Book Description

A Prince
and a Pauper

Jemmy, once a poor boy living on the streets, now lives in a castle. As the whipping boy, he bears the punishment when Prince Brat misbehaves, for it is forbidden to spank, thrash, or whack the heir to the throne. The two boys have nothing in common and even less reason to like one another. But when they find themselves taken hostage after running away, they are left with no choice but to trust each other.

Reviews (101)

AWESOME BOOK -MUST READ IT !
This story is about a prince who is bored out of his mind and thinks he should run away from home. This is book is good for people who like funny and short books in grades 4 and up.
Some of the main characters are Hold Your Nose Billy, Jemmy, Prince Brat, Petunia, and Cutwater. Hold Your Nose Billy and Capiton Nips are really mean people who like garlic. They kidnapp Prince Brat and Jemmy. Prince Brat is a boy who you think has a perfect life but he does not think so. He thinks he has a boring life. Petunia is a bear who saves Jemmy and Prince Brats lives.
The main part of the story begins when Prince Brat and Jemmy run away from home and get kidnapped. It is set in a forest and in a palace in an imaginary time long ago.
I think the theme is never run away. Just stay home with your family. Sometimes you don't realize how good you have it. Also, learning to read is very important.

A book about two boys that eventually beome friends.
Hi!I read a book called "The Whipping Boy," by Sid Fleishchman.Do you like a book with humor and suspense,well than this is a book for you!This is a book for 3rd to 4th graders to read and enjoy.This book is about Prince Horace better known as Prince Brat and his own whipping boy named Jemmy.In this book they encounter close calls when they runaway from the castle.I can't tell you what happens at the end,so you will have to read the book to find out.I liked this book because it deals with some real problems and makes you think more about people who are poorer than you are.So the next time you want to read a good novel,go and get "The Whipping Boys!"

Whipping boy
Sid Fleischman's book, "The Whipping Boy" is about a king who will not punish his son so he has another child who gets whipped and punished instead of the prince. The prince deiced one day that he could not take getting in trouble and having the whipping boy get punished for his wrong doings. One night the prince deiced to run away with the whipping boy. On there journey they get captured by "Hold-Your-Nose-Billy," and Cutwater. The criminals deiced that they are going to keep them hostage. Jemmy did not like the prince to much because he had to take all of the punishment for all of those bad things that he did. Since they both got captured they had to become friends with each other, even though jimmy was from the lower class of people and the prince was from the upper class of people they had to get along. The whipping boy thinks of a plan, his plan is to escape to the sewers. The prince on the other hand does not think that it would be a good idea because he has never been in the sewers. The whipping boy has been in the sewers his life before becoming a whipping boy. Jemmy used to trap and sell rats that were in the sewer that does how he now all of the turns and different things. The prince and the whipping boy are trying to get along, become friends, and break though the barriers that are between them. The prince is finding out how Jemmy used to live, also the prince is coming immune to Jemmys life. The prince and the whipping boy are starting to take responsibility for there own actions. The prince does not like how Jemmy used to live. They find interest in each other. The prince is getting used to how Jemmy had to live.
They finally deiced that they have had enough of the kidnapper. Jemmy told the prince to follow me and they went though the tunnels. They finally get away though the tunnel because of how well Jemmy knew the tunnels. The prince did not want to go though the tunnels because he did not think that Jemmy did not know them until Jemmy showed him that he could get through them.
I thought that is was a very good idea for the prince and "The Whipping Boy" finally deiced to run away. I would have not liked being the whipping boy. I liked this book very much and I really do not like to read. I thought that it was easy for younger kids to understand to. I really liked this book.

The Whipping Boy
Sid Fleischman's book The Whipping Boy is a really good book. It is about a prince who got the nick name "Prince Brat" because he is a mischiouf maker because his pranks aren't funny. He has a whipping boy named Jemmy who is smart and clever. One day prince brat runs away and takes Jemmy with him. They don't get far before two cutthroats stop them. One of their names is hold-your-nose-Billy and the other is cutwater. They take Jemmy and "Prince Brat" into their cabin. Jemmy and "Prince Brat" must outwit the two and become friends, except prince brat keeps betraying Jemmy. The adventure will take them through alot of adventure. I recomend buying it.

Enjoyable while including major Social Issues
Sid Fleischman's book, "The Whipping Boy," is about a runaway prince and his whipping boy, who discover adventure on their journey, and surprisingly find friendship in one another. The boys' adventures include them being abducted by two criminals, "Hold-Your-Nose-Billy," and Cutwater. The criminals kidnap the boys and plan to hold them for ransom from the King.
"The Whipping Boy," focuses on the distinctions and differences of social classes throughout the book. These differences are vividly illustrated through Prince Brat (Horace) and Jemmy, the whipping boy. Prince Horace, who is from a high social class and is considered very important, is never whipped. However, Jemmy, who is from a lower class, serves as a, "whipping boy," and takes the punishments for Prince Brat.
However, "The Whipping Boy," also looks at the overcoming of these class barriers. At the beginning of the story, there was a definite difference between the upper class and the lower class. This difference is intensified in the description of the boys escape into the city's sewer. Jemmy, a member of the working class, is well-informed of the tunnels of the sewer because he has spent the early years of his life there, trapping rats and selling them for money. Jemmy seems at ease in the sewer, knowing what direction to take and where to hide. On the other hand, the Prince is very frightened in the tunnels below the city and clings desperately to Jemmy for security. The Prince has never been to the sewers. His life has always been spent in the luxury of the palace walls with everyone at his beck and call.
As the two boys spend more and more time together the Prince slowly begins to become a part of Jemmy's world. The same can be said for Jemmy's whose quick thinking while dealing with the two men helps the boys escape. When Jemmy is mistaken for the prince, he really takes over the role, and the two classes seemed meshed.
During their journey, Prince Horace and Jemmy both become responsible for their own actions. Jemmy, who has been away from his family and on his own for awhile, is prepared when he gets chased and tormented by the two men in the forest. The Prince, on the other hand, has to learn responsibility since he has never had to rely on himself before. At first, the Prince is stubborn and foolish in his actions, but, as time passes and he sees Jemmy for who he really is. It is when the Prince realizes this, that he learns a very important lesson, and the moral of the book. The Prince learns to break down the barriers that hold the two boys apart. The Prince shows a very big step in growth that even some adults have not taken yet. With his maturation, he is able to become true friends with Jemmy, and earn the name Prince Horace.

I really enjoyed how Fleischman is able to take a very serious and real topic, such as class discrimination, and simplify it for a young reader. The author does not make light of the topic, yet he addresses it in such a way that the reader understands and can relate the story to his/her own life. Children that would read or hear this book have most likely already read or heard fairytales that include royalty. However, I think it is rare that a child is given the opportunity to hear the story of the lower class. "The Whipping Boy," gives a vivid explanation and description of the class differences.
This main theme in this book is that friendship should be free of prejudices. "The Whipping Boy," would be an excellent choice in encouraging students to get along with one another no matter what their differences may be. It lays a very good framework for young students who have been or one day will be on the giving or receiving end of discrimination or prejudices without being preachy. The theme is a powerful one, yet the story includes enough adventure to keep the reader interested and engaged. ... Read more

Book Description

The train of states is rolling by --
rush to the window and watch it go!
The very first car? The very first state:
Delaware, of course,
followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia ...
fifty in all.
The caboose? Washington, D.C.!

Look closely! What do you see?
State birds, state flowers, state trees ...
forty-three presidents! Can you find them all?
Can you spot the flags, heroes, animals, and landmarks
adorning the train of states?

Clickety clack, clickety clack.
Rush out the door, rush to the track.
Where is the train going? Come along!
Over the prairie, over the mountains,
down a green valley, and into a billowing tent.
It's time for a party --
it's time to celebrate
the fifty states!

Amazon.com

Here is a fascinating, detailed look at the life of Charles Darwin: naturalist, geologist, and independent thinker. In his author's note, Caldecott Honor illustrator Peter Sis (Starry Messenger, Tibet: Through the Red Box) writes that Darwin always regretted not learning how to draw. However, he could and did take "dense and vivid" written notes, from which Sis drew his inspiration. Readers will spend hours poring over the gorgeous, intricately crafted pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations depicting layer upon layer of Darwin’s life as he developed his theories about the origins of life and natural selection. Tidbits from Darwin’s extensive and legendary voyage on the Beagle, notes on Galapagos tortoises, bloodsucking benchuca bugs, and Toxodon skeletons, and particulars from his family life intermingle with each other--just as in real life. Crammed with a veritable muddle of diary entries, cameo portraits, diagrams, natural illustrations, maps, timelines, a gatefold spread, and narrative divided into "Public Life," "Private Life," and "Secret Life" blocks of text, The Tree of Life will certainly be overwhelming to some readers; for other, less linear thinkers, it will be sheer, chaotic delight. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (4)

To life!
If you are at all familiar with Peter Sis, then you linger under the incorrect impression that you know what to expect from him. Carefully researched subjects. Illustrations containing infinitesimally small people, places, and things. Engaging and entertaining plots. I tell you now, ladies and gents, "Tree of Life" takes all of this and multiplies it. Quadruples it. You have never seen a picture book like this before. When you are dealing with a book that cares to discuss the origins of life itself, you need an author/illustrator comfortable with details. In this, Sis is your man.

This is a summarization and encapsulation of the life of Mr. Charles Robert Darwin. The book begins like so:

"Charles Darwin opens his eyes for the first time! He has no idea that he will (a) start a revolution when he grows up, (b) sail around the world on a five-year voyage, (c) spend many years studying nature, and (d) write a book that will change the world".

From here on in we watch Darwin learn and grow. The text is separated, initially, into two parts. One portion is in bold and discusses the facts of Darwin's life. An italicized portion below this talks about Charles's passions and desires. Up above we see little images and factoids strewn about the page willy-nilly, giving us a better sense of the times and people involved in the naturalist's life. This form and style goes out the window when Darwin joins up with the Beagle. Suddenly the pages become drawings of creatures and sights. There is a magnificent two-page spread of boxes, each one carrying an interesting fact, animal, moment, or image that Darwin encountered. It's as if his very experiences have been cataloged for the reader's viewing pleasure. Eventually Darwin returns and as he does so the pages themselves return to the previous layout. Now, however, Darwin's life has been divided into three different parts. He has a public life, a private life, and a secret (read evolutionary) life. Every individual life is outlined on each page and as we read on we understand how a single person's dreams can be affected by their personal and private triumphs and catastrophies. When, "On the Origin of the Species" is published we find a full pull-out four page spread encompassing the enormity of this publication. Images on the pages become less straightforward and more dreamlike. At long last, accompanying a vision of a solitary Magritte-like Darwin surrounded by a clan of death's head hawk moths are the words, "Charles Darwin died on April 19, 1882, and was buried in Westminster Abbey".

According to the book's author/illustrator, Darwin was, himself, unable to draw. So rather than sketch the wonders he saw while on the Beagle, the naturalist would describe his visions with great detail. In this way, Sis has become Darwin's right hand. It is impossible to flip through this book and not be amazed at the intricacy of the project. Sis is almost a pointillist at times, his Seurat-like dots forming everything from the galleys of a ship to thousands of tiny houses in London. A child reading this book could pore over a single page for hours, interpreting and reinterpreting each digression and off-hand comment. Honestly, you've never seen a book like this one before. The image that stands out most prominently in my mind is that of Darwin astride a giant rock dove that is made up of a thousand domesticated descendents.

Which brings us to the idea of a children's book concerned with evolution in the first place. "The Tree of Life" is hardly alone in this respect. For example, the ambitious "Our Family Tree" by Lisa Westberg Peters is far more direct in voicing the facts of evolution than this book in many respects. Here, Sis seems to avoid controversy as much as possible. The spread that describes every chapter and thought that went into the making of "On the Origin of the Species" is accompanied by the caveat, "Darwin did not say that God had not created life on earth. What he said was that creation did not happen all at once". Take that. Some time is spent examining the Bishop Samuel Wilberforce's objections and the Great Oxford Debate of 1860, but it is given far less time or energy than the book's page on, say, the Galapagos Islands. I would have liked some explanations on why some people didn't (and still do not) like Darwin's theories. Even a cursory explanation of the opposition wouldn't have been inappropriate considering the subject matter. Alas, here Sis is lacking.

All this notwithstanding, this is a fine piece of kiddie lit. If you remain unconvinced and require just a little more information about this book's fine nature, I merely direct you to the endpapers. In most picture books, the endpapers in the front of the book match and duplicate the endpapers at the back. Yet even here, Sis has not skimped. From the evolving feet of horses to the hand of Michaelangelo's God reaching towards Adam's, these pages are all individual and unique, making them just as important as any other portion of the book. I shudder to think what will happen to them when this book comes out in paperback. Though some will argue that this book is too advanced for children, challenge this statement. Test it for yourself. Any child that likes detail, precision, and nature will at least enjoy portions of this book. In a word - fabulous.

Darwin knew his ideas would be problematic for society
Although this book targets elementary school libraries, adults of all ages and persuasions will find it riveting. Tree of Life recounts Darwin's childhood from two points of view: his own and his father's. Terrific art work of various media take readers from the naturalist's youth to his long years of travel aboard the Beagle, where his then revolutionary ideas about the origin of species took root. He knew early on that publication of his theories would create a maelstrom. The unique pictorial presentation of this material is nearly as revolutionary as Darwin's thought processes. Though chronologically linear, it feels bold and sweeping in the process of presenting so much information in so small a space. It's a spectacular, visually exciting intro to Darwin's ideas of the natural world. You feel as though you're inside the great man's brain.

Will reach ages 8 and up
Tree Of Life is the complex biography of Charles Darwin will reach ages 8 and up: those with good reading skills attracted to pictures. From views of Darwin as a schoolboy to reviews of his naturalist theories, this uses many intricate drawings to cover Darwin's achievements - no bright colors here, just facts and images paired with solid text.

powerful introduction to Charles Darwin
Naturalist student Charles Darwin spent five-years exploring remote locales in the Pacific as part of the voyage of the Beagle. Darwin kept detailed notes that documented all he saw. However, though his writings about the trek are incredible in scope, no drawings accompanied Darwin's wealth of material. Peter Sis fills the void by providing a stunning pictorial of Darwin's diary, journal, and other writings that will leave the audience in awe while taking hours to look at one overwhelmingly detailed page at a time.

This reviewer and her spouse spent an hour a day over the past few weeks fascinated by this tribute. Though intended for the elementary school crowd readers of all ages will appreciate THE TREE OF LIFE: CHARLES DARWIN as a powerful introduction to one of the most influential individuals of the last two centuries. This tome makes the perfect family gathering as adults and children can share the fascination as Mr. Sis shows a picture is worth a thousand words (and $18.00).

Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Amazon.com

The story of Galileo is at once inspiring and troubling. The brilliant astronomer was a celebrated scientist who was showered with honors and patronage until his greatest discovery--that the earth circled the sun rather than the other way around--proved to be too much of a threat to prevailing orthodoxy. Peter Sis, author of the wonderful children's book Follow the Dream: The Story of Christopher Columbus, tells Galileo's tale for children ages 8 and older. A brilliant and sophisticated illustrator and a sensitive storyteller, he traces Galileo's life from childhood to his final days as a prisoner of the church. (Click to see asample spread. © 1996 by Peter Sis. Reprinted by permission of the publisher, Farrar, Straus and Giroux.) (Ages 8 and older) ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Its not just another picture book
In this amusing and insightful book, Peter Sis has attracted more then one audience. Starry Messenger (a Caldecott Honor book) tells the story of Galileo Galilei and some of his accomplishments. The actual story is interesting, but the illustrations are amazing! His pictures are detailed and
intricate, including every possible detail the mind can imagine. On the page introducing Galileo, perhaps fifty babies wrapped in blankets are pictured. On each blanket is their future occupation. You see a baker, a priest, a farmer, a knight, and a barrelmaker among many others. But Galileo is one that stands out. His blanket is dark blue and covered with
white stars, foreshadowing his remarkable life.

The Starry Messenger is a picture book, but don't let that label fool you. Most adults will find the facts about Galileo written in the margins interesting, and as I have, the pictures astounding. Words cannot do this book justice, its marvelous work of art!

A children's book about Galileo clearly for older readers
Yes, "Starry Messenger" is one of those children's books that is going to be over the heads of most children, which is ironic given that it is about a man who wanted to understand the meaning of the stars. Certainly the life of Galileo Galilei is worthy of being taught to children, but Peter Sis has geared this one a bit too high, as I think these reviews clearly indicate. After all, few young readers will appreciate that the inclusion of quotations from Galileo's "Discoveries and Opinions of Gailelo," although they will be more inclined to spin the book around to read cursive lines of tiny print written in a spiral by Sis. Fortunately, most children have much better eyes than I do now a days.

The chief charm of "Starry Messenger" for me is the artwork, which certain suggests both the Old World and Olden Days. Several of the illustrations remind me of Medieval and Renaissance artwork I have seen in the past. Again, I am not sure younger readers can really appreciate some of the details Sis puts into some of this illustrations, especially the three dealing with the his trial before the Pope's court. This is a shame because these are pretty powerful illustrations. Ideally, somewhere down the road kids who learn about Galileo and the example of his trial ("But it does move") will return to this book and better be able to appreciate it.

Nice Artwork, Misleading History
This children's book about Galileo has very beautiful illustrations, but the history leaves much to be desired. It's a perfect example though of how myths about the past take on a life of their own independent of historical evidence or historical context. Sis offers another variation on the "warfare" of science versus religion with Galileo representing the modern rational scientist (which he was not) and his opponents in the Church representing ignorant, dogmatic tradition. Of course the reality was much more complex, especially considering that Galileo did not have proof that the earth moved. This book shows why children are so often misinformed from an early age for the sake of telling a good story.

Definately for older children
This book is beautifully illustrated and written but was given to my daughter when she was 4 years old by an ambitious uncle and although she is quite interested in science, at age 5 it is still way over her head. I would have to agree with some of the other reviewers, I would recommend it for much older children interested in the subject.

May be more for adults than children?
Although the illustrations are delightful and fun to explore I was disappointed with the book. I bought it to give to my 7 year old grand daughter and I have not givent it to her yet. I feel this is a book written for someone who already knows a lot about Gallileo. Those who already know a lot will enjoy the illustrations, those who need to learn will miss the message. ... Read more

Amazon.com

As a child in 1950s Czechoslovakia, Caldecott Honor-winning artist Peter Sís would listen to mysterious tales of Tibet, "the roof of the world." The narrator, oddly enough, was his father--a documentary filmmaker who had been separated from his crew, caught in a blizzard, and (according to him, anyway) nursed back to health by gentle Yetis. Young Sís learned of a beautiful land of miracles and monks beset by a hostile China; of the 14th Dalai Lama, a "Boy-God-King"; and of "a magic palace with a thousand rooms--a room for every emotion and heart's desire." Hearing these accounts--some extravagant but all moving--helped the boy recover from an accident. The stories also allowed Sís's father to relate an odyssey other adults didn't seem to want to know about in cold war Czechoslovakia. "He told me, over and over again, his magical stories of Tibet, for that is where he had been. And I believed everything he said," Sís recalls. Still, after some time he too seemed to become immune, and the stories "faded to a hazy dream." With Tibet: Through the Red Box Sís finally pays tribute to this fantastical experience, illustrating key pages from his father's diary with complex, color-rich images of mazes, mountains, and mandalas. He also produces pictures of his family at home--simple, monochromatic images that are just as haunting as their Himalayan counterparts. In one, a wistful mother and two children gather around a Christmas tree, the absent father appearing as a featureless silhouette. Tibet is a treasure for the eyes and heart. Some will ask: Is it for children or adults? Others will wonder: Is it a work of art or a storybook? One of the many things that this book makes us realize is that such classifications are entirely (and happily) unnecessary. (Click to see a sample spread. Illustrations copyright ©1998 by Peter Sís. Reprinted by permission of Farrar, Straus, & Giroux.) --Kerry Fried ... Read more

Reviews (12)

An enchanting and magical book
Tibet: Through the Red Box by Peter Sis is a book that I would recommend to almost anybody. Its beautiful and very unique illustrations keep the interest of the reader to the very end, and the many short but magical tales about the palace with thousands of rooms, the messenger adorned with bells who brought his letters to the depths of the forests etc. are so enchanting yet poignant too. All the stories of his father's encounter in Tibet arouses our interests about Tibet and the hidden magics in it.

A bonus of this book is that it contains hidden messages that can be discovered by the careful and attentive reader, on technology and its devastation and the thin line between fact and fiction.

Be warned, if you have no intentions to visit Tibet in the future or be greatly tempted to, do not read this book. It is so enchanting that you could not resist a visit there yourself.

Stunningly Beautiful
I feel so lucky to have stumbled across this book in a used books store (Sorry Amazon!) The illustrations are amazingly beautiful. You could spend a whole day reading this children's book and admiring the incredibly detailed illustration. The story is also a very different perspective on the Chinese invasion of Tibet, an exciting personal adventure, and a touching examination of a father/son relationship. I recommend it to children and adults, and anyone who would enjoy a beautiful book of art.

A book for my children and my children's children
My children are mostly grown; and today, when we remember growing up "together", we sometimes talk about books that they (we) loved when they were young. This is one such book, published just in time to share with my youngest, who was ten at the time. The story is mysterious and complex and involves simple spiritual discoveries made by the artist's father when he was lost in Tibet. The rich, delicate artwork and thoughtful reflections are layered and you can return to the book over and over and find new ideas, beautiful images, magical details . This book will feed the spirit of a thoughtful child and remain with them as they grow. My daughter and I treasure this book.

Read closely and read again
It has been my privilege to read and re-read this book with some teenagers who have formerly claimed their reluctance to read. Peter Sis gave us all the opportunity to read the pictures first: why the sepia toned photos and the father-shaped holes? Why the mandelas? The maps? The diary entries? Once engaged, and fuelled by the tidal oscillations of the various layers of drawings, composed symphonically, we could not help but read the book. For a generation accustomed to video players this book let us pause, fast-forward, rewind... a book to read forwards, backwards, and inside out. Sis lets us know that books are a treasure, that books can walk beside us for a lifetime and nourish the mind and soul in imaginings... I add this one to my list of 1000 books I would proudly give to any child.

A gorgeous *adult* book in children's book format
Tibet: Through the Red Box is an entrancing and beautiful book. However, it is one of the new subgenre of "children's books for adults" - it may look like a picture book, but it is *not* suitable for young children.

Tibet is very like Maus: A Survivor's Tale, the award-winning graphic novel that bears only superficial resemblance to a standard graphic novel. In Tibet, as in Maus, a son tells his father's story - and what a story it is. Peter Sis' father was a documentary filmmaker who was hired by the Chinese to make a documentary about the building of a bridge in a remote province - and instead ended up losing his crew and witnessing the taking of Tibet.

Sis does a remarkable job of transmitting to the reader his father's love of Tibet and its mysteries and magic. Using tales his father told him, he creates an image of a dream land, a fantasy land, where weird and wonderful things happen. It's impossible not to love Sis' vision of Tibet - and therefore, impossible not to be sad that the Chinese take it.

I've said that the book is not for children, and I stand by that. However, I do believe that a child who is 6 or older could enjoy this book, provided it was read to him by an adult, and provided that that adult could cushion and explain some of the harder truths, not to mention some of the blending of fantasy and fact.

Peter Sis' father's story is incredible, and the book is marvelous. Any adult who loves books or history would love Tibet: Through the Red Box. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Poet Jack Prelutsky again pairs up with two-time Caldecott Honor artistPeter Sís to create Scranimal Island, a fantastical, off-the-map place inhabitedby unusual animals from Hippopotamushrooms to Potatoads to a pride ofBroccolions. A boy and girl on a scooter, equipped with essentials from umbrellato inner tube, fly from habitat to habitat over Sís's dreamy, mountainouslandscapes à la Tibet: Throughthe Red Box. They make their way through the clutch of Spinachickens,past the Camelberta Peaches to the "Sweet Porcupineapple, / Unflappable chap, /You happily amble / All over the map." Prelutsky's biological inventions are asclever as they are silly, and it's wonderful that kids are allowed to figure outthe hybrid themselves in Rhinocerose, Cardinalbacore, etc. Prelutsky's glee iscontagious, and kids will get a kick out of the wordplay in poems like "Oh SleekBananaconda": "You slither on your belly, / And you slither on your chin. /You're only unappealing / As you shed your slinky skin." Pronunciation guidesfor each creature garnish each page, in case you can't pronounce Toucanemonesright off the bat, and an iconic guide to the island's animals adorns the tableof contents page. Gorgeous endpapers reveal Sís's map of Scranimal Island andits curious denizens. It's impossible to pick a favorite, between theunbelievably cute Pandaffodil and the detested Radishark. Highly recommended.(Ages 6 to 10) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (4)

something for everyone
I just ordered several of these books to give as birthday gifts for my 9 year old daughter's friends, but I had to read through it before we gave them away. Now I may need to purchase one for our house! The stories were fun, interesting and challenging, but not so difficult that my daughter couldn't figure some out for herself. I agree with the previous review that it makes one "think outside the box" - and is a fun and valuable asset to any library!

Logic outside the box - made fun
This book consists of folktales, very concisely told, that in some sense are a riddle, a puzzle, a play on words ... These stories are presented as problems to solve.

A major strength of the book is the variety of sources of the tales - Tibetan, Aesop, Armenia, India, Grimm brothers, Ethiopian, Japan; in fact many of the stories could have come from any of a number of cultures. The illustrations add to the interest of the book for its intended audience.

The only weakness is that in only one case does it offer alternative answers. For example, in filling a room perfume works as well as light; if children are reading the book independently, they may not have the confidence to recognize that their answer is a clever as the one given in the text.

The stories are fun - parents and children should enjoy this.

Marvelous folktales that present a challenge and a smile.
This is a wonderful book that combines mathematical reasoning and logic with fascinating folktales from around the world. A book that delights kids as well as adults.

Excellent challenge for kids; helps in creative thinking
I used this book as a summer activity for my kids a number of years ago. One story would be posted on the refrigerator, and left until solved. There was no pressure, and no help. It would just sit there and pique their curiosity. They loved it, and still ask me (10 years later) if there are any more. I'm glad there are sequels now! ... Read more

Amazon.com

"In the universe, on a planet, on a continent, in a country, in a city,on a block, in a house, in a window, in the rain, a little girl named Madlenkafinds out her tooth wiggles." To further illustrate where exactly this girl fitsinto the universe, Peter Sís's endpapers depict a tiny blue planet Earthwith a red dot, then a bigger Earth and a bigger red dot, then an aerial view ofthe south part of Manhattan Island, then city blocks, then lo! a small Madlenkain an apartment window. And, since she has a loose tooth that wiggles, shesimply must tell everyone.

As she traipses around New York, she sees the whole world in the way a childmight peer into a sugar egg at a colorful three-dimensional diorama within. AtMr. Gaston's patisserie, he tells her about Paris as he bakes croissants andmadeleines. Readers peer through a die-cut square in his bakery window toglimpse the Eiffel Tower. Turn the page, and an exciting blue landmark map ofParis unfolds. (Is that a tiny petit prince we see as well?) At Mr. Singh'snewspaper stand, our window on the world takes us to winged elephants and oniondomes and the many-armed gods of India. Mr. Ciao from Italy ("Buongiorno, Maddalena") makes visions of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and cats ongondolas and the Coliseum dance through our heads. Throughout Sís'senchanting, moody illustrations dances blonde-haired, lavender-clad,yellow-booted Madlenka with her yellow umbrella--reminding us of what is reallyimportant. "Madlenka! Where have you been?" "Well... I went around the world.And I lost my tooth!"

Fans of Sís's gorgeous work in Caldecott Honor Books Tibet: Through the Red Box andStarry Messenger: GalileoGalilei will find an equally stunning, but more accessible book inMadlenka. Children will discover enough fascinating details to stand upto hours of fierce page perusal, and adults will, as ever, marvel atSís's breathtaking artistry. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Can't bring myself to give it 5 stars
I can't get over the fact that all the people Madlenka meets are identified with their specific cultures and nations of origin -- except for the Asian shopkeeper and the Latin American grocer. It reinforces the stereotype of "All Asians (or Latinos) are the same" -- Sis would never say that about Europeans! This to me is a huge flaw, and I can't believe an editor would let it slide (I'm a children's book editor myself). It's really too bad because otherwise it would be a great book.

Around the world in an afternoon...!
Two of kids' most exciting themes -- loose teeth and international travel! -- are delightfully captured in this sophisticated book by Peter Sis. Madlenka's tooth sends her on a journey through her multi-cultural neighbourhood, visiting shopkeeper friends from Asia, France, Latin America, and beyond.

Though the thrill of the loose tooth seems to disappear into the background somewhat through all her marvellous adventures, it comes back with a bang in the terrific "surprise" ending. This book perplexed my kids (5 and 6) somewhat initially; they were expecting a story about the tooth. But they enjoyed the easy-going, "world beat" plot tremendously nevertheless, particularly the detailed illustrations of the shopkeepers' home cultures, delightfully woven around the facing pages.

I'd highly recommended this book for urban families or anyone who wants their kids to know we're not alone on this big crowded planet.

Everyone has Something to Offer
Whether it be for children or adults, Madlenka has sent us a message that everyone has something to offer. Everyone will fall in love with little Madlenka who looks at the world through innocent eyes. Although the story is centered around a child who has a loose tooth, the real story is about the richness of all the people in her neighborhood. As Madlenka journeys through her neighborhood, the reader journeys from Italy to Latin America. Peter Sis' illustrations are marvelous in that they add background information that the text does not provide. Although the illustrations have almost too much information embedded in them, the story still falls into place. In addition, Peter Sis does a remarkable job of illustrating a child's world from a spot on the planet to a spot in a city to Madlenka standing in her neighborhood. Excluding the text within the illustrations, the vocabulary and text size are appropriate for the intended age level. When deciding whether to share this book with children, the decision should be simple if you are considerate of what they have to offer.

The Blue Book
Since opinions abound here on Amazon, I shall give my own on this item that I purchased directly through Amazon due to the rave reviews.

A six year old boy whom I know well, calls Madlenka "The Blue Book" since the illistrations seem to hover around the blue/grey spectrum, and that is what stands out in his head... not the story so much as the monotone of the illustrations.

The absolute excitement of a loose tooth is not lost on children, and Madlenka's travels are indeed fanciful and fun. This is an interesting and insightful book that will most likely appeal more to the adults who read it than to the children who are lucky enough to have adults who read to them.

I don't know Sis, but I know good books for children!
To read many of the reviews, you might think this was a lengthy volume of work, in order for it to "take us around the world". It does it's job in as few words as possible, and can be read easily to young children or savored. A child in my preschool class recently shared this book and I am now ordering it as a "must have" for my classroom. Particularly required if you live in or near New York City. ... Read more

Book Description

Amazon.com

"If you don't believe in dragons, / It is curiously true / That the dragons you disparage / Choose to not to believe in you," matter-of-factly claims America's premiere children's poet Jack Prelutsky. Dragons aren't all the same, of course--some are amiable, some are disconsolate, and some are downright nasty. Here Prelutsky, who has written over 30 books of poetry for children, turns his considerable talents to the subject of dragons--a secret dragon, a thunder dragon, a mechanical dragon, even a lazy dragon who likes to sleep all day. The 17 poems range from the whimsical to the scary, but all reflect Prelutsky's incomparable flair for rhythm and humor. The fabulous fire-breathers are illustrated in all their irresistible splendor by award-winning artist Peter Sis. The sophisticated style of his large oil paintings is complemented by his trademark borders in antique gold, giving the pages an Old World look. If you don't believe in dragons then you need this book, because the magical combination of art and poetry will make you and your kids believers. If you listen closely, you might even hear the dragons singing tonight: "We are dragons! We are real!" (Click to see a sample spread. Text © 1993 by Jack Prelutsky. Illustrations © 1993 by Peter Sis. Permission by Greenwillow Books.) (Ages 5 to 9) --Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A great dragon book for dragon-lovers of any age.
The "Chicago Tribune" said that this book is for kids age 12 and under. I have to say I can't agree . . . this book is perfect for dragon- and fantasy-lovers of _any_ age! Poems like, "If you don't believe in dragons,/it is curiously true/that the dragons you disparage/choose to not believe in you." make this book one of the best you can buy. With enchanting poems and absoulutly gorgous pictures, it makes you realize dragons surely exist. I'm sure any dragon would recomend it to you!

Have you ever met a "Nasty Dragon"?
My three year old son loves dragons, but they also scare him sometimes too. This book is one of his favorites because the poems are fun (like "Nasty little dragonsong" and "I have a dozen dragons", to name a couple) and the illustrations are not scary at all. We enjoy looking at the pictures and he loves to hear the poems. In fact, the poem called "I am boom!" the thunder dragon has made him a little less frightened of thunderstorms. We just say "There's that old boom again!" and he settles down, whenever thunder is rolling overhead. If your child is interested in dragons, this is a great edition to your library. Lovely illustrations and fun-to-read poems.

Sophisticated, Yet Fun
When I first read this book, I was six years old, and very enthralled with dragons. Now I'm well past my "Dragon Phase," but I still find this book a joy to read. The poems are very well written, considering the age group this book is meant for, with some large words such as "disconsolate" and "cacophonous". As a little kid, I actually learned some new vocabulary words from having the poems read to me. I like how the poems have many different moods: some are playful, some serious, some funny, and some scary. But the best part to me is the illustrations. They are detailed and creative. I used to just stare at the last picture in the book (A rustic scene of a mountain shaped like a dragon) and imagine I was there. Overall, this is a wonderful picture book.

Kids love this book, so do I
We got this book as a gift. I love the poems, and they read with a sort of happy cadence, even the ones with the more wicked lyrics. But more than anything, I really enjoy the artwork, which is reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts. Very appropriate. After reading this to my kids, I like to watch them run around pretending to be fire-breathing monster dragons. Much fun.

A bit dissapointing
After reading the details on this book I have to admit that I was dissapointed when I received it. Not only was it a smaller book than I anticipated, but I felt somewhat "empty" after reading it.

I love dragons, but found that the dragons in these poems were remote and a little unbelievable.

The artwork is beautiful though. ... Read more

Book Description

The third book in the addictive puzzle-book series presents fourteen tales, each of which poses a riddle that needs a solution. And if you don't get the answer, just look at the end of the story. Clever, witty illustrations are an intriguing bonus.

Book Description

Maureen Swanson is the scourge of the neighborhood. At age nine, she already has a reputation as a hard slapper, a loud laugher, a liar, and a stay-after-schooler. The other kids call her Stinky. So sometimes when Maureen passes the crumbling (and haunted?) Messerman mansion, she imagines that she is Maureen Messerman–rich, privileged, and powerful. Then she finds a way into the forbidden, boarded-up house. In the hall are portraits of seven young women wearing elaborate gowns and haughty expressions. Maureen has something scathing to say to each one, but then she notices that the figures seem to have shifted in their frames. So she reaches out her finger to touch the paint–just to make sure–and touches . . . silk! These seven daughters of privilege are colder and meaner than Maureen ever thought to be. They are wicked, wicked ladies, and Maureen has something they want. . . . ... Read more

Book Description

There's a mile-long word for the fear (and magic) of the number thirteen-triskaidekaphobia. In this comic fireworks of a novel, newly orphaned Buddy Stebbins stumbles onto the 13th floor of a shabby old building and finds himself transported aboard a leaking pirate ship in a howling storm--300 years in the past! Cast adrift, he washes up in New England where his plucky ancestor, ten-year-old Abigail, is caught up in the witchcraft mania and is about to be hanged. Firing off surprises like Roman candles from almost every page, award-winning novelist Sid Fleischman tells a many-mirrored tale of ghosts, witchcraft, razzle-dazzle treasure, and the mischief of illusion and delusion.

There's a mile-long word for the fear (and magic) or the number thirteen - triskaidekaphobia.

In this comic fireworks of a novel, newly orphaned Buddy Stebbins stumbles onto the 13th floor of a shabby old building and finds himself transported aboard a leaking pirate ship in a howling storm - 300 years in the past! Cast adrift, he washes up in New England where his plucky ancestor, ten-year-old Abigail, is caught up in the witchcraft mania and is about to be hanged. Firing off surprises like Roman candles from almost every page, award-winning novelist Sid Fleischman tells a many-mirrored tale of ghosts, witchcraft, razzle-dazzle treasure, and the mischief of illusion and delusion.

Reviews (17)

Excellent! - An elevator brings them to another world!
This book was a great book. Its about these two kids who find out there is a thirteenth floor on an old building. When they enter they find themselves fighting pirates and the boy finds himself trying his best to help his sister who has been accused of being a witch! This book always pushed me to turn the page. It is an easy reader but fun to read.

A very good book!
I liked this book because it is sort of a mystery and history book. This book is about two kids who owe money because their parents were poor and owed money but they died. When the kids, Bud and his older sister Liz, get a telephone message from a person who works on a 13th floor of a building, they think it is a prank. When his sister goes to work and doesn't come back, Bud thinks that she when to the 13th floor. When he opens the door to the 13th floor, he finds himself on a ship with an ancestor! Bud figures out that he traveled 300 years back in time! From there it goes on from Bud learning about a ship to Liz saving the ancestor who called them from accusement of witchcraft. I am not going to tell you the rest of the story. You are going to have to read it!!!

The 13th Floor
The book The 13th Floor written by Sid Flieshman was good. The story was a mystery. Also it was good because it was a ghost story. I didn't like the story because it was very predictable. Over all the book was ok. I wouldn't recommend this book to a frien

Good Book
This book has alot of really interesting things in it. Like how a ton of women were being tried as a witch. Very good!

A great book
This book was about two kids whose relative is a pirate. These kids get a weird mesage on their answering machine telling them to go to the 13th floor of an old building. One day the boy noticed his sister was gone so he went to the 13th floor to look for her. He found out this was no ordinary floor when he was transported to an old pirate ship. but now that he's there he has to make sure he doesn't change time and find his sister then find his way home. ... Read more

Book Description

How did they do it?

How did a single firefly win a fight against onw hundred apes? How did the priest catch a thief with a rooster? How did a student outwit the king? How did a frog escape fron the picher of cream? These and eleven more tantalizing, brain-teasing mysteries are waiting in the pages of this book.

Amazon.com

Trucks that plow, trucks that roll, trucks that haul, trucks that lift--Matt just can't get enough of his favorite toys. When asked to clean his room, he puts away his trucks, socks, and teddy bears, but not in the way his mom probably intended. With each succeeding page, his toy trucks grow, until Matt is driving the mammoth vehicles over the rubble of his bedroom, scooping up laundry and hockey sticks. As the trucks increase in size, so do the words in the margins describing what the trucks are doing (pushing, rolling, scooping, loading). Finally, Matt's room is clean, his trucks in a basket, and he's ready to go outside where a whole other world of bulldozers, backhoes, and tractors awaits!

Truck-love is as inevitable a developmental stage as crawling and toilet training. This book is sure to be an all-time favorite, with its bright yellow gouache paintings of trucks, trucks, and more trucks. Peter Sís has a knack for this kind of focused look at childhood passions. He has written and illustrated many popular picture books, including another trucky treatise, Fire Truck. (Preschool)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Trucks....
I was surprised that this book was rated for ages 4-8. My 6 year old is certainly beyond the one word per page board books. My 2 year old might like it, but my truck-loving 6 year old is totally bored by it.

Clever, imaginative book on trucks
This book tells the story of a little boy picking up his room and putting all his toy trucks away. As the trucks are put away, they are seen from the little boy's point of view. The trucks become larger on each page, and many different types of trucks are shown in simple, clear illustrations. My child realy enjoys this book, and I do too -- it is humorous and clever on many levels. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A wonderful introduction of Columbus to young readers
The illustrations in the book are fascinating and extraordinary! My four-year-old son loves to look at and have me read this book to him over and over while he points out different characteristics in the illustrations. It's also a great introduction into American history for youngsters. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What could be better to a fan of fire trucks than playing with them and reading about them all day long? Well, how about being one! That is just what happens to Matt, a little boy whose first and last words every day are "fire truck." Imagine his happy surprise when he wakes up one morning and discovers he has sprouted wheels, flashing lights, and sirens! Matt wastes no time. He drives around the "neighborhood" (his house) rescuing cats and teddy bears, and putting out fires. There's only one thing that can tear this dedicated fire truck away from his work: pancakes on the table!

Peter Sís's wonderful red and black gouache illustrations are old-fashioned in their sweet simplicity. Combined with a little counting practice thrown in for good measure (one driver, two ladders, three hoses, on up to 10 boots), this book is bound to please the fire-truck-obsessed child on your list. Sís is the award-winning illustrator of many well-known books, including another excellent ode to vehicles, Trucks, Trucks, Trucks. (Preschool) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (6)

GREAT BOOK!!
My son loves this book!! We read it several times a day. It is easy to relate to if you have a firetruck crazy child. I also like the fact that counting in incorporated into the story. I highly recommend!

A great book for the younger fire truck crazy set
At 18 months, my son couldn't get enough of this book, and at two, he still asks for it frequently. I think the age range for the book is too high, causing the frustration expressed by other reviewers. The simple illustrations are perfect for the younger child, and the counting feature is terrific. For older kids, try Fireman Small.

What happened to the rest of the book?
Not at all impressed. The story ended abruptly. My three year old son and I were wondering if someone ripped the rest of the pages out

Imaginative and fun Fire Truck book!
My two year old son really enjoys this book -- so does his two year old cousin (we gave him a copy!). This is an imaginative story about a little boy who loves fire trucks. When he "becomes" a fire truck, the little boy puts out a fire, rescues a cat and teddy bear, and finally, drawn by the smell of pancakes, pulls up at the kitchen table where he parks his truck. The last picture shows the little boy eating a large plate of pancakes. The illustrations are great -- simple but clever drawings. On one page, there is a large diagram of a fire truck, and the items on the fire truck can be counted -- 2 ladders, 3 hoses, 10 boots, etc.). As an adult, I appreciate having interesting children's books around the house as I will be reading them over and over. This one is a winner.

Not real impressed
I expected a lot more from a book. There's only about 50 words or so. My 3 year old son is the biggest devotee of fire trucks around, and he got bored with this book after only a couple of readings.

This would have worked a lot better as a board book/picture book for babies. The artwork is excellent and colorful. But as a bedtime story book, it just doesn't hold up. ... Read more

Book Description

From J.R.R. Tolkien"s own description for the original edition:

"If you care for journeys there and back, out of the comfortable Western world, over the edge of the Wild, and home again, and can take an interest in a humble hero (blessed with a little wisdom and a little courage and considerable good luck), here is a record of such a journey and such a traveler. . . . In following the path of this humble adventurer, you will learn by the way (as he did)—if you do not already know all about these things—much about trolls, goblins, dwarves, and elves, and get some glimpses into the history and politics of a neglected but important period."
Featuring stunning new cover art by Caldecott Honor winning children"s book illustrator Peter Sís, this edition of The Hobbit has been specially formatted for young readers. Larger print size and wider margins provide reading ease for the youngest Tolkien fans. This quality digest edition also includes interior maps and original interior illustrations by J.R.R. Tolkien. ... Read more

Reviews (1341)

The Best of the Best
Like many people, I list "The Hobbit" as one of my childhood classics. Now those favorites from my younger days are curious things. As a child, they never seemed to grow old or stale. I read this book and several others until my copies were ready to fall apart. But upon rereading them as an adult, some of them have proven to be disappointing. Which isn't to say that books like The Chronicles of Narnia or "The Phantom Tollbooth" are bad, but they don't carry as much emotional punch as they could and seem a little tedious in retrospect.

Not so with "The Hobbit". Having recently read it for the first time in more than ten years, I can say that this book is every bit as exciting and imaginative from an adult perspective as from a child's. It is amazing. It approaches perfection in so many areas that it daunts the imagination. For instance, consider how much Tolkien is able to accomplish in just the first chapters. He introduces all the important characters and gives them distinctive personalities, builds sympathy for the hero, provides all the necessary backstory, injects a little humor, and prepares you for the epic adventure ahead.

And what an adventure it is! I marveled at Tolkien's amazing skill in so many areas. His action sequences are fast, short, and easy to visualize. His songs and poetry add a wonderfully quaint touch to the story. His simple descriptive writing paints perfect portraits of landscapes in just a few sentences. There is literally nothing done wrong in this story. The current crop of fantasy authors would do well to pause from their latest eight-hundred page extravaganza and remind themselves that Tolkien never repeated himself or included anything unnecessary. His goal was to write small and speedy, to always be providing something new for the reader.

A note about the illustrations: some of the editions that they're hawking now include copies of the pen and ink drawings that Tolkien did for the first edition. Like many people, I was raised with the 1966 paperback that didn't include the illustrations. It's an unfortunate fact that Tolkien's skill as an artist didn't come close to matching his skill as a writer. Some of the drawings are decent, but others are almost laughably bad. I would recommend trying to find a copy without the illustrations.

The Hobbit: Is it such a small adventure after all?
The Hobbit: Is it Such a Small Adventure After All?

Book Title: The Hobbit
How would you feel if 13 dwarves just popped right into your house, called you a burglar, and whisked you away on some wild adventure that you have absolutely no interest in? And what's worse, your friend Gandalf the Grey has helped them. That's exactly what happened to Bilbo Baggins in the book, The Hobbit.
The plot of the story is amazing. It follows a story line that is so imaginary, it almost isn't imaginable. The main hobbit in this story is Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo is whisked away on a dangerous journey with 13 dwarves, determined with the task of recapturing the grand dwarf city. Thorin, the greatly respected dwarf king, is determined to be the King Under the Mountain, as his grandfather and great-grandfather once were. Smog the Dragon has captured the ancient dwarf city and has destroyed the once prosperous city of Dale, the mortal man's city. Thorin and Co.(Bilbo and the 13 dwarves) are determined to kill Smog (well, at least the dwarves are. Bilbo thinks this is all a wild goose chase!) and recover the lost treasures. But before they get to the mountain to destroy Smog and recover the lost treasure, they must get there. On the long way there, they drag themselves into mortal danger many times. Some of these dangers are hungry trolls, giant spiders, and an entire underground kingdom of goblins. There are many more, but it would take a full page to name them.
This book was extremely good, especially if you like books with a lot of suspense in them. Tolkien uses intricate detail and vivid words. I could just imagine every part in the book as if I was there.
Bilbo is a touching character that we all can relate to. Poor old Bilbo just wants to be left alone and wants to have everything just so expected and predictable. But on the other hand, he loves adventures (sometimes) and he loves suprises. But he alsc just wants a good pipe to smoke, a comfortable hobbit hole, and some good company. And surely we can all relate to that!!
I recommend this book to children and adults of all ages. Some parts of the book are a little intense, such as when the Wargs try to eat the 14 travelers plus Gandalf in one part. Otherwise, this is a touching, loving, humorous book. Although, you might not like the book so much if you don't enjoy action/adventure books.
In conclusion, this book is wonderful. I really loved it. If you decide to read the book, I think you'll really enjoy it too.

A favorite: The Hobbit
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Published by Houghton Mifflin Co

Bilbo stooped down to pick up the shiny object. It was a ring. He slipped it on and... Want to hear more? This is one of my favorite books because it is fantasy and that is my favorite genre. There are wizards and battles and lots of cool things in it. It is a long book but it needs to be to have all of the right details which it does have.

The main characters of the story are: Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the Grey, all of the dwarves, Smaug and so many more that I could go on and on. First of all the character that the story focused on is Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo is a hobbit that lives in a hole in the side of a hill. Hobbits travel in bare feet and they are about 3 feet tall. He calls his home Bag End. Bilbo is a normal hobbit who doesn't like adventure and who eats 3 or 4 breakfasts. The only thing is that Bilbo finds a liking for adventure and that is how the book begins. Gandalf the Grey is a wizard who has taken a liking to Bilbo. Gandalf is a traveler who fights evil and befriends the good. Gandalf is the reason for the whole book because he starts the adventure. The dwarves are about the same size as the hobbits though they look nothing like them. Dwarves have beards and wear hats and are the greatest miners and blacksmiths. They are in the journey only to get something they own back from Smaug. Lastly as you know, there is Smaug. Smaug is a dragon that lives in a mountain. He is almost indestructible though he has one weakness that is revealed in the book. Smaug is also an important part of the book.

I would recommend this book to anybody who likes fantasy, wizards, battles and old things like that. This is one of my favorite books because I like all of the old beliefs. I couldn't put this book down because it was so exciting. This book was put together so well that you were never lost and you could always find something good about any part of the book while you could almost never find something bad. I think that anybody with reading talents can easily read this book although some of the words are a little hard to pronounce so you might want a parent or an older person around to help you with them.

In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.
This is Tolkien book, and that means A GREAT STORY! This is the prelude to the more popular (and better) series of Lord of the Rings. A very well told story with classic imagery, clever humor, lots of adventure, drama, and suspense, and will captivate you from first to last page. I loved every moment of this book, and I must say this is a book I can sit down and just read, no matter how many times I've already read. Great. If you like the Lord of the Rings series, pick this book up and see where it all starts.

On Illustrated Editions
There are many many different illustrated editions of this classic and except for Mr. Tolkiens original renderings this is by far the best illustrated rendition of the Hobbit.
Michael Hauge is a master illustrator in the grand old style and truly makes the story come alive, his work is reminiscent or Arthur Rackham at times. Of all the illustrated versions on the market today (many of them very weak indeed) I find Mr. Hague's to be exceptional. He also did a wonderful job on another classic, the Wind in the Willows. Any book illustrated by him is worth looking into (literally).
Very Highly Recommended! ... Read more

Book Description