Reviews (2)

Postcards from Pluto
Dear Lareen, I like your books. I read Postcards from Pluto. You are very creative and smart. I have read a couple of your books,and my favorite is Postcards from Pluto. It is a very good book to me. I'm glad you wrote some books because I really enjoy them. ....

Postcards From Pluto: Fun way to learn solar system facts
From the beginning of this comic strip like tale of an outer space journey children are mesmerized by the non-fiction facts in such unique format. The illustrations are wonderful and accurately depict the details in the text. The actual postcards entertain while teaching and contain humorous addressees and addresses. Postcards From Pluto is a great way to introduce the solar system to kids. This book is a great investment, because it will be looked at and read time and time again! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wonderful stories - not so great "print"
These stories have quickly become a bed-time necessity in our house for my4 year old who now requests them by character.The only draw back is theexcessive number of typos in the copy - reddy fox becomes reddy fix, etc. Once you've read them as much as I have, they are quickly overlooked, butthe warning is nice to have!

Thornton Burgess is a magnificent children's author
Mother West Wind's Children introduces you to the inhabitants of the world - the meadow, forest and stream - that Thornton W. Burgess created for children.He wrote a number of books, telling the adventures of eachcharacter separately, with most of the others appearing in each book. I wasthrilled to find that this world enchants today's youngsters.I cannotrecommend this book, and, really, all of Thornton W. Burgess' books toohighly.If you give them or read them to a child, they will be left withwarm memories of all these animals for a lifetime, as well as getting thelife lessons that are woven into all real literature, which this is. ... Read more

Book Description

$15.95 hardcover · 1-58685-181-0

9 x 10 ½ in, 32 pp, Color Illustrations Throughout, Rights: W, Children, Ages 5 to 8

The new house in the country needs fixing. Father is hammering, Mother is sewing, Matthew is painting, and Adam is chopping. But four-year-old Tony isn't doing anything because they won't let him help. "You are too small," they all say . . . or so they think.

So, with his dog at his side, Tony goes for a walk in the woods and decides that he will work on his own project. And that is exactly what he does-with mud and water, leaves and grass, trees and pebbles, and stones. Tony works the whole day long, and what he does will delight his readers as much as it excites his family.

Back in print for its thirty-year anniversary, Tony's Hard Work Day celebrates the imagination and determined spirit in every child.

Alan Arkin is an Oscar-nominated and Tony award-winning actor, director, and writer. He has authored six books for children, including The Lemming Condition, which was chosen for inclusion in the White House library.

AnnMarie Mazuran Infanger earned a BFA in illustration from Brigham Young University.She lives with her husband near Salt Lake City and hopes to someday have a dog like Tony's. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A really good book.
I read this book at school. I was impressed by the language.The day before I read this book I found out that the author wrote this book about his three sons.

My favorite book as a child
This was my favorite book when I was little. Now that I'm a father, Ican't seem to find my copy (I managed to keep it for 20+ years, but I mayhave just had one move too many), so I was sad to see it was out of print.

Hopefully it will turn up, because this book is a real gem.

My favorite book as a child
This was my favorite book when I was little. Now that I'm a father, I was ecstatic that I could find my copy from 30 years ago, as I was sad to see it was out of print.

Don't Miss This One
I was given this book when I was a little girl and it instantly became one of my favorite books which I still keep in my library today.The book is wildly imaginative and teaches children that limits only exist in your ownmind, certainly not in the minds of others.It's a shame that this book isno longer in print because it's truly timeless.If you see it anywheregrab a copy and then torture yourself by giving it away to a child that'sdear to you. ... Read more

Book Description

A contented little caterpillar resists his approaching transformation into a butterfly. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Wings of Change teaches an important lesson.
Back when he designed his first school, Frank Hill did all the right things.He talked to the faculty members about their programs and goals.He studied all the literature about the future of education and educational technology.He met with the school board to discuss its vision for the district.Then he integrated his research into a building that was the school of the future, primed and prepared for all the educational changes and progress everyone had outlined to him with such enthusiasm.

The educators took one look at the plans and declared they didn't like them.

"I thought, 'what went wrong?'" Hill said."Then I realized it wasn't the design, it was the changes it would require.People are afraid of change.It's human nature.So I had to figure out how to assuage their fears."

That was 15 years ago.Hill, an urban planner and president of Hill and Associates of Bellevue, has learned quite a bit about the fear of change and what to do about it; enough that he has designed or redesigned more than 60 schools, each time matching the design to its future, not present needs and, each time, running into people who thought those changes were a fine idea, until they realized they were the ones who would have to adapt to them.

Hill decided the easiest thing to do would be to simply give them a book on overcoming one's fear of change.So he wrote one.

All Ages:
"Wings of Change" (Illuminations Arts, Bellevue, illustrations by Aries Cheung) is a book for children, actually.But its principles can apply to any of us.In it, a good-natured caterpillar named Anew is quite happy with his life.Then his friend Faith, a snail, explains that changes are afoot.Anew doesn't understand.But Faith reassures him, "As the world turns, so do you.When you change for the good, you change the world, too."
Anew starts having odd dreams.In one, he decides he can fly.But caterpillars can't fly so crash he does to the ground.Then he dreams he has a butterfly's wings, but a caterpillar's body.He tries to fly again and again, he crashes.Then he dreams has a butterfly's wings and body, but when a bird tries to catch him, rather than fly, he runs like a caterpillar and gets snagged in some thorns.

Thinking like a caterpillar does not work for butterflies, he realizes.Faith explains that the dreams were preparing him for a very big change.Instinctively, Anew starts spinning his cocoon.A few weeks later, he emerges as a butterfly; but not just any butterfly.The new Anew has prepared himself for this, the biggest change of his life.The strange new experiences of flying and seeing the world from the sky are fun, not frightening.While he enjoyed being a caterpillar, he enjoys being a butterfly more.

The fear:
A simple parable, "Wings of Change" incorporates a number of the principles Hill developed for overcoming fear of change.
First, he found, everyone is apprehensive to some degree about change.After all, not all change is good, Hill said.Consider the changes brought about by an earthquake or a heart attack.
As a result, people tend to respond to the good change in three general ways.Some pick up the latest trend and throw themselves into it with blind enthusiasm.The problem with that is they often have no vision for the changes they are making.Like Anew, they fly because they think they should, not because they are prepared for it.

Next, people often want to change, but can't get rid of their old behaviors.They may have butterfly wings, but they still have a caterpillar's body.

Finally, a lot of us end up with all the latest technical and intellectual developments in our fields at our fingertips, but we still think it terms of the status quo.We can't integrate our style with the new circumstances.We have a butterfly's body, but we still think like a caterpillar.
What to do?
Hill found the first step in adapting to change is to recognize how the change will make things better.If you are dealing with someone else's fear of change, you do that by involving the person in the process and showing how the change will be relevant to their goals and activities.Then you demonstrate how they can use elements of the change to accomplish more of what they want to do, Hill said.

Sounds fairly simple.But you're dealing with fear, which is both complicated and irrational.So a fair amount of patience is a good idea.

Dealing with children's fear of change is actually easier, Hill said.Childhood is a continuum of change and kids often sense when a change in their lives in imminent.When it is imminent, encourage the kid to view changes as growth and improvement, Hill said.And, help the child make the change within a safe environment so he or she can exercise control of it.
"Fear of change is often the fear of loss of control, and for good reason," Hill said.

Find your focus:
It is a legitimate fear because change is often thrust upon us, whether we are prepared or not, he said.When that happens, the key is to concentrate on your personal intentions; what will make your world better, even when the world beyond it is in a state of confusion and flux?Often you can adapt elements of the change swirling around you and make them work for you, Hill said.

"Wings of Change" is Hill's first book.He has three more in mind, all of them children's books.He recently finished "Wings Within" about a spiritually self-actualized snail, and is working on books three and four.He won't reveal their plots, other than to say they involve bees and butterflies.
"I write children's books because if I can make things clear enough for children to understand, I just might understand them myself," Hill said.

Wings of Change
Wings of Change presents the children's story of a contented caterpillar who is afraid to become a butterfly.This simple metaphor reflects the insights that Dr. Franklin Hill has gained while facilitating progressive changes in education.Dr. Hill specializes in planning new educational facilities.He is well acquainted with the effects of change on the young and the young at heart.Dr. Hill created this beautiful story to illustrate how the process of change, though sometimes scary, can lead to positive transformation.The rich illustrations by renowned graphic artist, Aries Cheung, are exceptional and colorful.Confused by the changes he feels are coming, Anew the caterpillar looks to his friend, Faith, for guidance.Faith reassures Anew that one positive action can change the whole world.Anew chooses to trust Faith and his own dreams.Anew finds happiness as he transforms into a vibrant butterfly.He can finally view the meadows from the sky!Dr. Hill's excellent book Wings of Change will provide peace and optimism for young readers learning to navigate their own changing world.

a charming story
For children 3 years old and up.

As Faith the snail relates in this simple, pleasant tale of transformation, "As the world turns, so do you.When you change for the good, you change the world too."

Faith is the wise mentor of Anew, a young caterpillar who feels growing pangs of doubt and uncertainty.Though Anew dreams of standing atop rosebuds and viewing mountains from the sky, he is also afraid.Through further dreams and Faith's counsel, Anew learns that "thinking like a caterpillar does not work for butterflies."Following the flow of his own inner yearnings, Anew comes to embrace the mystery of change.

This charming story provides reassurance to young readers who are just learning to navigate their own changing world.Vibrant watercolor illustrations from award-winning artist Aries Cheung add humor and a lovely dash of zip to Anew's adventures.

Thinking like a caterpillar does not work for butterflies!
Wings of Change follows the adventures of a very happy little caterpillar named "Anew."Through a series of dreams and with the help of his friend and mentor, Faith the snail, Anew learns to accept his approaching metamorphosis, discovering that, "thinking like a caterpillar does not work for butterflies."Franklin Hill's inspired and entertaining analogy shows young readers that they need not fear the inevitable changes within their own lives.Aries Cheung's artwork is perfectly suited to this charming, insightful, and very original picturebook story.

a great teaching tool
Through a series of dreams and with the help of his friend and mentor (a snail named Faith), a caterpillar named Anew learns to accept his approaching metamorphosis, discovering that "Thinking like a caterpillar does not work for butterflies."The book includes an "Interactive Guide for Exploring the Topic of Change," a series of questions formulated by Dr. Hill, a former school teacher, to discuss aspects of the story. ... Read more

Book Description

This compelling collection of stories explores the powerful impact that music has in our lives—especially in the lives of teens. Each story strikes a new note: Ron Koertge introduces us to the boys in the band—the marching band; Joseph Bruchac contributes a Native American boy with no rhythm whatsoever; Jennifer Armstrong writes about what was perhaps the first battle of the bands—during the American Civl War; and David Levithan offers up a love song that speaks powerfully to an unintended audience. But while each story is different, they combine into a harmonic song of praise—for the depths music can reach in us, and the power it has to bind us together. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Apart from the Extremely Pompous title, and the heavy bent towardmasculine authors, this collection of classics by the likes of Tolstoy, EdithWharton, O. Henry, and Lewis Carroll is vastly impressive. And editor HaroldBloom does, of course, explain his title in the introduction. He believes thatall the included authors "make themselves open to authentic readers of any age."Despising most "commercially offered" contemporary children's literature, Bloomoffers up the greats: Edward Lear's "The Owl and the Pussy-Cat," Shakespeare's"The Lion in Winter," Hans Christian Andersen's "The Red Shoes," and dozens upondozens more, organized on a seasonal scheme. Here, readers of all ages canlearn, grow, be entertained, reflect. Bloom quotes poet Wallace Stevens in histest for verse or prose: "it must change, it must give pleasure, and it must beabstract." Every one of these masterpieces of varying lengths is worthy ofreading, rereading, and reading aloud--Extremely Intelligent Children of AllAges would be wise to look beyond the title and devour this 573-page anthology,cover to cover.

Bloom is the author of more than 20 other books, including another tome on theart of reading, How to Read andWhy. (All ages, of course) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (12)

lovely literature, terrible title
If you haven't been scared away by the pompous title, this book will satisfy your thirst for beautiful and rewarding literature. These are stories selected by Bloom, inc. according to the "worthy of rereading" litmus test, which is, after all, the only real gauge we have for deciding what and what not to read. The stories and poems are primarily drawn from the 19th century, and range from Melville to Lewis Carrol. The selections are arranged thematically by the seasons. The book is handsomely packaged and is a great bed-time reader. Enjoy it on a winter evening among friends, loved ones, and children of all ages. It will rekindle your passion for imaginative literature.

A wonderful collection that you can return to again & again
Harold Bloom is not only a leading literary critic and analyst; he is also a reader almost beyond measure. He has read more than even an avid reader would find possible in a couple of lifetimes. This makes it very easy for us to find things of value to learn from his writing and thinking about literature. At least it does for me.

Bloom has such passion and love for prose and poetry that it infects me and I find his bold pronouncements an invitation to question and my own conclusion and preconceptions. Of course, Bloom wouldn't expect you to agree with him simply because he said it. He would invite challenge and argument, but be prepared in your challenges!

This is a collection of forty-one stories and eighty-three poems that Bloom particularly loves and considers wonderful foundational reading. As he says, he does not believe in children's literature and these pieces wouldn't be found in most contemporary public primary school readings. But the poems are mostly short enough that a younger reader could go over them enough times to begin possessing them by heart in your memory. This is not a process of rote memorization, but of taking a kind of ownership through bonding with the material.

What a great body of material Prof. Bloom has given us here. It is a bound series or riches offered as a gift for us to return to again and again and draw from throughout our life.

Thanks, Prof. Bloom!

Wonderful collection
Let them Read HP-V, but give them this book as well. Not as exciting, but even my nine year old noticed the difference between pop fiction and good writing.

Lovely collection, absurd premise
Welcome to the Dead White Guy Canon of Literature for children. These are wonderful selections of truly great literature, divided into seasons, for no particular reason that I can see. While I can't say I read John Ruskin as a child, I was brought up on many of the authors -- Tennyson, Aesop, Lear, Carroll, Whitman, Conan Doyle. Women are represented by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Catherine Sinclair, Mary de Morgan, a bit too much Christina Rossetti, Edith Wharton, and thankfully E. Nesbit (before there was Harry Potter, Ms. Nesbit wrote the best British children's fantasy to be had).

Of course any intelligent person will disagree vociferously with much of Bloom's introduction, but I find some merit in it. Children's literature has been dumbed down by successful albeit formulaic outpourings by untalented writers like K. A. Applegate and the especially egregious Ann M. Martin (awful writer of the atrocious Baby-Sitters Club series and its spin-offs).

Bloom argues that children are natural readers until the instinct is destroyed by the media. I made the decision 10 years ago to exclude modern media from my children's lives, but I think they would still be the readers they are had tv been available; after all, their dad and I had access to television but have remained voracious readers. The combination of the shallowness of most television and movie offerings with the overabundance of commercials make books an easy favorite. Still I confess to not having acquired the habit of poetry until my late teens, and I'm not sure this collection will make that change for the new generation of devoted readers. I do agree with Bloom that the pleasure of memorizing good poetry is one we should not lose.

In summary, although I brought this book home from the library and enjoyed sharing my favorites with my children, I would never buy this overpretentious volume. The title alone makes me blush! (and my husband and I are both lapsed members of Mensa, so arguably "extremely intelligent). Like Bloom's Chelsea House volumes of criticism, this book really serves more to enrich Bloom's coffers and allow him yet one more forum to bewail the downfall of civilization than to appeal to any child, old-fashioned or moderan as he/she may be. Perhaps it's a good choice for a birthday or holiday present for the offspring of your least-favored, elitist parent.

Mike-in-Malibu
A very well chosen sample of mainly Western classics but it's not for "children". My son is eight and a very good reader but he had a hard time comprehending the often old-fashioned English in many of the stories. This is not to say that one should read things "at grade level" all the time, I'm just saying that these stories are for the more advanced child, maybe from 10 years of age or so. ... Read more

Book Description

Now children of all ages can enjoy listening to the inspirational wordsof Jan Karon. On this one-of-a-kind CD audio book compilation, theauthor and her daughter, Candace Freeland, read The Trellis and theSeed, Miss Fannie's Hat, and Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny.

Jan Karon's books are always eagerly awaited and lovingly received byher many loyal fans. The most recent addition to the Mitford Yearsseries, Shepherds Abiding, spent several weeks on the NewYork Times Bestsellers List. Older readers will enjoy thisopportunity to share their favorite author's stories with theirchildren and grandchildren.

The Trellis and the Seed was #1 on the New York TimesChildren's Books Bestsellers List. ... Read more

Book Description

I guess you think you know this story.
You don’t. The real one’s much more gory.
The phoney one, the one you know,
Was cooked up years and years ago. . . .

With his famous wicked humor and the cunning of a big bad wolf, master storyteller and satirist Roald Dahl retells his six favorite fairy tales. Get ready for Dahl’s diabolical version of what really happened to Cinderella, Goldilocks, the Three Little Pigs, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White, and Little Red Riding Hood.
... Read more

Reviews (16)

Short and not-so-sweet
Roald Dahl once said the secret to writing a good kid's book is to conspire with the children against adults, and this book is a perfect example of that.

This is for the child (and adult) who feels the bears in the Goldilocks were victims of a breaking-and-entering little vandal, who really would like to see a more self-empowered red riding hood, and who thinks that third little pig was a smug git who'd probably taste good on rye with a bit of mustard.

The only flaw with the book is its brevity. You can read the whole book aloud in about a half-hour. One is really left wanting more. (Thurber wrote some good fables in a similar vein, but they're less for children and more dated.)

Creative and Funny
Some reviewers are "revolted" by the gruesomeness of this little book, whilst others complained it was too short. I have niether of the two compaliants. I loved it! and so did the seven year old little girl, for whom the book was given to as a christmas present. I think Dahl was specially creative in this little book twisting and turning classical children tales into salacious, hilariously funny rhythms that you can read over and over again and still manage a chuckle here and there. And thinking this is too "mature" for younger readers is underestimating the intelligence and imagination of children. Yes, there are some play on words that you have to explain to your little one, but you know what? they'll ask you anyway. As for the size of this book, It's just right. Dahl took the basic popular children stories that everyone knows and i think it's just the right dose and besides, you can take this book anywhere, like the sevenyear and read it to your friends, cousins, neighbors and anyone who she suspects of having a sense of humour. It teaches us about having a boundless imagination and exploring the what ifs of stories. It's another favourite.

Hilarious!
If your kids like Shel Silverstein, Dr. Seuss and the Brothers Grim, they will absolutely devour these rhyming stories that twist traditional fairy tales into hilarious parody. My daughter used to enjoy reading them aloud to anyone who would listen. She thought it was a work of genius that everyone should be intimately familiar with. You'll love it too!

warning...not for the young
We bought this book because my daughter loves all of Roald Dahl's books. Fortunately, her teacher and I read it first because we came across the word "slut." I decided to shelve this book until my daughter is old enough to know what a "slut" is. I am extremely careful about what my kids are exposed to. I have placed blocks on the television channels that they are not allowed to watch, I read all their books first and censor their music. If you are like me, you'll want to skip this book.

Discombobulated Nursery Rhymes -- a review by Chris(...)
Really revolting rhymes! Roald Dahl takes your normal nursery rhymes, mixes them up a bit, adds a touch of his magic, and voila -- you have a hilarious bunch of rhymes. For example, Goldilocks joins up with and helps the three little pigs, and Cinderella gets a bit gory because the prince gets mad ... and he has an axe!

This is another hilarious classic by Roald Dahl for ages 5 to 103. For those of you who like those stories, a word of caution -- these poems are funny and a bit of an insult to those stories. The book is packed with sidesplitting jokes and poems. It adds laugh-out-loud humor to dull nursery rhymes, making them a lot more fun for kids who have grown out of nursery rhymes. With this once-in-a-lifetime book you will enjoy nearly endless laughter with a friend or by yourself! With a Roald Dahl classic in your hands you can trust it will be a good book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Offers fifteen easy-to-read spooky stories
Disney Scary Storybook Collection offers fifteen easy-to-read spooky stories based on classic Walt Disney animated feature films. Characters from Toy Story 2, Alladin, Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid, Monsters Inc., and more appear in this excellent and economically priced anthology. The Disney Scary Storybook Collection will prove an enduringly popular addition to family, school, and community library collections for young readers. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Graeme Malcolm
Approx. 3 hours, 45 minutes
3 cassettes

Tree-ear, an orphan, lives under a bridge in Ch’ulp’o, a potters’ village famed for delicate celadon ware. He has become fascinated with the potter’s craft; he wants nothing more than to watch master potter Min at work, and he dreams of making a pot of his own someday. When Min takes Tree-ear on as his helper, Tree-ear is elated–until he finds obstacles in his path: the backbreaking labor of digging and hauling clay, Min’s irascible temper, and his own ignorance. But Tree-ear is determined to prove himself–even if it means taking a long, solitary journey on foot to present Min’s work in the hope of a royal commission . . . even if it means arriving at the royal court with nothing to show but a single celadon shard.

Graeme Malcolm currently has a featured part in the Broadway musical, Aida. He's read tons of audio books, including Merrick by Ann Rice for Random House Audio. ... Read more

Reviews (71)

A real masterpiece
This book is an amazing account of a young boy's quest and desire fulfilled.It is a must-read for 3rd through 6th graders.It helps put responsibility and work ethic into perspective.What an accomplishment!

A Single shard



In this book, the main character lives in a potting village and wants to become a potter. Unable to do this because of shortage of money, he gets a job with a master potter. Soon he becomes very good at the job and is sent on a mission to help his master get a commission.


I liked this book because it had lots of mischievous and exciting parts. I got sucked in right away. If there's any historical fiction book you should read, then it's this one.Nothing was dislikable for my taste. That's why I give it a five starrating.

Your memory wil be filled with more than a single shard
In this book orphan boy Tree-Ear Lives in Korea. He lives with an older man Crane Man under a bridge. Every day they go searching for food scraps in the trash. Munks have come to take Tree-Ear away from Crane Man but Tree-Ear refueses to leave. He later sneaks into the master potters work area and acidentily breaks a pot. To pay off the damage Tree-Ear must work for the master potter for nine days. He longs to get his hands on clay and make pots of his own but he is just told to do all of the dirty work. Tree-Ear keeps coming back because he loves the idea of maikng potery, and he loves getting fed by the potters wife. In the end it is a friend ship he looses and a friend ship he gains,and you as the reader get a strong memory that will last a life time.

Boring Topic Written in an Interesting Way
At first, I felt that this book is very boring, and didn't have that much life in it. But as the story went deeper, I found out that Linda Sue Park's way of writing makes the book very intersting. I reccommend this book for people who are intersted in other cultures. Or are interested in history.

A Single Shard of Success

This is a tale of medieval Korea, a boy named Tree-ear, and a single potter's life desire.This is A Single Shard.It was published in 2001 by Random House.The year of 2002 was when it got its Newberry medal.The book was written by Linda Sue Park who also wrote Kite Fighters and When My Name Was Keoko.It was on the ALA booklist, awarded ALA best book for young adults, and also promoted notable book for children.I award it best book for young adults right along with ALA.Also, if I were to choose between A Single Shard and any other book of its class my pick would definitely be on A Single Shard.
In medieval Korea a boy named Tree-ear lives under a bridge with his friend Crane-man.Tree-ear is used to living off scraps of food he finds in the wealthy potters' rubbish heaps.One day when he visits Min the potter's house to watch him throw pots on his wheel he finds that Min is not there.Tree-ear likes to watch Min and knows his schedule well and was surprised he wasn't there.So Tree-ear decides to take a look at some of Min's work on a shelf.When he tries to examine it closer he accidentally drops and breaks the pottery.Eventually Min comes out and finds Tree-ear standing over his broken box that is now a clump of clay on the ground.After yelling at Tree-ear Min decides that to pay off for the damage Tree-ear should work for him.After his ten days of payment Tree-ear asks Min if he could work for him permanently in hopes of learning how to throw pots.Min says yes to this and Tree-ear is delighted.After a while Tree-ear hears that a royal commission is coming to Ch'ulp'o.With that Min has to work extra hard and inevitably so does Tree-ear.That is where Tree-ear's adventure unfolds.
I loved reading A Single Shard due to its great setting.Both the time and place caught my attention.I liked the fact that it was placed in medieval times.I always love learning about medieval cultures and economies.Another thing I enjoyed about A Single Shard's setting was that it was set in a "pottery town".I can connect to this because I throw pots.This helps me understand how hard the potters work and why Ch'ulp'o is so proud of their work.The third thing I liked about the setting in A Single Shard was that it was in Korea.It was interesting because it expanded the story with Korean cultures and traditions.
Have you ever read a good book that doesn't have excellent description?Didn't think so.The town of Ch'ulp'o is famous for their celadon pottery glaze.Linda Sue Park describes this glaze fantastically from the green-blue color to the write and blue spots that "magically" appear after the pottery is glazed.Crane-man, Tree-ear's best friend, was perfectly described.His mangled leg and the fact that he was older were orchestrated greatly.Near the end of the story Tree-ear comes to a place called the Rock of Falling Flowers.Crane-man told him to stop here after telling a story to Tree-ear.He told him when the king was in trouble in a war he and all the courtiers fled up the mountain.The women all stayed around the king, but when there was no hope they all jumped off the cliff and the colors of there dresses made it look like flowers were falling from the sky hence the name.
A Single Shard is a story of determination, courage, consequences, kindness, and hope.It teaches you to never stop hoping.Another thing you learn is that your actions always have consequences whether they're good or bad.Kindness always comes back to you is yet another thing it shows you.A Single Shard is entertaining and has great morals.I would recommend this book to someone else especially young adults like me.This fantastic book always has something to keep you reading on.A Single Shard is undeniably a quality literature book.
... Read more

Book Description

Bilingual tale of the Mexican Jumping Beans. Snappy, rhyming text in both Spanish and English. Great science supplement. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Lucas and His Loco Beans
Lucas tells the story of a summertime visit to his grandfather's ranch. He and his grandfather share love of nature. On a trek into the mountains, Lucas learns about the Mexican Jumping Bean and how his abuelo (grandfather) collected them to play with as a boy. Lucas can hear a clicking noise coming from the bean and can see that the seed itself moves. Grandfather tells Lucas about the moth larva that inhabits the bean until it turns into a moth.

This book is written in a lively, rhyming, bilingual style, with English as the main language and English meanings given for the Spanish words used. It is an exciting story, whether your language is English or Spanish. There are four pages at the back of the book with jumping bean facts in both English and Spanish, and then a neat multiple-choice quiz on word meanings.

This book is both entertaining and educational, and in case you wish to purchase Mexican jumping beans to observe the life cycle of the little critter that lives in them, purchase information is included in the book.

Beverly J. Rowe, Reviewer for Myshelf.com

Lucas and His Loco Beans
This is an enchanting childen's story that is so well presented any parent would be delighted to read along with their children all about these loco beans. ... Read more

Book Description

It's almost school picture day at Robin Hill School. There are going to be lots of empty spaces in Mrs. Connor's first-grade class -- lots of empty spaces in the smiles, that is, because most of her students are missing a tooth or two. Except for Jamie -- he still has all his teeth. No matter what he does, none of his teeth come out. Until... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wonderful Read-Aloud
This book is an absolute hoot to read aloud to students or to your own child. My students range from average to gifted, third through fifth grade, and EVERYONE of them loves this book. The characters are very easy to "voice". Students also love to read this book to themselves. The illustrations just add all that much more fun. I'm buying two copies, since the library wants it back!

Who Wants to be a Princess Anyway.....
Poor Princess Paulina. Her father, the king, gave up his throne to become a wood-carver, and she's really missing all the perks of princessing. So when she hears that Queen Zelda, of Blom, is searching for a wife for her son, Prince Drubert, she dusts off her tiara and heads for the castle. Paulina has no trouble passing the pea and mattress test..."That's so once-upon-a-time", or the essay on "Why I Want to Have the Gracious and Exquisitely Beautiful Queen Zelda for My Mother-in-Law, or even the glass slipper test..."For Pete's sake, you never heard of sneakers?" But the final task, cooking a feast worthy of a prince, is a bit more daunting. Especially when the other two finalists, a young lady with an impossibly long braid that drags across the floor and a girl followed around by seven funny looking little men, grab all the ingredients. Paulina is left with only flour, yeast, water, tomatoes and a block of stale cheese..... Mary Jane and Herm Auch have authored a wry and hilarious fractured fairy tale, starring a sassy and confident heroine, that's full of familiar characters and clever scenes kids will recognize from stories of the past. Her witty text is entertaining and engaging, and begs to be read aloud. Mr Auch's bold, bright and expressive artwork complements the story beautifully, and is full of wonderfully eye-catching detail. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, The Princess And The Pizza is a modern fairy tale, complete with a surprise ending with a twist, that's sure to leave readers satisfied, and with a big smile on their faces.

HILARIOUS TAKE ON TRADITIONAL FAIRY TALES
A hilarious take on traditional fairy tales, "The Princess and the Pizza" is a very contemporary version of the eternal triangle - prince/princess/mean stepmother.

Princess Paulina was down on her luck. Her Dad had relinquished his throne to become a wood-carver, a task he had yet to master, and she missed princessing. Why, hardly anyone watched her do the royal wave.

So, when she found out that Prince Drupert needed a bride she was among the first in line. Regrettably she was in competition with twelve other wanna-be brides, and the Queen was extremely demanding. Nonetheless, Paulina didn't tumble for the old princess and the pea trick; she passed the essay and glass slipper tests with flying royal colors. But then, the greatest challenge of all, the remaining princesses-to-be must prepare a feast and the [others] would be beheaded!

Here's where ingenuity and a little luck come in handy. Paulina's pizza takes the prize, but is Prince Drupert such a prize after all?

The Auchs have created an original, laugh provoking tale with lots of twists before a satisfying ending.

- Gail Cooke ... Read more

Book Description

Snuggle up with your kitty and read these action-packed tales aloud to him or her. They are very funny stories about the things cats like to do, and they have lots of amusing pictures. Invite your cat to come hear a story - but ask nicely! Cats hate being told what to do. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

You can read it to yourself, too!
THREE STORIES YOU CAN READ TO YOUR CAT is really three stories: The Rainy Day, The Yummy Bug, The Good Day. The book is obviously meant for kids to read aloud. But you can read it to them, too. And you and the kids can practice "acting" during the dialogue. Each story is separate and complete -- and hilarious! The action captures the cat's personality. And the brightly colored illustrations are really funny. The nameless cat should be called Mischief (another fun thing to do with the child: find names for the cat). This book proves that, to a cat, it's all about the cat. F.Y.I., there's also a "Three Stories You Can Read to Your Dog" book.

Into the psyche of a cat
This book is wonderful for children and adults. Cat owners will love and laugh at the perfect characterization of the feline mind. I had been wondering what present to get my dear friend, an owner of five cats, for completing her doctorate in veterinary medicine. She'll be receiving this book!

Great read aloud book. Fun for all ages & species!
A cute idea, well conceived and cleverly executed. I read both the cat book and dog book aloud to a group of elementary students (mixed levels) and it was enjoyed by all. Lots of expression and opportunities for "dramatic reading". Great illustrations add to the delight.

Three Stories You Can Read to Your Cat
My daughter, Anne-Marie,age 6, loved this book. She actually read it.Several times! She had to chase the cat down most of the time. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Here's my opinions, story by story
1. Kismet (1899): An estranged husband and wife meet by chance at a horse race. Completely melodramatic and unsmiling and overall pretty bad.

2. Emily's Husband (1903): An estranged wife hears her husband is dying. See last sentence regarding "Kismet", above.

3. The Girl and the Wild Race (1904): A woman devises a way to choose between two suitors. Pretty entertaining and certainly better than the first two.

4. The Promise of Lucy Ellen (1904): An old maid regrets an old promise. This idea was eventually recycled as part of RAINBOW VALLEY's plot, though it's probably better done here. Not great but not bad.

5. The Parting of the Ways (1907): An unhappily married woman is faced with a tough dilemma. The martyred protagonist's situation is a bit like Leslie Moore's in ANNE'S HOUSE OF DREAMS. Easily the book's worst, hokiest story.

6. The Doctor's Sweetheart (1908): A doctor faithfully awaits the return of his underaged fiancee. Why this was picked to be the title story is beyond me. It's another of the author's completely humorless stories, and we all know how awful those tend to be. This one is no exception.

7. By Grace of Julius Caesar (1908): Two women are trapped on the roof of a house by a dog. After slogging through most of the preceding tales of repentance and sacrifice, this fun little story was a sizeable relief.

8. Akin to Love (1909): A woman tries to squelch her neighbor's amorous intentions. It feels somewhat unfinished (like several of the shorter stories) but is still rather sweet.

9. The Finished Story (1912): A woman wonders if the man she loved long ago returned her feelings. Not exactly good, but still kind of interesting.

10. My Lady Jane (1915): A man poses as his lookalike cousin. A story this contrived should be funnier, but it's not too bad.

11. Abel and His Great Adventure (1917): A frustrated man finds solace in his neighbor's garden. A lot of this was worked into ANNE'S HOUSE OF DREAMS (specifically, into Captain Jim). Serious, but not ridiculously so, and kind of absorbing.

12. The Garden of Spices (1918): A little boy befriends his mysterious neighbor. One of the book's best stories. The little boy is especially well written.

13. The Bride Is Waiting (1932): A woman grudgingly helps a friend decorate his house. Probably the best story.

14. I Know a Secret (1935): Not as good as the previous two, but still pretty diverting. It was eventually redone as a chapter of ANNE OF INGLESIDE.

I also enjoyed Catherine McLay's introduction, where she takes a thorough look at the author's methods.

Typical LM Montgomery
... these stories are basically more of the same. Still, each story has some small something that sets it apart from the others and makes it enjoyable. I had a very difficult time finding this book, and I was somewhat disappointed with a story or two, but it was definitely worth buying for three stories alone: My Lady Jane, The Garden of Spices, and The Bride is Waiting.

In My Lady Jane, a young man has been disappointed when he and his love quarrelled and she ended by saying that she never wanted to see him again. By chance, he ends up stopping over in the town where a cousin lives who is identical to him. The cousin has a dinner party that he can't attend due to another engagement but that he can't afford to miss for fear of offending the hostess, so he asks his visitor to pose as him and make an appearance at the party. In doing so, the young man alters his life dramatically and wonderfully.

The Garden of Spices (my personal favorite) is a tale of how a ten year old orphan changes the life of a sad old maid with a hideously scarred face. Finally, The Bride is Waiting tells of how a fellow tricks a long sought after woman into marrying him by pretending he doesn't care for her.

These stories lead the reader down a road very familiar to L.M. Montgomery fans, but the journey's still delightful, no matter how often taken.

Some stories are not worthy to mention
If you have been reading other L.M. Montgomery works, this is definitely not a good choice to invest your money upon. Most of the stories seem senseless and not practical on real world situations. Other few mentionables is the title's short stories, 'The Doctor's Sweetheart' that is endearing as it tells about a doctor patiently waits for his sweetheart to come and 'The Promise of Lucy Ellen', a story about love given a second chance. Another story that is suprisingly fresh and funny is 'By Grace of Julius Caesar' about two maiden ladies who was scared onto roof by a bachelor's dog named Julius Caesar. An unexpected solution make the story sweet and enduring. This book maybe not worth your time, but a few fresh and witty short stories may cover the shortcomings.

Great stories
I love all of L. M. Montgomery's books, especially Anne novels, and this book is a good addition to any shelf. For anyone who is new to Montgomery, I think they should try her novels first, but for long-time readers of Montgomery, it's worth a read.

Full of cute stories
I love everything LM Montgomery wrote, including this book. Alright, the stories are not in the same category as Anne of Greengables but it's a fun read. If you're a die-hard Montgomery fan, you'll enjoy this book. If you're new to LM Montgomery, I reccommend her novels first. ... Read more

Book Description

Lily. A woman with power to heal, but no powers of speech. Then she meets a mage---a man who can hear the words she forms only in her mind. Will he help her find her voice?

Ruen. A princess whose uncle leaves her deep in a cave to die at the hands of a stagman. But when she meets the stagman at last, Ruendiscovers fatehas a few surprises in store for her.

Erana, As a baby, she is taken be a witch in return for the healing herbs her father stole from the witch's garden. Raised alongsidethe witch's troll son, Erana learns that love comes in many forms.

Coral. A beautiful young newcomerwho catches the eye of an older widowed farmer. He can't believe his good fortune when Coral consents to be his wife. But then the doubts set in---what is it that draws Coral to Butter Hill?

Reviews (17)

Somewhat disappointing
McKinley's "The Blue Sword" is one of my favorite books, and I've read almost all her other works, some of which I liked, some of which didn't excite my interest. On a whim, I decided to give this one a try.

The first four short stories in this collection are set in Damar, the same world as "The Hero and the Crown" and "The Blue Sword" -- Luthe even makes an appearance in a couple of the stories. However, they are for the most part nothing special. The best story in this collection is the title story, which is set in modern times. Even though it's well-written and has the quietly magical feeling that McKinley conveys so well, somehow it doesn't really quite capture the heart in the way her best work does.

Overall, I'd give this book a so-so review. If you're a fan of Damar and McKinley, borrow it from the library and read it, but it's not worth purchasing.

Good, but ultimately , Depressing?
I'm not sure what it was about these stories. I love Robin Mickinley stuff, and I've read practically everything she's ever written, and loved it! But these stories were obscure, and even though there was nothing that was very sad about each one they were just depressing. Each story left me feeling that there must have been something more to it. I was dissapointed.

Little McKinley snacks
This is a short story collection containing five stories: The Healer, The Stagman, Touk's House, Buttercups, and A Knot in the Grain. The first four stories are set in McKinley's Damar universe, the first three even feature Luthe. The last is a departure for her because it is set in modern times and doesn't have a very large fantasy element.

The Healer, is the story of a girl named Lilly who has the power to heal but is also mute. She meets a mage who can hear her telepathically and they set off on a journey to restore Lilly's speech. This is a fairly strong story and a great pick to start the book with. The characters are fleshed out well and the love story was enjoyable.

The Stagman, is about a princess named Ruen who is left, by her greedy uncle, as a sacrifice to a human/stag hybrid. Is the Stagman really as bad as people think he is? This is probably my favorite story in the collection. I liked all the characters and the plot was very interesting. It would have worked much better as a novel though. By the time the story was over there were still far to many unanswered questions.

Touk's House, is the story of a girl named Erana who was raised by a witch. As she grows up, she befriends and eventually falls in love with the witch's troll son. This is a fairly decent story. The plot is really interesting but it would have been much better if the characters had been developed a bit more.

Buttercups, is the story of a old farmer named Pos who marries a young girl named Coral. Pos loves his wife very much but has doubts about her affection for him because she spends too much time on buttercup hill. This is a cute story but it's, unfortunately, very boring.

A Knot in the Grain, is about a teenage girl named Annabelle who is forced to move away and leave behind her entire life. She finds little comfort in her new house but one day she discovers a secret compartment in her new bedroom. It was a great idea to make this the last in the collection because the tone is very different from the others. It's not a love story and it's not even really a fantasy story. What makes this story special is how authentic Annabelle's character is. McKinley captures the emotion that goes along with moving to a new place very well.

I'd recommend this book to people who are already fans of McKinley's work. You don't really need to be familiar with the Damar series to enjoy the stories but it certainly helps. I also feel that McKinley is better suited to longer stories. If you are looking to get into McKinley's work it'd be a good idea to start with Beauty or one of the Damar books.

A book I will cherish
This book has rapidly become one of my favorite short story collections of all time. I rate a book by the way I feel when I finish reading it. If I am frustrated or disappointed, there is a good chance that I will trade it in with my next used book store visit. This book left me feeling warm and comfortable and satisfied. I had a small smile on my face and the afterglow of knowing that for just a few moments, I saw magic. I have gone back to it several times when in need of comfort or escape and it has drawn me in each and every time.

Ms. McKinley seems to have a lovely little window through which she can glimpse a wild and magical place. I am only grateful that she also has the skill to show it to us as well. Buy it.

Good, but not up to standard
I've read most of Robing McKinley's books and one of the things I've noticed is a feeling of the story coming to an end with most problems resolved but still leaving enough for the reader to puzzle out. Perhaps this short story format doesn't give her a chance to shine as she usually does. This collection is a great start on four seperate paths for storylines (the fifth being too strange and nebulous), but most leave you wondering so... what next. The first is possibly the most complete, the second ends as if in the middle of the story, the third, not quite as expressive as McKinley usually tends to be, the fourth, mystically strange, and the fifth, the title story of the book, takes place in modern day New York, does not mix well with the others and is utterly undescribable and unformed. McKinley would have done better had she removed the last story and made the other four, (more typical of her work) a little more 'finished'. ... Read more

Book Description

In every school at every grade, there's a pecking order among students-an in crowd and those outside it, who are often ridiculed mercilessly for the "crime" of being different. This powerful anthology explores the teen outsider experience in electrifying, never-before-published stories by eleven of today's most acclaimed YA authors. A tomboy finds the relief of self-expression through her music, while in another tale a relentless bully tests the faith of an intensely religious girl. A cheerleader discovers that the true soul of her school can't be found within the cool clique; a football player finally stands up for a harassed fellow student; and a boy watches in horror as the school "freak" marches into his classroom with a loaded rifle.

Offering insights into popularity and peer pressure, nonconformity and persecution, acceptance and hate, these riveting, provocative tales will leave readers thinking and start them talking.

Stories by:

Joan Bauer
Alden R. Carter
Chris Crutcher
Jack Gantos Angela Johnson
M. E. Kerr
Ron Koertge
Francess Lantz
Graham Salisbury
Will Weaver
Nancy Werlin ... Read more

Reviews (10)

in defense of this book
I'm writing this because I'm aghast at some of the other reviews of "On the Fringe." It's a bad book because of its length? Not necessarily. Most of its stories are shorter than the average New Yorker fiction piece, and there's no need to read them all to enjoy the book. Short story collections don't have to be read straight through like a chapter book.

Another complaint: It shouldn't have examples of how kids humiliate other kids lest it give them ideas on how to be mean? Well, guess what? Kids don't need a book to teach them meanness. They pick it up from peers and TV quite nicely, and also from their families and society at large. Just look at the current news, whether international, national or local.

This book is a good start for a discussion about school violence, such as Columbine. The authors get inside the heads of their teenage protagonists nicely and for the most part, the dialogue and actions come across as authentic, not forced. A brief bio follows each story, explaining why the author chose the subject he or she did.

Standouts in my opinion were "Standing on the Roof Naked" by Francess Lantz, "A Letter from the Fringe" by Joan Bauer, and "Through a Window" by Angela Johnson. The last is unique to the book because it focuses on a character who might be classified as a bystander, not a victim or bully.

Touching, honest and engaging
As a middle school teacher I am constantly trying to help those who are on the fringe to feel more included and to understand that being on the fringe is not such a bad thing! This book does just that! It is an amazing book and I am using it to lead discussions in my reading class. I have kids fighting over it at the end of each class period. The stories are real and my middle school students are able to connect with them. I highly recommend it!

A Great Book for Sharing
I used selections from this collection as read-alouds for my 8th grade language arts class (I end class most days with a read-aloud, while students keep a response journal). Because of the subject matter, these stories definitely engage the students and keep their attention. Do they all "get" the message? No, but I guarantee that when you look around the room and see the eyes of those two or three students who are themselves on the fringe, you will know it was worth it.

Throw it away
I thought the book was a bunch of bolagna. I didnt care for it at all and someone should burn it. The only reason i liked it was because it had a bunch of short stories and not just one big book with a bunch of chapters. It had a lot of truth in it which is the only good part of the book. The book was basically about kids that dont fit in and are outsiders. Who ever get's this bpok should throw it away or tearit and burn it into peices.

Throw It Away
The book deserved 2 stars because it was a terrible book. I really didn't care for it. it is basically a bunch of short stories about people on how they don't fit in. Alot of it was untrue because people only act bad when they are not liked by others. I also think it deserved 2 stars because it had a bunhc of short stories and there is no boring parts in it. If it would of been a long book i dont think to many peple would be interested in it. Over all i think if somone get's the book they should through it away. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautiful photos abound
Round Buildings, Square Buildings, Buildings That Wiggle Like A Fish won't fit into the curriculums of many schools but its appearance in 1988 earned it high recommendation as a basic introduction for all ages, to the world of architecture. This reprint of Round Buildings, Square Buildings, Buildings That Wiggle Like A Fish invites new generations to take a different look at the buildings we use. Beautiful photos abound. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Award-Winning Book
This book is a 1997 NCSS Notable ... Read more

Book Description

Before there was anything, there was God, and a few angels, and a huge swirling glob of rocks and water with no place to go. The angels asked God, "Why don't you clean up this mess?"

This collection of short, funny stories is one man's interpretation of how God did just that -- with some very unlikely help.

There was Adam, who decided to number the animals instead of giving them names -- until he lost count. There was Max, a matchmaking angel disguised as a camel. And who could forget the kindly dolphins of the Red Sea or the builders of the spectacularly chaotic Tower of Babel, whose foundation rests in one small girl's question: "Mommy, does God have a big toe?"

Reflecting Mr. Gellman's lifelong love for his subject, this witty collection of midrashim provides a wonderful way to learn about and to share the stories of the Bible. Distinguished artist Oscar de Mejo brings the right blend of reverence and humor with his magnificent oil paintings.

Reviews (6)

A great reading aloud book
This is one of my favorite books to read aloud in my k-3 (Quaker) Sunday school class. Marc Gellman's language just captures the interest of the kids. (The pictures are nice but unnecessary.) He tells wonderful stories with messages that speak on many levels. The youngest kids just enjoy a good story with great word pictures, while the older children realize that much more is being said.

Words from the Heart
This is a delightful book either to give to your child, to read together with your child, to read yourself, or to refer to when you are asked that age old question, "Does God have a big toe?" The answer Rabbi Gelman gives is very sensible, "...God is not a person. God is special and invisible and wonderful and is the creator of the universe. God has made each of us in God's image. But God is not a person. And that is why God does not have a big toe."

This is a collection of 20 'midrashim' (plural for 'midrash' or a story which is told about a story which appears in the Bible to illustrate a moral, i.e. a fable). The author explains all about 'midrashim' in a Note at the beginning of the book in a style suitable for children. One handy feature of the book is that in the table of contents, each 'midrash' is provided with the biblical citation from which the story is drawn. It is divided into two sections, one titled "Adam's Animals", the second "Does God Have A Big Toe?" and with a prologue about Genesis 1, the story of creation. Richly endowed with a half dozen illustrations by Italian primitive artist Oscar de Mejo, this book delights both the eye as well as the intellect.

There is a old Jewish saying, "Words from the heart speak to the heart." These words come from the heart. If you have an open heart they will speak to your heart.

Modern Midrash for Children and Adults
I wish that all of us could have a friend who can bring to life the dry Bible stories we think are no longer pertenant in our modern world. Mark Gellman could be that friend. His retellings of these famili