Book Description

Thomas is picking up presents. Toby’s car is full of flowers from the field. Percy is carrying a cake and Gordon has guests. Why? It’s Sir Topham Hatt’s birthday, but shhh! It’s a surprise! ... Read more

Book Description

Progress forces Smokey the switch engine out of a job until he discovers a new way to help people. ... Read more

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Reviews (1)

Ever had an airplane sketch "trapped" inside you?
Draw 50 Airplanes has been around for a while. I'm glad that it is still in print. Wish it had been around when I was a kid, doodling airplanes. A bunch of my favorites are there: Sopwiths, P-40s, Spitfires, F-86 Sabres, P-38s. Hopefully, someday, there will be a revised edition that can capture some late arrivals to the first century of flight that today's kids really like- the Space Shuttle, the SR-71 Blackbird, the F-117 Nighthawk. There are dozens of "how to sketch", "how to draw" titles out there. This is not one of those books. This book skips the nuances of perspective and the agony of descriptive geometry. It is not about fine art... it is not about drafting... When you sign a note to a friend, did you ever want to be able to add a quick Spitfire with a flourish? One that someone else thinks looks like a Spitfire? Or how about a sketch of the Wright Flyer? This is THAT kind of a book. This is about the serious business of producing a happy characture of the airplane that dances in your head. It will egg you on until you pick up a pencil and make an airplane appear on the page. It will help you perfect that skill. A curved line here, a pair of straight lines there. One pencil stroke at a time. And it obviously wasn't written just for kids. This book can help just about anyone create some really neat airplane doodles. Who knows what comes from that... So many rich experiences in life depend on having some early successes, the hopeful satisfaction that causes you to press onward... J. Campbell Martin ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Emergency! Emergency! Calling the Little Green Tow Truck to the main highway, intersection one.... A red convertible needs a tow."

With a little help from young readers, the spunky little tow truck is on the job. Turn the key, put on the turn signal, check the map, and away we go! Maneuvering through a traffic jam, the truck reaches the convertible and hooks it up with a towline, then cranks the handle to lift the front end. Now it's just a matter of slipping past the giant trucks at the traffic light and finding the way to the garage for repairs. This interactive mini board book will enthrall any child who has entered that developmental phase characterized by an obsession with all things truck. Readers pull, flip, flap, and slide the merry green tow truck through its mission, and cheer at a job well done.

Be prepared for some repairs on the little green truck itself: small, eager fingers will make quick work of the sturdy--yet never sturdy enough--tabs and flaps. For more fun with transportation, collect Ken Wilson-Max's other interactive board books: Little Red Plane, Big Silver Space Shuttle, and Big Blue Engine. (Baby to Preschool) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great for church or the car!
This book is great for when we need to have our children- ages one and three- entertain themselves quietly. It is perfect for church and its small size allows me to keep it in my purse or diaper bag for other times. There are a lot of parts for them to move or connect with each other. However, I do agree that the parts are not very durable and we are now on our second copy of the book- but it is well worth the money!

Please make the moving parts sturdier!!
We have bought 5 of Ken Wilson-Max's books--2 of the titles twice over because they fell apart badly. As much as our 2-1/2 year old son loves the stories, pictures and movable parts, the moving parts lasted average of 3 readings before they came apart. Only if Mr. WIlson-Max could come up with ways to reinforce those moving parts so that they will last long enough to pass the books down to our infant son . . . I would be happy to buy all his titles over again for our younger son, if a new version with sturdier moving parts became available.

Little Green Tow Truck
We have the 4 -7 year old version and our grandchildren love it. It's a bit too fragile for the young kids so we are ordering a replacement because they use it so much.

Good book for toddlers. Moving parts are too delicate.
My 2-year old son really enjoyed all the moving parts, especially the one where you can have the tow truck lift the car. He can't really do it alone. We let a couple of five year-olds play with it for a few minutes and they immediately wrecked the "lifting the car" feature. It DOES make my son laugh out loud, though, and that counts for a lot. We just use it with supervision. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's one of childhood's most time-honored pursuits: counting cars whilewaiting at a train crossing. Celebrated poet Philip Booth has captured itsappeal and unmistakable cadence with precision and wit, backed by the vibrant,nostalgic illustrations of Moscow-trained first-timer Bagram Ibatoulline.

The poem "Crossing" first appeared in Booth's 1957 debut collection, Lettersfrom a Distant Land, so parents and grandparents might have an easier timethan kids recognizing some of these freight carriers: "B&M boxcar, / boxcaragain, / Frisco gondola, / eight-nine-ten, /Erie and Wabash, Seaboard,U.P., / Pennsy tankcar, twenty-two, three." But the rhythms remain thesame, and even if the automobiles stopped at the crossing look like they hailfrom Havana, kids still won't be able to keep from counting the tankers andboxcars on this old-time steam engine.

Booth still lives in his childhood home, and he's clearly hung onto thatwide-eyed perspective in his fast, loose language. Lucky for us it's beenpreserved and revived--and even enriched, thanks to Ibatoulline--in this sweetand well-executed adaptation. (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Sumptuous poetry and illustrations
I love it when I find a book that my 3 year old son and I can agree on. We stumbled on to this one at the library and are about to buy our own copy. The book features a short poem about waiting for a train to go by at a crossing. The illustrations evoke a 1940s or 1950s era and are meticulously done. It doesn't take long to read the words on each page, but your eye is drawn into the pictures and you will want to linger a bit before turning the page.

Although the poem is about counting train cars, this is NOT a counting book for children. The sequence is forshortened so that you reach the 100th car (the caboose) within a few pages. The illustrations are photographically (and historically) accurate and show some of the different types of cars (gondola, box car, tanker car).

As a mother, I was slightly dismayed at the illustrations of children playing near the tracks in one scene, so I have used it as a reference point to discuss what isn't safe around trains. But this shouldn't be taken as a flaw in the book. All around, this is a fantastic book and I'm pleased to see it's due out in paperback soon.

Captivating illustrations
My two year old son is nuts for trains. This book is beautifully illustrated and the poem is a wonderful change from the usual toddler book prose. My son and I like this book so much that I have taken the time to write a review! You will be glad you added this one to your child's library.

One of my favorite toddler books
Our son (2.5 years old) loves this book. The cadence of the poem is engaging and the art is stupendous. The style wonderfully evokes the times of steam rail and the colors are gorgeous. This one is truly beautiful. If your child loves trains, this is a must-own.

Amazingly detailed artwork
"Crossing," which combines a simple poem by Philip Booth with artwork by Bagram Ibatoulline, is about a rairoad crossing. Here are some sample lines: "warning whistle, bellclang, / engine eating steam, / engineer waving, / a fast-freight dream." As the train passes we see the various types of cars (boxcars, a cattle car, etc.). What makes the book special is the artwork: vibrant, realistic, and packed full of intricate details.

Great illustrations but no story...
My 5 year old son loves trains and train books but says this book is "boring" (and I have to agree). I think he finds it confusing. Rather than a story (with a beginning, middle & end) this book lists train car names one page says "Phoebe Snow, B&O, Thirty-four, five". ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent for young travelers
This is one of the best books available for introducing young children to flying -- and it is the only one I've found that includes passport control/customs. It was perfect for both my children when we went to Europe. They knew what to expect at the airport, in the plane, etc. We followed along with the book at each step of the process -- ticketing, security, the plane ride, arrival, baggage claim and customs. Plus, the kids love locating the hidden duck on each page. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Helps kids understand medication without fear or shame.
I keep a couple of copies of this book in my office. It uses humorous illustrations as well as concrete examples to help children understand why they need to take medication for AD/HD.

Otto, a young car, visits a special engine mechanic and receives an engine treatment to help him run at the right speed. The author uses this metaphor to explain the nature of AD/HD, and the process of getting a psychiatric evaluation. It suggests some good questions that the the child might want to ask about medication. I particularly liked the way the book discussed potential side effects and how it encouraged the child to discuss this with his or her doctor.

The book is aimed at elementary school children and some pre-schoolers. ... Read more

Book Description

Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman was always being told what she could and couldn't do.In an era when Jim Crow laws and segregation were a way of life, it was not easy to survive, but Bessie didn't let that stop her.Although she was only eleven when the Wright brothers took their first historic flight, she vowed to become the first African-American female pilot.Her sturdy faith and determination helped her overcome obstacles of poverty, racism, and gender discrimination. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Inspiring story
The story is an inspiring recollections of the life of Bessie Coleman. The author did a wonderful job describing Ms. Coleman using the fictionalized points of view of who knew her. This is an inspiring story of a young girl who would let nothing stand in the way of her dreams.

A story of true courage and triumph.
Meet Elizabeth Coleman--the first African American woman to fly a plane. Coleman's story is told in a series of "interviews" starting from her childhood right up to her death. Her family talks about her education, her determination, and her unfailing dream to be more than just a field hand. Reporters talk about her as a pilot, and friends and fans talk about her courage and determination. In a time when skin color was a huge dividing line, Coleman managed to rise above it all, literally, in a plane. Her story is fascinating, and the style Nikki Grimes uses is readable, unique, and fitting for the tale. E.B. Lewis's pictures capture various aspects of Coleman's life--including details that the words opposite the picture don't mention. There is a note at the beginning of the book, and a note at the end, explaining more about Bessie Coleman and her life in the early 1900s. There also is a bibliography provided. This book won the Coretta Scott King award for 2003.

Excellent, thought-provoking biography
This book is an unusual, thought-provoking means of telling the story of Bessie Coleman's life. Written in free verse, Bessie's story is told by the people who attend her funeral, her family, friends, and acquaintances. Each voice is intriguing, weaving a complex tapestry of this noteworthy woman's life. Teachers and dramatists take note--what a great book to use for reader's theatre or as a play. E.B. Lewis' illustrations are perfect for the book, setting the right tone for each voice, and his portraits of each speaker bring them alive, talking to us as though we were there at the memorial service. I'm giving this as a gift to several children I know! ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

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

Reviews (2)

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

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

Book Description

Chug along with The Little Engine That Could in this delightful padded hardcover special edition that includes all your favorite Little Engine titles in one package. Complete with 176 pages of engaging text and colorful illustrations, The Little Engine That Could Storybook Treasury reacquaints readers with the original classic and introduces them to newer titles. A great value for anyone who wants to share in all of the Little Blue Engine's journeys and adventures!

Illustrated by Christina Ong. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"In The Big Red Car We Like To Ride"
I love this book called The Big Red Car, because, it's based on a song from (Wiggly, Wiggly World)-"In The Big Red Car We Like To Ride".

As always, Greg does the driving and the other Wiggles, Anthony, Murray and Jeff are three passengers. ... Read more

Book Description

The Iron Horse was coming...Thundering and panting and breathing black smoke, it was a fearsome thing. The Cheyenne people had never seen a steam locomotive before, and it terrified them. Would it come right over the hill, into their camp, just as the relentless soldiers and white settlers had done before?

Powerful words and pictures tell the true story of August 7, 1867 -- the only time an "Iron Horse" was derailed by Native Americans. It is a tale of courage and pride and of a people caught up in an unequal struggle to preserve their sacred way of life. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A moment of triumph
Illustrated by Mr. Goble's usual beautiful pictures, this is the dramatic story of the time that a group of plains Indian warriors fought against the invasion of the "iron horse", or steam train. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

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

Reviews (6)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Description