Amazon.com

Mr. Lunch, the ingenuous canine protagonist of Free Lunch is a bird-chaser by trade. He relies heavily on birdseed provided by a company run by elephants. When it is taken over by an unscrupulous pachyderm, the dog and his friends are forced to find an alternative supply. As it turns out, they discover an unlimited supply of birdseed--for free--in the countryside, where it grows wild. Upset, the evil elephant has Mr. Lunch thrown in jail. Seibold and Walsh wield the story in a whimsical manner, depicting animals in all sorts of ridiculous situations. We hear Mr. Lunch has his own Web site (check out an interview with the author), and if you drop him some e-mail, he promises to respond directly. (Ages 3 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Story needs work
I love the illustration style - however, the story of this book is overly long and really not so interesting. My son won't stay by my side to listen to me read all the text in the book; I have to edit the book myself for him to be interested at all. I think the Seibolds' have produced better books (like the Olive stories, or the first Mr. Lunck book) and would reccommend those before FREE LUNCH.

A Very Funny Book
My nephew loves Mr. Lunch, and so do I. We were very distressed to see our hero victimized by the machinations of a very, very bad elephant in this installment. However, we know that Lunch will always prevail -- with a little help from Ambrose, of course.

Free Lunch
OK, so it may have great pictures and cute characters, but it is also a good story! Your kids will definitely love it...i did, and i am not even that young!

amazingly imaginative!
The husband-and-wife team have created one of the cutest books for kids I have ever seen. Any fun-loving or kid-like adult and all kids should check it out. I ordered it through the author's direct website before they moved the ordering process to Amazon, and I received stickers and a bookmark as well as the book - plus it was signed by the author. It's great to find authors who obviously love their readers as much as their work.

illustrations from the year 2058
Mr. Seibold and Ms. Walsh have that rare ability to create an entire new world, a completely foreign world that somehow you feel you're vaguely familiar with. The writing style is dead-on and tight -- never a wasted line, never a worthless word. And the illustrations are truly brilliant. And they're all done on Adobe Illustrator, which is astonishing to me, considering that mostly I associate that product with USA Today infographics . Mr. Lunch and all the other Seibold/Walsh books are gifts from some divine probably Japanese artistic entity, likely the same one who gave us Parappa the Rapper, toy robots, and Pizzicato Five. ... Read more

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"What pet can I get? What pet can I get? What pet can I get? What pet can I get?" demands the young boy in this quirky, extraordinary, wildly artistic picture book. And indeed, it is hard to choose given this fantastic menagerie of "Kissing pets/Hissing pets/Even tail-missing pets" and "Round pets/Crowned pets/Coiling-around pets."

Author Melrose Cooper, who has said that guinea pigs look like "little meat loaves with eyes," concocts delightful, childlike rhymes that collide exquisitely with artist Yumi Heo's fabulously madcap, folk-art-style illustrations. Heo, illustrator of The Rabbit's Judgment and The Rabbit's Escape, creates funny, boldly colorful, flat, dynamic paintings that are akin to the work of New Yorker artist Roz Chast, Lane Smith, and Maira Kalman. Comparisons aside, however, Pets! stands on its own four feet as a uniquely endearing, offbeat tribute to animals of all shapes and sizes, and to the children (and adults) who want them all. (All ages) ... Read more

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Uncle Theodore is huffing, Aunt Figgy is fretting, and Alice Jayne is tapping her foot--pretty subdued behavior considering the fact that a hungry crocodile has just appeared under the Christmas tree. This eccentric family handles the mysterious reptile remarkably well, even though the beast seems to have an appetite as fierce as its legendary bite. The Christmas Crocodile tears around the house eating everything in sight, whether edible (a roast, five golden oranges, a pineapple upside-down cake) or inedible (a shoe, ribbons, a feather boa, earmuffs, and fruitcake). The family is divided over how to best deal with this unexpected guest. Send him to an orphanage? Pack him off to the zoo? Make him into a pair of shoes? "He's nice," said Alice Jayne. "Maybe we could keep him." Just when it seems the crocodile has eaten all he can stomach, the family awakens to discover that he has consumed nearly all the presents and the Christmas tree too! The one uneaten gift holds the key to this toothsome tale, as well as a surprise that will have kids smiting their foreheads in gleeful anticipation of more mayhem to come.

Author Bonny Becker has crafted a rollicking reptile romp, with an apologetic refrain--"The Christmas Crocodile didn't mean to be bad, not really"--to which children can surely relate. David Small, creator of the Caldecott Honor-winning The Gardener, accompanies Becker's spritely, funny text with equally amusing, expressive illustrations that will have youngsters poring over this book long after the last present has been unwrapped. (Ages 4 to 8)--Brangien Davis ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Terrific new holiday tradition!
Start a new holiday tradition by reading the Christmas Crocodile with your family. You'll laugh at the crazy antics of the eccentric family members and the crocodile who "didn't mean to be bad." This book is a winner from beginning to end and the illustrations capture the hilarity perfectly!

The perfect Christmas present! Book! Not crocodile :)
Crocodiles do not conjure up images of a well-behaved pet! Alice Jayne sure tries to convince her eccentric family to keep a "puppy eyed" crocodile she finds under the Christmas tree. Our sympathy immediately goes out to the Christmas Crocodile who really "didn't mean to be bad." He sure gets into trouble in this book.

From page one, get ready to laugh at the adorable antics and pictures of less than amused family members. If the "Cat in the Hat" had been found under the Christmas tree, even he could not have created this much chaos! After gobbling down just about everything (a water bottle, candy canes, a Christmas roast, pumpkin pie, twenty-nine crumpets on the kitchen counter, a box of pralines, one fruitcake, five golden oranges, the left stove top burner, and a plate of ginger star cookies), the family locks the crocodile in the back room. They then retire for the evening.

What happens next can only be told by Bonny Becker and illustrated by David Small. We have copy which says: "For Alexia, Season's eatings!" signed by Bonny Becker! This is a magical book from start to finish. You don't want all this fun to ever end...and you know...it might just being again. Don't peak at the last page! This is the perfect gift for any child at Christmas time. They will enjoy reading it all year long.

Thank you Daniel Pinkwater
I heard Daniel Pinkwater read this book on his Chinwag Theatre program. My family really ate it up! We cried crocodile tears-of laughter. It is really funny, and the illustrations are perfect too, with lots of personality and great details. My kids love the little dog, who is annoyed by the greedy but lovable crocodile, but Aunt Figgy is a close runner up. Alice Jayne's crazy relatives are a hoot, but the story has a real sweetness and generosity that kids and parents alike will appreciate. Everyone we have shared it with has loved it--young and old.

A great book for any family.
The Christmas Crocodile has been a big hit in our house. The wonderful story of Alice Jayne and her hilarious family are perfect with the illustrations. Our five year old loves the crocodile who eats his way through this eccentric family's Victorian Christmas. This is one Christmas story that will become a tradition in our house.

A wonderfully written, beautifully illustrated family book.
This book is one of my all time favorite Christmas books. It is about a madcap family and a loveable crocidile. The illustrations are great reading after reading. The story is humorous and touching and fun for repeated readings. My kids love it. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Fun to read!
I read this book to my 4 year old neice, and to my two year old son. They both LOVED it. They asked me to read it over and over again! It has silly rhymes that can twist your tongue if you go too fast! The pictures aren't what you would expect for a children's book, but they are wonderfully done and even I like to look at them. I now have the book memorized and can tell it in no time flat. My husband likes to hear it becuase it makes his brain think if I tell it to him quickly. A must have for any book shelf!

Captivating!
My husband and I started reading this book to our newborn son, who was immediately taken with the silly, repetitive words, and was captivated by the fabulous, large, multi-color illustrations. Now, at 15 months, this is one of the only books we can be guaranteed that he will sit through to the end...it's a repeat favorite and is an excellent read aloud for even the youngest infants. A great gift idea, especially for parents and/or caregivers who want to share and instill multi-cultural values in their growing children. This very lighthearted story is about the 3 brothers and the 3 sisters with silly names who marry and have kids -- all are of different ethnic persuasions, have different interests and occupations -- and all are different sizes and shapes.

Delightful!
I am a first grade teacher. My kids absolutely love this book. You really have to practice reading the book aloud before you read it to anyone else. My class wants me to read this one over and over again. Check it out!

Simply Irresistible
I checked this book out of the library for my 2 1/2 year old about 6 months ago. Since that time we have checked it out at least 8 more times; it is always a requested favorite. My opinion...well at first I thought it was totally off-the-wall. Now I see that because my daughter loved this book so much, she can now read it as she turns the pages! She wants to know if Santa will leave it for her at Christmas.

If you hate it the first time through, read it again!
This was one of those books that took us two readings to appreciate- mostly because it's so very unusual and totally GOOFY. My three year old son, however, is now addicted to it, and calls himself by the name of the first character introduced...Yuck. (Isn't that a lovely name for a little boy?) So let loose a bit of what your expectations are of a "good" children's book... and let this one delight you and your child linguistically and visually for your next reading time you have together. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Anyone who's ever fumbled and stumbled while everyone else is gracefully gliding knows exactly how Mr. Bumble feels. This poor bumblebee can't land on a flower without tumbling head over wings. All the other bees busily gather buckets of pollen for the Queen Bee, but Mr. Bumble comes back empty-handed every time. Fed up, the Queen fusses at him: "Dents are all you seem to gather!" One day, the Queen announces the discovery of a brand-new clover patch, dripping with golden pollen dust. She sends her minions on their way, but Mr. Bumble, as usual, lags behind. What if someone mean lives there, he wonders nervously. And someone does live in the new clover patch, but not anyone Mr. Bumble could have imagined. Charming Mr. Bumble, though different from his peers, shows that even those who have a little more difficulty in life can overcome obstacles (especially if there's a fairy or two on hand) and "learn to fly." The Kennedy siblings, unlike their winged creation, never bumble. Doug Kennedy's pictures of Her Majesty's hive and lush flower-jungles glow with a golden light. The duo's lesson is clear: work hard and be patient; victory will be sweet as honey. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A spring pleaser!
Mr. Bumble, the endearing character in this beautifully told story, tickles my young readers. With its classic charm and beautiful illustrations, it has become the most requested book in my house for story-telling!

a great tale about overcoming life's obstacles
Anyone who has ever bumbled in life will love this book! A perfect marriage between text and illustration, MR. BUMBLE teaches us all about overcoming life's obstacles and the unexpected friends we meet along the way. My six year old absolutely loves this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Question: What do a pair of newlywed woodchucks, a squirrel, a testy snake, a skunk, and a couple of bats have in common with a family of pudgy human beings named Hubble?

Answer: Their lives are all turned topsy-turvy by a tyrannical three-year-old named Margaret.

Question: Will Mean Margaret ever realize that there's more to life than being nasty to everybody?

Answer: Read this touching comedy and find out.

Reviews (4)

Mean Margaret
Did you ever wonder what would happen to a baby who gets ditched in the woods? If you like cartoon animal books who do human kind of things, than read Mean Margaret.

Tor Seidler has another great book!
Tor seidler is my cousin, and always gives me his books for Christmas, or his mom does, but usually I don't get around to reading them, but this praticular one intrigued me, so I decided to see what it was like. I found myself indulged in an exciting and hysterical plot. This is a great read!

A tender, humorous fantasy with a good social message.
I have been a school librarian for over 20 years and would rate this one tops in its appeal as a read-aloud for third graders. I especially appeciated the way it showed how family is created - the gradual movement away from self-centeredness to mutual caring and support. I found it a tender, funny book, and so did the kids.

doesn't live up to promise
This books fails to deliver on its promise of an outrageously funny book although it has its mements. For one thing, Margaret does not appear until Chapter 9, and the beginning chapters could be condensed into 2 or 3 snappy chapters. Margaret has no redeeming qualitites to engage a reader much less an animal family, and the description of her selfish, slovenly habits becomes tedious rather than funny. One wonders why her human family would miss her and, further yet, change for the better as a result of her absence. Although Margaret redeems herself slightly in the next to last chapter, by then it is hard to care. The one totally delightful aspect of this book is the art work of Jon Agee. However, the charming art cannot atone for the disappointment of a book purchased with high hopes as a read-aloud to second and third graders. ... Read more

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Vibe, rhythm, beat! There have been many tributes to the great jazz composer and performer Thelonius Monk, but none so arresting and surround-sound-appealing as this small, unassuming book. If you're looking for verbose or technical explanations of Monk's music, look elsewhere. Here, you'll find nothing but pure, punchy music. Scant words jump and dance over pages that bear greater resemblance to musical staffs than still places for text to sit idly. Chris Raschka, creator of Charlie Parker Played Be Bop, uses beautiful watercolors to splash and adorn the pages' multi-boxed backgrounds in a smooth, harmonic pattern based on the tones of the chromatic scale. A groovy piano makes the occasional appearance, along with the slouchy, jivin', slumpy, jammin' image of Monk doing what he did best. Do not read this book--instead, sing it, swing it, and sway to its infectious music. (Ages 4 and up) ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Mysterious Thelonius
I was skeptical about this when I picked it up from the library. My 6 and 3 year olds absolutely loved it. The way the words were scattered over the page made it impossible not to read it rhythmically! We read it months ago, and still, every time someone says the word "mysterious," they start chanting the words of the book. Raschka has done it again!

A small miracle
One wouldn't think it possible, but Raschka has recreated Monk's "Misterioso" into a beautiful synthesis of color and word by matching the 12 musical notes of the chromatic scale to the 12 values of the color wheel, and repeating word phrases with slight variations, as with Monk's playing.

An abstract book about the life of Thelonious Monk.
The author/illustrator has found a clever way to combine the illustration and text, as if to portray the sound of Thelonious Monk's music. I read this to a third grade music class. The students commented that the words were placed on the page like notes on a music staff. They also noticed that the size of the words changed throughout the book, perhaps suggesting the dynamics in his music. Although the book doesn't share specific factual information about Thelonious Monk, it is fun to read. I would recommend it for all students and music lovers alike. As a music teacher, I really enjoyed this book!

Not for kids
This totally bombed with my kids. I found it highly entertaining though. I do love jazz. But my kids (4 and 6) could not enjoy it. I wish that reviewers would check out what children think, instead of factoring in their own adult bias. There is nothing interesting in this book for a kid. No plot, no discernable subject...just cadence and rhythm. That is not enough to make a book fly for a kid (or at least mine).

One of the most amazing books I've ever read
As summarized above, this is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. By no means is it "just for kids"--this book is revolutionary, in the same way and to the same degree that "Ulysses" was. Highest praise possible. ... Read more

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Who among us does not recall the sheer anguish caused by the loss of a treasured toy? For a child, misplacing a faithful stuffed friend can feel like the very solar system has gone off kilter. The illustrious Jules Feiffer perfectly captures this sense of utter panic and despair in the thoroughly delightful, I Lost My Bear, a story about a towheaded girl who engages in less-than-scientific detective work to find her absent teddy bear.

At her mother's suggestion, the girl decides to retrace her steps to figure out where she last played with the cherished bear. Anyone who has children can imagine what a labyrinthine path her search takes. First she looks under the bed, and although this crawl-space is overflowing with toys, there is no bear. Then she removes nearly every book from the bookshelf, to no avail. On and on she goes, aided by advice from her annoyed-yet-helpful older sister, until she stumbles upon so many other long-forgotten toys she loses sight of her objective entirely.

Feiffer has created such masterpieces of playful wit as Meanwhile and A Barrel of Laughs, a Vale of Tears, and continues his reign of artful comedy here. Hiscomic-strip-style illustrations (complete with speech bubbles) are delectably squiggly, scratchy, and sketchy but at the same time precise, expressive, and alive with motion. If you haven't introduced your favorite kids to Feiffer's genius before, this book gives you the perfect, hilarious excuse. (Click to seea sample spread. Illustrations © 1998 by Jules Feiffer. Permission by Morrow Junior Books.) (Ages 4 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (8)

I don't want to lose this book!!!
Oh No! It is a tragic day in the house when the main character (she does not have a name) cannot find her precious Bearsy. She turns to her mother for help with no luck, she sets out to retrace her steps. When she does not find it, she turns to her dad. Her dad is busy reading a paper and tells her to start figuring out where she puts things. So then, she turns to her sister who yells at her to leave her alone. After a moment of throwing a tantrum, she stops herself. She turns to sister again who gives her an idea of how to find her bear. Will she find her bear or be doomed to go to sleep without it? You'll have to read the book to find out if she does.
All of my Pre K students loved this book as did I. As someone else mentioned, I edited the "stupid" and "I'll kill you" parts as we discourage these kind of words at the child care center where I work. This book reminded me of when I lost things as a child and I know that this one book that I will share with my future children.

Good premise, question tactics
Although my daughters asked to read this book more than once when we took it out from the library, I questioned the wording in some parts. If you, like myself encourage not using hurtful words like stupid and I'll kill you, you might find yourself revising those sections while reading.

An adorable book
This book is truly a gem. A little child has lost her bear, her favorite stuffed animal. The book follows her trail as she tries to find the lost toy. She searches high and low, but her ursine companion is nowhere to be found. Of course, her reactions are all overblown (as all kids' reactions are). I don't want to give away the ending; but suffice it to say, if you have kids (or have been one), you can see the ending coming from a mile away. Even so, the book is a delight to read and will surely bring a smile to anyone who has the slightest love of children.

My New Favorite Book
Simply said, this is my new favorite book. My kids are 6, 4, 2, and 4 months. We checked it out from the library and now I am giving it to all the children on my Christmas list, (plus buying a copy for myself.) I love reading it to my kids. It is told from the child's perspective perfectly.

Very enthusiastic and true to life.
My daughter is 4, she loved it. She laughed, and could really relate. I would definitely recommend your purchase. ... Read more

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European comics artist Miguelanxo Prado describes his two life passions as "listening toand inventing stores, as well as painting." In this adaptation of the classic folk tale by Sergei Prokofiev, Prado combines thesepassions into a glorious work of art. The soft, shadowy colors give this redition of Peter and the Wolf the look of somethingfrom another time and place. The book begins with two full-page paintings. The first is Peter, the duck, the cat, and the bird staring intothe dark woods; the point of view is from behind them, with the reader staring into the woods with them. Turn the page andyou'll see the same scene from the opposite point of view, from within the woods, looking out at them. The depiction is powerfullystirring, and as Prado himself says in his introduction: "While folk tales are usually meant for children, they nonetheless possess a fascinating,evocative power for adults." Whether Peter and the Wolf is for you or your child, Prado's version is a great addition to yourbookshelf. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Cassette disappointing
The artist does a very good job of illustrating the story & keeping the flavour of the Russian lifestyle. I was very disappointed that the audio cassette is only a narration of the story, and does not contain a recording of the symphony.

Good companion to the music
If you are familiar with the Prokofiev symphony, this book makes a good companion to the music. It puts into visual images the story of Peter and the Wolf. What I like most about the book is that, in the end, the duck lives. The ending varies somewhat depending on the version of the recording or book. In this book, it's a happy ending, which is better for younger readers.

We use the book by itself sometimes. Other times, my child will read along while we listen to the symphony.

A great book for little people who love music!
Our children, 3 year old twins, love the music of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. In searching for an age appropriate book to show them the musical instruments that play each of the characters, we found this one illustrated by Ian Beck. Not only are the illustrations lovely, the colors and clothing of Peter, the hunters and the grandfather are interesting to a child. Also, each page shows the instrument played for that part of the story (find it in the box around the text), and in the back a page illustrates each instrument. We cannot recommend this lovely book enough to parents of young children discovering the beauty of music!

Bad book
I did not like it. It is a bad story. Wolfs are not bad like in the story. Peter doesnt listen to his grandpa, so it is a bad example.

Absolutly beautiful!!!!
I grew up on this illustration and it has been very difficult to find but it was worth all the trouble for my son to be able to grow up with THIS version! Illustration does not get better than this, it is both classic and easy for a child to relate with without being "cartoony". Magnificent! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The class was captivated by the story and illustrations.
The third grade class I shared this book with sat on the edge of their seats. The author was very careful to define the spanish vocabulary used right after in the next line. It was great to graphically map out using imaginary verses a real horse having the children site examples. The folktale was quickly identified by the children. They compared it to others they had shared or read at home or school. Great for compare and contrast concepts! The illustrations were wonderful and vivid! My third grade daughter couldn't put it down until she was finished. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Anna needs a little attention. There's a new baby in the house, andshe's found it takes considerably more effort to get noticed these days. One night she dreams she is a bird, but when she wakes up, she isn't. "I could be a bird, said Anna. I could be. And she flapped her wings." She proceeds to transform herself into an amazing variety of species with the help of her trusty plaid bathrobe. She drapes it over her head and trundles to breakfast as a bear, growling. "A bear is too small, said Anna. No one notices a bear. I'll be an elephant." After eliminating a dinosaur (not cuddly enough) and a rabbit (too quiet) as possibilities, she finally decides to be a lion, because a lion can play, and hide, and roar... and more. At the end of the book, the whole family (including the new baby) cozies up for story hour. "Would they love a lion? Yes, they'd all love a lion." Kady MacDonald Denton's ebullient, color-splashed illustrations--especially the faces of Anna and her family--are reminiscent of Maurice Sendak's work. The bulky forms that her bathrobe assumes are perfectly, humorously evocative of the animals she's pretending to be--and every page is a delight. Kids will adore discerning the animal shapes in the bathrobe, the idea of pretending to be different creatures, and of course, the warm reassurance that Anna is loved after all. This wonderful, whimsical read-aloud belongs on every child's bookshelf. (Ages 3 to 5) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Children Learn Diversity
Mouse Match is a great tool for learning about diversity. The openness of Mama and Papa Mouse to their daughter marrying even another animal race speaks volumes to children who only determine differences between races (as well as species) by their appearance. Those children become more open and tolerant of people of different race, ethnicity, religion, and creed--an essential social skill to success in the world of today and tomorrow.

Great book - in chinese and english, beautiful illustrations
This childrens book is a delight for children or adults. The story reads two directions;one way in Chinese and the other in English. Great gift! ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Horace P. Blumpoe was a grump. Everyone in his neighborhood thought so. They all called him Blumpoe the Grumpoe." So begins award-winning author Jean Davies Okimoto's charmingly quirky tale of a how a cat monkeys his way into the heart of an alleged curmudgeon. One November day, when Horace decides to head for Wabasha to pay his sister a visit, his car breaks down. Grumpily, he finds himself at the Anderson Hotel, a special inn with 19 resident cats, available to each guest to adopt for the length of his or her stay. Horace, of course, is not interested, and certainly not pleased; "I thought this was a hotel, not a kennel!" he shouts as he stomps off to his room. At 6:00, however, the only remaining unpicked cat (Arnold) refuses to let poor Horace go catless for a night. Arnold's delightful persistence, Horace's angry resistence, and Howie Schneider's wonderful, cartoonish illustrations will have readers laughing out loud and waiting for Horace's heart to melt along with their own. (Ages 4 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wonderful
This book will appeal to readers who like to see grumpy people made nice, especially through the influence of cats. Those who've stayed at 19th century Anderson House Hotel in Wabasha, MN (where this book is set), and chosen an Anderson House cat to reside in their rooms for a night, will also love it. I've given several copies of Blumpoe the Grumpoe away to cat-loving children, and it's a favorite; thank goodness for the reprinting!

Terrific Book for the kids!
My whole family loves this book. It is funny and entertaining. We also love the references to towns in Minnesota. Everyone will fall in love with Blumpoe and Arnold! We are very happy that this book is back in print. We looked all over for this book (two years ago), after getting it from the library. We even contacted the author but she had no extras. Now it's back in print and everyone can buy it! Wonderful! Check out her other books, too! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Our family LOVES this book
My husband made up a song to go with the words - this is one of our family's favorites! A very sing-songy read with made up words and a short but sweet narrative. Get this book and try to make up a tune to go with the poetry. This is not a counting book. If you like imagination and poetry, you'll love this.

Quite boring.
This book is neither interesting for my kids or for me. I thought it would make counting fun. But it doesn't. This book is quite dull.

A poem in words and pictures
This narrative was perhaps the first poem my children learned--and both they and I love it.

"Seventeen kings and fourty-two elephants

Going on a journey on a wild wet night"

meet all sorts of wonderful creatures in their travels through the lush jungle inhabitting these pages. There are white-toothed crocodiles, green-eyed dragons, small crabs, ponderous hippoptomums, dancing "to the music that the marchers made," not to mention tigers, cranes, pelicans, peacocks, and twangling trillicans. They go off into the night as raindrops glisten on the elephants' backs and the deep dark jungle devours their tracks. Altogether a delightful journey into word play and magical illustrations. Alyssa A. Lappen

Favorate Book to Read to Children
This book is musical in its use of language. The verse seems to mimic the marching of the elephants. Reading and listening to the book are equally delightful. The pictures are lush and beautiful. I'm on my second child, and this remains a favorite of my 3 and 6 year old sons. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Even a piece of garbage can change your whole life. One morning Zeke Pippin, a young pig, is moseying down the street when a harmonica falls off of a garbage truck, right in front of him. He takes it home, cleans it, and begins to play up a storm. He is a natural, soon regaling his family with the prelude to La Traviata. His family is very proud of him, but they instantly fall asleep upon hearing his tranquilizing tune. Zeke is indignant at their apparent rudeness and runs away from home, drifting down the Hinkaholly River on his trusty raft. Eventually, as he zeezles and zoozles on his harmonica, he notices that, judging by the effect his music has on other animals, he is in possession of a supernatural, sleep-inducing instrument. Zeke is sheepish. He can't believe he doubted the manners--the very integrity--of his family, who by now must miss him horribly: "He knew he must bring them a surcease of their sorrow, as swiftly as possible, and clear up this painful misunderstanding." Getting home, however, is not easy, and as it turns out, downright dangerous, but he successfully bamboozles his way until he finally faints upon the doormat of home sweet home. Zeke's family is overjoyed, and soon their boy becomes famous (more celebrated than the mayor) and everyone lives happily, musically ever after. William Steig's simple, expressive, comically deadpan drawings earned him a Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, (link to 067166154X) and Zeke Pippin, Steig's 25th book for children, deserves a beloved place right next to it on the bookshelf. (Age 4 to 104) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of William Steig's very, very best books for kids
There was a time in my life where I practically had "Zeke Pippin" memorized, start to finish, so enormously popular was it with my young son and daughter. Even to this day, William Steig's superbly offbeat text (he describes harmonica-playing as "zeezling and zoozling" and when a character nods off, he later "nods back on again") is something to behold.

Steig resolutely refuses to talk down to kids. He throws in the occasional weird word, odd phrase, or elaborately worded paragraph just to keep kids (and their parents) on their toes. The enviable result is that his book--both this and others--is utterly memorable and stands apart from the masses of touchy-feely children's books out there.

Zeke Pippin is a pig whose life is changed by a harmonica he finds. After numerous adventures, narrow escapes, and a great number of lovingly-detailed meals and snacks (he is, after all, a pig), Zeke Pippin becomes a hero in his town and a friend to sick children. This combination of Horatio Alger pluck and Robert Louis Stevenson excitement is winning and rewards frequent reading. Steig's inimitable illustrations are just as terrific as the text. He manages to convey more with just a few watercolor tints and a wobbly black line than other artists do with a great deal more equipment (and less talent). Rewarding time and time again.

Innappropriate for the intended age group
This book is not appropriate for 5- to 8-year-olds in either content or context. Zeke, a pig, picks up a harmonica that he sees fall off a garbage truck and cleans it up, "using his father's schnapps as a disinfectant." Zeke then "regales" his his family "with the prelude to La Traviata". DO MOST PARENTS, LET ALONE 2nd GRADERS, KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS? Offended that family members fall asleep to his playing, Zeke leaves home. After putting others to sleep with his "supernatural" playing, Zeke "ponders his remarkable piece of garbage," falls asleep and dreams of his family's "agony" while they are missing him. "If I don't see [Zeke] soon," his mother wails in his dream, "I'll shoot myself." Zeke wakes up, crying, "reviling" himself for having lost faith in his family. He knows he must bring them "surcease of their sorrow" - now honestly, I have a bachelor's degree in journalism and I had to go look up "surcease." COME ON! On his way home, some unsavory characters, called "Samaritans," rob, kidnap, and tie him up, debating how to dispose of him. Drown him? Bake him? "We could have baked ham, ham sandwiches, chitlins, pig's knuckles, et cetera." ET CETERA?? He escapes, but "two nanoseconds later, a death-dealing coyote" pins him to the ground. Zeke plays a song on the harmonica, and "the wretched carnivore is rendered unconscious." Finally home, Zeke is greeted enthusiastically, and smothered with hugs for serenading children and patients to sleep in the Quayhogue (??) Hospital.

My 7-year-old struggled with a lot of the words in this book, and at the end of every page, looked up at me and said, "What does that mean?"

Another classic from Steig
If you normally find yourself nodding off while reading picture books to your kids, try Zeke Pippin. My sons love the part where Zeke "zeezles and zoozles" on his "supernatural mouth organ" and the language keeps them (and me!) on our toes. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Charming tragedy with a happy ending
Poor Smudge is kidnapped and used by various creatures for their own selfish purposes.. In each case, his eagerness to please and be part of the family finally wins him acceptance--until he can't keep up, and then he is unceremoniously abandoned. Happily, he is finally found again by his own family, who love him for who he is.

The illustrations, sometimes bleak, sometimes tender, often ridiculous, express the emotional side of the story beautifully. This book climbs into your heart and cuddles up there...

This review is by Little Bollington Primary School pupils.
This review is by Little Bollington C of E Primary School, it is Class 2's (8 and 9 year olds) thoughts and views on the book Smudge. This book is about a rat called Smudge. We are first introduced to an elderly Smudge who is as black as burnt toast. Smudge tells us a story of an adventure he had when he was young. The story Smudge follows a pattern. First of all Smudge would be taken by a creature, then taken to their home, the creatures then used Smudge for a house job. But then through the book Smudge always grew quite close to them and became part of the family. He then learnt special skills from these creatures. But there was always something that he couldn't do. The creatures left him by doing the thing he could not do, for example the birds flew away and left him. Smudge is always left on his own. Read this book and find out what happens in the end. I would recommend this book because it is funny and sad. It could be read by anyone even Mums and Dads to read to younger children. Adults would like the dry humour. It is a book that can be enjoyed for different reasons. ... Read more

Book Description

Raymond, I want you! Just when Raymond is in the middle of a comic book, his mother calls him. Not once but five times. It's not fair! Raymond thinks. Then he thinks: What if I had my own MEANWHILE...? Comic books always use MEANWHILE... to change the scene. So Raymond tries writing it on the wall behind his bed.

To his astonishment, Raymond discovers that he can MEANWHILE...from one perilous adventure to another'from pirates on the high seas, to Martians in outer space, to a posse and a mountain lion out West. Then, at the worst possible moment, Raymond's MEANWHILE... fails him, leaving him in a spot that spells certain doom! Unless . . . ‘Raymond, I want you!’ Raymond is reading a comic book when his mother calls him, not once but five times! ‘It’s not fair!’ Raymond thinks. Then: ‘What if I had my own MEANWHILE . . . ?’ Comic books always use MEANWHILE . . . to change the scene. So Raymond tries writing it on the wall behind his bed.

To his astonishment, Raymond discovers that he can MEANWHILE . . . from one perilous adventure to another—from pirates on the high seas, to Martians in outer space, to a posse and a mountain lion out West. Then, at the worst possible moment, Raymond’s MEANWHILE . . . fails him, leaving him in a spot that spells certain doom! Unless . . .

... Read more

Reviews (3)

Meanwhile, Jules Feiffer writes another winner...
Those of you who are long-ago fans of the wit of Feiffer's Phantom Tollbooth will be charmed by this picture book about young Raymond, who gets out of chores, perils with pirates, mountain lions, and Martians by writing out the magic word "MEANWHILE...," thus zipping himself instantaneously into a new story.

The book is filled with Feiffer's imaginative comic-style illustrations to go with the amusing story. I surely do wish Feiffer would write more children's books, his books are unbeatable for their combination of humor and imagination. Especially good (but not only good) for little boys.

Jules Feiffer strikes again
Jules Feiffer's "Meanwhile" is another great example of his feverish, wonderful brain at work. "Meanwhile" looks at the life of Raymond, a young boy who just WANTS TO FINISH READING HIS COMIC BOOK, FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD! But no, his mother is calling him to do a chore and Raymond mutters, "It's not fair!" and then realizes that he can "meanwhile . . . " out of his life just like his comic book heroes do. Raymond zigs and zags around from one adventure to the next, always depending on "meanwhile . . . " to get him out of increasingly dangerous scrapes (it's hilarious to see the lengths he goes to to "meanwhile" in different situations).

When Raymond finally ends his adventures . . . well, I don't want to give too much away. Suffice it to say that Feiffer uses his usual masterfully simple line drawings to jack up the feverish pace of this wonderful tale. Boys and girls, kids and adults, will all enjoy this ripping good yarn.

This book was GREAT!
I really liked this book! It is about a kid who writes meanwhile on the wall and when his mother calls him, he thinks to himself It's not fair. When ever he writes "MEANWHILE", he ends up in a toattly diffrent place, from a pirate ship to the wild west. But when the kid (Raymond) comes back to the pirate ship, he doesn't have time to write "MEANWHILE" And meats his doom. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Poombah of Badoombah--a powerful, energy-infusing sorcerer--makes pots leap out of clay and fabulous carpets fly off the loom, but he also gleefully sends "a pudgy rajah swirling to the public bath" and a "nervous dervish whirling down a curvish path." One day, the magical Poombah goes too far: he pulls the elephant right out from under a government official and his howdah, which is a fine howdah-you-do.The city people are furious, and the Poombah, now a pariah, flees to the countryside to grow Badoombah beans, and, as we all know, "a bowl of Badoombah beans or two is all one needs for a hullabaloo." Dee Lillegard, author of The Wild Bunch, poombahs a wildly ebullient rhyming story, and Kevin Hawkes's rich, full-bleed paintings of swarming street bazaars in India explode with color and excitement.Explanatory notes, cleverly presented, define Indian terms such as howdah and nabob, and make-believe ones as well, including Poombah ("to impart, or infuse with, extraordinary energy") and Badoombah beans, Lillegard's son's invention. Kids will love this bouncing ride through the streets of India, with the contagious joie de vivre of the playful Poombah. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A magical, nonsensical journey
I read this to my two year old and she loves it. The illustrations are bright and eye-catching, and the language is evocative and rhyming. The whole story has a 'beat and rhythm' to it which toddlers seem to find appealing. Some of the words make absolutely no sense, but this is the fun of the book (think a little bit of Dr Seuss with an Eastern twist!). A fun book that allows imaginations to run wild!

Fun, Fun, Fun
My two boys, age 1-1/2 and 3-1/2, both thoroughly enjoy the Poombah. The rhymes are unusual and fun, and the illustrations are eye-catching. Your kids will demand that you read it several times each night. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fun Bedtime Read
This is one of the bedtime favorites in our house. We have a budding astronaut so we are always looking for space themed books. This book has really cute drawings and a bit of a "surprise" that the kids enjoy revealing at the end. (A little hokey but cute). No to many words so even the early readers (like my K like to pick it up himself). ... Read more

Amazon.com

Joe Capri is mighty old. He is creaky and wrinkly. One night he wisheson a star--"a wish that was older than he was." He wished he were young again. The next morning, while shaving, he laments that he is still old. But just as he sits down to eat breakfast, a strange, purple Something or Other appears. It has the most wonderful red hair, 379 teeth, beady eyes, a spiked tail, and some sort of problem with leakage. It dances badly, sings horribly off-key, but tells Joe that his wish will be granted... tomorrow. Boy, is Joe happy about that! His imagination goes wild with the opportunities that restored youth will bring--so he hops on a bus and takes it all the way across town to his grandson Michael's house to share his good fortune. "Grandpapa!" his grandson exclaims happily. "Computer boy!" Joe answers back. He breaks his big news of impending youth, and they laugh themselves silly at the thought that by the very next day they could be in the same class.

They spend all day together, skipping stones and talking about Harpo Marx and Michael's grandmother, who had tall hair and smelled like fresh bread and was even nicer inside than out. That night, after a full and wondrous day, young Michael wishes on a star. He wishes that his grandfather's wish wouldn't come true--that he would stay just the way he was. The funny thing is, Joe wishes the very same thing that night, on that very same star. And as the frantic, leaking Something or Other shouts "Jumping fuzzy lizards!" they both get their wish. James Proimos has succeeded in creating a cartoony, original, certifiably quirky picture book while spinning an affectionate, uplifting story about the good parts of getting old and grandparent-grandchild love. A must for any kid who's wacky on the outside, but soft on the inside. (All ages) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Wonderful no matter WHAT age you feel you are
Proimos is the best kept secret in the picture book world. His scribbley, exaggerated cartoon illustrations might bring Callahan to mind in older readers (or Pelswick in younger readers)...but this story is timeless. Joe wishes he were younger, but after a day with his grandson he wants to change his wish--to just have more days with his grandson. Heartwarming and out-of-left-field silly. It doesn't get better than this!

A Wonderful book destined to be a classic!
This book is terrific! The illustrations are fun, silly and very imaginative. I especially love "something or other". They story is very well written, and incredibly touching. This book is a must-have!

A real kid-pleaser
I bought this book as an impulse purchase because I liked the way Amazon described it. What a wonderful "accidental" purchase! My 8-year-old reluctant reader adores this book and wants to read it almost nightly. Although it isn't laid out in a traditional book style (some of the content is contained in speech bubbles or in little captions around the illustrations), he doesn't have any trouble following the story and he really likes reading all the little asides, captions, etc. The illustrations are very cute and the story is very sweet. What happens in the story is actually pretty deep, so I was surprised that my son figured it out so quickly and liked it so much. I would highly recommend this for any child age 6-9, or any child who has a very close relationship with his/her grandfather. It's a winner!

Loved the book!
The illustrations were kid friendly, the message inside the story was a great one for us all to learn , young and old. I read this book to my elementary students who enjoyed it very much. I also shared the book with some of my teachers who in turn chose to read it to their classes. ... Read more