Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
by Betty MacDonald, Hilary Knight
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (09 August, 1985)
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Editorial Review

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

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

Reviews (40)

Really Stands the Test of Time
I started reading aloud to my students years ago as a technique to calm them after recess and P.E. classes.Throughout my long teaching career, I have read this book to probably thousands of children. I am about to retire, but the kids today seem to love this book as much as they did thirty-seven years ago when I first began teaching.That is truly remarkable and goes to show that children never really change though their surroundings do.Many of my students love this story so much, they check out other Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books from the library, which helps improve their reading skills.

This Book is Terrific!
This book is incredible! This is a very funy and enjoyable book.

This Book is Terrific!
This book is incredible! This is a very funy and enjoyable book.
... Read more

Isbn: 0064401480
Subjects:  1. Behavior    2. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Classics    5. Fiction    6. Human behavior    7. Humorous Stories    8. Social Situations - Manners & Etiquette    9. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Manners & Etiquette   

The Boxcar Children: Books 1-4 (Boxcar Children, No 1-4)
by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 September, 1990)
list price: $17.95 -- our price: $12.21
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Features

• Box set

Reviews (48)

The Four Good Little Children
I have always loved books about orphans.Brothers and Sisters on the run, fending for themselves with no adults telling them what to do...this is what I wanted to read about!
This book delivers all that, but with that nice 1940's politeness that you fall in love with.

Four siblings just ran away.Their parents have died and they have taken the notion that their grandfather (their only living relative and guardian) will not like them.This turns out to be just the opposite, because Grandfather loves them and is looking for them the whole time.He has a bit of a hard time of it at first, because his grandchildren have taken up residence in an abandoned boxcar in the woods.

Benny is the youngest of the four.He is very lively, and doesn't really understand what is happening around him.He just knows he is on an adventure with his Brother and Sisters, and they make it a game for him.
Violet comes next, and she is the sweetheart.Very good and dear and pretty, she just wants her family to be safe.
Henry and Jessie are the oldest siblings, and they are incredibly resourceful.Henry takes a job as a handyman for a mysterious young doctor in town so he can buy food, and Jessie is an excellent outdoor cook.For a while, things seem to be ok.When one of the kids get sick and the doctor has to make a boxcar call, things turn out for the absolute best!
A fairy tale happy ending that will keep you smiling and launch a whole Boxcar mystery series reading frenzy!

gde

I remember.......
I am a 57 year old grandmother to twin girls.As I was exploring books to get for them, I remembered the whole series of Boxcar Children books when I was in elementary school.In fact, I was so young, the teacher read them aloud in the room!I remember that sweet teacher reading a few chapters everyday....and the class begging for more!!What great books and memories!!!

Four plucky orphans take on the world
This pleasant story opens as four tired and hungry siblings, aged 5 to 15, press their noses against a bakery window, eyeing the lovely goodies inside. They have recently lost their parents and are on the run from their mean grandfather, whom they have never met.They find an abandoned boxcar in the woods, set up housekeeping, and live quite happily on berries, bread, and a little meat bought with the oldest boy's gardening pay. Life is very good until one of the girls becomes sick and they must tell an adult about where they live.

The book was written in the 1942 by a teacher who cleverly used only the 500 most common words in the English language to create a very easy to read, yet exciting, beginning chapter book for 7 and 8 year olds.Most of the story concerns the children's sense of fun and boundless resourcefulness, as they take care of themselves, all the while being cheerful and thankful for what they have.Children who are ready for a chapter book will be delighted to find this one is very easy to read.They will enjoy the children's adventure of living in the woods without adults, and, of course, it has a very happy ending.This book is the first (and I think the best) of a very long series of adventures for the Boxcar Children. ... Read more

Isbn: 0807508543
Sales Rank: 2837
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Mysteries / Detective    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Family - Orphans & Foster Homes    4. Family - Siblings    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories   

All-of-a-kind Family
by Sydney Taylor, Helen John
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 December, 1984)
list price: $5.50 -- our price: $5.50
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Editorial Review

There's something to be said for a book that makes you wish you'd been part of a poor immigrant family living in New York's upper east side on the eve of World War I. Sydney Taylor's time-honored classic does just that. Life is rich for the five mischievous girls in the family. They find adventure in visiting the library, going to market with Mama, even dusting the front room. Young readers who have never shared a bedroom with four siblings, with no television in sight, will vicariously experience the simple, old-fashioned pleasures of talk, make-believe, and pilfered penny candy.The family's Jewish faith strengthens their ties to each other, while providing still more excitement and opportunity for mischief. Readers unfamiliar with Judaism will learn with the girls during each beautifully depicted holiday. This lively family, subject of four more "all-of-a- kind" books, is full of unique characters, all deftly illustrated by Helen John. Taylor based the stories on her own childhood family, and the true-life quality of her writing gives this classic its page-turning appeal. (Ages 9 to 12) ... Read more

Reviews (68)

Lost Childhood treasure
I have this book already. The cover is gone. The back pages are ripped but it is one of my favorite stories. I am 32 now and am reading it for the 100th time. :) And in the middle of reading about Sarah losing her library book, I thought of Amazon. You have it and 2 others about my favorite family!!! I'm thrilled that now I can order the books to treasure for 32 more years!!

for anyone with a heart and hunger
when i first set nose in the book i fell in deep love with the characters. they stick to you like that crazy little cousin who hasn't seen you in ages. and the plot isbeautiful. even moreso of all of a kind family downtown.

Superb children's fiction.
My childhood favorite!All the books in this series were read again and again, and sometimes outloud, by me and my four siblings.Fun, funny, endearing and memorable.Right up there with I REMEMBER MAMA, FARMER BOY, LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS, and ON THE BANKS OF PLUM CREEK.A timeless slice of life for kids ages 3 to 18 to enjoy! ... Read more

Isbn: 0440400597
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Family - General    4. Family life    5. Fiction    6. Historical - United States - 20th Century    7. Jews    8. New York (N.Y.)    9. Religious - Jewish    10. Juvenile Fiction / Family / General   

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Puffin Novels)
by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 June, 1998)
list price: $6.99 -- our price: $6.29
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Editorial Review

For the first time in a decade, Willy Wonka, the reclusive and eccentric chocolate maker, is opening his doors to the public--well, five members of the public to be exact. The lucky five who find a Golden Ticket in their Wonka chocolate bars will receive a private tour of the factory, given by Mr. Wonka himself. For young Charlie Bucket, this a dream come true. And, when he finds a dollar bill in the street, he can't help but buy two Wonka's Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delights--even though his impoverished family could certainly use the extra dollar for food. But as Charlie unwraps the second chocolate bar, he sees the glimmer of gold just under the wrapper! The very next day, Charlie, along with his unworthy fellow winners Mike Teavee, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Augustus Gloop, steps through the factory gates to discover whether or not the rumors surrounding the Chocolate Factory and its mysterious owner are true. What they find is that the gossip can't compare to the extraordinary truth, and for Charlie, life will never be the same again. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, another unforgettable masterpiece from the legendary Roald Dahl, never fails to delight, thrill, and utterly captivate. (Ages 9 to 12) ... Read more

Reviews (325)

I love this book
well everyone was and is talking about it, a movie is coming about it pretty soon, I thought it must be good so I read it and it's really fun. It's a world of wonderful imagination. Simply, it's one of the best children books you'll ever see.

I get tired from reading all these heavy fantasies and adventures, having a rest with a children book like this one will litghen you up for sure.

charlie and the chocolate factory
i thing it a good book i will not buy it but it is a greate book it one of the best book i read this year

charlie and the chocolate factory
I think charlie and the chocolate factory was a great book. it is astory about a boy whos name is charlie that he finds a golden ticket and who ever finds a golden ticket could go in mr. wonka's factory. ... Read more

Isbn: 0141301155
Subjects:  1. Behavior    2. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Classics    5. Fantasy fiction    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic   

Pippi Longstocking (Seafarer Book)
by Astrid Ericsson Lindgren, Louis S. Glanzman
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 May, 1997)
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Editorial Review

Pippi is an irrepressible, irreverent, and irrefutably delightful girl who lives alone (with a monkey) in her wacky house, Villa Villekulla. When she's not dancing with the burglars who were just trying to rob her house, she's attempting to learn the "pluttification" tables at school; fighting Adolf, the strongest man in the world at the circus; or playing tag with police officers. Pippi's high-spirited, good-natured hijinks cause as much trouble as fun, but a more generous child you won't find anywhere.

Astrid Lindgren has created a unique and lovable character, inspiring generations of children to want to be Pippi. More than anything, Pippi makes reading a pleasure; no child will welcome the end of the book, and many will return to Pippi Longstocking again and again. Simply put, Pippi is irresistible. (Ages 9 to 12) ... Read more

Reviews (33)

This is the most wonderful book I ever read!
I read this book and I enjoyed and liked this book so much. When I read the first chapter it wasn't interesting but when I got to next chapter I couldn't stop reading this book. This book was getting fun and fun! This is the book that I like the best in the world.

Fun to Read
This is a fun and silly novel about a girl with mind-boggling strength, intense zest for life, spontaneity, and no desire for practicality. It is light-hearted and fun to read.

Pip pip and tarry ho!
To my mind, Pippi Longstocking is perhaps the world's first child superhero.Able to lift strong policemen with her bare hands!Capable of climbing tall houses and trees with virtually no effort at all!Rescuing children from burning buildings and adults from snobby talk!If, like myself, you were a child of the 1980s then your first exposure to Miss Longstocking probably came in the form of that gawdawful movie circa 1988.Words alone cannot express the damage that film did to the youth of America.After watching it I avoided the book "Pippi Longstocking" like it was the plague itself.Only recently have I recanted and decided to read Astrid Lindgren's classic tale.As charming as it is outright bizarre I charge all of you to take the time to find and devour this little Swedish gem.Pippi's a pip, no question.

Working at wish fulfillment on about ten different levels, Pippi is the ultimate kid's kid.She lives all alone in a large fantastic house.Her mother died while she was but a babe and her father has been lost at sea.As optimistic regarding her father's return as Primrose Squarp in "Everything On a Waffle", Pippi fills her days with dancing, pancakes, and games.She owns a whole suitcase of gold coins, which allow her the freedom to live alone and untended.On top of that, she has her own monkey (the drolly named Mr. Nilsson) and horse.The neighbor children Annika and Tommy think (rightly so) that Pippi's a wonder.She never attends school or bothers with all the problems other children suffer.Instead, she has her own unique perspective on life and the people around her.Though precocious she's never mean, even when dealing with bullies or criminals.

The book, originally published in American in 1950, is a wonder.Though I'm certain other illustrators have done a fair job, I highly recommend that you seek out an edition illustrated by the talented Louis S. Glanzman.His Pippi is just as fabulous as you might hope her to be.I've always minded those Pippi's that seem a little too lanky or tough.This Pippi is just mischief incarnate.While you're out seeking an edition of this book illustrated by Glanzman, also make certain that the translation has been done by Florence Lamborn.There were some moments of trans-atlantic interpretation that just blew me away.For example, when confronted by evil bullies numerous in number, the biggest and meanest of them eyes Pippi and says, "boys, let Willie alone and take a look at this girl.What a babe!".Obviously that phrase must've meant something entirely different in 1950, but I was incredibly amused by it just the same.Other funny moments caught my eye.For one thing, Pippi and her friends are forever drinking coffee.Not given the "adult drink" status it has in the states, coffee is definitely the drink of choice of Swedish youth.And there was also the difficulty the translator had with verbal puns.Some of these had to be worked around by explaining what a word means in English.Without these explanations the book's jokes would fall flat.

Finally, my favorite chapter of the book.It was the chapter in which Pippi is invited to a fancy coffee party (see what I meant about kids and coffee?).Pippi attempts desperately to mix and mingle appropriately with the middle-aged lady guests there.When the women start putting down their hired help, Pippi is more than eager to tell multiple increasingly bizarre stories of her grandmother's servant Malin.The ways in which Pippi tells Milan tales becomes more and more extreme until at the end she screams towards the women from the other end of the block, "SHE NEVER SWEPT UNDER THE BEDS".I think you'll have to read the chapter yourself to see just how increasingly hilarious it becomes.It's fabulous stuff.

Every country has its resident red headed heroine.Canada has Anne of Green Gables.America has Caddie Woodlawn.Sweden has Pippi Longstocking.She's the greatest thing since sliced bread and twice as perky.For a fabulous romp through the increasingly ridiculous, I more than recommend this quirky spunky fan-freakin'-tastic book.It hasn't aged a jot. ... Read more

Isbn: 0140309578
Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Classics    5. Fiction    6. Humorous stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Sweden   

Abel's Island
by William Steig
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 November, 1985)
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Editorial Review

One summer day, newlywed mice Abel and Amanda are out for apicnic in the woods when they are caught in a sudden storm--a "full-fledged,screaming hurricane" to be precise. As they take refuge in a cave, a wind scoopsup Amanda's scarf, and Abel foolishly lunges from safety to retrieve it. So begins William Steig's Newbery Honor Book Abel's Island, theensuing adventures of this rather foppish mouse as he comes head to head with nature. Amazingly, Abel is swept up in a stream, then a river, then eventually marooned on an island (about 12,000 tails long).He is sure that his rescue is imminent: "It's certainly gotten around that Abelard Hassam di Chirico Flint, of the Mossville Flints, is missing," thesociety mouse speculates. But he is not so lucky. What will this intelligent, imaginative rodent do to get off the island and back to his belovedAmanda? He busies himself with finding ways to get to shore (including bridges, boats, catapults, stepping stones, and gliders); figuring out what he should eat (everything from mulberries to roasted seeds); andinvestigating where he should take shelter (in a rotten log). As the weeks andmonths go by, he misses his books, his paintings, his comfortable stuffedchair, his stylish clothes (now damp, torn, and lumpy), but above all his precious wife Amanda, whom he thinks about constantly. As the mousefaces his new life Robinson Crusoe-style, Abel discovers what it's like to bein tune with the natural world as well as his true nature, andwhat it's like to return, fortified, to his real home and to the armsof the one he loves. Along the way, readers can't help but rediscover thejoys of being alive. (Ages 8 and older, but an engaging read-aloud foryounger children, too) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Beautiful story for kids and adults alike
Great for children and adults alike, this story draws you in and makes you keep turning the pages. In the story a mouse named Abel is living a life of leisure with his wife Amanda. He is a wealthy high society fellow who does not work but lives comfortably with money provided by his wealthy mother, drinking champagne and eating caviar. During a picnic, Abel is swept into the river only to be beached on a deserted island. He sits down to await his rescue that never comes. He wants his old life badly with his comfortable bed, snug house, books, and clean clothes.

But he is stranded now and must learn to survive. As a spoiled rich mouse, he does not know how to fend for himself, yet he has become a Robinson Crusoe of sorts. As his old leisurely self disappears, Abel teaches himself create fire, to find and store food such as mushrooms and seeds, build shelter, and to make pottery to eat with. He fights off an owl determined to eat him, and never stops trying to find a way off the island. He is an intelligent, inventive fellow, and builds rafts, tries to swim the strong rive current, builds a bridge, uses stepping stones, rope, a catapult, and even a glider, all with disastrous results.He has to make use of his extra time on his hands and he finally learns he has an artistic side which brings him to sculpt life size images of his friends and loved ones. His perseverance is incredible against all odds and fears and he never gives up trying.

The author never uses "kid talk" in his books, but uses intelligent vocabulary in a way that does not put off kids, but increases their interest. Honestly no kid that begins reading this story can put it down, and any adult is captivated by the language the author uses to tell his tale. Abel's life strength lies in his never ending love for his wife. And we as the reader are helped to realize how lucky we are to be home with the ones that love us. Truly a gem.

After you read the story, if you want a bit more of Abel's world you see him on a VHS tape by the same name. It is available from the childrens department at your local library, or you can buy it "used" here at Amazon like I did. It was worth it, as it was a quality production that is true to the story, and the art is very similar to Steig's gentle illustrations from the book.

A great book!!!!!!
It started out as a slow book but it got better.
Abel's island was a good book. Abel's Island is about a small mouse who gets stranded on an island while trying to save a scarf for his new wife in a hurricane, and the wind drags him to a piece of wood that has a rusted nail sticking out of it. Then the piece of wood drags him off to a river that has a waterfall at the end of it. He falls down the waterfall and gets so tired that he just falls asleep, then when he wakes up Abel finds himself on a mysterious island (1,200 tails long). He finds himself stuck in a tree and he is so hungry that he takes a leaf and starts chewing on it "Mmm cherry branch", Abel says.
He thinks of a way to use the piece of wood as a fort that he can stay in. Then he thinks that he could turn it upside down and push it down about a tail and sleep under it. But soon he finds out that it will easily fall away so he walks around the island and finds an old rotten log that he can sleep in. So he gathers a bunch of seeds that he can eat and plants likegrapes he can squeeze the juice out of and drink it. He finds a little hole that he can put the seeds in and finds another room he can put shutters and the milkweed in. He fixes up the milkweed and he makes a bed.
And so begins Abel's adventure on the island.
William Steig made a great book it shows that evn if you're lost dont try to give up hope.
I had to read this in Mrs.vacciano's book club in the fifth grade and i'm glad she's my teacher this year!!!!!

Robinson Crusoe the Mouse
What a lovely book!Beautifully written.Charming, loving story of a mouse stranded on an island surviving on his own.

I borrowed this book from the library to read with my daughter, but I fell in love with it, and am buying a copy for my permanent collection. ... Read more

Isbn: 0374400164
Subjects:  1. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fiction    5. Islands    6. Mice    7. Survival    8. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Mandy (Julie Andrews Collection)
by Julie Andrews Edwards, Judith Gwyn Brown
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (04 April, 1989)
list price: $5.99 -- our price: $5.99
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Editorial Review

For an orphan child whose life is filled with comfortable, predictable sameness, with no particular hardships, life is, well, all right. Really, what does Mandy have to worry about? So it comes as a surprise even to Mandy when a small restlessness begins to grow in her. This lonely ache sets her to wandering farther afield, and leads her to a startling and wonderful discovery over the orphanage wall--a very old, very small, seemingly abandoned cottage. Embarking on a clandestine domestic fantasy involving gardening tools and soap flakes, Mandy finds herself being less than honest about where and how she's spending her days. Holding her secret closer and closer to her heart, this imaginative dreamer inadvertently endangers her reputation--and her life.

For every child who has fallen in love with The Secret Garden or A Little Princess, Julie Andrews Edwards's 1971 novel will be a heartwarming discovery. Any sometimes-lonely child with a giant imagination will recognize Mandy's dreams and rejoice in her ultimate fairy-tale happy ending. Judith Gwyn Brown's Edward Gorey-esque pen and ink drawings (with none of Gorey's sinister air) are quietly memorable. Fans of Julie Andrews Edwards--Sound of Music star of stage andscreen--will be thrilled to see her latest children's book, Little Bo: The Story of Bonnie Boadicea, or to an earlier favorite, The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (109)

heyyy all u young folks
i loved this book...it was so enteritaning..i was so happy when she married jake and her mad of honer was ellie..yessss hahaha

Is there ANYTHING Julie Andrews Edwards can't do???
Yesterday I started and finished Ms. Edwards' book `Mandy', and I absolutely loved it. I never doubted I would enjoy it, because I tend to like anything Ms. Andrews does, but I'm pretty certain I loved this book for it's plotline and the lovely way it was written, rather than simply because I'm a fan of the author.

I loved the style in which it was written, so very descriptive of everything; the cottage, the garden, the animals Mandy met, they all seemed to be in such detail. I also loved some of the little expressions, such as
"It was a warm contentment, something like the feeling one gets when hot tea and honey slide way down into one's stomach, only ten times better."

And Ms. Andrews has all the emotions and feelings of all the characters involved exactly correct. I'm sure if I were Mandy I would feel the same way, and vice versa if I were Sue or Matron. Your heart really goes out to Mandy, especially when she is sick in the cottage, and when Bill and Anne are telling her that they want to adopt her.
Although the ending and some parts of the plot were perhaps slightly predictable, in this case that only enhances the story. It was lovely, because you had a fair idea what was going to happen, and then you were so glad when it did. Or I was anyway.

`Mandy' was a wonderful book, beautifully written, and an absolute joy to read. I'm sure there will be many children who can identify with it (whether with Mandy or Sue) or just enjoy it for the lovely style and great plot. I hope when others read it their parents are not interrupting them every five minutes, as was the case with me. That way they will have the chance to read it all in one go, as I'm sure I would have.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I should like to congratulate Ms. Andrews Edwards on writing something so wonderful for her first story. Now I think I'll have to go and read `Dragon: Hound of Honour'. And I'm sure I'll read `Mandy' many times.
Personally, I think it was a very good thing that Ms. Andrews Edwards lost the bet with Jennifer. Look what we got out of it.

Mandy
Mandy is a wonderful book. I think you will be inspired by her adventures throughout the book. Mandy is ten years old. One day she finds a little cottage in a meadow across a brick wall. She lives in an orphanage.
In the middle of the story, she wants to clean the cottage. The only thing is she doesn't have any cleaning supplies. She has money to buy but not enough. She gets only one rag.
Later in the story she gets really sick. Everyone is so worried about Mandy.Does Mandy get to clean the cottage? Does Mandy get better? You'll never know unless you read Mandy.
... Read more

Isbn: 0064402967
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Family - Orphans & Foster Homes    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Orphans    8. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Orphans & Foster Homes   

Goodnight Moon
by Margaret Wise Brown, Clement Hurd
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (03 September, 1947)
list price: $15.99 -- our price: $10.87
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Editorial Review

This cleverly boxed gift set contains a board-book copy of the classic bedtime story Goodnight Moon and a soft, baby-safe rattle in the shape and colors of the little bunny in the book. The book is propped open to one of the charming two-page illustrations of the bunny's room in the warm glow of evening lamplight, and the rattle is placed in front it as if it's inviting you in for a cozy snooze.The package comes with a mail-in card to receive free from the publisher a copy of Grow a Reader: A Guide to Sharing Books with Babies and Toddlers. --Katherine Ferguson ... Read more

Reviews (334)

Can't believe I am giving it 5 stars
A while back I wrote a negative review of this book because I thought it was strange.(I deleted the review only a day or so after writing it, however).Like some others, I could not see the appeal of this book and didn't understand the particular writing style.I had read it to my child a few times and then stopped for a while.

Well, a couple of months ago I started reading this book at bedtime some and guess what - the baby really likes it!Now if my child likes it, then I cannot help but like it!He is 13 months old now and this is one of his many favorite books.It is part of our bedtime routine and is special to me now because I share with him each night.I am sure when he grows up I will have fond memories of "Good Night Moon", and may become sad when he thinks he is too old for this story.

Somehow, I do feel it is a sweet little book.We received 2 copies as gifts - I doubt I would have ever bought it on my own - but it has become a special tradition for us!

Going on copy number 2
We love this book.My son adores it.After bath time, we put him in his crib and give him a book to play with while we read him another one.Goodnight Moon is one of the very few books that he has no desire to play with or read another book while we are reading this one (Guess How Much I Love You is another).

We love this story because it is so interactive.Now that he is getting older, he points out all the things in the story, he counts to three (three little bears sitting in chairs) and he says Night Night after each Good Night page. We just love it.

As I said we are going on book number 2 here.The first book is too well loved and we need another copy of it.

Truly a timeless classic.

Am I Nuts?
I purchased Good Night Moon for my baby Grandson.I thought this was the most over rated book ever. I told myself maybe I am old fashioned and remember the books I read to my children. after reading all of the reviews written in by customers, I finally found a couple of "Men" that see it my way. "Dad" and "Book Dad" hit the nail right on the head. I also think all of these people love this book because they think they have to like it for some reason. This Grandma can not recommend this book when there are so many better ones out there. ... Read more

Isbn: 0060207051
Subjects:  1. Animals - Rabbits    2. Bedtime    3. Bedtime & Dreams    4. Children's Baby - Picturebooks    5. Children: Babies & Toddlers    6. Classics    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Rabbits    10. Stories in rhyme    11. Juvenile Fiction / Bedtime & Dreams   

Richard Scarry's Best Storybook Ever!
by RICHARD SCARRY
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (08 June, 2000)
list price: $15.99 -- our price: $10.87
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Reviews (22)

Great book but just one thing...
Ireally like the book BUT I just want to mention that if you are looking for a book of STORIES, you should know this book has alot of pages that just label things....which is fine.Like "work machines" labels all types of machine.....they also have pages on the body parts , food etc.....But if you are looking for a book of stories, this book is notthat....I find myself skipping lots of pages to get to actual stories with my 4 yr old.....I try to get involved on the labeling pages but she wants a story.

Bascially I thought I was getting a book choc full of Richard scarry stories and it was not exactly that.

But I still think it deserves 4 stars cuz it is a great book....

A little bit of everything..
Im returning to this book with the birth of my two sons.I remember it from my childhood, and I wanted to share it with them.
There are so many delights in this book.The stories vary from longer fairy tales to simpler poems and one page drawings. I love the diagram of a castle in Denmark, complete with ghosts.You can pick up this book and find something for all occasions and moods.If you read to your children, this book is for you!

Best book ever!
This book was given to my sister when she was very young. It became the standard reading book in my family. Try as my mother did we always requested a story from this book. My favourite was "Egg in the hole". I loved this story and requested it night after night. After a while i knew it off by heart and would tell my parents off if they changes a word. Many years ago we discovered this book in a local bookshop and bought it for friends who had just had a baby - it became a sucess in their family as well. A friend of mine has a 1 year old and i was trying to think of a present for her. The daughter has enough cloths and toys when i thought of giving her a book and remembered how much my family had loved this book. I couldn't find it in any shops in Australia and am very excited to find that it is still in print and available. Although the child is only 1 this book will cover her all the way to school and i hope it becomes as much of a favourite with her as it did with me. Thanks Richard Scarry for some of the best stories ever. ... Read more

Isbn: 0307165485
Sales Rank: 2028
Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - General    3. Anthologies    4. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    5. Children: Preschool    6. Collections    7. Fiction    8. Literature    9. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Richard Scarry's Please and Thank You Book (Random House Picturebacks)
by RICHARD SCARRY
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (12 August, 1973)
list price: $3.25 -- our price: $3.25
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Reviews (3)

A book to remember
I remember my mom reading this book to me and we still laugh about how much I loved that book.Today, twenty-five years later, I bought a copy to treasurer those great memories.

Good illustrations
A cute book that teaches kids about manners and helping out.

Great for little ones
This book presents manners in a fun and familiar context for littlereaders. My kids already love Huckle and Lowly, so it was easy for them toenjoy this book. My favorite story is Pig Will and Pig Won't. At my house,we need constant reminders on good manners, and this book makes it fun.Parents will enjoy it too. ... Read more

Isbn: 0394826817
Sales Rank: 3253
Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Behavior    3. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    4. Children: Preschool    5. Courtesy    6. Fiction    7. Social Situations - General    8. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / General   

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
by Judi Barrett, Ron Barrett
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 April, 1982)
list price: $6.99 -- our price: $6.99
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Reviews (80)

Childhood Memories!
This particular book brings back fond memories of storytime in the public library when I was younger, listening avidly to the librarian as she read from this book. =) I highly recommend this book for other children. Although the storyline is quite simple and certainly not a book with "hidden agendas"/"philosophical meaning", it's a fun little book to read from during a rainy day. Also, the artwork is detailed, and complements the book, especially near the end of the story, when the citizens are fleeing from the hunks of food. This is DEFINITELY a book I'd read to my children; in fact, it's one of the few childhood books that I have left in my library.

maybe I just don't get it...
I remember hearing this book read out loud to the neighboring 4th grade class a few years ago; they didn't like it, neither did I.Maybe this falls in the category of if you liked it when you were little, you like it as an adult due to the memories it brings back.I decided to give the book another chance after reading all the positive reviews on Amazon and boy was I disappointed with my purchase.

Why?The plot is thin to say the least.Here it is in a nutshell:The weather brings the townspeople their food.One day for no reason the weather stops giving them good things to eat so the people all move away.

For no reason!!That's not my idea of a plot twist.The story ends with all the people living in a new town and adjusting to shopping from the grocery stores.Hmmm.I just don't get what all the fuss is about.Yes, the illustrations are clever but I think that isn't enough to carry the book.When the Sky Is Like Lace is a much better spin on the idea of weird weather and, since it's back in print, I recommend that you buy that one instead if you're looking for a fun quirky book to share with your children.

HOW KID'S BOOKS SHOULD BE...FUN!!!
As the little ones are going to bed for the night, Grandpa tells them a story about a magnificent land called "Chewandswallow".The Residents there got all of their food from the sky...literally.it would rain donuts and soup, and mashed potatoes and juice.All manner of foods came with the weather in Chewandswallow and the residents packed it away in their refrigerators and were always prepared to eat.Three times a day food fell...toast and bagels and orange juice for breakfast, or maybe steaks and spaghetti and meatballs for dinner.The residents always paid attention to the weather reports!

But then crazy things started to happen.The food became bigger and bigger.Giant pancakes covered the school, causing it to have to close.And crazy things like Burned brussel sprouts and Gorgonzola cheese rained down causing chaos in Chewandswallow and eventually forcing the residents to flee the town on a slice of giant bread that they use as a raft and finally come to a town with normal weather, but now they have to learn how to buy and cook their own food.

Just a fun and funny story that kids (and adults) really get a kick out of.Who wouldn't love to live in a town that rained donuts!!!The cleverly written tale is accompanied by lively and wacky illustrations by Ron Barrett, husband of Judi Barrett who wrote the story.A wonderful kids tale and suitable for a wide age range. ... Read more

Isbn: 0689707495
Sales Rank: 2401
Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fiction    4. Food    5. Humorous Stories    6. Weather    7. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Amelia Bedelia (I Can Read Book 2)
by Peggy Parish, Fritz Siebel
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 September, 1992)
list price: $3.99 -- our price: $3.99
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Editorial Review

Amelia Bedelia is a housekeeper who takes her instructions quiteliterally. Reading the list of chores that her employer has left her, Amelia begins with "Dust the furniture." How odd, Amelia thinks to herself. "At my house we undust the furniture." Nonetheless, she dutifully locates the "Dusting Powder" in the bathroom, and proceeds to sprinkle it all over the living-room furniture and floor. Next she is asked to "Draw the drapes when the sun comes in." So of course, Amelia sits down with a sketchpad and gives it her best shot. Children love reading about the antics of silly Amelia Bedelia for myriad reasons. It's anearly reader book, so children in primary grades can take satisfaction in reading the book on their own. But, even more thrilling, children who are 6 and older can successfully interpret the figurative meaning behind most adult idioms. Being told to "keep an eye on the cat," for example, might compel some preschoolers to stick their eyeballs on a cat's face, eliciting peals of laughter from know-it-all grownups. But older children know better, and they love the fact that they know better. Young readers will find this bumblingly charming, eager-to-please housekeeper as irresistible as Amelia Bedelia's employers do. (Ages 6 and older) --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Still Great for Children After all these Years
When Mr. and Mrs. Rogers hired Amelia Bedelia to be their housekeeper they had no idea just how literally she takes everything people tell her. This, of course, gets Amelia into several curious to say the least situations that will amuse you and your child as you read to him or her. In this first book of the series Amelia is left with a list of things to do while they are out. She is supposed to draw the drapes, now why would they want a picture of the drapes. She is supposed to put out the lights, so she takes them out of their sockets, goes outside and hangs them up. So why do the Rogers' keep her on if she is such a fumbling, bumbling housekeeper? Could have something to do with her lemon meringue pie?

My son Devon is fast approaching three. He knows his letters, upper and lower case. He knows they make words and he loves to sit while I read Amelia Bedelia stories to him. We've been doing it for over a year now. At first I made up the story line as his didn't have the attention span or the ability to understand. Now I've started reading, pointing to the words as I go along. Ms. Parish has written an excellent series for children and in this one, Mr. Siebel's illustrations set off Amelia's tales to a tee. If you want your toddler to read early, and I do, then this is a series for you.

Jack Priest, Dad in Training

Dated and dull
Amelia Bedelia might have been fun in 1965 but the whole series is excruciating now.Your child only needs to read one of these books to get the whole Amelia deal - the other titles in this series are just more of the same.

There are many book series that kids can get nowadays - Junie B Jones, Horrible Harry and so on.They're much more interesting than Amelia.

I once read a review of Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat that described it as a 'karate chop on the weary little world of Dick, Jane and Spot.'It wasn't until my kids read Amelia Bedelia that Irealised that examples of this weary little world were still being published.Long live the Seussian Revolution, I say.

kids love this silly book
This humorous story about a literal-minded maid will make advanced beginning readers laugh as they learn about idioms.Kids love the goofy things that Amelia does.She is a nice person but, as our children say, not too bright. ... Read more

Isbn: 0064441555
Subjects:  1. Amelia-Bedelia (Fictitious cha    2. Amelia-Bedelia (Fictitious character)    3. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Easy Readers    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Readers - Beginner    9. Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Beginner   

The Monster at the End of This Book (Big Bird's Favorites Board Books)
by Jon Stone, Michael Smollin
Average Customer Review:
Board book (27 June, 2000)
list price: $4.99 -- our price: $4.99
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Reviews (77)

Absolutely Fantastic!
This was one of my favourite books when I was younger.Although I am not 28 years old, I still own my copy.I've read it over the years to various children I've babysat and to my 2 boys.They ALL love the book.It's funny and makes you laugh.It also is suspenseful for the first-time reader.Great book!

As good as it gets
You will never find a better book to read aloud to your toddler.

The Monster at the End of This Book is an interactive adventure with Grover, who knows that something is wrong as soon as he sees the title on the cover page. "What did that say?" he asks. "On the first page, what did that say? Did that say there will be a MONSTER at the end of this book??? It did? Oh, I am so scared of Monsters!!!"

As the book progresses, Grover does everything he can to prevent you from turning the page, from tying the pages down with ropes to begging. Your child will love the feeling of empowerment as he or she steamrolls Grover's objections time and time again.

In the end, of course, it turns out that Grover has forgotten that he, himself is a monster, and so has nothing to fear.

I've read hundreds and hundreds of picture books for children, and nothing has beaten this magical formula for laughter and interaction. You must read this book to your child.

Favorite book as a child, and still a fave today!
I loved this book so much when I was little!It was the first book I was able to read on my own.One of my favorite parts is the inside cover where Grover says "This is a very dull page.Let us see what is on the next page" and then he flips out on the next page when he realizes what the name of the book means!The first time I read this book I was so scared that there would be this big scary monster at the end of the book, and now that I'm older I laugh thinking about who the 'monster' actually was how scared I was along with Grover!

I love how creative and interactive this book is, with Grover trying to stop you from getting to the end of the book by building brick walls, and using rope to tie the pages together.And I remember how much I laughed whenever I turned to the next page and all of Grover's hard work would be in shambles, with Grover buried in the wreckage.I get so nostalgic thinking about this book, my favorite as a child, and still one of my favorites today!I'm 18 now and I still love this book so much!I can't wait to read it to all of my toddler cousins! ... Read more

Isbn: 0375805613
Sales Rank: 11615
Subjects:  1. Children's Baby - Boardbooks    2. Children: Babies & Toddlers    3. Fiction    4. Horror & Ghost Stories    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Monsters    8. Puppets    9. Toys, Dolls, & Puppets    10. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Madeline
by LudwigBemelmans
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (30 September, 1958)
list price: $16.99 -- our price: $11.55
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Editorial Review

Poor Miss Clavel! In "an old house in Paris that was covered withvines," Miss Clavel oversees the education of 12 little girls, the littlest of whom isthe mischievous Madeline. Despite her size, she fearlessly pooh-poohs the tiger in thezoo and frightens Miss Clavel with her adventurous antics. When she awakens the entirehouse with her plaintive cries in the middle of the night, Doctor Cohn whisks theappendicitis-stricken Madeline off to the hospital where, some two hours later, sheawakens to find a scar on her stomach! The scar (not to mention the flowers, toys, andcandy given to Madeline by her father) proves quite interesting to the rest of MissClavel's charges when they make a special trip to visit her. Ludwig Bemelmans's liltingrhymes are music to children's ears, and the quirky, oddly perfect drawings of the girls in"two straight lines" lend an enticing Parisian flavor to this perennialchildren's favorite. (Ages 3 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (24)

don't read
I am taking a class at West Viginia State Univesity and it used to be known as West Virginia State College. The class is children's literature and Mr. Roger Samples teaches it and he keeps it interesting the way he teaches the class. The book Madeline I did not like because it reminded me of a military school the way they had to eat and walk in squads every where they went. It also reminded me of an old boarding school where you had those mean teachers hitting the kids with a ruler when they answered a question wrong. I did like the rhyming words and would read this to my class. It tells you that her friends want to be cut up just so they can have a scar just like her. It does not tell they pain she had after the surgery or the painful recovery of rehab. The book makes you believe that having surgery is fun.

Two-thumbs up!!
MADELINE is definitely my 3yrs.old daughter's favorite character.I got this copy as a free gift from Vermont Council of Humanities(Thanks a lot to them)and ever since then,this little girl from Paris has captured our hearts.I intend to keep all the books by Ludwig Bemelmans as a part of our collection.Not only the books...the Madeline rag-doll is also a must for any Madeline fans!!!

I still love this book after so many years...
Ever since I was old enough to read I've loved Madeline! I remember going to the library and checking out this book and all the other ones in the series (Madeline and the bad hat, Madeline to the rescue...) I was always disappointed that they were checked out. I am 21 years old now and still have an infactuation with Madeline! She is a great role model for children of all ages and the stories and lessons learned from them stick with you!

I'd recommend this book for new mothers and small children alike! ... Read more

Isbn: 0670445800
Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Classics    4. Fiction    5. Paris    6. Picture books    7. Stories in rhyme    8. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Westing Game, The
by EllenRaskin
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 June, 1997)
list price: $6.99 -- our price: $6.99
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Reviews (510)

The Westing Game, KCS
"Samuel W. Westing, the mysterious indrustialist who disappeared thirteen years ago, was found dead in his Westingtown mansion last night."
"I, Samuel Westing, hereby swear that I did not die of natural causes. My life was taken from me-by one of you! Who among you sixteen heris is worthy to be the Westing heir?" - Samuel Westing

The sixteen heirs, Crow, Dr. Deere, Turtle, J.J. Ford, Shin Hoo, Douglas, Flora, Amber, Pulaski, Angela, Sandy, Jake, Grace, Madame Hoo, Chris, and Theo have been chosen by Samuel Westing to find the killer, but there was a twist, they each had to be in a pair(chosen by Samuel Westing), given one set of clues, and $10,000. The objective of the game is to win, the prize is $200 million, if you forfeit, your partner must forfeit and return the $10,000 and your clues will be held until the next session.

A very confusing book.
I am writing a review on The Westing Game , by Ellen Raskin. This is a story that revolves around a dead man, Sam Westing. The mystery takes place in an apartment building called Sunset Towers that is located on Lake Michigan,during autumn. Sixteen unrelated heirs to Sam Westing are coaxed into renting an apartment at Sunset Towers. Mr. Westin, a millionaire in town is found dead in his house. All of the tenants are asked to go to the reading of his will. The will suggests that one of the tenants is the killer, and says a game will begin to figure out who killed him. The tenants are set up in pairs, and each pair gets a set of clues and $10,000 to help solve the mystery. The grand prize is thought to be 200 million dollars. The pairs work through many problems such as blizzards, burglaries, and bombs trying to figure out the mystery.Every tenant is a suspect and no one knows who the murderer is. Some of the main characters are Turtle Wexler, a smart, mean teenager, who kicks people in the shins when she is mad. Her mother Grace Windsor Wexler is a snobbish woman who wants to be rich. Madame Hoo, speaks vey little English and is always confused. Her husband runs a Chinese restaurant and their son Doug is a track star. Sydelle Pulaski is a secretary who is always seeking attention, and then of course there is Sam Westing. Just who is Sam Westing? You will have to read the book to find out; who he is and who killed him.
This book was a Newberry Medal Winner in 1978. I can't imagine why this book would win an award. It was very hard to follow. There were too many characters to keep straight and they aren't identified well. The book also dragged on. The false clues through me off, so I would have to reread it to understand it. Overall the book jumped from character to character and plot to plot so much that I got frustrated reading it. I'm sure that there are much better teen mysteries available that are easier to read. I do not recommend this book.
N.Warren

A Complete Letdown
I will admit, I couldn't put down the book through the first 150 pages. I couldn't really figure it out, but I supposed that all of my questions would be answered at the end of the book.
Was I wrong or what?! I expected a short, sharp, and clever end to this book. What I got was a dull,long, and just plain DUMB ending. Does Ellen Raskin think that you can never just have a straight-up ending to a book? You know, find the culprit and then answer the questions? But no, she has to throw in a million twists that are just plain dumb. I was so mad at this book that I wanted to tear it into a million pieces. What was Ellen Raskin thinking? The last part is a letdown. Dont read this if you want to be disappointed.

PS- Whoever said that this was better than Harry Potter must be on something ... Read more

Isbn: 0140386645
Sales Rank: 3719
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Classics    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    6. Mystery and detective stories    7. Mystery fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction / General   

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
by E. L. Konigsburg
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (15 October, 1977)
list price: $4.99
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Editorial Review

After reading this book, I guarantee that you will never visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (or any wonderful, old cavern of a museum) without sneaking into the bathrooms to look for Claudia and her brother Jamie. They're standing on the toilets, still, hiding until the museum closes and their adventure begins.Such is the impact of timeless novels . . . they never leave us. E. L. Konigsburg won the 1967 Newbery Medal for this tale of how Claudia and her brother run away to the museum in order to teach their parents a lesson. Little do they know that mystery awaits! ... Read more

Reviews (250)

Museum Adventures
The book was good. It was a quick read. Claudia and Jamie Kincaid ran away from home. They hid in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They slept in the bed of Marie Antoinette. When the museum was open, they saw the statue, Angel. They heard a rumor that it was done by Michelangelo. They try to solve the mystery. Do they solve the mystery? Go on their adventure through the Met and see what happens.
Liam
Elmhurst, IL

The Very Good Book
The book is really good. Two children named Claudia and Jamie run away from home, because Claudia does not like it at home. She needs Jamie to go with her because of his money and his radio. So they run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. But, there is a mystery to solve. Who made Angel? Will they get caught living in the Met? Most of all, will they solve the mystery of who made Angel?
Clarice
Chicago, IL

Mixed feelings
I recently re-read this book and would hesitate before recommending it to a child because the children in this story do not speak, act or think like children. They speak like very stylized adults. Each has their "character gimmick" (the girl is overly organized and focused on grammar and the boy is a penny-pincher who cheats at cards) which are frankly just irrational and distracting for children of their age. Every conversation they had I found myself thinking "Oh, for Pete's sake, this sounds like a conversation between two actors playing the part of writers in a run-of-the-mill studio film from the 1960s."

I cringe to criticize such a popular book but I really feel that you should know this before handing it to a child and expecting them to love it. That said, I do have mixed feelings about this book. The story itself is very original and the descriptions are very involving. I read this when I was young and the story stuck with me (I'm now 30).
... Read more

Isbn: 0440431808
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Classics    5. Fiction    6. Metropolitan Museum of Art    7. Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.)    8. New York.    9. Social Situations - General    10. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh (Aladdin Fantasy)
by Robert C. O'Brien, Zena Bernstein
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 March, 1986)
list price: $5.50 -- our price: $5.50
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Editorial Review

There's something very strange about the rats living under the rosebush at the Fitzgibbon farm. But Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with a sick child, is in dire straits and must turn to these exceptional creatures for assistance. Soon she finds herself flying on the back of a crow, slipping sleeping powder into a ferocious cat's dinner dish, and helping 108 brilliant, laboratory-enhanced rats escape to a utopian civilization of their own design, no longer to live "on the edge of somebody else's, like fleas on a dog's back."

This unusual novel, winner of the Newbery Medal (among a host of other accolades) snags the reader on page one and reels in steadily all the way through to the exhilarating conclusion. Robert O'Brien has created a small but complete world in which a mother's concern for her son overpowers her fear of all her natural enemies and allows her to make some extraordinary discoveries along the way. O'Brien's incredible tale, along with Zena Bernstein's appealing ink drawings, ensures that readers will never again look at alley rats and field mice in the same way. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (205)

Classic
I absolutly loved this book as a child, it was so facinating. Mr. O'Brien had the most wonderful imagination.The story is well paced and the characters are unforgettable.The story deals with mature issues like death and lose in a very profound way and it touches the reader deeply.This book has stayed with me since the first day I read it and I still have it on my shelf.It is always one of the first childrens book I recommend, though there are many wonderful childrens books, this is without question one of the classics of the genre.READ THIS BOOK

Mrs.Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
This book is about a mouse who is now a with her 4 kids. Now she has no one to turn to when her youngest son, Timithy, has gotten very sick. She goes to an old friend , Mr.Age's, house to get some medicine. On the way home she runs into a young crow tangled up by a piece of silver string. She gets him untangled and out of there before the evil cat, Dragon, pounced and got him. After a few days Mrs.Frisby over hears that the farmer is going to plow the field soon. That meant that they would have to move, but Mr.Ages said to keep him in bed for a few months. The problem was that if they moved to Timithy's life would be in danger, but if they didn't, they plow would grind up the house and they would all die. So she goes out for a little walk. She runs into Jeremy (the young crow.) She tells him about the situation that she is in. He tells her that he doesn't know what to do, but that he will take her to the wise old owl that night, so she could tell him, and he could probably tell her what to do. So that night they went to see the owl. The owl told Mrs. Frisby to go to the rats. The next day, she went to the rats. The guard Brutus didn't let her in at first, and chased her away. When she was about to go out the door, the door opened. It was Mr.Ages. he had broken his leg and was limping very slowly inside. Mr.Ages sees her and asked why she was there. She told him her story, about how she went to the owl, and he told her to come in. After her story, he took her to the entrance, and this time Brutus let them in. They went deep down under the ground. They went to Nicademis. He said they could move the house. So at the end of the book they move the house. The ending is sad.

I give this book 5 stars because the book is exciting. A few funny parts, and a sad part at the end. The book is also good because it is not too hard, and it's not too easy. This book is great. It's not too short and not too long. Plus the book leaves you hanging a bit. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure, animals, and a good book.

Mrs.Frisby and the Rats of Himh
This story takes place in the end of winter and early spring. The setting was in a farm it's important because it's where the story took place and where things happened.

This book is mostly about a mice named Mrs. Frisby going to a rosebush and getting help from a rat and his group to see if he could move her house to safety. his name was Nicodemus who was going to help her move her house before it gets knocked over. Another thing is that it's also about how the rats escaped form N. I. M. H.

In my opinion this was an A. W. E. S. O. M. E. book. I almost cried and laughed outloud most of the time because it was sad and funny. I would recommend this book because it's a good book and it's a good book report book. ... Read more

Isbn: 0689710682
Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Classics    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Mice    9. Rats    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

RESCUERS, THE
by MARGERY SHARP
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (15 December, 1973)
list price: $0.95
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Reviews (7)

The rare children's book in which mice aid Norwegians
Disney has much to answer for.Through the years it's co-opted, retold, and twisted a whole range of interesting children's books and stories out there.No one denies this.However, Disney sometimes (without realizing it itself) does the world a boon.Take, for example, the case of "The Rescuers".Best known today as a cartoon movie in which Eva Gabor and Bob Newhart lend their voices to two adorable mouse rescuers of a little girl, few remember that the film originally began as a book series.Fewer still have read that series today.Yet for all its faults, Disney's movie still leads children to read Margery Sharp's impeccable little treasure.It is debatable whether or not people would still remember the book were it not for the film.What is not debatable is the fact that the book, for all its dated concepts and affectations, remains a wonderful classic.

The Prisoners' Aid Society is a noble institution.Run entirely by mice, the society strives to help cheer and aid a variety of prisoners held around the world.This they do for the good of the world around them, and their selflessness is to be commended.When it comes to the attention of the society that a Norwegian poet has been wrongly imprisoned in the legendary (and much feared) Black Castle, the mice waste no time in formulating a plan for the man's release.The first thing to do, however, is to locate a brave Norwegian mouse to speak to the prisoner.This would normally be a long and tedious process, but luck is with the society.Bernard, a solid sturdy brown mouse, is dispatched to enlist the aid of Miss Bianca.Miss Bianca is the white pet mouse of the ambassador's son and she has always lived in the lap of luxury.Soon the ambassador and his son will be leaving for Norway and if Bernard can convince Miss Bianca to locate a brave Norwegian rodent for their cause, the prisoner may stand a chance.Being a bit of a spoiled pet, Miss Bianca initially shies away from Bernard's pleas, but his good heart and her better nature prevail and soon she's involved in a world of intrigue and heroic mouse rescues.

It's a funny book to read today for a number of reasons.Because it was originally written in 1959, Miss Bianca is often spoken of as a lady.She's spoiled so she doesn't understand how act in the real world.So there is some interesting language regarding her complete confusion over things that "every" woman should know (like where a house's pantry is).I was personally surprised to find that for all her charms, Miss Bianca begins the novel as an ignorant little thing prone to fainting fits and ends the book a little wiser if still slightly affected.Bernard, for his part, immediately wins the hearts and minds of every person that meets him.You completely understand his selfless devotion to Miss Bianca.More shockingly to me, Miss Bianca seemingly returns Bernard's affections, even if she does place him second in her heart to the boy that is her master.Sharp's language is especially effective.Though I don't have clear memories of reading this tale as a child, the moment I came to the passage in which the evil jailer's room was covered in the bodies of beautiful impaled butterflies, suddenly everything came flooding back to me.Finally, Garth Williams the Great has lent his illustrative hand to the project.His pictures are fabulous.No author has ever quite mastered the combination of cutesy (as in the case of the mice) and downright horrific (the cat in this book will, with any luck, give every reader that sees it nightmares).Even if the text were not good, the pictures would be worth the price of purchase alone.

Books in which mice speak and interact with one another on an almost human level abound in the children's literary world.You have your "Poppy" by Avi and your "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh" by Robert O'Brien.You have "Time Stops For No Mouse" by Michael Hoeye and "Basil of Baker Street" by Eve Titus.Add to the list, "The Rescuers", and you've a perfect platter of fabulous kiddie lit.This is one of those amazing classics that may forever be tied into its Disneyfication, but at least it'll be remembered.A beautiful book that more people should know.

As good as I remembered!
Not many things in life can live up to the fond image your memory creates after many years of absence. Margery Sharp's Miss Bianca series can, I'm happy to learn. I recently bought the first three books of the series (The Rescuers, Miss Bianca, The Turret) to read with my kids. I'd read them when I was a kid and remembered -- more than remembered, I could even *feel* -- the carried-away-by-my-imagination thrill that I got when I'd first read them. Do you remember that from certain childhood books or games?

It was great; all three of us (my two daughters and I) were transported by these tales. Ms. Sharp's prose is luscious, wicked, rich. The tales are exciting, funny, preposterous. The stories are old-fashioned...there isn't a very firm commitment to reality. These are mice who rescue prisoners; reality would be inappropriate. But letting go of Facts can be asking too much of modern-day readers who are bound (by TV and movies?) to only visualize what Dreamworks would screen or Pixar would pixelate. Don't stop there! Let your imagination carry you beyond the Facts...well, anyway, have fun with some wonderful books.

It's criminal that these are out of print
The nine Miss Bianca books ARE old-fashioned in their views, yes, and not a THING like the Disney movie (thank goodness).You can say the same thing about a number of fairy and folk tales and that does not diminish their capacity to charm and delight.These books are filled with adventures where kindness and good hearts triumph over evil, but not in a sappy, maudlin way.What a terrible shame that these are out of print. ... Read more

Isbn: 0440473780
Sales Rank: 430225
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Mice   

Charlotte's Web (Trophy Newbery)
by E. B. White, Garth Williams
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (14 December, 2004)
list price: $6.99 -- our price: $6.99
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Editorial Review

An affectionate, sometimes bashful pig named Wilbur befriends a spider named Charlotte, who lives in the rafters above his pen. A prancing, playful bloke, Wilbur is devastated when he learns of the destiny that befalls all those of porcine persuasion. Determined to save her friend, Charlotte spins a web that reads "Some Pig," convincing the farmer and surrounding community that Wilbur is no ordinary animal and should be saved. In this story of friendship, hardship, and the passing on into time, E.B. White reminds us to open our eyes to the wonder and miracle often found in the simplest of things. ... Read more

Reviews (330)

Charlotte`s Web
The book is called Charlotte`s Web. It`s about a pig name Wilber who almost died at birth, but was saved. Now Wilbur lives in the Zuckerman`s barn and he made some new animal friends and a spider, named Charlotte. Charlotte helps him in anyway she can so that he can be safe and happy.
What I enjoyed about the book was that some parts of the book were sad and happy. It was happy when he became friend with Charlotte and she helped him. It was sad was when Charlotte had eggs and a few days later she died; and did not get to see her baby spiders.
Other people should read this book because it`s a good book about a pig and a spider who help and care for each other along the way.

Some Pig
The character of Charlotte's Web is of course a pig.

The Plot is in the Zuckermans' farm not in Fern's house.

While Fern had him she always took care of little Wilbur, the pig. Fern had saved this little pig from a certain death. She didn't want her father killing a baby pig. But as when Wilbur grows, Mr. Arable, Fern's father says Wilbur has to go. So they gave it to the Zuckermans. And there, Wilbur had a great adventure in the Zuckermans' farm also meeting Charlotte with her baby spiders.

SOME PIG:

These are the words in Charlotte's Web, high in the barn. Her spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, as well as the feelings of a little girl named Fern... who loves Wilbur, too. Their love has been shared by millions of readers.

What the book is about is friendship on earth, affection and protection, adventure, miracle, life and death, trust and treachery, pleasure and pain, and the passing of time. As apiece of work it is just about perfect, and just about magical in the way it is done.

High caprice on a farm, handled with wit and wisdom, that serves to put an imperfect world back into joint.

You may also like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and The Chocolate Touch which i have.

A Great Book!
This book is a magnificent book. It is a great story about friendship. It also has enough adventure to keep you excited and you want to get farther into it.This is surely one of my favorite books. ... Read more

Isbn: 0064400557
Subjects:  1. Animals - Farm Animals    2. Animals - General    3. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Classics    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Lifestyles - Farm Life & Ranch Life    9. Pigs    10. Social Situations - Friendship    11. Spiders    12. Juvenile Fiction / Classics   

The Secret Garden
by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Tasha Tudor
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (30 April, 1998)
list price: $5.99 -- our price: $5.99
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Editorial Review

Mistress Mary is quite contrary until she helps her garden grow. Along the way, she manages to cure her sickly cousin Colin, who is every bit as imperious as she. These two are sullen little peas in a pod, closed up in a gloomy old manor on the Yorkshire moors of England, until a locked-up garden captures their imaginations and puts the blush of a wild rose in their cheeks; "It was the sweetest, most mysterious-looking place any one could imagine. The high walls which shut it in were covered with the leafless stems of roses which were so thick, that they matted together.... 'No wonder it is still,' Mary whispered. 'I am the first person who has spoken here for ten years.'" As new life sprouts from the earth, Mary and Colin's sour natures begin to sweeten. For anyone who has ever felt afraid to live and love, The Secret Garden's portrayal of reawakening spirits will thrill and rejuvenate. Frances Hodgson Burnett creates characters so strong and distinct, young readers continue to identify with them even 85 years after they were conceived. (Ages 9 to 12) ... Read more

Reviews (194)

Still an enjoyable classic
When Mary Lennox's parents die in India, she is shipped back to England to live on her uncle's estate, Misselthwaite Manor, in Yorkshire. The place is pretty much run by the dreadful Mrs. Medlock, while Mary's uncle travels compulsively. Lord Archibald Craven is trying to escape the memories that linger there, of his wife who died in childbirth.

Mary is a sullen brat but she is largely ignored by Mrs. Medlock and so has time to explore the many nooks and crannies of the manor. She finds one room that looks just like her mother's did--it is of course her aunt's--and there finds a large key. It turns out that the key fits the door of a secret garden, which Lady Craven tended and which is now kept locked and allowed to grow wild. Mary befriends young Dickon, whose sister is a housemaid, and together they explore the garden.

One night Mary determines to find the source of a mysterious crying she's heard in the house, and when she eventually does she discovers her cousin, Colin, who survived his mother but is now sickly, crippled and confined to his room. He proves an even worse brat than she. Their mutual stubbornness though proves a boon as she refuses to accept Colin's self-pitying and rejects the idea that he's truly all that ill. She sets her mind to showing him the garden, convinced that just getting outside will do him good. Meanwhile, he threatens and commands the staff until they allow him out of the house. Their visits to the garden will in fact transform all of their lives in ways that will move even the most jaded reader. No wonder it is such a beloved classic.

In conclusion, this a marvelous book about the curative powers of love and nature and the will.

The Secret of The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden was full of mystery, hope, sadness, and excitement. Though it is a long book and takes time to read, I would highly recomend it for all ages, even adults but no younger than 6th grade (the Yorkshire accents and some hard-to-understand concepts may throw the reader off).When reading this book, you are enchanted by its magic and makes you stay in suspence on what to happen next. Athough this is quite a magical book, I was sligtly disapoited b