Features

• Abridged

Reviews (26)

Bananas Gorilla and kids...
My copy of this book is chewed, back broken, torn, taped, worn out by the use of my own children and years of my students in my Primary classrooms. I recall reading this with my younger brother and that was just forever ago. Some books just stand the test of time and this is one of those. As a teacher I know very young children like to categorize, inspect, look for something(well what else explains I SPY books?)and ferret out details. Scarry definitely "got that". I've seen children slip inside these pages and be entertained and cataloging for really long periods of time.Not that I'm suggesting it for that reason ALONE. My daughter Sylvia was definitely one of those kinds of children and she always searched for Bananas Gorilla. I had several videos that were made of the Richard Scarry world (get them) and at a very young age-two to three- she loved those in combination with the books. My son much later was similarly enthralled and now I use this material when the Standards hockers aren't looking teaching my 1st grade with students who have ELD needs-second language development. This particular book I really like because the early years social studies curriculum is "community" based and this attends to those understandings so well. I recommend this as a teacher to families, and with parent interaction and co-exploring it's a very fun afternoon activity.

worn out
I am attempting to order another copy of this wonderful book because my 40 year old son remembers my reading it to him as a little boy and he wants a copy for his two year old son!The conversations you can have with your child as you examine the pages are incredible! Our copy is completely worn out, but I have saved it for when he visits!

My best book of all time
I got this book as a prize when I was 8, and I loved it every minute. I have read this book so many times and this has been a blast 18 years owning it. It has been my source for dreams of many of my childhood dreams and these illustrations are so good. If you are looking to buy your kid a book, do yourself a favor and get this own. It was my best friend for a long time and I am sure, it will be for your kid too !! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Business, Careers, Occupations    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile literature    7. Occupations    8. Juvenile Fiction / Business, Careers, Occupations   

Editorial Review

You won't find this book on a school library shelf--it's pure teenage anarchy. While many homeschooling authors hem and haw that learning at home isn't for everyone, this manifesto practically tells kids they're losers if they do otherwise. With the exception of a forwarding note to parents, this book is written entirely for teenagers, and the first 75 pages explain why school is a waste of time. Grace Llewellyn insists that people learn better when they are self-motivated and not confined by school walls. Instead of homeschooling, which connotes setting up a school at home, Llewellyn prefers "unschooling," a learning method with no structure or formal curriculum. There are tips here you won't hear from a school guidance counselor. Llewellyn urges kids to take a vacation--at least for a week--after quitting school to purge its influence. "Throw darts at a picture of your school" or "Make a bonfire of old worksheets," she advises. She spends an entire chapter on the gentle art of persuading parents that this is a good idea. Then she gets serious. Llewellyn urges teens to turn off the TV, get outside, and turn to their local libraries, museums, the Internet, and other resources for information. She devotes many chapters to books and suggestions for teaching yourself science, math, social sciences, English, foreign languages, and the arts. She also includes advice on jobs and getting into college, assuring teens that, contrary to what they've been told in school, they won't be flipping burgers for the rest of their days if they drop out.Read more

Reviews (70)

let freedom ring
"She had the ambition of Napoleon and the talent of your average high school valedictorian."
Life Changing
So much of schooling undermines true learning, and as a schooling mom of three who did homeschool for a few years, I think that it is vital for us to wake up, even one person at a time, to this reality.
Very interesting, even from someone who will never quit school...
I picked this up during the summer, after realizing that after my (then) two-week-long attempt at learning German I was at the same level as I had been in French after my entire first YEAR of it.
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Subjects:  1. Careers    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Home schooling    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. School & Education    6. Self-culture    7. United States   

Reviews (4)

Focuses on the psychology
The book concentrates on the psychological techniques of better studying. In essence, the optimum psychological state for studying involves getting into a "relaxed intensity" state of mind. In order to enter in such a state, one must continually and patiently practice studying at the same time and location. One must also practice clearing both internal and external psychological distractions. It also provides some basic fundamental study techniques such as note taking, listening, and asking better questions. A good buy but it will not be a lifesaver for those who are trying to earn better grades.

Relaxation, Focus, Time Management
This book is truly excellent and completely common sense, but most people would not think of the strategies it provides. It's all about maximizing efficiency by relaxing, focusing, and using time wisely. Making goals and uniting all the intelligences. Simple, but effective.
A Must-Have for All Aspiring Achievers!
This book was a wake-up call for me. Thanks to Kevin Paul, i managed to score straight As for my PMR(a very important exam for 15-year-olds in Malaysia). The exam was in October, but even in May, i was still underprepared. Truthfully, i lost the momentum to study, and i fooled myself by pretending that the exam was 'at the end of the year',little did i know that it wasRead more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Professional - General    3. Study Guides    4. Study Methods For College Students    5. Study Skills    6. Educational guidance & advice    7. Study & learning skills   

Subjects:  1. Counseling    2. Guidance & Orientation    3. Politics / Current Events    4. Psychology    5. Psychotherapy - Counseling    6. Public Policy - Social Services & Welfare    7. Textbooks    8. Counselling    9. Education / Guidance & Orientation    10. Educational guidance & advice    11. Social welfare & social services   

Subjects:  1. Secondary    2. Study Aids    3. Study Guides    4. Test Prep    5. Tests    6. Educational guidance & advice    7. Examinations & assessment    8. Learning & study skills    9. Secondary schools    10. Study Aids / Tests   

Reviews (21)

Styles of the Great Masters
This book is a great quick overview of the great masters of art history.The projects are easy enough for more elementary and middle school kids.Only criticism would be more bio on each artist and what their specific contricution to the development of Western art was.

excellent hands-on projects for children...
I was excited about this book before I even opened it, and having read through it and planned several projects for our homeschooled kindergartner and preschooler, I am even more excited!This book covers pretty much every possible art form and gives great background information on the artists represented, without being so much information that it would be boring to a child.The projects are creative and all of them look like great fun.This is one book that I feel was worth the money (so many craft books end up being an "I could have thought of that on my own" experience!).My only disappointment with this book is that the illustrations are other children's artwork and there are no examples of the artists' actual work.However, I am sure we can find all we need to supplement this book just by looking on the internet.All in all, this was a great buy and I am very excited to use this book with my children for several years to come!I give it five stars.

Great hands on book
I bought this book for my son and I to do over the summer.It is so much fun.It gives a description of the artists and there style.Then it tells you how to imitate their style.It has been a lot of fun!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - Techniques    2. Business, Careers, Occupations    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Creative activities and seatwork    6. Handicraft    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature   

Reviews (4)

MYBOOK
I THINK I WANT TO BE A FASHION DESIGNER IS A GREAT BOOK TO READ SO THAT I CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT DESIGNING.I CANT WAIT TO READ IT AGAIN. I LEARNED TO NEVER GIVE UP ON AN IDEA.YOU WILL NEVER KNOW IF YOU WILL MAKE IT OR NOT IF YOU DON'T TRY.I LEARNED MANNEQUINS ARE FOR CLOTHING THAT I DESIGN.IF THERE IS A MISTAKE ON THE DRESS, IT IS A PRACTICE DRESS.IF I MAKE IT RIGHT THE NEXT TIME, IT IS A DRESS THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO DESIGN FOR MANY MANY TIMES.

Really nice book!
This is a really nice book.Lots of glossy color photos of star designers add to the enjoyment of reading this book.It's great for little or big girls interested in fashion.I especially liked the story of the little girl who made up a new kind of mitten.She's been very successful with her efforts.It shows that not everyone has to go to design school to be a success in the field.

great color pictures
This book is a great way to see how fashion works and all the things that is in the job the pictures are great if youre thinking about being a fashion designer than you need to buy this ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - Fashion    2. Careers    3. Children's 9-12 - Careers    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 3-4    6. Fashion design    7. Fashion designers    8. Juvenile literature    9. Vocational guidance    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / School & Education   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (19)

Money, Comics, and Kids
Do you like money? Do you wonder how other people make money? Then I have the perfect book for you. It's called Lunch Money. It's by Andrew Clements. This book is about a money-holic sixth grader named Greg Kenton who LOVES money. He still wants more money, though. So he decides to make little handmade comics called Chunky Comics. But one day Maura Shaw, his enemy, copies his idea! Greg and Maura get into a lot of yelling fights. WATCH OUT! It gets physical! I'm sure you'll love this book because it will make you laugh out loud! So hurry and go to a bookstore or Library and get Lunch Money!

You HAVE to read this!
Out of all the books I have read, this one was defidently a winner! It's a wonderful book about a boy (Greg ),Who loves money! And he's determind to sell his little comic books at school!But when he starts selling them he comes upon many problem! This is defidently a MUST read!

A Book About Money
I read an interesting book named Lunch Money written by Andrew Clemets and illustrated by Brian Selznick. There are four main chichters. First is Greg Kenton he loves money and will do anything for it. Next is Maraw Shaw she likes to copy Gregs ideas for money.The tow last are Mr.Zenoupoulas or known as Mr.Z. Last over all is Mrs.Davenport or known as Mrs.D. There both teachers but Mrs.D is the principal of Gregs school. The biggest and best mesage of the story is not to be greedy or a hog.
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Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Business, Careers, Occupations    3. Cartoons and comics    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 3-4    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Fiction    8. Humorous Stories    9. Interpersonal relations    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Moneymaking projects    12. School & Education    13. Social Issues - Friendship    14. Juvenile Fiction / School & Education   

Reviews (3)

Many critical typos
This book is not for people who do not understand statistics because there are typos in the book on important things such as definitions, answers to stats formulas, and in addition, the associated on-line grading chapter questions. Page 39 is just one example. The explanation of a Z-score has a typo. Below that, the example formula of a T-score is incorrect. Trying to figure this stuff out has been beyond frustrating. I do not recommend this book until they fix the published errors.
Drummond's textbook
Students whose field of studies will take them into research and/or testing procedures should consider this book. It covers the historical and philosophical foundationsof testing, the ethical issues involved, and goes into great detail on all the statistical aspects of appraisal. Parts of it are over my head but this is due to my poor math background rather than the author's style and content.

Easy to Understand Text on Appraisal
I purchased a copy of Appraisal Procedures for Counselors and Helping Professionals by Robert J. Drummond in order to review for the National Counselor Exam.It had been a number of years since I had taken a class in appraisal and I felt that I needed to brush up on the terms and basic principles.I found this book to be very helpful.The material is presented in an easy to understand format.I was worried about the appraisal section on the NCE.After reviewing this book, I felt much more confidnet about being successful on the appraisal section of the test.I recently took the NCE and passed.And, I actually did ok on the appraisal questions.I would recommend this book as an excellent review. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Assessment, Testing & Measurement    2. Counseling    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Educational Tests And Measurements (Higher Education)    6. Educational tests and measurements    7. General    8. Guidance & Orientation    9. Psychological Testing    10. Psychological tests    11. Psychology    12. Education / Guidance & Orientation    13. Educational guidance & advice    14. Psychological testing & measurement   

Reviews (2)

Excellent Resource For The Young Adult
As a part-time personal career coach for college students trying to identify their major, I was thrilled to see the "What Color Is Your Parachute" franchise has created a version for the late teens/early twenties demographic. Despite the best efforts of college career counseling offices, I still encounter many young people needing help identifying career options that complement the person they are. Resources such "What Color Is Your Parachute" provide young adults with critical learnings they can use to educate themselves about the importance of their personal interests, their strengths, and their skills to ultimately make an informed career decision. And it doesn't hurt if the parents of the young person have read this (or similar) works, as well, so they can be educated coaches for their young adult. In many cases, parents have invested time, emotion and money into getting their child into an institution of higher learning and keeping them there, so their participation in this stage of their child's life is a logical next step. Trust me, parents - they want your involvement more than they let on.
Definitely a crucial book for any teenager who cares about his/her future!
Wow! I wish I had this wonderful book when I was a teenager.
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Subjects:  1. Careers    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    4. Job hunting    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Teenagers    7. Vocational guidance    8. Advice on careers & achieving success    9. Careers & vocational guidance & advice   

Reviews (2)

Counseling Book Very helpful.
Easy to understand, well written book.
An Excellent Introductory Book to Counseling
Nystul's "Introduction to Counseling: An Art and Science Perspective" is an excellent book for the beginning counselor either at the undergraduate level or the graduate level (we all start somewhere).I was assigned this book for my first Master's level class and it provided an excellent background into my chosen field.When I read the book, it cured a lot of questions that I had about counseling.I learned a lot of information that I either did not know or realize.Specifically, the book not only introduces the reader to counseling techniques, but also provides an overview of theoretical approaches, ethics and legal issues, assessment and diagnosis, and diversity issues.In addition, this book gives information on counseling approaches with various populations (i.e. child, group, family, school, career and mental health etc).Also, Nystul (1999) provided background information as well as practical techniques for each theory that he explained.Moreover, this book gives a superb rendition of various types of counselors and the description of duties that they perform.My favorite parts of the book are the "personal notes" where the author gives a story or example to go along with his discussion of a subject.The personal notes provide a great modality for the reader to look at a concept in a realistic or life-like manner.Most importantly, the book is organized extremely well and makes reading a lot easier than most textbooks; it utilizes pictures, diagrams, charts and etc. to get the point across in an effective and efficient manner.As a graduate student who utilized this book, I would highly recommend this book to professors, counselors and counseling students.Overall, it is an excellent source of background counseling information and for additional resources to aid in a person's development as a counselor. I almost forgot, the reason that I gave the book a 4 star rating and not a five is because general information about counseling can be quite dry reading material, it all depends on the individual reading it. Nonetheless, as mentioned previously, the author uses various techniques to help the reader absorb the necessary material (to become a counselor) in the most painless manner.Thus, the book gets my 4 stars. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Counseling    2. Counseling - General    3. Education    4. Psychology    5. Psychotherapy    6. Psychotherapy - Counseling    7. Counselling    8. Education / Guidance & Orientation    9. Educational guidance & advice   

Reviews (35)

A Let Down...
Duck for President is a let down after the fun of Click Clack Moo and Giggle Giggle Quack. It just doesn't have the fun factor for younger children that the earlier books did. We'll keep it around for when our child gets older and more perceptive about how things really work in the world.

Very cute book
I love this book.Not only is it a cute story, but teaches that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

Riddles Review
Duck for President is a very good book. It has a fuuny plot to get duck to be in charge of the farm then higher ranking political position. You should buy the book because it brings a funny book into a special child's life. I highly recomend this book I even liked it and im 12 years old. Buy it, its awesome. It is about a duck who is tired of doing chores around the farm and has an election, Duck and Farmer Brown. After that he goes even higher and goes for President, and wins.Then retires and gose back to the farm. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Ducks, Geese, Etc.    2. Animals - Farm Animals    3. Business, Careers, Occupations    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Ducks    7. Elections    8. Fiction    9. Humorous Stories    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Politics    12. Politics, Practical    13. Preschool Picture Story Books    14. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Farm Animals   

Reviews (2)

The School Counselor's Bible
There is an acute public health crisis in this nation; a crisis precipitated by the burden of suffering experienced by children with mental health needs, and their families. School Counselors guidelines
This was a required text for school counseling.It is very informative. Includes guidance units as well as what to expect your position to be. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Counseling - General    2. Counseling in elementary educa    3. Counseling in elementary education    4. Counseling in middle school ed    5. Education    6. Education / Teaching    7. Educational counseling    8. Student counselors    9. United States    10. Education / Guidance & Orientation    11. Educational guidance & advice   

Reviews (27)

The Best Math Review Period !
Extremely well written math review from arithmetic to algerbra. Read this, then do practice questions.

If math isn't your thing...
I ordered this book based largely on the recommendations that other Amazon customers left. Now that I've taken the GRE, I wanted to endorse it as well. I have a background that lacked math; I needed one math course to graduate college, took a basic algebra course and didn't do that well. Obviously I was concerned about the prospect of taking a standardized test 8 years later! This book assumes that the reader knows nothing, and is incredibly clear and concise. There were a few examples that seemed to skip a visual step but for the large part, I couldn't have fared half as well as I did without it. I found it especially helpful with addressing and solving word problems. Definitely invest the money, this book is worth every penny.

Math Review for Standardized Tests (Cliffs Test Prep)
This was a very good review of basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry.There is a diagnostic test in each area. The answers reference the concepts presented and the page the concepts are presented.Concepts are presented clearly.Each concept has several practice problems.There is a review test after each section. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cliff's/ Monarch / Barron's Book Notes    2. College Entrance    3. General    4. Mathematics (General)    5. Study Guides    6. Tests    7. Educational guidance & advice    8. Mathematics    9. Study & learning skills    10. Study Aids / Tests    11. Study guides, home study & revision notes   

Reviews (12)

Brings Back Memoies...
As a former paper-"person", this book was a wonderful step back in time.Wonderful illustrations, and simple but profound language.My 3 and 6 year olds love it!

Deliverance
It's a bad sign when a book published in 1996 already conjures up feelings of nostalgia.Remember paperboys?How kids could earn a little extra money by getting that crack-of-dawn delivery job that put a few more coffers in their pockets?Nowadays, many paperboys have been replaced with adults.Adults with cars, no less.Looking back at Dav "Captain Underpants" Pilkey's Caldecott Honor title, "The Paperboy", the reader is transported to those ethereal moments that exist for some kids even today just before the sun rises.It's a story about a boy, his dog, his job, and that's about it.No grand statements or surprising moments.Just a lovely look at a once common suburban ideal.
The Paperboy
This story is a very in depth tale of a young paperboy who wakes up with his dog very early in the morning before anyone to deliver papers to his neighbors. This book is a wonderfully imaginative story for little children and adults alike. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business, Careers, Occupations    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Morning    9. Newspaper carriers   

Subjects:  1. Counseling - Crisis Management    2. Counseling - General    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Educational counseling    6. Student counselors    7. United States    8. Education / Guidance & Orientation    9. Educational guidance & advice   

Reviews (7)

Great book!
"It was a little scary, a little funny, and easy to read" said my son Toby, aged 6.5, after reading this excellent book. He also says there were only about ten words he did not know. The illustrations are good and they do not give the story away -- Toby had to read the words. Toby says "don't give up!".

Great book for early reading
This is a very enjoyable pirate story for beginning readers or for us parents to read to our kids. It is about kids of pirates that go to school every day just like toehr kids, only they go in a school bus painted row boat to a giant pirate ship/public school. The lessons they teach are backwards to our own morals and not fair, as the kids are to be greedy and not share, and worse yet to fight when they have disputes. But these rules dont work when it is treasure hunt day on the spooky island. Although each boy claims to have found the treasure first, they quickly learn tha if they are to survice, they must ingore the pirate rules and instead cooperate, share, help out, and trust each other. Wonderful story, I highly reccommend.

FUNNY!
This book entertained us all as my son went through his 4- year old Pirate phase. Really funny. Great Price! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. Pirates    6. Readers - Beginner    7. School stories    8. Schools    9. Treasure hunt (Game)    10. Juvenile Fiction / Business, Careers, Occupations   

Reviews (4)

How Writer's Work
Similar to other Fletcher writing books
Suzie's Review
Mr. Fletcher wrote this book as a how-to for younger students, but anyone can get something from this book. It does a great job of walking the reader through a step-by-step process of how to be the best writer possible with an easy to follow format and many helpful ideas to accomplish the process. I think the point Mr. Fletcher is trying to convey to his reader is that writers are not mysticals who exist in a far off wonderland; they are everyday people, and anyone can be a writer-all it requires is releasing the energy of talking on paper. I think this book would be a beneficial part of any classroom library because it's a quick read and packed with ways to start out even the youngest of writers. The section of this book that is dedicated to expaining what students do when they are facing problems writing, will help other students relate to this book.

Another Indispensable Book for Kid Writers by Ralph Fletcher
This book is unique in that it talks directly to kids about writing, in a personal rather than a "textbook" manner.I can't think of any other books for kids that do this (other than the others by Fletcher listed at the end), and it is so valuable!The book is also simply very interesting and well-written.Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Careers    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Creative writing    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Language Arts - Composition & Creative Writing    9. Language Arts & Disciplines / General   

Reviews (3)

My son's all-time favorate fire fighting book -- mine too!
My son judges a bookstore or library by number and quality of fire engine books.This book is our favorite.There is information in this book that is not in any other book we've read (and we have read many) and still it is an easy read.Gail Gibbons does a great job packing information into 4-8 year old bite sized pieces.

Fire! Fire! Awesome! Awesome!
I purchased this book for my 3 year old son with the intent to acquaint him with exactly what firefighters and their apparatus do. All kinds of fire fighters!
My 5.5 yr old son LOVES this book!He renewed itfor four weeks at the school librarybefore they made him turn it in, and then cried about it.The book teaches kids about different kinds of fire fighters. Most of us think of a fire fighters down at the fire station but it alsoencompassessmoke jumpers, water front fire fighters and more. I found it interesting to read to him too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Careers    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Preschool    4. Fire extinction    5. Fire prevention    6. Juvenile literature    7. Science & Nature - General    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / General   

Reviews (7)

College Parents of America Recommends "Countdown"
As the president of College Parents of America, the only nationwide member association dedicated to serving and advocating on behalf of current and future college parents, I consider Valerie Pierce's "Countdown to College" to be one of the most valuable and user-friendly college planning guides in print.When I first began compiling and culling information for parents to access on our Web site (www.collegeparents.org), I consulted "Countdown" frequently for resources and easy-to-understand explanations of complex preparation and application processes.I found the book to be concise, well-organized and comprehensive in its "To Do" lists for high school students.Today, my staff and I still keep several dog-eared copies around for quick and easy reference.And, we have enlisted Ms. Pierce as one of our "Ask the Experts" panelists for our members to consult. I highly recommend this book for all parents of high school students -- and I guarantee that their copies will become dog-eared as well!
Excellent Information!
After being shown this book, I ordered two copies; one for my niece and one for my nephew, both of whom will be graduating from eighth grade next spring.Having gone through the experience of looking at, applying to, and choosing colleges with two sons, I can say that the information this book contains is right on the mark.It is thorough, succinctly presented, and easily understood.The list format and quotes from students present the information in a logical way that is fun to read.Organizing the lists as tasks to be considered during each year of highschool makes the college search process much less overwhelming.I wish that "Countdown to College" had been available as my family felt its way through the process for the first time seven years ago.

A great book for preparing for college
This book is a wonderful resource on preparing high-schoolers to move through the college preparation and application process.I wish it had been available when my children went to college. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. College Entrance    2. College Guides    3. Education    4. Reference    5. Advice on education    6. Educational guidance & advice