Book Description

"Little Mouse. Big Lion. Big, big trouble. Who will save the mouse? Who will

save the lion?" This simple retelling of the classic Aesop fable will be a

treat for kids and their parents as an adventurous mouse proves that even small

creatures are capable of great deeds--like rescuing the King of the Jungle.

With big, bold illustrations by Lisa McCue and large type, this Early Step

into Reading book is perfect for kids just beginning to learn how to read.




... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Lion and the Mouse
My 4 year old daughter really loves this book. I read it to her almost ever night. The words are easy for her to read and understand. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color with black-and-white & full-color photos. "Beginning with the death of Tutankhamen, the book moves forward to archaeologist Howard Carter's discovery of the tomb. Information about ancient Egyptian life is interspersed in a clear, smooth fashion throughout. A good way to get readers into non-fiction."--Booklist. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

King Tut!
My 5 and 7 year olds LOVED this book! They could not get over the fact that this was a true story and there really is treasure out there to find. They even took it to the neighbor's house and read it to him! That says it all.

Hidden Treasure - Secret Tombs - a Mummy!
Great little book, perfect for the early reader. My then-first grader loved this story of the death and burial of an ancient Pharaoh and his subsequent discovery in the 20th Century by Lord Carrington. Chock full of photos and beautiful, almost impressionistic illustrations. Large print, easy to read.

Tut's Mummy proved to be a valuable part of our Egyptian study. Oh... My daughter's older siblings (then in the fifth and sixth grades) liked the book too!

tut's mummy
this is a good book for someone around the age of 5 to 7. the book is in really easy to read and in large print. there are 48 pages and it was done in 1988. i think the illustrations could have been a little better. but if you have young kids they might want to read this.

Great for Ancient Egypt study
I am a Classical Homeschooling mom and this was a great explaination of how King Tut's mummy was discovered and why they mummified their dead. The pictures were wonderfully displayed and the illustrations were very helpful. It read like a story which kept my seven-year-old daughter's interest but taught her a great deal.

A great introduction to King Tut and mummies
Like other "Step" books, this book is a smooth and interesting segue into historical figures and events. Of all of the Step books in my 2nd grade classroom library, this is one of my favorites. It is well-written and keeps childrens' attention as it talks about customs and religious practices that one can only imagine. It guides the reader from Tut's short reign and death to the discovery of his tomb in the early 1900's. A great and interesting read! ... Read more

Book Description

AFTER BEING FORCED to live normal human lives, the Incredibles have the chance to rediscover their superhuman abilities. But will these superheroes learn to work together as a family to defeat evil? Find out in this action-packed Step 3 reader based on the hit film, The Incredibles. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. "This introduction to sharks keeps within a

first-grade reading level without sacrificing information. Cole tells about

different kinds of sharks, and facts on their food consumption and innumerable

teeth. The text makes clear that few sharks eat people and that sharks come in

a variety of shapes and sizes."--Booklist.




... Read more

Reviews (6)

Hungry, Hungry Minds
My son, a college sophomore these days, made me read this book to him so many times when he was little that I can still recite some of it by heart. Beyond the wonderful illustrations and fascinating facts about sharks, this book has a very playful way with language that immediately captures a young reader's attention. If you have any little oceanographers at home, or even if you are simply trying to get some wiggling, non-scientific, prodigies to calm down and get ready for bed, by all means, pick this one up. Your kids will love you for it.

I didn't know so much about sharks until I read this book
I like't the book. I did't know that more people die from bee
sting's than from shark bites!

hungry hungry sharks
The book Hungry Hungry Sharks by Joanna Cole is a good book if you like sharks and you want to find out what they eat or how they live. This would be the book that you would want to read to find those things plus you can find lots more about sharks than what I listed above.

4 1/2* Fact-Filled!
This is an excellent book for the budding oceanographer (or the beginning reader). It realistically shows the shark as predator (some of the pictures show sea animals being eaten by sharks, but the illustrations will probably not be upsetting for most), and as victim of the smarter, more teamwork-oriented dolphins. The book does a great job of reporting interesting shark facts; for example, there are more than 300 types of sharks, the dwarf shark is no bigger than a hand, a barrel of nails was once found in a shark's belly, etc. 47 pages long, the publisher recommends it for readers in grades 1-3. A good beginner book.

A Review of "Hungry, Hungry Sharks"
"Hungry, Hungry Sharks" was one of the first shark books I bought as a child. Now, as a teacher, I still use this book to provide some factual information to my students. The words are simple enough for a primary student to read, and the illustrations justify the reading. The information in the story is factual, and children love hearing about the sharks. It's a good book. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. Youngsters can celebrate the 500th anniversary of

Columbus's fateful voyage with this dramatic, easy-to-read account of a pivotal

moment in American history. "Enlivened by attractive full-color artwork,

including maps and a cutaway view of the ship, the straightforward account is a

good choice at this reading level."--Booklist.




... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good Starter Book For Learning About Columbus.
Hi!:) This book is nice and informative without being too long and boring. It will most likely appeal to children around 5 or 6 through about 9 or 10. After that, they may want to read another, more in depth biography about this remarkable and fearless sailor and explorer.
The illustrations are realistic and well done.
I, as a parent, felt that the ending was a bit weak, but children will certainly gain a better understanding and clearer picture of the explorer, and his sacrifices, upon reading this book. Wording is simple and uncomplicated. A step 2 book.
Good information, good book!~ ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Review
This is about King Spartas and his wife, Helena. Helena runs off with a Trojan man and she falls in love with him. This angers the king so he gathers an army of Greek troops too to go retrieve his wife. The Greeks made a plan to get into the city of troy and take Helena from the Trojans. They built a huge wooden horse and they set it outside the shores of troy. Once it was inside the city, the Greek troops that were hiding inside came out and attacked the city of Troy. They ended up winning the battle and getting the girl back.
I think this book did a really good job at describing the events that took place in the battle to get Helena back. I think it is a good book for children to read cause it can tell them about the story while keeping their attention. I think a lot of books that are about mythology do not good a good job in that aspect but this one did. I think the author was trying to write a book about the Trojan wars that would really grab a child's attention and this one does.

good history resource
This step into reading book is geared for 2-4 grades. The chapters are short and fully illustrated. The sentences are kept short but the story still remains interesting. There is a pronunciation guide at the back of the book for those unusual names like Menelaus. Great reading for a unit study on Ancient Greece. ... Read more

Book Description

On a beautiful summer day a young girl sets up a lemonade stand and sells

enough cups of refreshment to add up to a dollar.Told in rhyme, this

delightful story combines the teaching of addition with a traditional rite of

childhood entrepreneurship!




... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wonderful combination of reading & math
My son enjoyed reading the story and the math component as well. It is easy enough for a beginning reader, and yet it can keep their attention as well.

Perfect For Teaching Money Concepts!
This beautifully illustrated easy reader makes counting coins fun and simple! Illustrations of coins on selected pages make it the perfect teaching tool at home or in the classroom! Random House has another outstanding Step into Reading title! A great ending too! ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. "The drama of natural disasters provides prime material to entice young independent readers. In this volume, the account of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius describes village life 2,000 years ago, the eruption itself and its aftermath, and the excitement when the buried town is rediscovered centuries later. A lively and factual glimpse of a devastating moment in history, in an accessible, attractive package."--Publishers Weekly. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent book for educators.
Good children's books on Ancient Rome are hard to find so when I came across Pompeii... Buried Alive!, I bought two copies for my son's and daughter's libraries.

The first chapter gives a glimpse into the lives of the people under the rule of the Roman Empire. Mount Vesuvius is introduced along with the assumption that the people of Pompeii were not aware that they were living beside a dangerous volcano.

The correct pronounciations are given for Pompeii and Vesuvius which are often mispronounced by children as well as adults.

In chapter two, the volcano erupts and descriptions are given as to how the people reacted. Descriptions are also given as to how the volcano eruption affected the air, sky, land, and sea.

The town of pompeii was buried under hot ash.

In the final chapter, chapter 3, Pompeii is forgotten. Time passes. A new town is built overtop of ancient Pompeii.

Workers, who were tunnelling for water, discover pieces of an ancient wall and, years later, Pompeii is rediscovered.

Pompeii... Buried Alive! is not only a well-rounded, excellent book, it is a necessity for teaching children about Pompeii. Everything a child needs to know are in its pages.

See a volcano
I think you ought to read POMPEII. It is very cool. I like the middle part. My desired part is at the end. My favorite part is when the volcano blows its top. By:

Makes you feel like you're there
As a 2nd grade teacher, I've been sharing this book with my students for about 2 years now. It keeps any group mesmorized! The best part about it is the way it makes kids understand that the people of Pompeii were just regular people going about their daily routines when Vesuvius erupted. They especially feel a connection with the little boy Pliny who watched the eruption from across the water and wrote about it in his later years. It is a great book to use as part of a classroom volcano unit or by itself.

Buried Alive
This was a good book. It was not what I suspected but it was good any way. What I wanted was more scary stuff. But I guess I'm not in to this Kind of book. ... Read more

Book Description

The sun and the moon shine down on a young boy as he spends a day by the

sea. "Sun shines on the mountains, sun shines on the sea. Sun shines on my

pillow, and says wake up to me."




... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great illustrations
My 17 mo daughter loves this book. She loves to point out the sun or the moon on each page. She hands it to me to be read to her at least once a day.

great first read
my son is 3, and he really likes this book. it has large print, so he can read some of the words. he talks about sunshine and moonshine during the day, and he got it from this book. it's memorable and easy to read over and over. get it. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Beginnings and Endings.
This wonderful children's book explains the history of the ill-fated ship, from the beginning of its maiden voyage in England to the discovery of the boat at the bottom of the ocean depths by Dr. Robert Ballard. The illustrations are lively and vibrant, giving depth to the easy to understand, yet enchanting text. I have read several children's books about the Titanic and this one seems to have the best of everything.

Well Written and Educational
This fabulous children's book recounts with wonderful illustrations and simple language the tragic and familiar story of the Titanic. When the movie came out my children (then 5 and 8) were not allowed to watch it (why ask for nightmares? ). This book, carefully written with attention to detail, was sufficient to satisfy their need to know about this event in a manner that was sensitive, appropriate and accurate. There is even a picture in the first chapter that shows a cut-away style picture of how the ship was set-up: "Fancy rooms" on the top decks, swimming pool and squash courts at the bottom, and all kinds of rooms in between. Someday my children will be old enough to handle the feelings that the movie evokes, but until then, (since we live in Washington State) I want to be able to use a ferry once in a while! I'm very thankful for this well written, historical children's book!

I LOVE THIS BOOK!
When I was in the 3rd grade, this was my favorite book of all time. I literally must have read it 100 times. I can't believe that I found it on Amazon.com! I am so excited to read it again. I would recommend anyone to get this book- especially Titanic enthuiastes like me(this book made me one).

As good as it gets
Ever since the movie came out, my 2nd grade students have had a fascination with Titanic. You couldn't ask for a better book than this to describe the ship, the passengers and the human pride and frailties that led to the sinking. This book is well-written enough that it is easy for young minds to understand and complex enough to keep them entranced. Even adults will find it interesting and, between you and your kids, your copy will probably be read to shreds in no time!

I could not even breathe when I finished the book!
I was sad when the men died and it was not fair for the poor people when they tried to get saved. The Titanic couldn't get past the iceberg because there was a wall of icebergs. There was another ship nearby, but they didn't understand that the Titanic was sinking. I am eight years old. ... Read more

Book Description

A funny, entertaining introduction to Ben Franklin and his many inventions, including the story of how he created the "magic square." A magic square is a box of nine numbers arranged so that any line of three numbers adds up to the same number, including on the diagonal! Teachers and kids will love finding out about this popular teaching tool that is still used in elementary schools today!
... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Great Book!!
I would recomend this book for all readers. This book teaches you about Ben Franklin and how he invented magic squares. It also tell you about some of the other things that Ben Franklin invented. Some things are stoves, a special rocking chair, the first library, and much more. Then it explains how Ben Franklin became a clerk of the Pennsylvania Colonial assembly. For many days Ben listened to the other members argus. Then one day Bean started doodling. Ben doodled people, new inventions, and his pet squirrel. The other members were still arguing so Ben decided to do a math puzzle. The math puzzle had turned into magic squares. This is how we have magic squares today.

Great Book!!
I came to find that this book can make history fun to learn about and that young kids should read this great book about Ben Franklin. Ben Franklin was always busy. He was a writer, a scientist, an a inventer. in this book you will learn some of Ben Frankiln's inventions. The main idea of this book is to tell you how Ben came up with magic squares. How do you think he came up with magic squares. Find out what some of Ben Franklin's inventions and how and why he came up magic squares when you read this great book Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares!!
Katie

It was my teacher!
Mr.Murphy , My teacher was the Author of this book! I just know that last month. I think it was a great book, there were a lot of stuff about Ben Franklin. But if you want to study Ben Franklin, don't read it, because there were not much informnation in it, it will just raise you time. But if you want to read something for fun, read it, there were some funny picture in it.

What a wonderful Book!!!
Wow! that book is such a great book!It is Fun for little kiuds to read and for older too!It is filled with interesting facts about Ben Franklin!Did you know that Ben Fraklin Made up the saying "an apple a day keeps the docter away". Buy this from Amazon.comtoday!!!!!!...

Reading and Math Together
This is a whimsical book that still adheres fairly close to facts about the muti-talented Benjamin Franklin. (Frank Murphy notes on the last page that Franklin really did have a pet squirrel, something that I thought was the author's invention). The book highlights Franklin's lifelong knack for inventions and chronicles his achievements as a publisher, sciencist, writer, and patriot. The book also introduces magic squares, showing how Frankinn invented one as he sat, bored, waiting to take notes for the Pennsylvania Colonial Assembly. There's a good explanation of magic squares (a nine-cell table in which 3 numbers counted vertically, horizontally, or diagonally add to the same number), and instructions on how to make your own magic square. With 48 pages and colorful, evocative pictures, this book will appeal to the young reader, historian, and scientist. ... Read more

Book Description

A volcano could be called a sleeping mountain--that is, until it wakes up!

What is it like to witness the eruption of one of nature's majestic time bombs?

Young readers can learn what makes volcanoes "tick," and read about some of the

most famous eruptions in history.




... Read more

Reviews (1)

volcanoes mountains of fire
I think that this is a good book and I know that this is a good book. The part I like about it is when the volcano erupts.The part I don't like about it is when people died.I
would recommend this to a 4th grade reader and I would have preferred for it to have more pages. I give it a 5 stars because it has nice pictures and I learned new information about volcanoes. ... Read more

Book Description

What should you do if a gorilla charges right at you? Run away, climb a

tree, or make a scary face? Find out the surprising answer and much more in

this nonfiction book packed with amazing gorilla facts.




... Read more

Reviews (1)

good intro for kids
I love gorillas and all things related to them. I bought this book even though I don't have kids! I liked that it discusses Dian Fossey and the mountain gorillas, as well as world-famous Koko. I was just so pleased to see gorillas described as they truly are. A book like this could inspire children to want to help save these gentle giants. I sure hope so, anyway. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

An Exciting Adventure for Balto the Dog!
Balto is a fantastic story about a dog going to Nome to take medicine to sick children. Will Balto make it? Find out in the book Balto. This is a great book that is very exciting to read.

The Bravest Dog Ever
The book the Bravest Dog Ever is about Balto. This is a book which tells the wonderful rescue story of Balto. Balto lived in Nome, Alaska, and that is where the story took place. Two children got sick and they needed medicine, which the doctor did not have. They sent it on train, but the train got stuck. This is where Balto and his crew came to the rescue. They went through difficult terrain, and made the story very exciting.
I love the story of Balto, probably because I love dogs. But still the story is really good, and I recommend this book to whoever is reading this review. Balto should be known in everyone life.

Ryan J.

4 ½* Exciting Story of Heroic Dog
"This is a true story about a very brave dog."

It's 1925 in the sub-zero, treacherous region of Nome, Alaska. Two children stricken with diphtheria need medicine, but the train that carries it gets stuck in the snow, 700 miles from Nome. The town's only hope is a 21-team dog sled relay to deliver the precious medicine. Balto, the head dog on the second to the last run, leads his team through blinding snowdrifts and over a frozen river, and around cracking ice, and reaches Nome almost ten days before the expected arrival. He becomes famous: In New York City, thousands of miles away, a statue of Balto is put up in Central Park.

This is an exciting book, with soft, slighted muted illustrations and short sentences, is an excellent book (especially for adventure and dog lovers) for the reader in from around grades 1 through 3. The suspenseful narration and the real heroics of Balto and his driver (along with the 20 other dog teams) make for a dramatic story. 48 pages, includes map of the trail to Nome.

Balto is a fraud and this book is a lie!
Balto was nothing but a scrub freight dog and that is the truth!

In the mid-sixties I lived next door to the real hero Leonhard Seppala and spent many hours listening to him recount his mushing days.

He set off from Nome to get the serum and traveled more than 260 miles in subzero temperatures. His lead dog was Togo.

Seppala at the age of 90 told me how sad he was that Balto had stolen the glory. Seppala left Balto behind because he was nothing but a scrub freight dog. Seppala said he would never have run Balto in the lead position.

After he was already on the trail for a full day's run, Seppala met Gonangnan at Shaktoolik where he took the serum and turned around to head back towards Nome. Facing into a mercilous gale with temperatures at 30 degrees below zero Seppala led by Togo headed across the uncertain ice of Norton Sound. He carried the serum back 91 miles and exhausted turned it over to Charlie Olson in Golovin.

Olson in turn handed the serum over to Gunnar Kaasen and Balto who carried it into Nome getting the glory. Kaasen was supposed to pass the serum to Ed Rohn at safety for the final 22 miles, but instead he continued on to Nome, reportedly because his team "was doing so well" and he didn't want to wake Rohn. Others, however, later accused Kaason of trying to gain publicity by being the musher to bring the serum into Nome.

For their part, Togo and Seppala covered more than 260 miles. No other team did more than 53 miles.

Year's later, Seppala commented: "It was almost more than I could bear when the newspaper dog, Balto, received a statue in Central Park in New York for his accomplishments, decked out in Togo's colors, and with the claim that he had taken Amundsen to Point Barrow and part way to the North Pole, when he had never been 200 miles north of Nome".

For the real story check out Seppala, Alaskan Dog Driver, by Elizabeth Ricker, copyright 1930.

Great for Balto fans---
I bought this book for my 6 year old daughter who loves Balto. I was looking for a book that she would be interested in enough that she would try to read it herself and I found it in this book. She loves Balto and that has helped her spark her interest in reading this book. She needs some help with some of the words but isn't discouraged.
We are going to try to find the statue of Balto in Central Park mentioned in the book when go to New York City next week. ... Read more

Book Description

In 1838, settlers moving west forced the great Cherokee Nation, and their chief John Ross, to leave their home land and travel 1,200 miles to Oklahoma. An epic story of friendship, war, hope, and betrayal. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Must for Every Classroom
This is a truly outstanding, well written book. My daughter at the age of 7 read this with ease. She was able to discuss Seuoyah, John Ross, Andrew Jackson, and Thomas Jefferson with me. She had an accurate understanding of the Traii of Tears, the Indian Removal Bill, and even was able to discuss how the Cherokee Alphabet came about. The best part was she and I both enjoyed the book. This book would make a great gift for a teacher in grades 2 - 4 or any one wanting to learn more about the Trail Of Tears. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Abe Lincoln's Hat
This book is about our sixteenth president,Abe Lincon,
who dresses very sharply. He wears a special hat. The
book tells how Abe Lincon helped people.I will read
this book again and again.

An appealing light-hearted, but true, biography for kids
"Abe Lincoln's Hat" is a light-hearted, but true-to-the-facts, biography for young readers written at a 2.9 reading level. Unlike most biographies about Lincoln, it does not end with his assassination, which allows children to focus on his humanity. While Martha Brenner's book is written for kids to "step into reading," it works just as well as a read-aloud for primary grades.

This 48 page title could have easily been arranged into chapters for students wanting to read a "chapter book," however it still meets a need for engaging non-fiction titles, notably biographies, for emerging readers.

This title is much more appealing to kids than a similar book by Jean Fritz, "George Washington's Mother."

Recommended.

Excellent Book for the Beginning Reader
From the "Step into Reading" series comes this humorous, well-illustrated, and engaging book, appropriately described as suitable for young readers in grades 1-3. And, with all the bad-mouthing of lawyers, it's nice to show kids that the legal system can be a powerful tool for justice, personified here in Abe Lincoln.

That's the adult perspective. Kids will enjoy the humorous stories, evocative pictures, and Abe Lincoln's witty, winning ways in court. The book touches on the slavery issue, perhaps too briefly, but this can be a good starting point for further discussion. It also illustrates how Lincoln got along with his competitors (e.g., opposing lawyers, opponent Stephen Douglas). Presenting values without preaching, this is sure to delight the young reader.

Perfect For Introducing Lincoln To Young Readers
Brenner does an excellent job crafting the story of Lincoln with his stovepipe hat as a centerpiece! Full of interesting facts that humanize this icon, kids will love reading and rereading this book. The Step into Reading Series needs more of these historical pieces at this level!

Fantastic!
This step into reading book is a must for any elementary student's study of Abraham Lincoln. Our copy had been worn out from use. This book portrays Lincoln as fun-loving, compassionate and a little forgetful. He discovers that keeping important papers tucked inside his hat helps remind him of things to do. Illustrations are plentiful and appealing. The last page has photos of four people mentioned in the book. The photos were taken around 1860. The stories in the book are said to be true. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. Here is the gripping story of Hillary and Norgay's

perilous ascent of Mount Everest as they battled snow and ice slides, whipping

winds, and the grim knowledge that 19 others had died in the same attempt.

"This is just the book to hook adventure-lovers on biographies. "--School

Library Journal.




... Read more

Book Description

Boom! Bang! Guns fire! Cannons roar! George Washington is fighting in the American Revolution. He
sees a dog lost on the battlefield. Whose dog is it? How will it find its master? Early readers will be surprised to find out what happens in this little-known true story about America’s first president. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Great Read Aloud for President's Day!
This easy reader is a delightful story to share with all students. The information gained about President Washington is unforgettable. Children will love that George named his dog "Sweetlips" and they won't forget that he was super kind and honest to one of his enemies! This book will be a staple in classrooms across the country and this true story of George may replace his "Cherry Tree" tale. ... Read more

Book Description

Waggy dog, shaggy dog, doggies in a bunch. Floppy dog, sloppy dog, doggies

eating lunch. Kids will love this bouncy, colorful book, bursting with every

kind of dog imaginable!




... Read more

Reviews (1)

DOGS,DOGS AND MORE DOGS
My son is just beginning reading and loves to read this book. Words are easy to sound out, simple words that a five year old boy can practice with. In addition, he loves the dogs! There are so many dogs to learn about. We have taken the book to the dog park and tried to find the many dogs in this book. When we find a dog that matches, he gets so excited, because now he can read the name of the dog. The book is colorful and entertaining for children. As a parent,I can enjoy watching my son learn and have fun doing it. ... Read more