Editorial Review

The long-awaited, eagerly anticipated, arguably over-hyped Read more

Reviews (3316)

Ooops! She did it again
J.K Rowling has pulled off another stellar Harry Potter. Because the amount of time it takes to complete a 7-part series, I thought she'd run out of steam, but clearly she has not. After seeing what happened with King towards the end of the Dark Towers series, I was afraid another renowned writer might do the same. I was pleasantly disappointed. There is nothing else to say. Great book. She keeps the series rolling perfectly. Some of the goings on (people who've read the story should know what I'm talking about) I believe are front for other plans, and I was not heart broken at the end.
Harry's Daring Quest
Harry Potter and Professor Dumbledore try to research Lord Voldemort's childhood. They search through the pensieve discovering the truth about Lord Voldemort. They realize the rutheless, evil wizard splits his soul into seven pieces by murdering seven innocent people. Then he magicallyhid them into valuable objects, which Harry and Dumbledore set after for. I loved the book because the story line was thrilling and intriguing. The characters were daring, intelligent, humorous, and wise. My favorite character is Harry Potter who is a sixteen year old wizard who's parents died because Voldemort murdered them both. Harry is my favorite character because he is brave and humorous. Some related books to this one are all five of the other Harry Potter books. I think this book ranks number one in comparison to them all.

This book series stinks! And that's flattering.
One star is giving this terrible and uninteresting series a huge compliment. Especially this book, where the plot consists of little but pointless stories of the character's love lives until the end, when there is a quick bit that is actually about Good vs evil. If Harry can be called good. beyond this words cannot describe my disgust for this book and for the whole series. Hope Harry dies. Painfully. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Fiction    4. Humorous Stories    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction / School & Education    8. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic    9. Magic    10. School & Education    11. Schools    12. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    13. Wizards    14. Children's 9-12    15. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft    16. Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Reviews (98)

Dear God or Stephenie Meyer, please, please, please, let the third book be better than the second.
Ok, I adore Edward, and I love the way the Stephenie Meyer wrote the first book, but Bella is so slow on the upstake in New Moon. I know that both plots are predictable, but Ms. Meyer writes in such a way that that's usually ok because it answers the reader's prayers(like, "please let him struggle with his love for her some more," etc.) but in the second book, Bella's slowness takes away from that connection to her readers. And I honestly spent most of the book missing Edward. When he finally came back, the lack of drama and closure was rather anticlimactic - I just thought that Edward was more complex than that. Oh well, I hope the third is better.

Disappointed.
I can honestly say Twilight was the most splendid book I have ever read. I loved everything about it, especially the intense love between Edward and Bella. I fell in love with this book so much that I couldn't stop talking about it with my friends for a while. I was looking forward to New Moon, and I ended up finishing the book in a day. I was extremely disappointed with a lot of things that happened in the novel.
My all time FAVORITE book!!
I have to say, Stephenie Meyer has created the most unique, fantastic and romantic world I have ever read about. I read Twilight and New Moon within three days, because when you read these books, you want to know what will happen next. Bella and Edward are adorable together, and the plot line is wonderful. The only complaint I have is the amount of time it takes for the next book to be released. This is the best book ever, even if Edward is only in it a little. For those romantic fans out there, the time he spends in this book is some of the best chapters! I HIGHLY reccomend this series! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Fiction    4. General    5. High schools    6. Horror & Ghost Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Love & Romance    9. School & Education    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Vampires    12. Werewolves    13. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (11)

Can you say Caldecott?
This book doesn't need my review -- it's brilliant and it's time this duo won a Caldecott for their conribution to children's books.It doesn't get much better than this.
Curtis hits a homerun
I had the opportunity to read this delightful little book while waiting for my wife and step son.It is nice in its simplicity.The book is written for children, very young children, struggling with things that only young children think of.Because of that it was worth reading.If you are expecting it to be more than helpful for children that might be a stretch but it is defiinitely something to read to a child and then discuss.

Simply Spectacular!
This book is all about those crazy questions that only a child can come up with...but that are plaintive and need a response...in this book we see the wild imaginings of a child and all of his fears and dreams of what it means to be in the human race!What can I say but WOW...there is a lot going on in this book and the question is silly, yet serious...just the kind of question a kid would ask and the message itself (as written by Curtis) is priceless! I'm constantly trying to encourage without making things into a competition...stressing that just trying one's hardest/best is what counts, that life is really more about the journey not the destination.The illustrations and the rhyming poems are of the same quality as the other books I've read by Curtis and Cornell...and I think that's part of what makes this book work so well...the illustrations are a chaotic symphony...so much to see, so many little details for young minds to love and the play between what the words mean literally and what they mean figuratively is absolutely perfect for pulling in both children and adults!This is really a wonderful book for all ages and as with others by this author, its best as a read aloud...the larger the group the more interesting the story telling discussion afterwards...and believe me, there will be plenty!!Simply a spectacular way to introduce some complex ideas to younger readers!I'll definitely be adding this to my permanent collection! A+!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children's Books/All Ages    3. Children: Preschool    4. Concepts - Senses & Sensation    5. Concepts - Time    6. Conduct of life    7. Fiction    8. Humorous Stories    9. Imagination & Play    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    12. Social Issues - General    13. Social Issues - Values    14. Stories in rhyme    15. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / General   

Editorial Review

In a world with no poverty, no crime, no sickness and no unemployment, and where every family is happy, 12-year-old Jonas is chosen to be the community's Receiver of Memories. Under the tutelage of the Elders and an old man known as the Giver, he discovers the disturbing truth about his utopian world and struggles against the weight of its hypocrisy. With echoes of Read more

Reviews (2879)

Memories
I enjoyed the book The Giver By: Lois Lowry. The Giver is about a boy named Jonas who lives in a community that everything is the same. Jonas is selected to be the new reciever of memories, which is an extremely important job. The receiver of memories holds all of the memories of the past so the community doesn't have to bear them. As Jonas takes on these memories the excitement begins. I enjoyed the characters in the Giver because they were different and interesting. I loved the plot because it was exciting and suspenceful. The Giver is one of a triolgy of books. The second is called Gathering Blue and the last is The Messenger, they are all relitivily related.

The Giver
Lois Lowry's eye opening novel, The Giver, really does make you think, ''Is the grass greener on the other side?''
VHS Class Giver Review- Benton Wilson
The Giver, by Lois Lowry, is an excellent work of literature. It presents a stunning example of a futuristic, dystopian society where all facets of life are controlled by various rules and regulations in an easily readable format. Jonas, the novel's protagonist, is chosen by the council to become the successor to the Giver, a man whose job is to mentally store the collective memories of society. The book focuses on situations such as a society without individuality, the importance of choice, and how people react to finding out that the accepted truths of their world were at one point not the case. Ms. Lowry uses chilling imagery, such as the lack of color, the inability of most people to love, and the unemotional "release" of those who don't fit into the government's carefully laid out plans for a perfect society to establish a mood that, while somewhat bleak, is not entirely without hope. The story picks up as it progresses, shifting to a more tense, but still equally atmospheric, form. This tension is skillfully maintained until the story's conclusion. I would heartily recommend this story to all those who enjoy fictional works that focus on either individualism vs. society or potential visions of the future.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Science Fiction    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Juvenile Fiction    4. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    5. Science fiction    6. Social Issues - Values    7. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General    8. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (1)

Kudos to Max.
I love this book ! As a dog lover of mixed breeds for 30 years and a purveyor of fresh children's books too,this book is perfect !The story is charming and the illustrations are whimsical ! Children will apply this story to "bi-peds" (people) too. It is obvious that Joy loves dogs and understands them.Thanks Joy ! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Children's Baby - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Dogs    6. Fiction    7. Humorous stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Social Issues - Friendship    11. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    12. Toleration    13. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dogs   

Reviews (84)

Great book
While we are in the very, very early stages of potty training my son still loves this book and his Elmo book about being Big enough for a bed. These are great books for toddlers.

Great Book but not waterproof
My daughter loved this book, she liked that it was Ernie a character she knew, the only downside was she took the book everywhere including the bath tub so now the book is dry again but swollen.LOL!!!

Daughter love to read this on the potty!
Just begining to introduce potty training to my 2yo and she LOVES this book!From reading and looking at the pictures, she has finally made the association between diapers = baby and potty = big girl.This made a big difference in her desire to go to the potty! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Baby - Boardbooks    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fiction    5. Health & Daily Living - Toilet Training    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Social Situations - Toilet Training    8. Toilet training    9. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Toilet Training   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (21)

Just Wait For Two More Years!!!
The books are amazing.J.K. Rowling managed to create a magical world that is both appealing to children and adults.The books follow the heroic life of young Harry Potter from age 11.As Harry gets older, the books mature with him.While the first book is very colorful and innocent, books five and six are much darker and emotional, of which love becomes a major theme in the series.
A good value
Our family hadn't yet read all the books, and we were looking for a set. This is a good value. However, with book 7 coming out soon, we are regretting not waiting to get the inevitable 7-book set.

Extraordinary Value
I'm not going to address the quality of the Harry Potter series. After all, if you weren't interested in the plots and storylines, you wouldn't be considering this item. What I will address is the fact that this collection is, hands down, the best value on the first six books of the series you will find, period! (Price at time of writing was $100) I'm a member of several book associations, and even they cannot match it. The books themselves are hardback, with excellent quality paper and high production value. The jackets all show the colorful illustrations of Mary Grandpré, and have raised lettering. The bindings themselves are library quality, and durable, with metallic lettering on the spine. It was a must have for my hardback Fantasy library and collection and, though most of my books for it have been obtained via a SFBC membership, Amazon definitely provided the best value on this one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fiction    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Magic    8. School & Education    9. Schools    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Wizards    12. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Reviews (49)

I LOVED this book!
I thought that this book was one of the best i have ever read. It is good for all ages. I couldn't put this book down- it got you hooked- and after you were done i wanted to read other books by Shannon Hale. I love the action and romance in Princess Academy. Another great book of her's is Goose Girl.

Cute book for it's intended audience and others as well
I plan on purchasing this book some day. I think it will be a fun book for my daughter(s) to read when they're a little older (my oldest girl is three). The book is fun, easy to read and very enjoyable. This book contains everything, action, innocent teenage romance, drama and intrigue.
Great book!
This book was awesome! I read it in one day and it was very meaningful. It was also suspenseful, and fun to read. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to read more of Shannon Hale's books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - General    6. General    7. Girls & Women    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Mountains    10. Princesses    11. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    12. School & Education    13. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    14. Self-confidence    15. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    16. Telepathy    17. Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

"Softly he brushed my cheek, then held my face between his marble hands. 'Be very still,' he whispered, as if I wasn't already frozen. Slowly, never moving his eyes from mine, he leaned toward me. Then abruptly, but very gently, he rested his cold cheek against the hollow at the base of my throat." Read more

Reviews (390)

The best book I have ever read!!!
You have found the love of your life. The catch? He's a vampire, thirsting for your blood.When Bella moves from sunny Phoenix to dreary forks, her mood is anything but happy. Then she meets Edward Cullen. He's not one of those coffin-sleeping, afraid of onions, sucking you dry type of vampire. He and his family are more civilized, preying on wild animals. Their family is different, having abilities such as reading people's minds (Edward's ability) and seeing the future (Alice's ability). They fall in love. Everything is wonderful until they invite Bella to play baseball, vampire-style. A nomad band of vampires hears them and wants to join. Once they realize that Bella is human, they want her blood. While Edward, his brother Emmett and his sister Rosalie, along with his mother Esme and his father Carlisle try to hunt the band of vampires, Alice, Edward's sister, and Jasper, Edward's brother, take Bella to Phoenix to get the band off her scent. While in Phoenix, Edward calls them to tell them that the band was lost, but Bella already knows that, the leader called her and told her that he had her mother and was going to kill her if she did not come. She runs away, and meets him at her mom's house. He tells her that he tricked her and that he did not have her mom. He starts to kill her, and he knocks her out in the process. She wakes up in Edward's arms, bleeding all over the place. He, the leader, broke her leg, smashed open her skull, and bit her. Edward has to suck out the poison, and saves her life. When she wakes up, she is in the hospital, with a very well thought out story about her injuries, with her mother by her side. When she recovers, Edward's family and Bella go home, just in time for the prom. Edward takes Bella, against her will, and Bella asks Edward why didn't he just let the poison take place, then they could be together forever. Edward pushes that thought out of her mind and together they dance, with that thought that they can really never be together. This book is so good; I recommend it to every one. This is my new favorite book, it is that good.
Move over Heathcliff and Cathy-Bella and Edward are here to stay
Meyer was not joking when she said she loved Edward Cullen, the main character of her debut novel, "Twilight" at the National Book Fest. Not joking, because every word she's written about him has single-handedly gone to create the perfect angst-ridden, marble shrouded vampire teen; that at 17 was "turned" on his deathbed during the Spanish influenza pandemic.
Simple and Wonderful... A Delight to Read
Even though this book has a simple plot, and repeats the themes of many, many other works, it somehow hits an important romantic chord. I was thrilled to read a book where Vampires have dignity and a conscience (expecially after reading one of Laurell K. Hamilton's sordid novels) and even though, as a young adult novel, it was sweet and innocent it was still beautiful. Definately worth the time, and I would love to see more books from this author - maybe even venturing into the adult section at some point. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Horror    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. High schools    6. Horror & Ghost Stories    7. Horror / Ghost Stories (Young Adult)    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. School & Education    10. Schools    11. Social Issues - Dating & Sex    12. Vampires    13. Washington (State)    14. Juvenile Fiction / Horror & Ghost Stories   

Editorial Review

For a little one who is reluctant to go to bed, sometimes a silly bookis just the ticket. And when it comes to silly books, Sandra Boynton is theundisputed queen. In Read more

Reviews (105)

A cute book
My daughter adored this book as she adores all books and prevailed upon myself and others to read it constantly.

No more Good Night Moon
This book has replace our tired "Good Night Moon" which needed a break.I prefer reading this one b/c the text isn't as repetitve as "Good Night Moon".

My daughter doesn't care much for this book but I like it.
This one is a very cute and sweet book but my daughter just doesn't like Sandra Boynton's books that much. We also have "One Two Three" and the "Hipps Go Bersurk" book. I like all three of them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Bedtime    3. Bedtime & Dreams    4. Children    5. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    6. Children: Babies & Toddlers    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile fiction    9. Night    10. Sleep    11. Fiction    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

"Monster" is what the prosecutor called 16-year-old Steve Harmon for his supposed role in the fatal shooting of a convenience-store owner. But was Steve really the lookout who gave the "all clear" to the murderer, or was he just in the wrong place at the wrong time? In this innovative novel by Walter Dean Myers, the reader becomes both juror and witness during the trial of Steve's life. To calm his nerves as he sits in the courtroom, aspiring filmmaker Steve chronicles the proceedings in movie script format.Interspersed throughout his screenplay are journal writings that provide insight into Steve's life before the murder and his feelings about being held in prison during the trial. "They take away your shoelaces and your belt so you can't kill yourself no matter how bad it is. I guess making you live is part of the punishment."Read more

Reviews (606)

Monster is scary, not in a great way
I found that the story was too fast paced for something as dramatic as a 16 year old boy on trial for murder.The settings changed too quickly at the beginning, and I found the plot kind of confusing.The plot though, was believable and realistic, and there was very little profanity, if any.The language was not coated with heavy accents, the closest it got was gangsta talk. The point of view was from Steve Harmon, and there was a fair share of the plot jumping around. The characters were very real, and you could really picture it in your mind.Sadly, I could not say this for much of this book.
Is He Truly A Monster?
I'm not going to say much about the text in the book except that it was well written and well thought out. The format of the book was nicely put, because it is easy to read when the words aren't crammed together on a small page, and I liked how it was written in a script format.
Amazon book review by Karen
Monster by Walter Dean Myers was an excellent book.This book was about Steve Harmon.He was accused of being part of a robbery during which Mr. Nesbit was murdered.The book really puts the reader inside Steve's mind and emotions; the reader really hopes that Steve gets off trial and is let go without any charges.
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Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Law & Crime    7. People & Places - United States - African-American    8. Prisons    9. Self-perception    10. Social Issues - General    11. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    12. Social Issues - Violence    13. Social Situations - Prejudice & Racism    14. Social Situations - Violence    15. Trials (Murder)    16. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Prejudice & Racism    17. Reading Group Guide   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (46)

Effective and Relaxing
The belly breathing, affirmations, relaxation get my kids calm! The four stories are just the right length to keep their attention and get them to do actual stressmanagement techniques. The author never tells the children what to do or that they are being taught. The kids just follow the stories and characters along and learn to manage their own anxiety with actual techniques.
SAVE YOUR MONEY
I purchased this cd for my four year old a few months ago and disliked it enough to bother to write my first review of anything i've ever ordered through the internet."Bedtime stories" is a misnomer.There is no story content. After the first few lines read by the narrator, I found that her unnaturally slow,moronic verse didn't have a relaxing or somnulent effect but did, ironically,irritate me.I sat quietly listenting to the cd until my daughter asked me to turn it off-- only a few minutes into the cd.I skipped through the cd to see if it got better-- it did not. I suppose the point is to bore the child to sleep, but neither I nor my daughter could bear to listen to the "stories."This was the first item that I've ever puchased on-line for which i felt truly RIPPED-OFF.

Can't recommend highly enough
I never take time to do these reviews as I am too
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Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Juvenile Nonfiction    3. Juvenile Nonfiction / Body, Mind & Spirit    4. Juvenile Nonfiction / Health / General    5. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Situations / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    6. Social Issues - Adolescence    7. Children's    8. Children's 4-8 - New Age    9. Fiction dealing with specific issues    10. Meditation for children   

Reviews (28)

THIS BOOK PROVES LEARNING NEED NOT BE PAINFUL
This is truely a funny book.It, as the title states, a diary of a spider, a young spider.It reveal the world as might be seen through the eyes of a spider.Not only it is actually funny, it is just chucked full of very interesting facts about spiders.A child learns a lot about these little critters that are all around us and learns while enjoying a good read and some very nice art work.This books is also a fun one to read with your child.Unlike so many children's books, this one is fun for the adult too.I like the way the author has given our hero spider a rather quirky outlook on life.There are many lesson to learn from reading this book, all interesting, all of the important.I cannot recommend this one highly enough.

Great book!
My daughter just loved this book when she saw it in the library so I purchased it.This is a great little story with a mixture of humor and good information from a spider's point of view.

Great kids' book
My 7-year-old son loves to read this book by himself and with us - he thinks it's hilarious, and so do we!The humor works for both kids and adults. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - InsectsSpidersetc.    2. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Diaries    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Insects    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Preschool Picture Story Books    11. Social Situations - Friendship    12. Spiders    13. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Insects, Spiders, etc.   

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 (373)

A fine work of literature that can stand alongside any in English
I just reread it recently as an adult. I had this boxed set of three hardcover E.B. White books when I was a kid - Charlotte's Web, The Trumpet of the Swan (which I remember as my favorite of the three, though I hardly remember it today), and Stuart Little.
Charlotte's Web
I've purchased this book for my daughter who is almost 9 years old, I end up reading it before her.This book is great for growing up kids; how wonderful and variable it is to have a friend he/she can depend on and be with to share fun, sad and so so stories to one another.
A classic, and for a good reason
This book, though it may seem to be just a cute story about a pig, is actually quite sad.The first time I read this book I was in first grade and I liked it, but it was only when I just recently read it again that I realized how good it really is. This book, through its simple plot, reminded me a lot about how selfless some people are and also about growing up.No wonder it's a classic; even though it's written for little kids, it can remind a lot of people about their own lives and bring back a lot of fond memories. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Farm Animals    2. Animals - General    3. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Classics    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Lifestyles - Farm Life & Ranch Life    10. Pigs    11. Social Issues - Friendship    12. Spiders    13. Juvenile Fiction / Classics