Amazon.com

Oh, would that all bullying problems could be solved so easily! MeanJean is the reigning Recess Queen, pushing and smooshing, hammering andslammering the other kids whenever they cross her. And then one day a puny newgirl shows up on the playground and catches Mean Jean completely off-guard. Notonly is little Katie Sue not the least bit intimidated by the bully, sheactually asks her to jump rope with her. In no time flat, Jean and Katie Sue arebest buddies, and the playground is safe for all again.

Sure, it's simplistic, but there's a strong element of truth in this energeticrhyming story by Alexis O'Neill (Loud Emily). Bullies arepeople, too, and sometimes nothing is quite so effective as ingenuousdisarmament. Big, bold, funny acrylic and collage illustrations by LauraHuliska-Beith (The Book of BadIdeas) bounce right along with the text. (Ages 5 to 8) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Mean Jean the Recess Queen
My kids like this book, I think it is ok! It is the illustrations that really make it. As for sending a message about bullying....it isn't crystal clear!It's nice enough, my kids like it and that is what matters!Recommended for 4-7 year olds.

School Counselor
Wonderful resource when having difficulties with bullies. We will be using this one on our unit on bullies. Sometimes using your humor to disarm a bully is just what is needed.

Bully for Alexis O'Neill
Ms. O'Neill has taken on the (very current) topic of school yard bullies in a very good way. This book should be a hit with any parent whose children are in the early school years.

Hoppity, skippity, jumpity, ringity, zingity, YESSSSSS!
I recently read this book to a first grade class. The children loved the fabulous illustrations and the fun rhyming language in the story. Of the 4 books I read the girls seemed to all prefer The Recess Queen. I am going to look up other books by both the author and illustrator. They both have great style.

What Makes a Classic?
What makes a classic? Read "The Recess Queen" and you'll recognize it instantly. Alexis O'Neill's tale of a spunky heroine, a legendary bully, a playground filled with astounded children will please young and not so young readers for many years. Rollicking words keep a perfect beat in time with innovative book design and captivating mixed media illustrations. I expect this one will not stay on my classroom library shelf for long. There will be too many eager readers vying for a chance to read aloud. Who knew that reading could be so much fun? Who knows what a scary place a playground could be? Ask your child. She knows. It's all in "The Recess Queen." ... Read more

Amazon.com

British boy with catchy name and unusual powers, check. Wild hair, check. Students at boarding school, check. Owls and funny street names, check. Mysterious shape-shifting enemies out to get the affable boy protagonist, check. Jenny Nimmo's"Children of the Red King" series (starring Charlie Bone) has so many ofthe same trappings as the Harry Potter series that, unfortunately, comparison is unavoidable. Rowling's books clearly trump these simpler fantasies for younger readers--but the Charlie Bone books are finding their audience in those who need a boy-wizard fix and need it now.

Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy, the third book in the author's planned quintet, begins when the magically "endowed" Charlie and his friend Emma discover a mostly invisible, strawberry jam-loving boy named Ollie Sparks imprisoned in the attic of the Hogwartsian Bloor's Academy. Ollie's plight is part of a seemingly amorphous Larger Evil Plot involving school authorities, a blue boa, and Charlie's three horrible great aunts. Charlie Bone and his friends are eager to fight wrongdoing with their combination of special powers, but obstacles in all shapes and sizes abound. Can the children rescue Ollie, Charlie's uncle, Ollie's older brother, and the other hapless victims...or are the enemies too plentiful and powerful? Despite the likeable Charlie and a plethora of magical happenings (raining frogs, sorcerers who escape paintings, etc.), reading this 408-page fantasy feels like a bit like running a marathon where the finish line feels farther away with every step.Thankfully, the ending is a happy one. (Ages 10 and older) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Children of the Red King is the best book series despite hp
Ok, im going to star by saying The Invisible Boy is the best installment yet in the children of the red king series. first of all, don't even look at the summary of the book that amazon.com provided, none of it is true. NONE ZERO ZIP ZILCH! None of it so dont bother reading it. i mean, how could the yewbeam sisters try to marry amy bone unless they're lesbians? overall, this book is an amazing piece of work by jenny nimmo; if she was at bloors, she'd be in the drama department no question. However if you haven't read the first 2 books get reading because there is a slim chance you will understand the third book without reading the first two books. THIS BOOK ROX

The best so far!
In the third installment of the Children of the Red King series, a considerable amount of depth is assed, and Ms. Nimmo stakes out her own territory fiercely. This book was the best yet. Any doubt that additional depth was on its way should have been put to rest upon viewing the genealogical table (which, disappointingly, gave away a few endowments that I wasn't aware of, but it didn't affect the story).

The book is, in its basest form, about a boy who was made invisible by - who else - that wretched disaster of a magician, Ezekiel Bloor, and the efforts of Charlie and his faithful band of do-gooders to rescue him. But there is much more than an invisible boy for Charlie to worry about.

His best friend Benjamin has gone with his parents to Hong Kong, so Charlie has to find a way to keep Runner Bean occupied without Grandma Bone finding out about him. He is introduced to a new girl, Belle, who will be attending the academy, but not through the usual way - that is, not at the academy on the first day of classes. He is introduced to this girl, who is the most beautiful girl in the world and whose eyes constantly change color, at his own home by his horrific aunts and Grandma Bone. The manner of their introduction isn't lost on Charlie, and he is wary of her from the beginning.

His Uncle Patton leaves, mysteriously, speaking of "someone dangerous" that must be stopped from arriving, and Charlie finds himself without the comforting presence of his uncle, who has begun to serve as a very effective buffer between Charlie and the Yewbeams. When his Uncle finally returns, the manner of his return is such that Charlie feels compelled to revisit the painting of Skarpo the Sorcerer in the hopes that Skarpo can help his Uncle, but Charlie succeeds in doing two things: 1) adding mystery to the white wand he "stole" in book 2; and 2) unleashing a very unpleasant series of circumstances not only on Bloor's Academy but also on the people who live in the surrounding town.

As we are finding out, there is more to everything than meets the eye - even if some of it is rather obvious. And the universe is expanding, most satisfactorily. We can see possibilities for more books, and indeed it has been stated in at least one place that this is a projected series of five books.

I have only a few issues with the series in general, and the main one is: why does every book have to be centered around someone that the Bloors and/or Yewbeams are hiding or don't want to be found? And why does it make such little sense (to me at least - it's entirely possible that my tiny brain is missing something rather obvious) that the Bloors and/or Yewbeams don't want these kids found? Especially since this last book was action packed from beginning to end, and between Skarpo, Belle, Uncle Patton, and other minor subplots there was plenty around which to write a book. I hope that the next two books will use a more clever contrivance around which to center the story.

Last, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR THOSE WHO THINK THESE BOOKS ARE POTTER RETREADS, I had an issue with what happened to Charlie at the end regarding a certain wand and a genealogical table (not the one in the beginning of the book).. I won't describe anything more, because I don't want to give the ending anyway. Anyway, this event seemed to be the most glaring Potter similarity yet, and I admit to actually gasping out loud when I read it. I assumed that Ms. Nimmo, as she is no stranger to children's entertainment, *must* have read Potter, and therefore I was dumbfounded, wondering why in the world she would do something like this. However, I wrote to Ms. Nimmo, and she confirmed that she has never read the Potter works, except when her publisher tells her to take a peek at certain parts. Given that she's never read the books, then, all of the Potter similarities are entirely accidental. This was an answer that pleased me greatly, for I have absolutely loved these books.

NEw Charlie BOne
THe Newest Charlie BOne was great like all the others, except for the fact that the editorial review is completely wrong, there is no tree girl and the invisible boy is not Emma's Brother!!!!!!!!!!!! Perhaps we can look for the tree girl in THe Blue Boa which may be another name for the invisible boy, who knows??? Anyway a great site for finding new books (...)at amazon.

A Great Book!
the third book in the Children Of The Red King series is much better than #1 or #2. if you like jenny nimmo, i suggest reading Griffin's Castle, one of her older books. it is equally great!

Stellar!!
The third in the Children of the Red King series... Truly outdoes the first two... Charlie Bone faces many new challenges including helping an invisible boy.. coping with a very deceptive "young and pretty girl"... and being endowed with his strange power. This is the best one yet, I highly recomend it to all Harry Potter fans and any fans of magical tales. Two Thumbs Up! ... Read more

Book Description

COURAGE WEARS MANY FACES

The Civil War may be over, but for twelve-year-old Will Page, the pain and bitterness haven't ended. How could they have, when the Yankees were responsible for the deaths of everyone in his entire immediate family?

And now Will has to leave his comfortable home in the Shenandoah Valley and live with relatives he has never met, people struggling to eke out a living on their farm in the war-torn Virginia Piedmont. But the worst of it is that Will's uncle Jed had refused to fight for the Confederacy.

At first, Will regards his uncle as a traitor -- or at least a coward. But as they work side by side, Will begins to respect the man. And when he sees his uncle stand up for what he believes in, Will realizes that he must rethink his definition of honor and courage. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Shades of the Civil War
Shades of Gray by Carolyn Reder is a wonderful book of learning how to respect people. Will's family has died. His mother died of a sickness, as did his sisters. His brother and father died in war. He moves in with the closet relatives he has, his Aunt and Uncle Jed. Will doesn't respect his uncle because he wasn't in the Confederate Army, but he wasn't in the Union Army either. Will thinks of his uncle as a traitor and doesn't want anything to do with him. As time goes by, Will learns that just because you weren't in the war, doesn't mean you aren't brave.

good book for boys or girls
Shades of Grey is an excellent book. It is about a boy whose dad and his brothers go to fight in the war and end up getting killed. Also his sisters died because of malnutrition and his mom died of depression. So Will had to go live with his aunt. But he doesn't want to because his uncle refused to fight in the war. One element that I noticed a lot was flashback. Will kept remembering how his life was so different when he lived in Winchester.

Shades Of Gray
When Uncle Jed glanced up, Will reddened guiltily and stepped inside the toolshed to look for a hoe. Since he had often watched Fred tend their small garden while he listened to the tales and fables the old slave loved to tell, he didn't think he'd have any trouble working around the roots of the plants and chopping out the weeds.
In Carlyn Reeder's novel Shades of Gray, Will, a boy around twelve years old, is left with his Uncle Jed, his Aunt Ela, and his cousin Meg. This is the only family Will has left because his father and Charlie were killed by the Yankees and his mother and sisters died of a disease. There, Will must learn how life is as a country man with no slaves and must except the fact that his Uncle had refused to fight for the Confederacy.
This book would be great for people that live in a rural area. This is because Will has to learn to live the life of a farmer. After the Civil War ended, Will had left to go to his new house, he later received a letter and must decide if he wants to stay with his Uncle or live with a man named Doctor Martin.

Excellent Historical Fiction for Civil War in Virginia
I feel this book is great for fifth graders or fourth graders in Virginia who are studying the Civil War and Reconstruction in Virginia. Life during this period and the feelings of Virginians from many different biewpoints are represented in this great novel. My students thoroughly enjoyed this book as we discussed the history and life during this period in Virginia as we read it together. Characterization is great! By reading it together and discussing the events, the book came alive for my students.

Where Will William Go, to Hold in Civil War Grief?
An ALA Notable Book: I disagree completely!

"I don't want to go!" Screams William.
William's whole family died in the Civil War and he is now
being shipped off by his friend, Doc Martin to his Uncle Jed
and Aunt Ella's in Piedmont, Virginia. Some sympathy at first
but then William reveals his ungrateful self. The sympathy
wears off.
William is ashamed that his Uncle Jed didn't fight for
the Confederates in the War. As the book lingers on, William starts to loosen up to his gracious relatives' hospitality. He becomes friendly with his cousin, Meg, who our author neglected for the first three chapters. He fished for Bluegills by the lighthouse with her. He also read Charles Dickens to Beth and Eleanor, who suddenly appear towards the end.
Then William gets a letter from his friend, Doc Martin, asking him if he wanted to come back home, the next three to five chapters are dedicated to William trying to decide where to go, when just a few pages back, he was furious about coming to see his Uncle and Aunt in the first place! Confusing.
In conclusion, the idea for the story was all right, but
Reeder didn't present it well. This history topic isn't something most children would be interested in.

6th Grade Student from OHES ... Read more

Book Description

Today everyone is talking about peace. But how do you explain this abstract conceptto young children? Todd Parr is here to help. Like his bestselling title Itís Okay to be Different, The Peace Book gives parents and teachers a valuable tool in talking about a challenging subject. Toddís bright, child-friendly pictures and simple, inspiring text tell kids just what they need to know:Timeless and universal, this primer about peace belongs in every home and classroom all over the world. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Here is the book that Romeo would have given Juliet; Charlie Brown would have given Snoopy; and you can give to some very special friend" proclaims the back cover of this small, whimsical book. Written in 1965 by Sandol Stoddard Warburg, it still makes the perfect present for your best friend. Not just any run-of-the-mill best friend, though. This book is for the kind of friend who yells for you when you get lost in Grand Central Station or pretends to save you when you pretend to be drowning. Or, as Warburg puts it, "You know how to be silly / That's why I like you / Boy are you ever silly / I never met anybody sillier than me / till I met you." I Like You is simple and quirky, uses words like "snurkle," and is laden with delightful Maurice Sendak-style pen-and-ink illustrations of alligators dancing, lively children, mirth, and general goofiness. Do you need new answers to the question "How do I like thee?" I Like You is a great help for counting the ways.(All Ages) ... Read more

Reviews (35)

I like 'I like you'
I was in a bad mood when my friend read me this book over the telephone, and when she was done reading I was crying. This book says sweetly and simply how good it is to like and to be liked. It celebrates feelings that we take for granted everyday through its simple text and illustrations. True friendship, in its many crazy and quirky forms, is a special and rare gift, and it certainly deserves more of our attention. I LIKE YOU is a small book with a big heart. I recommend this book as a gift to anyone who you really really like, including yourself.

Simple, innocent, and quite meaningful
I was looking for a gift for my girlfriend, something that wasn't too cliched or overdone. Somehow the recommendation system at Amazon pointed out this little gem. So, I bought it, figuring that if it turned out to be corny or too elementary, I'd just give it to one of my nieces.

As it turns out, this is an amazing book that manages to give a simple voice to strong, complex emotions, and all this in a funny, whimsical way.

My girlfriend was very surprised and absolutely loved it. We sat down right there and read it out loud together. To this day she will sometimes include quotes or excerpts from it when she writes me or we're talking on the phone.

For a purported "children's book," it has a powerful impact. Sometimes you laugh while you're reading it, sometimes you simply say "That is so true!" Given wisely to those whom you truly care about, it states beautiful truths in an innocent, meaningful, effective way.

A Wedding Hit!
A very good friend read this book at our wedding, and it was the most delightful thing ever. I can't tell you how many people came up to us (and to her) afterward asking about the book. It brought tears to my eyes and smiles and laughter to our wedding ceremony. I love this book.

My all-time favorite book
I first heard this book when I was a very little girl at summer camp. Two of the counselors read it to each other at a campfire, taking turns reading the lines. When I grew up, I became one of those counselors who frequently read it with a good friend at different campfires. It's held a place in my heart ever since.

We all made a rule that "I Like You" is not a book you can buy for yourself. You can only own it if someone else gives it to you, and I have given it to many of the most important people in my life. It's quite possibly the best gift I've ever found to give to someone.

This year at Christmastime I gave it to a special friend, and I read it out loud to him before he left. I told him it was one of my favorite books and I'd loved it since I was a child. After we read it, he said, "This means a lot for adults, too." Since then he is constantly throwing out "I like you"'s to me and quoting the book--it means a lot to both of us now. :)

Perfect
This little book is incredible, one of the best books I have ever purchased. I bought it for my boyfriend of 6 years and it was perfect at communicating how I felt when I was with him. The pictures aren't that fabulous, but the words are immaculate. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Encouraging book for kids trying to do the right thing
Cliques are tough on kids. The ones in cliques feel a false sense of empowerment and the ones outside can feel isolated and powerless.

This books breaks down playground dynamics for kids so they can see the why. If they understand the why maybe recesses won't seem so discouraging.

Wonderful book for kids to read to feel strong and hopeful.

Great Book
My mom bought me this book yesterday, and I thought it was so good that I finished it within 30 minutes. It really told me a lot about cliques, and friends. I've never been in one, and I wouldn't want to be in one, but I've always been excluded by them, and made fun of, so this was a great book. It told me that even though people in cliques act like they're cool, really they're just looking for a group of people to hang around with so they look tougher.

I think this is a great book for any kid/teenager who is either involved in cliques, or excluded by cliques. This is a great book for both, and a must read for anyone who has met up with cliques and phonies. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Excellent book!
This was a very special book. I read it aloud to my children, ages 9, 7 and 5 and each of them loved it. The Birchbark House was touching, exciting, funny, and interesting. I came to this site hoping that Louise Erdrich had already written another book about this family, but it doesn't appear that she has. Hopefully soon!

Everybody should read this wonderful book!
The Birchbark House was a good book and I think Louise Erdrich
is a wonderful author and illustrator. The part I liked the most was when the main character Omakayas's grandmother Nokomis told her a story in the winter. It was about Nokomis when she was a little girl. When the visitor came and brought smallpox and Omakayas's little brother died it was very sad. All in all, everyone should read this book.

A different kind of little house in the big woods
A great tale. Author Louise Erdrich, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwa, has written a story of 1847 Ojibwa life. The book is truly a labor of love, including such amazing elements as a detailed map of the area in which her story takes place, a glossary of terms, and multiple sources considered during the writing of this tale. Even more, the book is a compact series of small vignettes of standard Ojibwa life, crushing stereotypes and myths with sure swift prose. Erdrich has written a story that has truly created its own separate niche.

Omakayas (or Little Frog) lives in a sturdy birchbark house in a land doomed one day to become Wisconsin. With her family we see her step through the paces of day to day existence. The book encompasses a single year in Omakayas's life; one filled with as much terror and despair as love and hope. Helping her family to battle smallpox, find food in a desperate winter, and deal with the small details imperative to survival, we watch Omakayas grow from an uncertain young girl to a competent, if still learning, young woman.

The book is almost an answer to the Laura Ingels Wilder tales. Truth be told, the two titles have much in common. Both deal implicitly with Native American/white settler relations. Both look at the details of daily life, realistically describing everything from food preparation to parties. Even the illustrations of the book (drawn by author Erdrich herself) bear a great resemblance to the Garth Williams' pics we remember so well from the Little House books. But Erdrich has the benefit of hindsight and (let's face it) superior knowledge concerning the ways of both the whites and the Ojibwa. Her writing expertly allows her to create interesting variegated personalities that trump the one-dimensional stick figure Indians Wilder relied on so heavily. These characters have a harsh, but really great life. There's the buffoon, Albert LaPautre (half French) who continually claims to have had meaningful visions and dreams. There's Old Tallow, a powerful woman of her own means, surrounded by a pack of wolf-dogs and wearing coats woven from a variety of different furs. And then there's Omakayas herself, dreaming true visions and meeting true woodland creatures, even going so far as to train a crow of her own.

The books ends with this sentence, "Omakayas tucked her hands behind her head, lay back, closed her eyes, and smiled as the song of the white-throated sparrow sank again and again through the air like a shining needle, and sewed up her broken heart". It's an ending that contains a lot of hope for the future. Erdrich does not dwell on the fate that may lay in store for Omakayas and her beloved family. We know what will happen. It's enough to see them happy at this moment alone. "The Birchbark House" is a courageous creation, one that I'm certain will please even the most merciless of Erdrich's critics. Full of well rounded characters, a gripping plot, and wonderful tangents it's one of the best ways to introduce kids to a different time and place.

A Great Book
I really liked The Birchbark House. My favorite part was probably when Omakayas visited Old Tallow's house, and got scared because of of the dogs. Then Old Tallow came out and got the dog to go away. I hope that Loise Erdrich writes another book like this one!

The Birchbark House
Louise Erdrich is a wonderful story writer. She wrote the book with feelings. When the main characters Ten Snow and Baby Neewo died I felt like I had known the characters like they were my friends. When Old Tallow told Omakayas that she was the only survivor from Spirit Island it felt real. In conclusion, I think Louise Erdrich is a wonderful story writer. ... Read more

Book Description

She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. "I'm named after my grandmother," said Victoria. "You're named after a flower." Chrysanthemum wilted. Life at school didn't improve. In fact, it got worse. Then the students were introduced to their music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. And suddenly, Chrysanthemum blossomed.... ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Great for kids and grownups alike
Chrysanthemum loves her name- she whispers it to herself constantly. Her parents reinforce how unique and special she is, which is why they chose her "absolutely perfect" name. Chrysanthemum thinks her name is perfect, too- that is, until the day she enters Kindergarten and the kids make fun of her. From that day on, she is crestfallen every day she returns home from school, and it's up to her parents to bolster her confidence. Still, there's no hope for poor Chrysanthemum's broken spirit- until a substitute teacher with an equally unique name teaches the class, and makes all the girls wish they had a perfect name like Chrysanthemum, too. Kevin Henkes' books are great for kids, and equally enjoyable for adults(look for the subtle designs in the illustrations, like Chrysanthemum's Father reading child psychology books while her Mom comforts her)- it's the little attention to details that makes Henkes a favorite kids author.

"Chrysanthemum is Absolutely Perfect"
When Chrysanthemum was born, her parents thought that she was absolutely perfect and felt that her name must fit that. Chrysanthemum loved her name until she went to school and all her classmates teased her about it. One day, by the help of a teacher, Chrysanthemum and her classmates realize that her name is not all that bad. The text and illustrations in Chrysanthemum blend together to form a delightful book for both kids and adults. The story also explains a valuable lesson, and that is, to be nice to others, no matter how different they are. The language is simple, but also involves some complex adjectives: "precious", "priceless", "fascinating" and "winsome". Repeated verses in the text can also be found throughout the story. "She did not think her name was absolutely perfect. She thought it was absolutely dreadful." This sentence is repeated several times and is like the chorus to a song. The repeated lines provide consistency throughout the book. Another repeated line is "Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum." The repetition of this line aids in the concordance of the story. Kevin Henkes also makes the print of the story life-like at one point. "Chrysanthemum grew and grew and grew." As the font grows larger, it grabs the attention of the reader. This is a singled out event, which makes it even more memorable. Another instance of language playing an important part in this story is when Chrysanthemum is teased. Her reaction is the same every time; "Chrysanthemum wilted." This is a brilliant metaphor for a children's book. It gives a human flower-like characteristics. In addition, the illustrations fit well with the text. The pictures actually add to what the text is trying to get across to the reader. The drawings in Chrysanthemum are very simple but effective. Some books rely just on illustrations to tell the story, some just rely on text, and others rely on both. The author of Chrysanthemum relies mainly on text to tell a story, although the illustrations do help the story to be more appealing. The text alone may seem to be boring and monotonous, but Kevin Henkes makes it exciting and produces the central focus of the book.

A perennial (ha ha!) classic
If you were to single out the one picture book author that most successfully puts their finger on the pulse of children's hopes and fears, the award for Greatest Long-Distance Therapist would go to none other than Kevin Henkes. I am a huge fan of "Lily's Purple Plastic Purse" and I found a great deal of enjoyment in "Owen" (though I feel it's not his strongest work). Even "Wemberly Worried" covers a lot of ground by directly confronting the fears of worrywarts everywhere. With "Chrysanthemum", Henkes discusses originality and how being different (even if you're different in name alone) can single you out in both good and bad ways. As a Henkes fan, I consider this book to be amongst his strongest.

Chrysanthemum feels that her name is absolutely perfect. She likes how it looks and she likes how it sounds and she likes that it is her name alone. Everything's going great until Chrysanthemum starts school. Suddenly everyone's making fun of her name. She has a class full of Sams and Eves and Victorias. There doesn't seem to be a place for a girl with as wildly original a name as Chrysanthemum. One student in particular, Victoria, makes it her goal to continually ridicule poor little Chrysanthemum day in and day out. Talking about it with her parents helps a little, but the next day the same thing occurs. It seems that Chrysanthemum is doomed to be unhappy until she meets the music teacher Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. And suddenly everything in Chrysanthemum's life is a whole lot better.

I liked the moral of this lesson and the way in which Chrysanthemum learns that it's okay to be original. I also liked the epilogue in this tale wherein the leader of Chrysanthemum's tormentors abruptly forgets her lines in the school play and our little heroine is vindicated. Call me shallow, but I always enjoy it when the villains in a piece "get their's". This is probably indicative of a singular shallowness on my part. Just the same, the fact that the similarly tormented Molly of the children's book, "Molly's Pilgrim" never receives any vindication has always bothered me. So kudos to Kevin Henkes for punishing the bad guys mildly! Hear hear!

There are other less personally petty things I like about this book too. I always love a good Henkesian drawing. I love that the parents in these tales are always caring, available, and attentive to their children's needs. In this book I was especially amused by Chrysanthemum's father running to child psychology texts (like "The Inner Mouse Vol. 1: Childhood Anxiety" and "A Rose By Any Other Name...Understanding Identity") to help his daughter. I loved the extraordinarily cool Mrs. Twinkle with her hugely pregnant stomach, ballet shoes, and tail that twists into a musical staff. I loved it all.

If you have a child being teased by fellow classmates for being a little off, this may not be THE best book to offer, but it's pretty darn good. Give it a shot and see what you think. If you love Henkes, you won't be disappointed.

not good for bibliotherapy
If you're looking for a cute, whimsical picture book to launch into a discussion with your child about respecting differences, this one has a major flaw. Love the pictures, love the whimsy, but when the little girl, Chrysanthemum, is teased for her name during naptime (the other girl snickers that chrysanthemums grow near worms and dirt, ugh), the teacher replies with sarcasm, "Thank you for sharing." Well, little kids don't get sarcasm--they take it literally. Why does the teacher not step in and say something straightforward about how that's an ugly statement? I don't want to teach my child that kids can get away with being nasty and teachers will look on in approval. True, a second teacher stands up for Chrysanthemum, but I think to let a teacher make a crack like that, without having some character call her on it, sends the message to kids that you can't trust teachers to do the right thing. At least the girl could've told her parents exactly what happened so they could say, "That teacher was wrong and we're going to talk to her" or something.

Beautifully written
This book is beautifully written! Keven Henkes tells a great story about appreciating our differences as individuals. I would highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Shawn McDaniel is an enigma and a miracle--except no one knows it, least of all his father. His life is not what it may seem to anyone looking at him. Not even those who love him best have any idea what he is truly like. In this extraordinary and powerful first novel, the reader learns to look beyond the obvious and finds a character whose spirit is rich beyond imagining and whose story is unforgettable.

My life is like one of those "good news-bad news" jokes. Like, "I've got some good news and some bad news--which do you want first?"

I could go on about my good news for hours, but you probably want to hear the punch line, my bad news, right? Well, there isn't that much, really, but what's here is pretty wild. First off, my parents got divorced ten years ago because of me. My being born changed everything for all of us, in every way. My dad didn't divorce my mom, or my sister, Cindy, or my brother, Paul--he divorced me. He couldn't handle my condition, so he had to leave. My condition? Well, that brings us to the guts of my bad news.

Books for the Teen Age 2001 (NYPL), Books for Youth Editor's Choice 2000 (Booklist), Top 10 Youth First Novels 2000(Booklist), 2001 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA), 2001 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers (ALA), and 2001 Michael L. Printz Honor Book

Reviews (116)

Review on Stuck in Neutral
I really liked this book because it had alot of emotion and true thought. A boy named Shawn Mcdaniel has cerebal palsey and a dad that's trying to kill him. And if that's not enough, he can remember everything he ever heard, and saw. It could be an extrodinary gift, but noone will ever know because he can't talk, or communicate with anyone. He's a vegetable. I like this book because his father loves him, very much. Shawn goes through seizures every day, and when his dad see's him having them he feels that he's suffering. But really Shawn looks forward to them. His dad feels that he should put him out of his misery, by killing him. It's a story of bad new's and good news. The only part I don't like about this book is that at the end it has kind of a cliff hanger ending. Out of nowhere the book just ends. I wish I could know what his father was going to do to him, or if he did anything at all. This is a very good book because, it keeps you interested,and you never know what is going to happen. I would recommend it to anyone who likes fast reading with emotion in the thought.

An Interesting Read
Stuck In Neutral is a book about a boy, Shawn, who can't control his muscles, so he can't talk, walk, write, ect. The book is written in first person, so you can see everything in Shawn's point of view. Throughout the book, Shawn explains his frustrations about not being able to show his family and everyone else what he is really like, what he feels when he has his seizures, and about his thoughts on what he thinks his father was going to do.

The book, is based on some truth, but in several parts it is quite fictitious. Stuck In Neutral is a good book to read to get the feeling of what it's like to live with someone with that kind of disability, but might not be accurate in showing what it's like to have that sort of disability because you would only know if you actually have it, which the author doesn't. I have to admit, I didn't particularly enjoy the book because on many parts I found it a little hard to believe. However, the book did broaden my outlook on disabled people and their abilities. The book wasn't the best, but I still recommend that some people read it because it makes you think more about what disabled people really go through.

Stuck in Neutral
This is a book that you won't want to put down, even after you have read the last sentence. As a reader, you feel honored to get inside the head of Shawn, a 15-year old boy with Cerebral Palsy. You are able to see how the world seems or feels to someone like him. I laughed and cried while I read this book. You might not, but you will definitely think. Be prepared because the book deals with serious issues, such as euthanasia.

good piece of work
My only complaint is the book was extremely short. I hoped maybe the plot could have been a bit more developed, but unfortunatly- the writer felt it wise to leave the rest to the reader. I guess thats a virtue, but I was left wondering and wishing that I could delve deeper into Shawn's life and truth.

The story's plot was unique, and the end left me biting my nails and begging for more. If you want a good read, this is definatly your book!

mikes magnifacent all time best reviews
this book is about a boy named Shaun McDanial, a young crippled boy who cant move or talk. His parrents are divorced, and he lives with his mom. On the outside he looks misrable and barly alive but on the inside hes is the happiest person ever. he livs in Seattle and he loves going for walks to see new things. As the book progresses his father starts seeing him more and more. In one scene his father was sitting outside with him and a crow flys by and his father throws a glass cor when it starts flying towds him. Then he says, "If i wasn't here the bird could of atacked you." His father sees him more and more and he thinks his son is misrable but he is extreamly happy. on the last time he takes his son he brings him to his house and then tedders on killing his son. you will need to read the book to see what happens.
Stuck in Neutral is an outstanding novel about life and how to value it. Truman realy brings you through a thrill ride of emotions and nail-biters. He had the caricters comeing to life and he creates realistic dioloug between him and his father.
Stuck in Neutral is a edge of your seat kepp you reading every night novel.I recomend this novel to any one who wants to read a novel that will teach you to love and charish life. This is and exrordanary novel and i hope you will read it to. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle has been wildly popular with children and adults for over 50 years. Children adore her because she understands them--and because her upside-down house is always filled with the smell of freshly baked cookies, and her backyard with buried treasure. Grownups love her because her magical common sense solutions to children's problems succeed when their own cajoling and yelling don't. For the child who refuses to bathe, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle recommends letting her be. Wait until the dirt on her body has accumulated to half an inch, then scatter radish seeds on her arms and head. When the plants start sprouting, the nonbather is guaranteed to change her mind about that bath.

Hilary Knight's (Eloise, Sunday Morning) delightful pictures provide lively, droll accompaniment to Betty MacDonald's refreshing stories. Whether Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is curing Answer-Backers or Slow-Eater-Tiny-Bite-Takers, her remedies always work like a charm. More than one parent over the years has surreptitiously turned to Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle when Dr. Spock failed to come through. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (36)

This series inspired the love of reading in me.
My mother read these books to me as a child. Every night my brother and I would listen to fantastic tales of a woman who lived in an upsidedown house and taught naughty children lessons in genlte, understanding and creative ways. I can say without a doubt that my love for Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle fostered my love for books. Definately a book to share with the children you love.

This Book is Wonderful for all Ages!
Since I was in 3rd grade I read all of of the Mrs.Piggle Wiggle books and I think they are all wonderful for everybody to read. I have little cousins and siblings and I love to read them Mrs.Piggle Wiggle books, and they love them. I think her cures are very funny, cute, and some can be used in real-life if you would like! But all I can say is that I think and most people will agree with me that all Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books are the best!!!

My favorite book as a child
I wanted to live in Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's house as a child. This is one of the best children's books ever.

An Excellent Book for All Children
I first read these books when I was young. While some of the themes may at first seem outdated for todays generation, the lessons that these books teach span all ages and cultures. Every parent has had a situation with one of their children that resembles one of these stories. Children can get a laugh out of the lighthearted humor, and still learn valuable lessons about their behavior and about right etiquette.

If Only Problems Went Away This Easily
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is the neighbor everyone wishes they had. She's the widow of a pirate, lives in an upside down house, and is always ready for a tea party with freshly baked cookies. She's such an expert on kids that parents have started calling on her wisdom to cure their kids when they start misbehaving. And whether it's making chores into a game or getting kids to take a bath, she's sure to have the answer to make everyone happy again.

I loved these books as a kid, and this book is just as fun now. The stories fall into a predictable pattern, but that hardly diminishes their enjoyment. Each chapter is a self-contained story, so it's easy to read just a little bit at a time. Unlike other books in the series that feature magic cures, these stories feature what I recognize now as psychology to cure the kids. The humor comes from the exaggeration of the problem and what the child goes through to get "cured." For example, the parent's fighting in the "Fighter Quarrelers Cure" or the tiny dishes in the "Slow Eater Tiny Bite Taker Cure." Heck, by the time the "Never Want to go to Bedders" are cured, they are actually begging to go to bed at their normal bedtime.

Reading the book as an adult, I got a few good laughs out of the names of the parent's friends. I also found it interesting that very few of the adults have an identity apart from their kids. Then again, as a kid's novel, it presents a kid's eye view of the world. I hope these books continue to entertain for years to come. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Wonderful book!
Wow! Sometimes you read a book and think, "This was written just for me." That's how I felt when I read this one. I have four children who were born within six years of each other, and at times the sibling rivalry can be quite intense. My kids ask, "Who do you love the best?" The standard answer of "I love you all exactly the same" isn't exactly true. I love them all immensely just because they are mine, but I also love each of them differently because each one is unique. Barbara M. Joosse conveys this in her story of a summer evening that a mother and her two sons spend at a lakeside cabin. From the opening lines about hunting for bait, she makes it obvious that these two boys have distinct personalities: "Max exploded from the cabin, twirling the shovel in front of him. Mama came next, and then Julian. Julian shut the cabin door tightly to keep it safe from burglars and bears." Whenever the boys ask their mother who is the best, she gives them an answer that allows them both to be special. Max catches the liveliest worms, and Julian catches the juiciest; Julian is the rower with the deepest strokes, and Max is the rower with the fastest. When each boy asks, "Mama, who do you love the best?" She answers by giving them each a color of love that matches his personality. Julian is the bluest. Max is the reddest. Each boy is thrilled with her answer.

Mary Whyte's illustrations are a beautiful complement to the story. The pictures fill each two page spread with the soft colors of a summer evening. The mother and sons are strikingly real. I look at Max and Julian and see my own boys, one overflowing with exuberant energy, the other cooler and more reflective.

Wonderful Book
This book is about a mama and her two sons: Max and Julian who are always in competition with each other. One night they decide to go dig up worms and go fishing.
Max and Julian are asking their mother who has the most worms and she replies Max has the liveliest and Julian has the juiciest. Next they row there boat out to prepare for fishing. Julian asks who is the best rower, and she responds Julian has the deepest strokes and Max's were the fastest. The mother loves each of her children in a special and unique way. She tells each of them that her love for them resembles a color. She tells Max that she loves him the bluest like the mist of a mountain, splash of a waterfall, and the hush of a whisper. She tells Julian that she loves him the reddest like the color of the sky, and the campfire's flame. I think she had a unique way of explaining to the boys how she loved them. The way she told them resembled their personalities to her. I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it because it has an interesting point and is written in a way that the boys can understand. The ways she expresses her love can be very easily understood by the children. ~ Katelyn Carson

Every mom should read this to their children!
This is the perfect gift to give to a new big brother or sister. I bought it when we had our second baby, and it has the perfect message. My children love this book as well.

Can I give it 100 stars?
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!! What a great message! The kids love it too.

An Excellent Answer to An Oft Asked Question
My children ask this regularly, especially my six-year-old Emma.
"Who do you love the best?"

She wants so badly to be loved "the best".

Through Joosse's book, I learned an incredible new way to express how I love her "the purplest" or the "chocolatiest" or "the bell ringingest".....

By using a more descriptive word than "Best", the Mother in this book speaks to what is real and true about her sons Max and Julian so that they are each more than "just satisfied" with being loved the best.....

She uses colors to describe her love for each of her boys after she has described other possibly conflict, competitive situations by being more specific with what is special instead of labeling or judging one above the other.

More adults ought to read this one! ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Why good manners makes your life easier, not more difficult.
Question: What teenager would be interested in reading a 465 page book on manners? Answer: Just about any one who is holding a copy of "How Rude!"

I'm so delighted by this book. I'm a father of four, and as I read "How Rude" I asked myself, "What is it that makes this book so effective?" Perhaps it's the simple practicality of its message. The main point is that it's in your own best interests to use good manners. One of the places it says this is on page 109: "Adjust your requests and behavior to the emotions and needs of others. This is not only a cornerstone of politeness, but also a way to increase the chances that your requests will be granted."

Perhaps it works so well because it concerns the things teenagers obsess about, such as how to be popular, how to get your parents let you do what you want, what to do about braces, how to handle friendship problems, and how to get a date. It even talks about when it is OK not to use good manners. The section headings reflect the fascination youth of all ages have: "Things you do to your body" and "Things your body does to you" and "The blended, shaken, stirred or mixed family, " and "Sex-ediquette."

Maybe what makes this book work so well for kids is Packer's dead-on humor, with just the right amount of grossness so that you can't quite turn away. It's a fast-paced kaleidoscope of quips, anecdotes, lists, jokes, and chummy advice. There's no way to lose interest, because it's so juicy and fun. I challenge anyone to open the book to any page and not find some undeniably useful tidbits.

It's a great book for teens, of course, but it's also a great book for parents who are looking for ways of talking about manners with their kids.

Mind Your Manners!
" This book is about manners. If it makes you feel like throwing up, at least say excuse me on your way to the bathroom." School manners, family manners, talking manners, walking manners, eating manners, greeting manners: this book teaches all the manners in the world and then some. It's a well written book, and the quizzes are especially good. An average question in a quiz:

You're at the symphony and you feel like throwing up. Do you:

a) Exit quickly and quietly as you can

b) Ask the lady next to you if you can borrow her purse, or

c) Heave to the beat.

You can learn the greeting practices of the middle east or the eating manners of a fancy restaurant. This book is best read for a laugh because most teenagers will give you the wrong answer and think it's right. It has value in it too, so do't think I'm saying it doesn't teach manners. If you want a book to get a teenager like me back on track, How Rude is the book to get.

Edit the Sex Section
I did not read the whole book but I skimmed through it before buying it for my daughter. It looks very thourough and some parts are quite funny. The author treats the subject with good common sense. HOWEVER, the sexual part seems to me something it could have been edited. I don't think that discussion was necessary. So upon my wife's suggestion I WILL EDIT THE BOOK BY CUTTING THAT PART OUT after I buy it. I hate to do it but I must unless I find some other book.

Grandma, may I have this book?
After discussing manners with my grandson and having him ask for reasons why he should follow good manners, I ordered this book. Yesterday when he and his little sister were visiting, I was reading to her and when I finished her book, I picked up "How Rude" and began reading aloud. Before too long he came over and asked if he could have the book I was reading. I told him that is why I had purchased it, because I knew some day he was going to be a very important person because he is so intelligent and such a wonderful young man. I want him to know the correct way to behave and how to handle situations. He took the book over to the couch and began reading, every once in awhile sharing what he was reading. This book is written with great humor and kids can't miss learning while they are being entertained. After awhile I asked him if I should buy the book for his cousin, Todd, and he said, "Yes!" Then I asked if Jenny should also have a copy, and he thought she should, too. So I am here to order two more for my other young teen grandchildren. I hope their older teen siblings learn a little, too, from them. I definitely recommend this book as a must buy for your grandchildren in today's world of lack of respect and manners.

A great guide for learning your manners
Picture this scene: It's your birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, whatever. Your parents tell you that they think you should be working on your manners, and that this present will probably help you. "Oh great", you think. "It's probably some boring, dumb, etiquette video or book." Well, that's wrong if the present you recieve is "How Rude!"

Unlike other dull, preachy, and boring ettiquette books, "How Rude!" is the most effective one when you're dealing with teenagers. What makes this book so much more fun, so much more exciting, and so much more willing to learn your manners is that it has humor in it. Not corny humor, but the style that the author wrote this book in is interesting and fun, making it a simple, fun, effective, and life-changing read.

This book discusses basic manners for nearly every situation in life, from saying hello and good-bye to attending a wedding. You'll find helpful hints on good conversations, writing invites and thank-you notes, being a guest at someone's event, asking people out politely, eating properly, and much, much more.

In addition, this book covers topics that you typically wouldn't find in etiquette books, such as clothes, school, romance, Internet safety and manners, and sex. (So it would be best to give this book to someone whose at least 12-13 years old- maybe 11, if they're mature enough)

Another cool feature of this book is that it features answers to questions sent in by kids to the author about proper manners, all of them answered with humor and good wit. You'll find yourself laughing the entire way through.

All in all, "How Rude!" is the best, most effective etiquette guide to buy for any teenager, boy or girl. It's a book that will be read and re-read constantly. But best of all, you'll learn good manners that will help you throughout the rest of your life. ... Read more

Book Description

Sherman Smith saw the most terrible thing happen. At first he tried to forget about it, but soon something inside him started to bother him. He felt nervous for no reason. Sometimes his stomach hurt. He had bad dreams. And he started to feel angry and do mean things, which got him in trouble. Then he met Ms. Maple, who helped him talk about the terrible thing that he had tried to forget. Now Sherman is feeling much better.

This gently told and tenderly illustrated story is for children who have witnessed any kind of violent or traumatic episode, including physical abuse, school or gang violence, accidents, homicide, suicide, and natural disasters such as floods or fire. An afterword by Sasha J. Mudlaff written for parents and other caregivers offers extensive suggestions for helping traumatized children, including a list of other sources that focus on specific events. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent, highly recommended!
I just can't get over how wonderful this book is. It's perfectly stated so that the child reading it or being read to can understand that there are others out there that feel the same way. The information in the back of the book to parents and caregivers is superb. I'm going to purchase a copy for a few of my friends, and for my sons school. Our family and community has had two serious tragedies in three months, and this book helped my son immensely, having lost his older brother a few months ago. This book is wonderful and simply stated.

PTSD: The Children's Chair - recognizing their limits
Emotional Toxic Shock Syndrome, or PTSD, thought by many to exist only in situations where extreme conditions cause children to fall victim to the illness characterized by its now well defined symptoms, is now a nearly universal phenomenon that goes largely unrecognized in its many variations. The interests of children would be best served by making the connection between violence, neglect and trauma that forms the foundation of PTSD, the perpetual kind, that undermines adult potential and leaves its victims vulnerable to and the most probable outcome of any and all "emotional overload" setbacks in childhood we tend to ignore or dismiss as unfortunate influences. PTSD, rarely the first inquiry (and rarely examined) as the most probable diagnosis of children caught in domestic conflict, or those troubled, or in trouble, is a constant and continuous affliction in modern society where family conflict is "nearly presumed" as ordinary occurrences. Diagnosed with a myriad of "other" less likely performance-undermining illnesses, it is far easier to medicate, counsel, and address anything but the real source of their problems, the desperate situations out of which their troubles come. Medication, inappropriate ridicule or punishment and inadequate counseling insures circuitous examination that prevents the real diagnosis and the real resolution of their problems, often leaving us wondering why they "cannot be reached," or foolishly justifying the compounding of social and educational dysfunction laid upon them, and further crippling them for life ignoring all forms of social conscience due to our own neglect and ignorance. Failing to recognize that orphans, or orphan-like children are not likely to receive the remedial steps for recovery, and that adoptees are actually former orphans with unaddressed impact can only be detrimental to wellness. Continuing conflict among the almost-orphaned is little better. All reside in varying states and levels of PTSD which do not disappear with age but become buried within the makeup of the individual further complicating the healing and health of those who suffer, or once suffered the conditions that caused it. Recognizing the realities and necessities of treatment should be a first concern and the first step in diagnosis for any child, or any adult. Awareness is always the key to understanding how illness becomes health in the non-physical sciences, a.k.a., the world of emotional, mental and cognitive health. More discussion is needed, not silence.

A Perfect Help for Understanding Trauma
This book is absolutely perfect for helping children who have experienced trauma understand their feelings, consciously and subconsciously. The story is straight forward about how sometimes we try to hide from the scary feelings created by trauma and how we may act out because of our trying to suppress those feelings. It also gives children an entre' into how to handle these feelings while not telling them that everything will go back to the way it was. Spectacular! Probably the best child's self-help book I've read in a long time.

Great for Teachers and Parents to Use
This is a wonderful book for teachers or parents to use with younger children. It uses a fun character to show different emotions that children have after witnessing or being a part of something that is tramatic to them. This could be their parents fighting, divorce, abuse, etc. That is what is so wonderful about this book; it does not tell what the character witnessed. As a result of this, it can apply to a number of situations. This book also helps children to realize that it helps to talk about what is bothering them. This is a must read! ... Read more

Reviews (145)

As wonderful as I remember
I read this book when I was in the fourth grade. (My best friend and I were reading through the shelf of award winners.) She read it next. As soon as she finished the book, we set up our own game, a cross between the Egypt Game and what we'd understood from her older sister's class production of Macbeth. We had hours of fun playing that way, and I loved having a book that showed characters who played imaginatively. (And there aren't that many role models who don't spend all their time on their computers or on the organized sports field these days. See the preceding review from the person who said that she didn't like the way the characters used too much "ammagination." I ordered this book recently to read aloud to my third graders, and they loved it! Now there are several Games going on in our neighborhood. The book was as good as I remembered it.

The Egypt Game
Melanie Ross didn't think she and April (the new girl) would get along.
Actually, they become best friends. They have a lot in common. Like they are both crazy about old Egyptian things,they are in the same class, and live in the same apartment.
When they find an empty storage yard behind A-Z shop, owned by the Professor,they get the craziest idea and start the Egypt Game there. After a lot of ceremonies, three more Egyptians join the game. Now there are six Egyptians (Melanie,April,Toby,Marshall (Melanie's brother),Elizabeth,and Ken).
A little girl was murdered and the murderer wasn't found. The kids in the neighborhood cannot play outside until the murderer is found. Strange things happen to the Egyptians and they are in trouble,life risk wise.
I enjoyed the book a lot.

A fun read
The Egypt Game is one of my favorite children's books with an Egyptian theme. My absolute favorite would have to be The Cat in the Mirror by Mary Stolz which I highly recommend. It seems that so much of the best Egyptian themed fiction (especially fantasy) is written for children. Another recommendation that comes to mind is Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander

EGYPT GAME
excellent book!! the charectors in this book are so realistic, that you feel like you know them. very moving book, humorus... i really recommend this book!

Egypt Game
The language is a little out dated, as this book was written in 1967. Nonetheless, it's heart is in the right place and it is still a delightful fantasy / fiction story for kids. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Shakespeare's Secret
My mom called me for dinner but I just couldn't put the book down.Flipping after page after page I couldn't stop reading.This book Shakespeare's Secret was truly a page turner book.After learning about Hero,then her family, the mysterious boy, her neighbor, and many other interesting characters I couldn't stop reading about the diamond and where it's hidden.When I finished the book I knew i would never forget this wonderful book.I have it next to my bed and it is a comfort when I read it.

Great suspenseful novel
In every way, this is a terrific novel.Hero is a bright, thoughtful, funny girl whose anxieties and sufferings in middle school will resonate with every reader.But the most impressvie thing about Shakespeare's Secret is the story.The plot weaves details of English history and Shakespeare's life together with the suspenseful search for a missing diamond.It is a riveting story that kids will love.My seventh and fourth graders couldn't put this book down once they'd started!It is one of those special books that becomes an instant favorite.Highly recommended.

The book was amazing!
I got an advanced copy of the book, and i was just blown away.it was so mysterious and fun.i really learned a lot from reading it.i think that Elise is a great author and can't wait to read more of her books.I am not the kind of person who loves reading, but this book, i could not put down!
who knows? maybe they'll make a movie of it!(it was that good!) ... Read more

Amazon.com

With Mr. Peabody's Apples, her gorgeous sophomore venture into the realm of children's literature, Madonna sustains her transformation from material girl to mom. Inspired by a 300-year-old Ukrainian story and illustrated by the talented Loren Long, Madonna's tale is about the dangers of gossip. As a frequent target of the rumor mill, who better to teach the young ones about the "power of words" and their potential to cause "harm to others" than the newly reformed diva?

Set in a tiny American town, Madonna's story features the big-hearted and much beloved Mr. Peabody, an elementary school teacher and Little League coach who dedicates his summer Saturdays to the local losing team. The kindly teacher seems to savor life the way he savors his weekly apple--taking pleasure in