! In my opinion this is the most outstanding book in the series of the Magic Threehouse that I have ever read! I hioghly recomend this wonderful book. Hope you enjoy Tigers at Twilight!

Like Tigers? Read This!
Tigers At Twilight by Mary Pope

If you read this book you will think it is very interesting. A little boy and girl go on a quest to solve a riddle. They almost get run over by a rhinoceros and ride an elephant in the forest.

I think this book is really cool. It has a magic tree house and I like tree houses.

Mary Pope wanted to teach us to never be afraid to do something hard.

Harry's Review
My favorite part of Tigers at Twilight was when Jack and Annie almost got caught by something in the forest. It kept my interest while I was reading it because there was a whole lot of action. I really liked the animal pictures in the book. I have read almost the whole series and this is my second favorite book from the Magic Tree House.

Neat book in every way
"Tigers At Twilight" is a Magic Tree House book like no other. It has a lot of facts, if you want to learn about India's forests and it's many animals plus it's wonders. This book also has some neat characters, like the monkeys. It also has a lot of funny moments, and I really laughed at them. Well, I don't want to spoil any more of this book. This is now my second best book, besides "Earthquake In The Early Morning". I highly reccomend this for any fan. Enjoy, everyone!! ... Read more

Book Description

You live on Earth, so you already know a lot about it. But do you know about its place in out solar system? For instance, it's not the largest planet. If Jupiter were a hallow ball, 1,000 Earths would fit inside it. And did you know our planet Earth takes 365 days to go around the sun, while the planet Pluto takes 248 years?

This simple text by Franklyn M. Branely introduces the nine planets in our solar system and is complemented by Kevin O'Malley's full-color illustrations, which incorporate some of the newest space photographs available. How hot is it on Venus? Which planet takes longest to orbit the sun? Find out the answers in this updated version of this popular text. Kevin OMalleys often humorous illustrations depict a group of children and an astronomer as they learn all about our solar system. Included are some of the newest space photographs available, as well as many hands-on activities.

... Read more

Reviews (6)

fun
I liked this book for my kids as I tend to like educational stuff. There is another book on amazon that I and my kids loved, because it was not only educational but super funny. It is DR JONES AND CAROLYN by carolyn apel
Both books are great.

Excellent Introduction to the Solar System...
I purchased this book for my five year old son, who loves anything that has to do do with outerspace and the planets. This is a terrific book for a young child, the information is direct and to the point and easy to understand. I think children in the older recommended age range would be somewhat dissappointed, it is not really meant for in depth understanding.

I agree with one of the editorial reviews that lauded the thematic organization over examining each piece as an isolated item-- it allows the child to understand the relation between each part of the solar system... overall, a very good introductory book.

Out Of This Place
I got this book for the boy I nanny for. He is on this kick about anything to with outer space. He loves it, and I don't get sick of reading it to him. Good buy if you love space.

Lightspeed fun!
The Planets in Our Solar System is a fun way to teach children about the solar system. Kids will enjoy the many fun facts in the book. With great illustrations and a section in the back of the book on crafts and reference to other space related material. This book is a wonderful book on astronomy. Also check out the book "Arty the Part-Time Astronaut" which includes a CD and website with a ton of learning activities and games. These two books made a great way to introduce the solar system to any child.

Excellent!
I home school our daughter and got this book from the library. I plan to purchase this book for our home school library because of the wealth of information it contains. It makes learning about the solar system an adventure. I really like the fact that the author included a section of craft ideas to reinforce what the child read in the book. He also included web sites so that you can really see the planets. I think every teacher should have this book! ... Read more