Editorial Review

For sophomores John and Lorraine, the world feels meaningless; nothing is important. They Read more

Reviews (324)

The first is still the best!
Don't let the name fool you, this is not a farm animal book in any aspect. This is a legend, really! I first read this book in middle school, while all the other kids were reading Goosebump-like books I was delving into this funny, bold and often sad treasure.
a story well put
the pigman... paul zindel, in all his books, most especially this one, gives us a charming, more sophisticated depiction of teenage life. he doesnt categorize his characters, good, bad, spoiled, ugly, beautiful. john isnt just "the rebel teen", every one of his actions, and the the things his characters says, are justified, and if not justified, explained. meaning, theres a story behind each character, so that then you know " well thats why they did what they did". or, "thats definately something she'd say". john and lorraine think, and have consciences. and romance is lightly laid over them. all in all... its awesome.

The Pigman by zach
This books title is The Pigman by Paul Zindel. In the beginning Lorraine and John, two high school students, tell about themselves and the people around them. They also tell about the things they like to do such as make prank phone calls and hang around the cemetery with friends and drink. This book is about how the Pigman makes them realize that people they like will not always be around. In one part they are looking around the Pigman's house and they find the Pigman's wife's funeral bill.
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Subjects:  1. Adolescence    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Family - General    5. Fiction    6. Friendship    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Secrets    9. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    10. Social Issues - Friendship    11. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    12. Social Situations - Friendship    13. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Editorial Review

"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 Read more

Reviews (55)

The Wheels on the Bus
This is one of the best children's books my children have ever read.My 18 year old son had this book for ever, now his son is reading the book.We had to order another one as the first book has been used so many times some of the features don't work anymore.My 3 year grandson loves all the movement the book offers.This is his favorite storybook.

Let's sing along
One of our favorite songs is now a pop-up book!This is a colorful and very busy book.It's great fun, but difficult for quick little fingers to maneuver without damaging the tabs.I will put this book away till he's 4 years old and try again then.

One of the All-Time Greats
The art is beautiful, the song is beloved and there are stories within the story, beautifully depicted, that keep the fascination level high. Overall one of the very best kids books I have ever seen. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buses    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children's songs    5. Interactive Adventure    6. Lifestyles - City & Town Life    7. Songs and music    8. Specimens    9. Texts    10. Toy and movable books    11. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / General   

Editorial Review

When, in second grade, Leigh writes to an author to tell him how muchhe "licked" his book, he never suspects that he'll still be writing to him four years later. And he never imagines the kinds of things he'll be writing about: Read more

Reviews (138)

Dear Mr. Henshaw
Given the homework assignment of writing to a famous author, sixth grader Leigh Botts writes to Boyd Henshaw, the author of his favorite book, Ways to Amuse a Dog. Leigh's questions about a writer's life, but he also encloses a series of questions about Leigh that he must answer and send back to him. Slowly, Leigh's letters reveal the difficulties of his life, especially his parent's divorce and the fact that his self absorbed trucker father send to have forgotten all him. By writing to Mr. Henshaw, and later by following Mr. Henshaw's advice to keep a journal. Leigh is able to overcome some of the difficulties in his life and also come to terms with some things that he can't change. My recommendation is I don't understand how the book was written. But the rest of the book was great. The writer of Dear Mr. Henshaw's made this book for kids of 8-11. The vocabulary and the explanations is great because it little easy. The book is written in letters of Mr. Henshaw and Leigh journal. It tells how Leigh life was.
this bookwas sad and happy
I read this book for school and it was great.I wish I could meet Leigh. Kevin Walter Branciforte Age 10

An excellent, very real, story of a boy struggling with his parents divorce
Leigh Botts writes letters to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw, and eventually starts a diary. Into both the letter and the diary he pours his sorrow and anger over his parents divorce, his lack of friendsand problems with the mysterious "lunchbox thief" at school, his dream to become a writer, andthe memory of his beloved dog, Bandit, who left with his irresponsible trucker dad. Although the book is a drama, Mrs. Clearly adds humor as well.With very real characters and story, this book won a gold Calacott medal.- Sarah ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Divorce    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Parent and child    7. Schools    8. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (14)

The Gilgamesh Trilogy - Gilgamesh for Kids
Gilgamesh the King:
Still looking...
While this version is certainly accessible to children, I don't agree with many of the liberties the author took with any of these stories in the series.The many translations out there for adults at least attempt to stay true to the story.I regret that I cannot share these more accurate versions with my younger kids because of the description of at least one particular excerpt; I've had to settle for these.I believe if a person is going to adapt a classic to suit children that one should keep true to the story as best as possible, not adding and creating their own useless elements to the story.The Epic itself is wonderful, but I am still looking for an appropriate version that retains most of the original elements.I do appreciate the efforts of the author to share this amazing story with children.

a must-read for ancient history students!
If you are studying ancient history with your elementary student, you must read this series of Gilgamesh books by Ms. Zeman.This one is the first of 3.It is a great story of love, loyalty, and greatness, the oldest written story in the world, and is wonderfully illustrated.I orginally borrowed them from our local library and then purchased them because my 6 year old loved them so much. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adaptations    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Folklore    5. Gilgamesh    6. Iraq    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Legends, Myths, & Fables - General    9. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    10. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Other   

Editorial Review

In older versions of the classic tale Read more

Reviews (38)

Beautiful Illustrations-captures my daughters imagination
This book has beautiful illustrations that ask for long leisurely looks- perfect for a pre-reader looking for the story in the pictures.The story itself is well told and holds the attention of my 5 year old girl.

Rapunzel: always a favorite!
This book captures my little ladies' hearts and imagination. Wonderful illustrations and beautiful use of the English language. We began using it to learn vocabulary when my daughter was 3 and she still loves this one at age 6! A delight for the whole family.

Stunning images
I'm amazed by Zelinsky's gift at art! The tower (that tall, slender thing doesn't look very believable to me) doesn't really impress me, but that's just a minor complaint that I have (aside from that Rapunzel and her prince could have gotten to know each other before the marriage).
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Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - European    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    7. Fairy tales    8. Folklore    9. Germany    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Editorial Review

"Harry was a white dog with black spots who liked everything, exceptgetting a bath." Taking matters into his own paws, he buries his family'sscrubbing brush in the backyard and runs away from home before they can wranglehim into the tub. Harry gets dirty playing in the street, dirtier at therailroad, and dirtier still playing tag with the other dogs. When sliding downthe coal chute, he actually changes from a white dog with black spots to a blackdog with white spots! Of course, by the time he gets home he is completelyunrecognizable to his family--even when he does all his clever flip-floppingtricks. In a stroke of doggy genius, he unearths the bath brush, begs for abath, and the rest is history. Youngsters will completely relate to the urge torebel, the thrill of getting dirty, and, finally, the reassurance of family.Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham's Read more

Reviews (27)

doggone good
glad this one is still around so i can share a favorite from my childhood w/ my kids.

Childhood Classic
This is a childhood classic read children should not miss out on.Harry loves to get dirty and he hates baths!I read this one when I was younger!

A CHILDHOOD CLASSIC
Harry the Dirty Dog is the quintessential children's book for young readers.With its eye- appealing illustrations and simple text, it is the perfect transition from guided reading to independent reading.A delightful trip back to the 50's (sans the conservative vibe and racial/ misogynistic stereotypes of the time), Harry the Dirty Dog is the story of a little dog who is so opposed to getting a bath that he takes matters into his own hands...Er, paws?Harry buries his scrubbing brush in the back yard and takes off from home.While he has a day full of fun adventures, Harry not only gets himself dirtier, but also realizes that while he doesn't like taking a bath, there are many things about his family that he misses. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Babies & Toddlers    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Classics    7. Cleanliness    8. Dogs    9. Fiction    10. Humorous Stories    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Preschool Picture Story Books    13. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dogs   

Reviews (19)

What happened after The Pigman died?
How did John and Lorraine's life change after this experience?It started out pretty good.John gave up drinking and started smoking spinach (spinach?) cigarettes at Lorraine's urging.John and Lorraine yell at anyone who's mean to the lunch lady.But their lives are still going nowhere.They meet another old man and try to do it over the right way this time but it's just not the same.The new old man is cranky and rude, the kids aren't really needed in this story as the lunch lady befriends the old man and takes care of everything. The Game of Life was interesting but that's about it.
The pIGMAN
I find this book to be very well written. I also think The Pigman is a very sad book that could bring out strong emotion from any reader. This is not one of the books I would normally read but it did impress me. Even though I liked the book, I would not consider The Pigman to be one of my all time favorite books. This book started out slowly, and I had to keep my eyes from drifting off the page, but by the time the major conflicts had been revealed, I could not put the book down.

(4-1/2 stars) Even better than the first
The Pigman is one of my favorite books, so of course I was ecstatic when I discovered that Paul Zindel wrote a followup. And it turns out that The Pigman's Legacy is even better. John and Lorraine have now turned sixteen and continue on zany adventures, as well as discussing the pros and cons of their own life.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Family - General    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    6. Social Issues - Friendship    7. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    8. Social Situations - Friendship    9. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Reviews (3)

The Gilgamesh Trilogy - Gilgamesh for Kids
Gilgamesh the King
Great series!
We really appreciate the beauty of this series of books as it covers "The Epic of Gilgamesh" in an appropriate and accessible way for our children. We love to use actual historic documents in our study if possible, but the actual epic is too uncomfortably graphic even for our older children, so we use these for everyone as we study Mesopotamia, Sumer and Babylon. There are not many books that cover these Near East cultures, which makes this set especially valuable. Along with "Our Young Folks' Josephus" as our history spine, "Science in Ancient Mesopotamia" and "Ancient Egyptians and their Neighbors: An Activity Guide (covering Hittites, Nubians, Mesopopotamians and Egyptians) this series helps considerably to round out our ancient history studies and to teach our children about one of the most ancient tales in the world in a beautifully engaging way.

Buy all three
My children and I are beginning a study of ancient civilizations and I bought the three Gilgamesh books to expand our coverage of ancient Sumer.These books are just amazing! The story itself is powerful but I wonderedhow the author was going to tone down some of the violence; not to mentionthe fact that Shamat was a prostitute in other versions. Ludmilla Zeman hasbrought this story to children with intensity and grace that comes as acomplete surprise. I especially liked her painting of the chaste kissbetween Shamat and Enkidu with the explanation that Shamat taught Enkidu tospeak and together they explored the ways of love. Very tender. Read more

Subjects:  1. Adaptations    2. Children's 9-12 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    6. Folklore    7. Gilgamesh    8. Iraq    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    11. Reference - General    12. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    13. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Other   

Reviews (3)

The Gilgamesh Trilogy - Gilgamesh for Kids
Gilgamesh the King
Wonderful Book Series!
We really appreciate the beauty of this series of books as it covers "The Epic of Gilgamesh" in an appropriate and accessible way for our children. We love to use actual historic documents in our study if possible, but the actual epic is too uncomfortably graphic even for our older children, so we use these for everyone as we study Mesopotamia, Sumer and Babylon. There are not many books that cover these Near East cultures, which makes this set especially valuable. Along with "Our Young Folks' Josephus" as our history spine, "Science in Ancient Mesopotamia" and "Ancient Egyptians and their Neighbors: An Activity Guide (covering Hittites, Nubians, Mesopopotamians and Egyptians) this series helps considerably to round out our ancient history studies and to teach our children about one of the most ancient tales in the world in a beautifully engaging way.

Buy all three
My children and I are beginning a study of ancient civilizations and I bought the three Gilgamesh books to expand our coverage of ancient Sumer.These books are just amazing! The story itself is powerful but I wonderedhow the author was going to tone down some of the violence; not to mentionthe fact that Shamat was a prostitute in other versions. Ludmilla Zeman hasbrought this story to children with intensity and grace that comes as acomplete surprise. I especially liked her painting of the chaste kissbetween Shamat and Enkidu with the explanation that Shamat taught Enkidu tospeak and together they explored the ways of love. Very tender. Read more

Subjects:  1. Adaptations    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Folklore    5. Gilgamesh    6. Gilgamesh (Legendary character    7. Gilgamesh (Legendary character)    8. Iraq    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Legends    11. Legends, Myths, & Fables - General    12. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    13. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    14. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Other   

Editorial Review

Paul O. Zelinsky, 1998 Caldecott medalist for Read more

Reviews (22)

Great pictures
The pictures in this book are very nice. My 5-year old loves to hear it as a story before going to sleep. The ending of the story is also suitable for this age, since Rumpelstiltskin ends up flying out the window, instead of something more tragic happening to him.

fairy tale told true
This is a lovely version of the classic Rumpelstiltskin. I enjoyed reading it with my third graders. The illustrations are beautiful and spark the imagination. A good story demonstrates struggle and challenges the students to compare present day expectations with the past.

Rumpelstilskin
I wanted a classic children's fairy tale story with handsome illustrations.I got just what I wanted with this book.I have a 3 1/2 year old and it is the perfect length for bedtime. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - European    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    6. Fairy tales    7. Folklore    8. Germany    9. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Anthologies   

Reviews (7)

It puts my son to sleep
I love this book for many reasons, but the main reason is that the cadence of the story puts my son to sleep.We have been using this book as the third of three bedtime stories for about 1 1/2 years now and it still works.

like magic
Charlotte Zolotow is such a talented writer!This has to be one of the best books about the ocean I have ever seen.It is a true out of body experience.I'm sitting a few hundred yards away from the Chespeake Bay and, reading this book, it was like I was lifted out of my chair and transported straight down to the beach. And the concept of being able to explain something so truly and completely that someone who has never experienced it in real life can still catch a glimmer of the feeling is an intriguing one.I can see this book being used in classrooms to introduce descriptive writing and urban children being asked to describe the sights and sounds of the city in such a way that a child from the country can imagine it.Teachers and homeschooling families could find a penpal for each child in a different part of the country to exchange these letters with.Even for an adult, this would be an amazing experience -- to find someone and try to share a little bit of your world with her, and to imagine hers in turn.
A Lovely, Lyrical Book!
I bought this book for my children shortly after we spent the summer in a beach house on Hatteras Island, NC. This book completely captures the essence of a day there . . . or on any seashore for that matter. It immediately became one of my children's favorite books as the prose is so evocative and the illustrations so lovely. Seven years later, it is still one of their all-time favorites. Mine, too!Over the years, I have given many copies of "The Seashore Book" as gifts and have received nothing but rave reviews from parents and children. I've just ordered another copy from Amazon to give as a new baby gift.You see, this book is truly timeless. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Marine Life    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. Imagination    6. Mothers and sons    7. Nature & the Natural World - General    8. Seashore    9. Juvenile Fiction / Nature & the Natural World   

Reviews (12)

Fairy tale Favorite
I love this book.I am huge fan of Paul Zelinsky's pictures and Rika Lessers version of Hansel and Gretel is a great match.I have used this book with my first grade classroom and they flipped over the story even though it was one they heard before and the pictutes paired with it.It was a raving sucess with them and I'm sure it would be with your kids.

great
this book was great. it was sad in some parts like when hansel and gretel were capture by that old woman. then i liked how they found the beautiful jewels. that was cool. my favorite part is how they found the woodcutter and when home. this is a good story tale for kids.
Moral values
Hansel and Gretel is my fav fairy tales. Almost all stories of Grimm have moral values and this one is no exception. Fairy tales were told as form of entertainment too. They show the kids the right way to behave. However, If pondered over, Hansel and Gretel is one fairy tale with Biblical resemblance. The kids view their parents house as a place of security.The two children are wandering through the woods and are hungry, tired and alone.This closely resembles the passage where Jesus wandered through the desert for forty days.He too was tired and hungry and completely alone.During this time, Satan tried to tempt Jesus with food.Satan told Him that if He were the Son of God, then He should turn a stone into bread for food (Luke 4:3).Jesus did not get tempted but here in the story, the children saw the gingerbread house and ate parts of it until they were full. The children continued to eat pieces of it even after they were full, which is gluttony. And Gluttony is one topic in Bible is seen as one of the seven deadly sins, if I am not mistaken. Than the final part, Gretel traps the witch inside her own oven, right before she was getting ready to cook Hansel.The witch is burnt up.This resembles the story of Satan.At the end of Satan's reign over earth, the Christians will be saved from the fire and Satan will be thrown into the fiery pit of Hell, where he will be tortured forever. In end, there is rejoicing; very similiar when the satan (witch) dies,the children reap the rewards and rejoice to 'live happily ever after' Moreover, the tale show abandonment, hunger, fear,friendly sibling example, family unity - issues that startles kids minds to pause and think. It makes the kids dive into imagination and with the very good illustrations and very well re-told classic, this book is a wonderful Pick for all Children - Best of the Best Fairy tale to read and instil moral values in kids. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Classics    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - European    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    6. Fairy tales    7. Folklore    8. General    9. Germany    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Family - General    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Magnets    10. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Refrigerators    13. Toys, Dolls, & Puppets    14. Juvenile Fiction / Family / General   

Reviews (1)

Dear Mr. Henshaw
This book is about a young boy named Leigh Botts who writes letters to an author, Mr. Henshaw.Leigh Botts parents are divorced and he does not get to see his dad too much.Leigh writes in his journal when he does not write to Mr. Henshaw.Leigh's has a dog named Bandit that lives with hisDad.This is a great book that teaches journal writing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Divorce    4. Family - Marriage & Divorce    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Parent and child    8. Schools    9. Social Issues - General    10. Social Situations - General    11. Spanish: Grades 4-7    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (14)

Good quick read
I thought this play was an entertaining quick read.It was certainly different.I'll admit I bought the book because of the title and cover art.This play wasn't life changing or a play I'll treasure for ever but since it IS, as I've said, a quick read and entertaining: it's worth giving it a try!Most importantly, it isn't your run of the mill play about a family.It certainly is unique.

Question about the book .
Well , I have read the book . To me its quite interesting . ?But I don't really understand about the book . But i want to know who is the girl on the cover page of the book(The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-In-The-Moon Marigolds) .
Sublime Experiments in Mutation
I see this as a play about the power of hatred and pain versus the power of awe and wonder. In each individual there is a struggle between the two, particularly Beatrice, the mother of Tillie (aka Matilda) and Ruth. The love and trauma of family is especially harsh because the effects are the deepest. In this play, about a mother and her two daughters, the spectre of family life is exposed as dangerous and hurtful, despite a natural inclination against such negativity. In that confusing place resides the plays sublime nature, whereyouthful spiritual proclivity battles angst filled self hating adulthood. Simply written, possible to be read in an hour, "The Effects" are moving. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Drama    5. Family - General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    8. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    9. Juvenile Fiction / Family / General   

Reviews (4)

The simple but eloquent lesson that "Nothing ends..."
"When the Wind Stops" has a very simple beginning.After a day in which the great bright yellow sun has been shining all day the sun is getting ready to sink beneath the horizon.But as the day is coming to an end a little boy is sorry to see the day end.We learn of some of the simple things he did during the day, playing with his friend in a garden and listening to his father read him a story, and when his mother come to say good night the little boy asks, "Why does the day have to end?" Author Charlotte Zolotow ("Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present," "William's Doll") provides the answer to that eternal question and others in a similar vein in lyrical prose. A Beautiful book about the continuing nature of life . . .
I found this to be a beautifully written & illustrated book about the renewal of each day.The story begins with a little boy sad to see the day end and his mother explaining to him that the day ends so night can begin. . . The prose is soothing and imaginative . . . the message is about how they day can end for you, but it begins again in another place for someone else. . . it seems to me to be a gentle way of talking about letting go. . . letting go of the day, of the season, of the wind, of things, so that these things can carry on in a different way.I think it is a great way for a child to begin to understand about the finite nature of life.Also, is addresses the immediate and strong feeling of my toddler of NO NIGHT NIGHTS!!!The prose is so soothing and imaginative it actually lulled my child to sleep.The illustrations are colorful and beautiful.An EXCELLENT book.

A Story That Clears the Fog on Difficult Concepts
In easy language with good illustrations, this book will help children tounderstand why the day has to end, where the wind goes when it stops, wherethe waves go when they break on the sand, where does the rain go,etc.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fiction    4. Nature    5. Nature & the Natural World - General    6. Juvenile Fiction / General    7. Picture books   

Reviews (4)

Harry the sea monster
Harry gets into another of his adventures, this time turning into a seaweed monster at the beach. The illustrations are delightful and it's a fun read.

Wonderful Story!
I have had this book since 1969 when I was 6 years old. It is a treasured part of my childhood! It tells the story of a lovable dog Harry and his family spending an eventful day at the beach. Children and adults alike will love this cuddly tale.

An adorable dog, kids, beach, adventure.'nuff said!
This book instantly became a bedtime favorite with each of my kids (boy and girl).Harry is adorable, and just enough mischief and adventure (and smelly seaweed!) to keep the little one's attention, and to keep youngreaders turning the pages.You'll love it too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Animals - Pets    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dogs   

Reviews (11)

preschool learning fun
My preschool special ed students LOVE this book, they would read it 10 times each day if I allowed them to.It's fun, had wonderful pop-ups and pull tabs and reinforces beginning reading skills such as rhyming.A must for children who need encouragement to listen to stories.

A Work Of Art
I bought this book based on reviews on this site of the author, Paul O. Zelinsky.I wasn't sure if it was age appropriate for my son (17 months), but he loves books and I just decided to give it a go.My husband and I opened it while our son was sleeping and we just LOVED it.The drawings are amazing and the engineering of the tab movement is unbelivevable.It had us in awe for 10 or 20 minutes.The book might not be kid friendly, but if you can hold your child for a few minutes and show them the movement of the pictures and read the story it will be great.

Well worth it!!
I agree with other reviewers that the pulls are a little stiff on this book, but i just slip a finger in the page while a pull and they all go easily. Not a big deal to me at all. I cannot let my 10 month old play with this book like she does many of her others, but I knew that from the start. She finds it mesmerizing though and I have a feeling that we will get years of use out of this one!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Preschool    3. Folk songs    4. Folk songs, English    5. General    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Poetry - General    8. Specimens    9. Texts    10. Toy and movable books    11. Zelinsky, Paul O.    12. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / General   

Reviews (7)

Also on "Free to be You and Me"
There's a wonderful musical segment of "William's Doll" on "Free to be You and Me."My mother in law got the movie for my husband when he was in elementary school because it had open and affirming messages, and when it came out on DVD, my husband picked it up for our girls.They love it--it's funny, thought provoking, and even though it was made in the '70's, it's timeless.If you like William's Doll, pick up Free to be You and Me.

A Book Every Daddy Should Read
I have been a teacher of young children for 15 years and I have yet to find a story that better illustrates the need our little boys have to love and cuddle a baby of their own than "William's Doll". All William wants is a baby doll like the little girl next door has, but when he tells his father he gets everything but.Then William's Grandmother comes to visit and as she says, "He can learn how to be a good father". I get this book as a baby shower gift for everynew father I know!

A doll that other fellows cannot steal
An oddly tender tale about a boy and his desire to own a doll of his own.Books that break stereotypes rarely do it as intelligently and simply as Charlotte Zolotow's remarkable, "William's Doll".Usually if a picture book has something to say, it'll announce the fact to you with great pomp and flair, and maybe a little more pomp.It'll take its message and shove it down your throat, attempting to cram every little bit of lesson into you.This is not the case with this book.In "William's Doll" you've a delicate tale told in such a way that its message, while remaining very powerful, is spoken in a small quiet voice.Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavior    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Dolls    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Social Issues - New Experience    8. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    9. Social Issues - Values    10. Grandmothers    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Values    12. Picture books    13. Sex role   

Editorial Review

On the day of her birth, nothing about Angelica Longrider suggested that she would one day become the greatest woodswoman of Tennessee. In fact, the newborn was "scarcely taller than her mother and couldn't climb a tree without help." It's not long, though, before Angelica is vanquishing varmints such as Thundering Tarnation, a huge bear with a taste for settlers' winter rations, and swallowing entire lakes in a gulp.Read more

Reviews (15)

Swamp Angel
Swamp angel is about a friendly, strong, giant girl; from the South. The conflict of the story is, Tarnation, a giant gorilla is eating up all the food. So, the mayor decides to have a contest to see which man can kill him. Whoever succeeds, will get to keep the pelt of the giant animal. Everyone who dared to try to kill the beast, failed, until one day the Swamp angel stepped in. This book is extremely funny with wonderful illustrations. I believe this book would be suitable for children under the age of eight. I give this book two thumbs up.

A Book For All
Swamp Angel is a great adventurous folktale, with unbelievable illistrations. And a funny southern accent that all will love. A heart warming tale bout a freindly, super-strong, giant girl; who saves her dear little home from dangers like a tornado. Anne Isaacs did an exceptional job to make this book humorous, exciting, adventurous, and fun-filled for all especialy children. Swamp angel is a considerate, generous, and all around nice person. Yet she's strong, brave, and determined. This story is taken place in Tennesse, down south. The problem is that Thunderin' Tarnation is eating all the food, so the mayor decides to have a contest. The first person to kill Thunerin' Tarnation gets to keep the pelt of the giant beast, saves their intire state's food from being eaten, and dthey will have an abundance of food. Many tried and almost all failed but one Swamp angel. But she still hasn't saw Thunderin' Tarnation yet. Until one day by the lake she spotted Old Tarnation. And that was were the showdown between Old Tarnation and Swamp Angel began. If you're a Paul Bunyun fan, well then this book is for you. I thought this was a fun and exciting book. If you read this book, I can almost garuntee that you will feal the same way. I give Swamp Angel two thumbs up!

I really liked Tarnation!
WARNING!!This review may contain Spoilers!