Book Description

Beloved by generations, Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little are two of the most cherished stories of all time. Now, for the first time ever, these treasured classics are available in lavish new collectors' editions. In addition to a larger trim size, the original black-and-white art by Garth Williams has been lovingly colorized by renowned illustrator Rosemary Wells, adding another dimension to these two perfect books for young and old alike.

Whether you are returning once again to visit with Wilbur, Charlotte, and Stuart, or giving the gift of these treasured stories to a child, these spruced-up editions are sure to delight fans new and old. The interior design has been slightly moderated to give the books a fresh look without changing the original, familiar, and beloved format. Garth Williams's original black-and-white line drawings for the jacket of Stuart Little have also been newly colorized by the celebrated illustrator Rosemary Wells. These classics return with a new look, but with the same heartwarming tales that have captured readers for generations.

Reviews (306)

among the best in children's literature
As we all know, there are those certain books in the world that literally every single child in the world should read, and "Charlotte's Web" is a perfect example of must-read literature. It's such a classic story, not to mention a beautiful one. E.B. White creates such memorable characters and describes them very well. When a little girl named Fern hears that some baby pigs have been born in the barn, she is terrified to hear that her father plans to kill the littlest one, the useless "runt." Fern talks her father into letting her adopt the pig. She names it Wilbur and treats it as her own. Then the time comes for the pig to be more on its own, so Fern is forced to sell him to her uncle, who owns a farm. Wilbur feels lonely and out of place until he meets Charlotte, a kind spider who befriends him and, eventually, saves his life. Beautiful, beautiful story of friendship and courage. It contains characters and a fun plot that any child can enjoy. I read this book for the first time when I was in fourth grade, and I recently helped a little second-grader that I baby-sit for with her "Charlotte's Web" comprehension questions. It brought memories back. This is one of those books that you remember for the rest of your life once you've read it. It's excellent, and well worth the money.

'O best beloved'
This is a book which should have ten stars, not just five.

Faced with the impending slaughter of Wilbur, the runt piglet she has saved and nursed to health, Fern is appalled that she has fattened him for the axe, and commits herself passionately to save her beloved animal. So, too, is Charlotte, the spider who inhabits the barn with him, and woh turns her web into a sort of billboard/oracle which astonishes (and admonishes) the community by weaving words that inform them that this is no ordinary pig! She recruits Templeton the Rat and the rest of the animals in her battle for Wilbur's life...will they succeed? or will Wilbur be a nine-days' wonder? and what will be the ultimate cost?

This is the best present I can imagine to inspire a young reader; it's a wonderful tale of courage against the odds; it's warm, sad, and delightfully funny, and 30 years after I read it in fourth grade, I still get a lump in my throat thinking about it. A special, special book. (With wonderful original illustrations!)

A Great Book about Friendship
I must confess that having just read "Animal Farm" shortly before reading this book, I was a little hesitant about excepting this as a pure children's story without any hidden political agenda. I kept expecting the talking animals to rise up behind the pig and take over the farm. Rest assured however there was none of that, as E.B. White does a good job of keeping the story at a purely kids level.

Wilber is the runt in a litter of pigs, and Mr. Arable the farmer is going to take him out back and have him slaughtered since as he says, "He is small and weak and will never amount to anything." His young daughter Fern who is eight, hears this and requests that her father give the pig to her to raise instead. The father wishing to prove a point to her, allows this so long as she promises to do all the work to take care of it. To Mr. Arable's surprise Fern does an excellent job of raising Wilber and he turns out to be "Some Pig", proving that even though he was very small he still could amount to something.

As Wilber grows bigger the Arable's can no longer support feeding him, so Mr. Arable has Fern sell Wilber to her uncle Mr. Zuckerman who has a farm down the road. There she goes and visits Wilber every day. Being young I guess gives you the ability to sit and listen to the animals more intently than adults, and by doing so Fern is able to hear that the animals can actually talk and she understands them. (Being the father of two girls who are 7 and 5, I'd have to disagree somewhat with this logic as my girls never sit still, and certainly have a hard time listening at times, but for the sake of the story we'll just give them the benefit of the doubt.)

Anywise Wilber meets all the other animals in the barn who are very nice, but none of them are really his close friend. He becomes lonely and wishes for a friend. A gray spider named Charlotte answers his prayers and after introducing herself, she becomes Wilber's best friend.

When the other animals tell Wilber that Mr. Zuckerman is just fatting him up to eat him for Christmas, this makes him greatly disturbed. Charlotte being a great friend promises to do all she can to make Wilber so important to Mr. Zuckerman that he would change his mind. She sets a plan in action to weave messages into her web proclaiming how great the pig is, and by doing so she hopes to trick the adults into believing it as well. With the help of Templeton the rat she obtains some newspaper clippings and begins her work.

Each new message in the web is looked upon as miracle, but rather than looking for any religious connection, the folks in the town just believe they have a very famous pig on their hands and accept it at face value.

The suspense builds as Zuckerman takes Wilber to the Fair. If he can just win an award there, Charlotte knows his life will be saved. Charlotte and Templeton have to stow away in Wilber's crate just to accompany him to the Fair, and then when they get there the pig in the stall next to Wilber is twice as big and looks to be a shoe in for first prize.

This book was obviously written at a much simpler time in history. At the Fair grounds the adults send the kids off on their own. Besides Fern who is 8, she has a little brother Avery who is only 5. After giving them all kinds of warnings such as not to eat too much, and to stay out of the sun, to not get dirty, and to be careful on the rides, the mother stops and says to the husband, "Do you think they'll be all right?" and he responds, "Well they have to grow up sometime." (None of the warnings were about staying away from strangers.) Of course when the kids returned they hadn't stayed out of the sun and were hot, and completely dirty, but they had fun.

Fern meets a boy at the Fair, and starts to grow up a bit as playing with him starts to seem like more fun than talking to bunch of animals.

It is a great book about overcoming obstacles even though you are very small, growing up, and most of all friendship. My girls loved the book as well, and especially seemed to like the illustrations by Garth Williams.

Quality literature for children
A spider saves the life of a friendly pig by spinning accolades about him in her web, thereby producing a miracle that impresses people for miles around. This is a beautifully written little story for children that has real literary quality. The prose is excellent. Note in particular the simple but lovely descriptions of the passing seasons that Mr. White writes. The themes include friendship, coping with the loss of loved ones, and the realization that life goes on, changed but still worth living.

Best book ever
I think this is a really good book.It was about a pig and a spider who were vary good friends. My favorite part of the story was when they went to the Fair. The book was great. ... Read more

Book Description

A vacant lot, rat-infested and filled with garbage, looked like no place for a garden. Especially to a neighborhood of strangers where no one seems to care. Until one day, a young girl clears a small space and digs into the hard-packed soil to plant her precious bean seeds. Suddenly, the soil holds promise: To Curtis, who believes he can win back Lateesha's heart with a harvest of tomatoes; to Virgil's dad, who seems a fortune to be made from growing lettuce; and even to Mariclea, sixteen and pregnant, wishing she were dead.

Thirteen very different voices--old, young, Haitian, Hispanic, tough, haunted, and hopeful tell one amazing story about a garden that transforms a neighborhood.

00-01 Utah Book Award (Gr. 7-12)

Reviews (54)

seedfolks
Seedfolks by Pual Fleischman is a story of racial divide changed to community through the actions of a little girl. It all starts when she plants beans in honor of her dead father. People take notice, and one by one, people in the neighborhood begin to plant various crops from their native lands. Eventually they build a strong, protective, and friendly community that grows along side the garden.
The story is told through the eyes of 13 different characters each explaining their diverse background, what they've seen in the garden, and why they're now involved. The style makes the book a quick read, and because the characters are not directly revisited, it's not confusing.
Overall, this book's inspirational sense of true community is not only achieved in the fictional garden, but ideally in day-to-day life. Seadfolks leaves you with an uplifting, warm and fuzzy all over feeling, and a strong desire to make change.

Seedfolks Review
Seedfolks is takes place in a diverse community in Cleveland, Ohio. It is basically a story about a young Vietnamese girl that plants lima beans in a vacant lot filled with garbage to please her dead father. An older lady sees the girl through her window. Expecting that the girl is up to no good, she sends one of her friends out to investigate. The friend comes back and reports that the girl had only planted beans and that they wouldn't grow if he didn't help her take care of them. Other members of the community see that someone has removed all of the garbage from the lot and notice that someone was growing plants. Slowly, everyone begins to plant things in their own section of the garden. People begin to talk and get to know each other and help to transform the neighborhood.
One of the strengths of the story is the way each of the characters tells their own personal story but it all ties back to the garden. Even though there are many different characters, you never get thrown off track. This book is short and to the point with a good message. One of the weaknesses of the story is the way it ended. You find out that once winter comes, the garden looks run down and no one is really taking care of it; their owners have dug up most of the plants. You're kind of left wondering whether the garden is ever rejuvenated after spring returns.
I really enjoyed this book. I like the way this story is put together and the way each of the characters is of a different ethnicity. The fact that this book can be read in one day is also a plus. Seedfolks shows how one simple act can bring a community together. I would recommend this story to anyone who is looking for something positive to read.

Seeds of hope
I loved Seedfolks, with its way of bringing you to see other people's side of the story. It was amazing, the way Paul Fleischman used rich descriptions and amazing details to bring you into the hearts and thoughts of an entire neighborhood. I read this book when I was in fifth grade, and since, I have always remembered the characters and plots from this remarkable story. Every now and then, I find myself in a situation like one in this book, and I always find myself asking, "What would Virgil do here?" or "If I were Curtis, what would I do now?" This is one of the best books I have ever read. And I read quite a lot, so that's saying something!

Not for MY 10-year-old!
After reading the entire book, I've concluded that one chapter doesn't belong--at least not for elementary school students: The Maricella chapter. In it, a 16-old-girl is considering abortion after realizing the baby she loathes is making her look fat. She hasn't been invited to any parties since she started to show. She wishes her baby would die. She talks about leaving its body in a dumpster.
This has NOTHING to do with culteral diversity. Okay, so she is a member of two minority groups. And sure, in the end she decides that she--like the garden they've planted--is part of a never-ending cycle of life and that maybe she'll keep her baby after all.
Why does a 10-year-old need to know about such a negative societal situation such as this? Please, parents, know what your child is reading. Middle school students would probably be fine with this. Anyone younger than 7th grade, no way.

Intertwined lives
I enjoyed this story of a community that comes together because of the act of one little girl. The book celebrates the ability of a group to work with our strentghs to fill in the weaknesses of others. Also, it illustrates how people approach situations differently and bring new ideas and new approaches to others. I teach sixth grade and plan to use the book with my classes this school year in an effor to help celebrate diversity. ... Read more

Book Description

Within the sanctuary of a loving family, baby Eli is born and, as he grows, "learns to cherish the people and places around him, eventualy passing on what he has discovered to his new baby sister, Sylvie: 'All the places to love are here . . . no matter where you may live.' This loving book will be something to treasure."'BL. "The quiet narrative is so intensely felt it commands attention. . . . a lyrical celebration."'K.

1995 Teachers' Choices (IRA)
1995 Notable Trade Books in the Language Arts (NCTE)
Notable 1995 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC) ... Read more

Reviews (15)

LOVE this book!
My 5 year-old daughter has hundreds of books, but only a select few sit on the "special shelf" in her room, and this is one of them. I bought it for her a couple of years ago, and it has been my favorite ever since. Everything about this book is beautiful.... the illustrations, the story, and the message. I simply cannot read through this book without crying...........the second to the last page does me in every time!! This book is a lovely reminder to enjoy and appreciate the simple things that surround all of us. If you are looking for a special book that your children will love and you will treasure, this is the one.........BUY THIS BOOK! If I had to pick only one of my daughter's books to save forever, this would be it.

We bought this story for EACH of our childrens' families!
Adults and children both will identify with this story. It is especially powerful for any 5 - 9 yr. old boy who is adjusting to the idea of having a new baby sister.

His big-brother role is defined in a delightful way which enhances his esteem and belongingness to the basic family. He becomes "protector" and "teacher" for his new sibling just as he has been protected and taught since his own birth.

The beautiful paintings, which must be "read" along with the words, are masterpieces.

This book reminds me of home!
It's funny how you read a book sometimes and you think the author must have lived your same life. I used to pick blueberries on what we always called "Blueberry Hill" I built bark boats with my Gram. The barn actually looks like my Grandfather's barn and our milk cow April was exactly like the one in the picture. I planted potatoes with my dad every spring and remember shaking the dirt from my pockets. This book is beautiful, especially if you grew up in a rural setting. I've given as a gift to every friend in honor of their first baby. It was the first book I bought when I found out I was pregnant. READ this book and share it with others!!!

Pretty pictures, pretty words, pretty unrealistic
I love many of Patricia MacLachlan's books. However, this picture book has what I consider a flaw. The protagonist is a young child and the words he uses sound like a sentimental grandmother. I love it when children try to be sentimental. But when they do it sounds child like and that's what's so touching.

The words of this book are beautiful. The child describes being born and his grandmother holding him next to the window so that the first thing he would hear is the wind. He describes his grandfather crying and carving his name in the loft. He describes growing up and all the places to love and various scenes of quiet beauty in a country setting. Here's a quote: "My grandfather's barn is sweet-smelling and dark and cool: Learther harnesses hang like paintings against old wood." Lovely, no? But it all comes off sounding "coached" because the reality is that no child would say these things. An adult looking back on childhood would say these things, and that's really what Ms. MacLachlan is doing in the interpertation of this character. Obviously that works for a lot of folks. The book has gotten great reviews. It doesn't work for me. What does work for me are the absolutely stunningly beautiful pictures throughout the book. Glorious color, absolute realism...this is museam quality art in my opinion.

Patricia MacLachlan is a wonderful writer for older readers. This picture book didn't hit the mark in my opinion. A few better choices of sentimental "country theme" picture books are "The Relatives Came" or "When I was Young in the Mountains" both by Cynthia Rylant.

A family favorite!
Oh, how I love this book! My husband and I never tire of reading it, and my son finds something new in the beautiful pictures everytime we do. A heartwarming story about the special places that make a child's small world uniquely theirs, and the joy at sharing those places with family. This would be a great book for a child expecting a new sibling, empowering him or her with the ability to show the new little one what makes this world so wonderful. While this story is set on a farm, it should be easy to help a child in any setting find the places and things that make their surroundings delightful. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The literacy rate in Farmer Brown's barn goes up considerably once his cows find an old typewriter and begin typing. To the harassed farmer's dismay, his communicative cows quickly become contentious:

Dear Farmer Brown,
The barn is very cold at night. We'd like some electric blankets.
Sincerely,
The Cows

When he refuses to comply with their demands, the cows take action. Farmer Brown finds another note on the barn door: "Sorry. We're closed. No milk today." Soon the striking cows and Farmer Brown are forced to reach a mutually agreeable compromise, with the help of an impartial party--the duck. But this poor, beleaguered farmer's "atypical" troubles are not over yet!

This hilarious tale will give young rebels-in-the-making a taste of the power of peaceful protest and the satisfaction of cooperative give and take. Witty watercolors by award-winning illustrator Betsy Lewin (Snake Alley Band, Araminta's Paint Box) will make this a favorite for one and all, even if words such as"ultimatum" and "neutral" throw the younger set. (Ages 5 to 8) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (114)

Hilarious for kids and adults
While this book is ostensibly for kids, the humor is subtle and the adult reading it aloud will be entertained, too. Clever plot and amusing demand letters written by the disgruntled farm animals keeps everyone's attention. The illustrations are colorful and lively. Everyone in the family -- lawyer mom and dad, and kids ages 6, 4, and 1 -- finds something to enjoy about this silly, yet sophisticated book. A fun read for all!

You'll laugh out loud...
I'm 31-years-old and and am proud to say this is currently my most favorite book. It's absolutely hilarious and a delight to read! I laugh out loud every time I read it. The illustrations are quite striking, too. If you haven't taken the time to examine the illustrations closely, you may want to do so. You'll find some little surprises. My sister, a speech language pathologist (and former preschool teacher like myself), reads this book to her students. As I understand it, it's reportedly good for both articulation exercises as well as language development. Best of all, the kids simply love the story. My sister loved the book so much she insisted I read it. I did so, loved it, and consequently held it for "ransom." The majority of my psych colleagues and I even had a midday storytime to share this book with one another. ;) As a former preschool teacher, I can guarantee this book will be a sure-fire attention-getter with kids. As it stands, I consider my library incomplete until I get a copy of this book for my own. I can't wait until Ms. Cronin and Ms. Lewin bless us with another one of their wonderful stories. This book ranks right up there with the Dumb Bunnies in terms of wit and surprise illustrations. Happy reading and laughing!

Chickens, cows, ducks, and tricks
(...)...

It's a funny book. I think it's funny because the cows and the
chickens trick Farmer Brown into giving them electric blankets
with help from the ducks by trading the typewriter for the
electric blankets. And then the ducks write notes with the
typewriter instead of giving it to Farmer Brown.

My 18 month old daughter simply ADORES this book!!!
We got this book out of a Cheerios' box during a literacy promotion sponsored by General Mills, and it has become my daughter's favorite. She is just learning to talk, and the simple language in Click Clack Moo is wonderful. Her grandparents and I read to her every day, any book she wants (she really does choose on her own) and ever since we got this book it has been the only one she wants you to read.

3-4 times every day she walks into the room with her blanket in one hand and this book in the other, saying "CLACK CLACK" then climbs into any empty lap to have the book read to her. Once one person is finished reading it, she climbs into the next lap to have it read once again.

This book has been read so many times it is falling apart (it is a simple paper-back with only 2 staples holding it together) and it is time to buy a new one, but since we love it so much I have decided to purchase Giggle Giggle Quack and Duck for President for her also.

Chicks and ducks and geese better scurry
Understatement is not lost on children. Neither is subtlety (though you probably wouldn't know it when a 2-year old has decided to tell you "the funniest knock knock joke ever"). The creation of an effective picture book for small children has a variety of different tacks it can take, subtle being the most difficult. But "Click, Clack, Moo", is beyond sublime, and it gets away with it too. In it, author Doreen Cronin and illustrator Betsy Lewin have penned a delightful story about some dexterous cows with simple demands. In this tale, Farmer Brown's cows have gotten ahold of a typewriter. Now equipped with the means with which they can express themselves, the cows demand electric blankets forthwith. Farmer Brown demurs (by throwing a small fit) so the cows join up with the chickens in demanding blankets for the chickens as well. In the end, a solution is reached and all parties are satisfied with the outcome.

There is a single moment in this book that was, to me, the height of sophistication. After hearing the cows demands, Farmer Brown types up a letter of refusal. We next see a two-page spread of the long road to the barn. A white duck, oversized letter in beak and a left foot poised in the air, walks alone. The text reads, "Duck was a neutral party, so he brought the ultimatum to the cows". I love using the term neutral party in a picture book. I love that extravagant and elaborate word "ultimatum" bandied about a barnyard tale. Every children's book should be so lucky as to have a moment such as this.

Honestly, though I enjoyed the pictures I was not overwhelmed by them. Betsy Levin's style is a simple watercolor utilizing thick black lines and wide open-eyed expressions. That's all well and good, but in some ways I wanted to see something a little more interesting. But that's just me. This book is a fun romp into "what if" territory. Read aloud well, it could capture many a youngsters attention again and again and again. ... Read more

Book Description

"If your teacher has to die, August isn't a bad time of year forit," begins Richard Peck's latest novel, a book full of his signature wit andsass. Russell Culver is fifteen in 1904, and he's raring to leave his tinyIndiana farm town for the endless sky of the Dakotas. To him, school has beennothing but a chain holding him back from his dreams. Maybe now that his teacherhas passed on, they'll shut the school down entirely and leave him free toroam.

No such luck. Russell has a particularly eventful season of schooling ahead ofhim, led by a teacher he never could have predicted--perhaps the only teacherequipped to control the likes of him: his sister Tansy. Despite stolen supplies,a privy fire, and more than any classroom's share of snakes, Tansy will manageto keep that school alive and maybe, just maybe, set her brother on a new, wisercourse.

As he did in A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder, Richard Peckcreates a whole world of folksy, one-of-a-kind characters here--the enviable andthe laughable, the adorably meek and the deliciously terrifying. There will beno forgetting Russell, Tansy, and all the rest who populate this hilarious,shrewd, and thoroughly enchanting novel. ... Read more

Amazon.co.uk

Possibly one of the most talked about books of the year, Meg Rosoff's novel for young adults is the winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2004. Heralded by some as the next best adult crossover novel since Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, who himself has given the book a thunderously good quote, this author's debut is undoubtedly stylish, readable and fascinating.

Rosoff's story begins in modern day London, slightly in the future, and as its heroine has a 15-year-old Manhattanite called Daisy. She's picked up at the airport by Edmond, her English cousin, a boy in whose life she is destined to become intricately entwined. Daisy stays at her Aunt Penn's country farmhouse for the summer with Edmond and her other cousins. They spend some idyllic weeks together--often alone with Aunt Penn away travelling in Norway. Daisy's cousins seem to have an almost telepathic bond, and Daisy is mesmerized by Edmond and soon falls in love with him.

But their world changes forever when an unnamed aggressor invades England and begins a years-long occupation. Daisy and Edmond are separated when soldiers take over their home, and Daisy and Piper, her younger cousin, must travel to another place to work. Their experiences of occupation are never kind and Daisy's pain, living without Edmond, is tangible.

Rosoff's writing style is both brilliant and frustrating. Her descriptions are wonderful, as is her ability to portray the emotions of her characters. However, her long sentences and total lack of punctuation for dialogue can be exhausting. Her narrative is deeply engaging and yet a bit unbelievable. The end of the book is dramatic, but too sudden. The book has a raw, unfinished feel about it, yet that somehow adds to the experience of reading it. (Age 14 and over) --John McLay ... Read more

Amazon.com

"The wheels on the bus go round and round.... All over town." Thistraditional song, a favorite of children everywhere, is adapted and illustratedby Paul O. Zelinsky, winner of the Caldecott Medal for his lush version of Rapunzel, and Caldecott honorsfor Rumpelstiltskin,Hansel and Gretel, andSwamp Angel. Fantasticpaper engineering with movable parts, flaps, and wheels that spin makes this aninteractive book that young readers will love to pieces (maybe literally!). Pullone tab to make the "wipers on the bus go swish swish swish," and another to seethe "babies on the bus cry Waah! Waah! Waah!" On closer inspection, childrenwill be tickled to discover several subtle and humorous subplots, as well as afull-circle finale: the last stop on the bus is at the Overtown public library,where the day's program includes a folk singer. Guess what he's singing!

Zelinsky's warm, inviting illustrations are a perfect match for this classicplay rhyme. Children who have learned the hand motions to the song will enjoyhelping the characters in the book enact their own roles. The back coverincludes the musical notation for "The Wheels on the Bus," so everyone can singalong. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (42)

a great pop-up and lift-the-flap version of a classic song
Our two-year-old loves this book. It is colorful, interactive and fun fun fun. It is one of those gems among children's books that is actually bearable the 500th time you read (or sing) it. The artistry is exceptional -- clever manipulatives and delightful illustrations help bring this classic song to life. You will open the doors, swish the windshield wipers, ssshh the babies, and yes, you will make the wheels go round. Manipulatives are generally lift-the-flap or tab.

The material is not very thick, so we also save this book for use with an adult. We have had to tape the wheels back on though, and have lost functionality on one or two pop-ups. Nevertheless, this is a delightful book that will bring smiles to your child -- and not drive *you* crazy!

Two thumbs up for this little cute masterpiece
I learned that this book is number 174 on the list of most popular children's books ever sold. This threw me a little since, prior to discovering it, I had never even heard of "The Wheels on the Bus". The book is not particularly overwhelming in any literary sense. Anyone who has long since forgotten the words to the song will immediately remember them when confronted with scenes of children crying and their mothers hushing them. Zelinsky has added his own little touches to each scene, showing various background storylines continuing from page to page. In one sequence a little dog escapes its owner and chases the bus in a mad attempt to reach the kittens on board. In another scene, the aforementioned kittens are flung hither and yon on the bus, one of them making a near escape. Kids will love pulling the tabs and seeing everything from the window wipers "whooshing" to the mothers rolling their eyes as their babies cry. I can't imagine the book would work after long hours of tab pulling, however. Even for an adult, some of the pop up sections require a steady gentle hand (a thing some youngsters lack). Still, this is a great book for large group or individual child presentations. The sections are inventive and the song, no matter how people complain about it, is catchy. On the whole, an inventive and enjoyable creation.

Fantastic!
I first bought this book when my older son, who is now 12, was a toddler. Although it has many moving parts (all great fun), it lasted through his brother's use as well. I have since bought it for several nieces and nephews as a gift for each one's 2nd birthday. All of them have loved it, and read it for many years. The story is true to the song, but the illustrations have small side stories running through them, allowing older children to enjoy as well. Definitely a great purchase!

My daughter loves it - 16 months old
I bought an older version of this book at a thrift shop - (...) My daughter loves it, and when I left her a few minutes ago she was moving the baby's arms singing "wah, wah, wah" (the baby on the bus goes wah wah wah...)

She tore out the mother on the bus, so I am keeping the book up high except to read.

(...). It's a great gift book. The pages are sturdy, too.

Absolutely delightful
Without a doubt, my 2 yr. old's favorite book. Over and Over and Over again. The illustrations are wonderful. Another one of our favorites is AWAY WE GO! Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino.
Just pops with fun and brightness. Transportation, cars, etc. is
quite big at this age! ... Read more

Book Description

Mary Alice's childhood summers in Grandma Dowdel's sleepy Illinois town were packed with enough drama to fill the double bill of any picture show.But now she is fifteen, and faces a whole long year with Grandma, a woman well known for shaking up her neighbors-and everyone else!All Mary Alice can know for certain is this: when trying to predict how life with Grandma might turn out . . . better not.This wry, delightful sequel to the Newbery Honor Book A Long Way from Chicago has already taken its place among the classics of children's literature. ... Read more

Reviews (96)

A Year Down Yonder
A city girl named Mary Alice, moves in with her rigged, cunning Grandmother in the horribly small country town of Wabash, Illinois. Because of the Depression , Mary Alice is sent to live there while her family goes through their own rough time in Chicago. She is forced to adapt to the totally new life style of her grandmother which some would not wish on their worst enemies. Her grandmother has a very rugged way of going about things, that creates quite a stir in this little community. Before long, Mary Alice gets accustomed to her grandmothers tricks and schemes against the towns people and realizes country life isn't that bad after all.

I couldn't put this book down the first time I read it because the author writes about their adventures so vividly and exciting. Each trick they play on the town keeps the reader in suspense for the next clever and humorous adventures to come. This book is a laugh-out-loud kind of book so be prepared.

This book would be a great book for children to understand the struggles in forming a good relationship between Grandchildren and Grandparents.

A Year Down Yonder - - A wonderful book WE LOVED IT!!!
A historical fiction book designed for children around the
fifth grade, it is a wonderful story of how a "rich
Chicago girl," Mary Alice, is forced to go live with her
grandmother in rural Illinois after her father looses his
job during the Great Depression. Thinking such destiny
could be nothing short of sheer misery, Mary Alice dreads
her trip to live with crazy Grandma Dowdel. Throughout the
book, however, she goes through various adventures-a
tornado, Halloween pranks, Christmas surprises, club
fundraisers, and even a lesson in love-to discover that
her Grandmother and the sleepy rural town is full of love
and compassion that was often lost in the big city lights of
Chicago. Mary Alice learns that even when she leaves the
small rural town, she'll forever carry the heart of her
often intimidating, but sweet and genuine, grandmother with
her. A very lovely story with an incrediblyhappy ending!
This book helps children appreciate that times during the
Great Depression were not easy on anyone and that, many
times, people had to make due with what they had. It
focuses on what brings real satisfaction and happiness into
people's lives. This fine piece of children's
literature could be used with parents and teachers to
promote the study of social interactions, history, literary
characteristics, and changes in technology and
communication. Teachers especially would find the book's
detailed style of writing easy to incorporate activities

across the curriculum, including history, geography, math,
science, and the arts.

A Year Down Yonder
I liked the second book in this series even more than the first becuase it was funnier, catchier and the ending was very happy and nice! In both of the books, it is written from Grandma Dowdel's point of view. She is the funniest, wackiest, coolest Granny in the world...if she really exsisted. I hope that one day not too long from now, a third book will come out and if not, the definetely a movie. Out of all the books I have ever read, these two just about top them all. If I were to suggest any book ever, it would ahve to be one of these. Sometime in the near future, if I have the time, I would love to read these two great books again!!!

A Year Down Yonder
A Year Down Yonder takes place in 1937 and Mary Alice's life is turned upside down due to the recession. Her dad loses his job in Chicago and she has to go stay with her feisty grandmother in a small hick-town. Grandma Dowdel is an isolated woman, but one thing Mary Alice does know about her grandmother is she never knows what kind of scheme she will plan next. As this grandmother and granddaughter spend time together, they experience some interesting episodes and develop a loving relationship. Mary Alice also discovers that behind these outlandish schemes Grandma Dowdel has a good motive to help other people of the community.

Richard Peck turns Mary Alice's difficult situation into an amusing story with laugh-out-loud humor. Mary Alice and Grandma Dowdel's sense of humor is expressed through their witty perception of the other characters. The reader is left in suspense wondering what kind of chaos this grandmother and granddaughter will create next. I highly recommend this Newbery Medal winning book to examine a different kind of relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.

One Touching Novel: A Year Down Yonder
A Year Down Yonder, by Richard Peck, gives its readers entertainment as well as little hope of developing good relationships with their grandparents. This Newbery Medal Award winning book was set in a small town called Wabash in the late 1930s. Peck created an atmosphere where all of his characters lived through the Depression. The reader gets some view of how the living conditions were in those days. The novel started when Mary Alice was being sent to live with her grandma. Grandma was one of those people that was disliked by many of the town's residents. Mary Alice really didn't want to stay at Grandma's house, and she wasn't ready to leave her parents and friends behind.

I would definately suggest this book to anyone that may have some sort of disliking towards their grandparents. It shows its readers that many people do not take the time to actually get to know their grandparents. Grandparents are very important in one's life and no one should ever take them for granted. A Year Down Yonder depicts the true characteristics of grandparents: caring, protecting, and trusting. This book also keeps the reader interested. It tells of the many adventures that Mary Alice and Grandma went on and it also developes a lot of conflict throughout. Everyone enjoys a little conflict. Peck did an excellent job in developing his characters. The readers are able to create a picture in their minds of how each character may look. Even though this novel is considered a children's book, I would recommend it to readers of all ages. It will touch everyone's heart in a special way. ... Read more

Book Description

Each summer over the nine years of the Depression, Joey and his sister, Mary Alice-two city slickers from Chicago-make their annual summer visit to Grandma Dowdel's seemingly sleepy Illinois town. Soon enough, they find that it's far from sleepy... and Grandma is far from your typical grandmother. From seeing their first corpse (and he isn't resting easy) to helping Grandma trespass, pinch property, catch the sheriff in his underwear, and feed the hungry-all in one day-Joey and Mary Alice have nine summers they'll never forget. Richard Peck's laugh-out-loud funny, episodic novel makes sure that you never will, either!



The 1999 Newbery Honor Book-"A small masterpiece of storytelling." -The Horn Book

Reviews for A Long Way from Chicago:

"Peck deftly captures the feel of the times...Remarkable and fine." -Kirkus Reviews, pointer review

"Warmly nostalogic, beautifully written, and full of thought-provoking interpersonal relatinships." -Children's Literature

"A rollicking celebration...Perfect for reading aloud and a great choice for family sharing." -School Library Journal, starred review

Awards for A Long Way from Chicago:

( The 1999 Newbery Honor Book
( A 1998 National Book Award Finalist
( An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
( A Riverbank Review 1999 Book of Distinction ... Read more

Reviews (98)

A One Woman Crime Wave
It seems that GrandMa Dowdel lives in her own little world. She apparently disdains contact with her neighbors and thinks them all to be 'horse's patooties'. Once you get to know her better, you learn that her worst enemy may in fact be her best friend. The way she cons and browbeats the town banker into coughing back up the house recently foreclosed upon, free and clear, well it must be read to be enjoyed fully. Each chapter, a week the kids are 'dumped on Gandma so Mom & Dad can go fishing', reveals another action packed adventure in the constantly turning mischief mill that is Grandma Dowdel's mind. I was given this book by my ten year old son after he finished it in record time, and I knocked it off in just one day. I cried at the end, as the boy, now a man heading off to war is on the troop train. He telegrammed his Depression-era Grandmother he would merely pass through without stopping, and after many delays, is treated to a heart warming experience I'll let author Richard Peck handle in his inimitable style.

"Everybody's private business is public property."
What a fun read! Peck presents 8 short tales which span several summers in rural Illinois during the Depression, when two kids make annual visits to their eccentric Grandmother. Narrated by the boy (two years old than his sister), these outrageous yarns create a wonderful atmosphere of wacky individualism and family bonding.

It would be hard to find a literary granny as feisty, resourceful and fearless of authority as Grandma. Things are never dull when she stirs her stumps to create a mild uproar in that pompous little town. Her nefarious schemes range from a one-woman crime wave to appointing herself Champion of the helpless and downtrodden. Don't get on the wrong side of Mrs. Dowdel--if you value your reputation or your hide! Grandma remains undaunted and unflappable through bizarre but comical events. Peck's tongue-in cheek humor will bring many a chuckle as you are drawn into her slightly-shady activities. This book will delight kids of all ages--a winner, perfect for summer reading!

Richard Peck is a genius!
I am a big fan of Mr. Peck's writing. He has a way with words that makes him seem like he is fourteen right now, which in reality, he isn't. Now that's talent.

The story is about Joey and Mary Alice Dowdel, two kids from Chicago who never have left the city until one summer in 1929. They go for one week to their Grandmother Dowdel's in Cerro Gordo, Illinois. (Which, funnily enough, is just outside Mr. Peck's hometown of Decatur). Strange things happen there, including a mouse in a milk bottle, and living corpses. The story follows them for six years, and then goes to an epilouge of what happens to Joey.

This was my first book I read that was from Richard Peck, and I am glad I read it. He has a gift for writing. I recomend the sequel to the book, A Year Down Yonder.

Independent Reading Review
Dear Amazon,

The book, A Long Way from Chicago, by Richard Peck, is a fantastic novel for people that just want to have fun reading.The three main characters, Grandma Dowdel, Mary-Alice, and Joey each have their own virtues that stick out in my mind. Grandma's stretching of the truth makes her two grandchildren doubt how safe they really are with her. When a local gets killed many townspeople tell of old time stories of how "Shotgun Cheatham" god his name. Grandma Dowdel wants to settle the mystery of this man and let him rest in peace so she dicides to hold a wake at her house. During this time some wild things occur which could drive any reader to keep turning this books pages. The target audience for this book is more for young teens and kids to read, becuase the way the characters act in certain positions they are put in. I would recommend this novel, I definitely enjoyed it!

A Long Way From Chicago
When I first saw the cover of A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck, I thought that this was going to be an easy book to read. Somebody recommended this book to me and this book was not only easy to read, it was terrific. It takes place during the 1930s. Every summer two grandchildren, Joey and Mary-Alice visit their grandma. Joey thinks he is getting more and more mature, at least that's what he thinks, because in one summer when he turned 13, he said to his grandma, "Please call me Joe, grandma. I am not a kid anymore." Mary-Alice is more of a quiet girl and likes to read books and likes to jump rope. Grandma is a very unique type of grandma. She rides in biplanes, wrestles snakes, shoots guns, tells whites lies, sometimes, and so much more. It seems like grandma is very active and she can't seem to slow down. Richard Peck did a great job on this book and it is great literature to read. This is just a funny book and you will get a few laughs out of this book while you are reading it. It gets sad at the end, but overall I give this book 4 out of 5 stars becuase it is the type of reading that I like to read. ... Read more

Book Description

An introduction to early learning concepts using over 40 lift-up flaps and die-cuts on the famous Fisher-Price Farm. These quality books are printed in full color on both sides of every flap.

This special PlayBook transforms the Little People Farm into a wonderful place to explore early learning concepts. Youngsters can learn about counting, colors, shapes, opposites, and animal sounds by opening dozens of surprise-filled flaps.

Format: Flap Books

Dimensions (inches): 11 1/2 x 9 1/2 ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Believe it or not, this is a fabulous book!
I was hesitant to get this book as I was not crazy about the illustrations, but my 13 month-old daughter has the Little People Farm and is obsessed with everything lift-the-flap (almost a requirement for her current attention span) so I thought she might enjoy relating her toy animals to the pictures. Little did I know it would be SUCH a hit. She doesn't even play with her farm now, she plays with this book! There are so many opportunities to learn through association with counting, colors, shapes, opposites, and animals. The flaps are sturdy as well: she has only managed to slighty tear one, where as many other lift-the-flap books are referred to as "rip-the-flap" books in our house. She brings it to me to read to her nearly every day, then turns around and backs into my lap for the much anticipated flap-lifting, pointing, and page turning. I think there are over 30 flaps in this book, so it is a very good deal for that reason alone! I highly recommend it!

A MUST HAVE BOOK
This book is one of the greatest out there for young children. My son loves the Little People toys from Fisher Price and I thought this would be a nice addition. I had no idea how much he would LOVE reading this book. We read it EVERYDAY!!! There are so many concepts to learn from animal identification to shapes and colors. Each time we look at it I find something new to teach him. It is a wonderful and fun way to introduce basic concepts to toddlers. My son wants to go through it over and over again and when he gets to the last page which is a night time scene, he says "Good Night" to all the animals. It is so important to read to young children and this book makes it not only educational but fun. I would recommend this book and the other two in the series to anyone who wants their toddler to begin to love books. All three are excellent and must haves.

Great fun for 1 and 3 year olds
This is the greatest book ever... Both my three year old and one year old love for me to read this book with them. They are so delighted to see what is under the flap. They both seek out this book so they can sit and look at it quietly by themselves. The three year old loves to talk about what is going on in each scene and guessing what is under the flaps. The colorful illustrations can't help but keep little ones interested as well.

Keeps us entertained for hours!
My 15 month old daughter has loved this book since she received it for her 1st birthday. We've taken it on two cross-country flights and the people around us are amazed how content she is.

She is so proud of herself to find the items by lifting the flaps, she's able to remember where things are and we can talk about lots of things on the pages, not just the flaps.

I love this book. My baby loves this book. And her older cousins age 3 and 6 have enjoyed "reading" it with her too!

Wonderful
What a great book! The pages are loaded with wonderful color, charming illustrations. There are lots of flaps to explore, and they are of sturdy contruction--not at all flimsy. There are so many ways to learn from this book--make the animal sound with your child when they discover an animal under a flap, learn colors, shapes, opposites. We like to use this book both as a discovery tool and as a memory game ("where's the rooster" while the little ones try to remember where they saw it). We have owned this book for just over a year, and my 1 year old and 2 year old have never lost interest in this book. A must-have for your little one's library! ... Read more

Book Description

Anna has done something terrible. She has given me her journal to fill.
In Anna's journal the words walk across the page like bird prints in the mud. But it is hard for me. It is hard for me to find things to write about.

"It's your job now," Anna says as she hands Caleb her journals, asking him to continue writing the family story. But Sarah, Jacob, Anna, Caleb, and their new little sister, Cassie, have already formed a family, and Caleb fears there will be nothing left to write about. But that is before Cassie discovers a mysterious old man in the barn and everything changes. Everyone is excited about the arrival of a new family member -- except for Jacob, who holds a bitter grudge. Only the special love of Caleb, and the gift he offers, can help to mend the pain of the past.

Caleb's Story continues the saga begun by the Newbery Medal-winning Sarah, Plain And Tall and its sequel, Skylark, spinning a tale of love, forgiveness, and the ties that bind a family together.

Reviews (5)

Touching Story
Caleb's Story, the third of a series by Patricia MacLachlan, shows how a family can be brought closer together. Caleb, a teen coming of age, meets his grandpa who is sick. Taking place on the prairie this story show a struggle between generations. Read more to understand the struggles between the generations, and possibly solve some of your own.
Two good reasons you must read Caleb's Story are you could find more about grandpa, and find out more about Caleb and Cassie. You could see if their grandpa could make it or not. You could see if they started to get a long. Calob's Story is a MUST READ because you will learn about relationship. This book Calob's Story has a happy ending. You will love Calob's Story.
Patricia Maclachlan is a great writer. You will love her books. Patricia was a English teacher. She has a daughter who is helping her writer a book. She lives on the top of a mountain in Massachusetts. Calob's Story is the best book out of the series.

Sarah, Plain and Tall and Skylark Sequel is Heartwarming
Caleb's Story picks up where Skylark and Sarah, Plain and Tall leave off. For the countless readers who fell in love with Sarah as she learned to be a mother to Anna and Caleb, and a helpmeet for Jacob, this book is a wonderful addition. For the reader who lacks "Sarah background," Sarah comes from Maine to a prairie farm after responding to an ad placed by Jacob, who is looking for a woman to replace his recently deceased wife. While he is not necessarily looking for romance, Sarah and Jacob ultimately fall in love, and their next years as a family is chronicled in the sequel, Skylark.

In Caleb's Story, Anna leaves for town to help with victims of the influenza epidemic of 1918. A stranger is discovered in the barn, which turns out to be Jacob's estranged father, John. John wishes reconciliation with Jacob, who stubbornly continues to deny him the forgiveness he desires.

Journaling is a major theme in this book, making it a perfect companion to teaching the importance of recording events and feelings. Caleb picks up journaling for the family, a job which Anna had done until her departure. In trying to encourage Grandpa John to learn about the family he knew little of, Caleb offers the journals to him. Ultimately, in an extremely touching scene, Caleb presents Grandpa John his own journal, whereupon he learns that John never learned how to write.

What a touching story this is! A perfect read-aloud for the classroom (if the teacher can harden the heart enough not to cry!), students do not need to have a lot of background of the previous parts of the story. This reviewer found the characters believable; their reactions that John's arrival caused the family were extremely believable. MacLachlan's ability to convey emotions in an easy-to-understand way for intermediate readers makes this the perfect addition to any school or family library.

I'm not impressed
I'm not impressed with this book.

Sarah Plain and Tall is a near perfect novel in it's simplicity and depth but it is evident that MacLachlan spent neither the time nor the care to develop this story. I felt jipped with the cliches and predictable unfolding. This is definitely not her best writing.

Plus, the way the father Jacob is portrayed (an angry unforgiving man) takes away from his character in the first book .. shy, strong, deep and wise.

This book is a classic example of an author monopolizing on something good (Sarah Plain and Tall) knowing her fans will buy it. In the book "Caleb's Story" MacLachlan leaves herself plenty of loopholes so we know there will be more books.

I'm disappointed and kinda disgusted.

Caleb's Story by Patricia MacLachlan
As a third grade teacher, I am always on the lookout for good literature for student reading or teacher read alouds. My class and I read together the first two books in this trilogy and I used Caleb's Story as a read aloud which I shared with my principal. We loved this poignant story from its opening pages to its final pages. The old characters come to life once again while the surprising introduction of some new characters give great insight into family life. Everyone could relate to one or more of the characters, they are realistic. Lessons on cause and effect, character traits and goals, predicting, and problem solving were ongoing. Class discussions were wonderful as this tale presents much to talk about. The fact that this book is told in a different voice from the first two, is an interesting change. Caleb, who didn't want to take his sister's place as the family historian, eventually continues the saga in his own journal. My class is writing to the author requesting that she continue the stories using Jacob and the new characters to tie some pieces together. Many of my students are reading it again. It is a beautiful chapter book and appropriate to read when studying the early prairie years of our country.

Good third book in the series.
It's been years since Sarah came to the prairie to marry Anna and Caleb Whitting's father and to be a mother to the children. There's now a new member of the family, four-year-old Cassie. Anna has moved to town to finish school and take a job while her sweetheart fights in World War I in Europe and the influenza epidemic rages. One cold, snowy winter day, little Cassie discovers a strange man behind the barn, a man that turns out to be the father who abandoned Jacob Witting so long ago, when he himself was just a child. Although Sarah tries to help Jacob forgive his father, and Caleb and Cassie try to make their grandfather feel at home, it may take a tragedy to bring the family back together. Readers of the first two books will love this, the third book in the Witting family saga. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

"With plenty of Yankee common sense and dry wit, and some pathos as the boy

at 13 takes on the duties of a man. For boys of this age and for the young of

any age."--School Library Journal.




... Read more

Reviews (241)

This Book Is Informative But Short.
I thought that the book A Day No Pigs Would Die was a good book by the author Robert Newton. I don't read a lot and I thought that it was a good book for middle school students and up. It has content that I would have considered unusual or uncomfortable two or three years earlier. Robert Peck, the main character of the book goes through many changes over the course of this book (one year) and eventually becomes a man. This book contains little bits comedy, like in a part of the book when Rob goes to a fair with his neighbors and it shows his innocence, or with his vocabulary. Finally the story is has a large amount of thinking to it, you have to wonder what is going to happen in the next chapter. I chose four stars because this book informs me about the life of a shaker boy on a farm and how it is exciting and boring at the same time! If you like to read informative books than I recommend this book to you.

A Day No Pigs Would DIe
Maturity is to become fully developed or ripe.In the book A Day No Pigs Will Die Robert Newton Peck is faced with the dilemma of growing up to be a man at a young age.At age 13 his father died leaving him to be the man of the house and to run the farm.Robert learns from growing up that he has to do what has to be done.Robert Newtown Peck was not like any other child .He did not spend his days going to school fulltime and playing in the outdoors.He did exactly the oppisite.He was a fulltime provider.He provided help for his family to maintain their life without becoming financially unstable.He had to live by the Shaker way and was never allowed something that was not necessary. Robert Newtown Peck really did not experience a regular child's life style that you would experience today.For example, As I grew up I only had simple chores around the house.My chores were usually to wash the dishes,vaccum,and take out the garbage never had to milk a cow or work on a farm.Robert Newtown Peck had to experience being a man at an early age.He had to do the work that his father did daily.Maturance from a boy to a man is the most important topic in the book ,A Day No Pigs Would Die.This book has funny moments. Although it also has some gooey things but if you think you can manage check it out

Day no pigs would die
This is a kind of book that when you start it you can't put it down. A boy named Rob, decides to skip school. He sees a cow giving birth to a baby cow. He takes his shirt off and wraps it around the baby cow and pulled the cow out of its mom's stomach. He pretty much gave birth to the baby cow. The cow that gave birth to the baby cow had a goiter in it's esophagus so Rob thinks of another stupid idea and pulls it out of it's mouth. He got his arm stuck in the cow's mouth because the cow bit down and went rolling down with a very injured arm. For doing this, his neighbor (whos cows they are) rewarded him with a cute pid which Rob named Pinky. One day Mr. Tanner was going to the Runtland fair and wanted to know if Rob wanted to go to tshow Pinky. He did and of coure won first place which was a blue ribbon. A couple of weeks later, Papa couldn't find any food for their family so he had to kill Pinky and eat her. After that Papa, started to sleep in the barn. When Rob and his family wre going to eat dinner, Papa wasn't going to join them. He died in his sleep. Rob just didn't have aperfect life after he won the blue ribbon with Pinky.

Boring
Boring and uneventful plot. Not a memorable work at all.

A Day No Pigs Would Die
A Day No Pigs Would Die Random House, 1972, 150pgs., $5.50
Robert Newton Peck ISBN 0-679-85306-5

"I should have been in school that April day. But instead I was up on the ridge near the old spar mine above our farm, whipping the gray trunk of a rock maple with a dead stick, and hating Edward Thatcher. During recess he'd pointed at my clothes and made sport of them. Instead of tying into him, I'd turned tail and run off. And when Miss Malcolm rang the bell to call us back inside, I was halfway home."

Robert is a boy that, at age 13, lives in the country. He lives alone with his parents because his two brothers died when they were young, and his three sisters are all married and have moved away. He gains a best friend and becomes well known, heroic, manly, and brave. He doesn't know what the next few months will have in store for him, and that they will change his life forever.

This book is about a poor family that's rich with love. They go through fun, hardships, pain and loss together as a family. It has extremely good details and makes you feel like you're there during the whole story because the author uses country slang, details, and conversation. It's real to the author, though. This book is based on his childhood. It has many themes, such as religion, culture, education, and family.

I would recommend this book to people from Middle School and up, to anyone, boy or girl. It's not extremely challenging, but it's not too easy either. I would rate this book, from 1-5, a 4.5. It has everything that a good book needs, but it's not perfect. Read this book soon to find out what happens in Robert's life. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color."Mirandy is sure she'll win the cake walk if she can

catch Brother Wind for her partner, but he eludes all the tricks her friends

advise. This gets a high score for plot, pace, and characterization. Mirandy

sparkles with energy and determination. Multi-hued watercolors fill the pages

with patterned ferment. A treat to pass on to new generations."--(starred)

Bulletin, Center for Children's Books.Cassette running time: 20 min.




... Read more

Reviews (1)

Can the wind be a partner?
This children's book, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, is about a young and joyous African-American girl who hopes to win a prize at a cake walk by capturing the wind as her partner. The story takes place around 1900 and is a beautiful view of a happy people. The book was a 1989 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children. ... Read more

Book Description

What do you do when your life goes from righter than right to a million miles beyond wrong?

1. Try to scare away the new neighbors with signs and posters that warn things like "Typhoons Known to Occur Here -- Water Rats Abound."
2. Avoid eye contact and word contact, with Mama and Daddy in particular.
3. Stay away from the orchard and the brook and the old tree and anything else that reminds you of how good things used to be.
4. Put together the best plan you've ever created to get things back to just-about-perfect again.

Book Description

Jeremiah feels good inside his own skin. That is, when he's in his own Brooklyn neighborhood. But now he's going to be attending a fancy prep school in Manhattan, and black teenage boys don't exactly fit in there. So it's a surprise when he meets Ellie the first week of school. In one frozen moment their eyes lock and after that they know they fit together -- even though she's Jewish and he's black. Their worlds are so different, but to them that's not what matters. Too bad the rest of the world has to get in their way.Reviewers have called Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson's work "exceptional" (Publishers Weekly) and "wrenchingly honest" (School Library Journal), and have said "it offers a perspective on racism and elitism rarely found in fiction for this age group" (Publishers Weekly). In If You Come Softly, she delivers a powerful story of interracial love that leaves readers wondering "why" and "if only...." ... Read more

Reviews (68)

IF You Come Softly!!!!
If You Come Softly Scholastic Inc., 1998, 181pp., $3.99
Jacqueline Woodson ISBN 0-439-36738-7

If You Come Softly is an outstanding book that brings up very delicate issues like, interracial relationships, different races, racism, and love-at-first-sight. This book is about a Jewish girl named Elisha, and a Black boy named Jeremiah who fall in love at their private prep school, Percy Academy. The two teenagers don't see what's on the outside but only the kindness and beauty on the inside of each other. But some people don't see it the way that Jeremiah and Elisha do, which makes it difficult for them to have an open relationship. Apart from this they already have their own problems with being teenagers in general. How can their love for each one another stay strong under this much pressure? How can it stay strong when to the rest of the world "love" just isn't enough?

The author Jacqueline Woodson did an excellent job at touching these very powerful subjects, without going to the extreme. This book is a very intense, emotional, and heart aching book. I recommend this book to anyone who is 12-16 years old, who likes to see other peoples' points of view on racism, interracial relationships, and are very emotional.

This book is a great read all the way through and the excitement of what will happen next will keep you on the edge of your seat!!!

if the world was againts you would you go against the world
Do you like romance books? Yes? no? Either one I think you should read "If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson. I personally don't like romance books, but I love this book. I rate this book five stars. "If You Come Soflty" is about a Jewish girl and an African American boy who fall in love at first sight. Ms. Woodson wrote this amazing modern love story. Some of the main characters and Ellie, Jeramiah , and both of their families. Ellie and Miah don't care what the world thinks about thier realationship. To them all that matters is that they love each other and are always there for one another. When one person thinks that they can't handle the pressure, the other one holds them up and they stay strong through it all. If you were in their sitiation what would you do? To find out what happened to Miah and Ellie please read this book. It's worth it. Trust me.

this book is wonderful
When I first read this book i couldnt put it down i think i finished it in a few hours it is the most beautiful story. The whole thing like everything about it is beautiful the love jeremiah and ellie have for eachother and how the ending is just really wonderfully put together. i definately have this book in my favorites, and you should too.

Great Book... Except.....
This was a great book. Its a story of when a Jewish girl meets a black boy and have a relationship together. It was really good, but keep in mind that when Miah's(the black boy)father says to him "never run in he park". He says that when he is really young. Then when Miah is 15, he is walking through the park and is really happy and decides to run through the park. This was the first time he ever ran in the park, and the police shoot him. That was the WORST ending I have ever read in my life! It was the w