Reviews (4)

Cognitive Restructuring for Catastrophic Conditions

Sweet
My daughter, Sophie, loves this story not only because it is a beautiful story of Sophie the mouse finding happiness, but because it is filled with calming and interesting illustrations.

SOPHIE AND LOU is a truly heart-warming book.
My five-year-old daughter just received this book as a gift three days ago, and we've already read it at least 25 times. I'm not sick of it yet! We both love the illustrations (so many little details to enjoy; they really add to the story) and the gently humorous tone. Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Dance    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Performing Arts - Dance    10. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    11. Social Issues - Friendship    12. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    13. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    14. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / General   

Reviews (6)

Lovely artwork and story
My one year old insists on us reading this book to him at least 5 times a day.He stares at the pictures and loves when we read it playing each of the characters.We wish they would publish a board book version.We need to buy a new copy as he has ripped out of couple of pages carrying the book all over the house with him.

A beautiful mexican folktale
This book is very funny and is very imaginative. Very interesting to read folktales from my country Mexico that I even didn't read before. I also liked the illustrations and the fact that this book contains a Glossary with terms in Spanish so it can help teachers and parents pronounce the words correctly. I would love to read this book among 4 year old preschoolers and children in Kindergarten.

The Borreguita and the Coyote
I so wanted my children to like this book.The artwork is attractive and I like to expose them to literature from other cultures, but they just did not take to it.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - South American    6. Folklore    7. Mexico    8. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Country & Ethnic    9. Picture books   

Reviews (2)

A Composer Children Can Love
I read this beautiful book to my daughter (not quite 4 years old) for the first time while listening to Satie's music, and she was entranced. She frequently requests repeated readings, and makes me stop periodically to just listen to the music. The pictures and words are a perfect compliment to this odd man and his enchanting music, without sugar-coating the difficulties that so often accompany genius. I will seek out more books by this writer and artist.

This is an excellent book
This is an excellent book. My son wondered why Mr. Satie was referred to as "strange," and his question was soon answered.M.T. Anderson gives some amusing anecdotes about this composer who was relatively unknown and quite poor during his lifetime. One example is that Mr. Satie did not take baths, but rather rubbed himself with a stone to get clean.How clean we wondered?The book creates an interest to hear Satie's music and is educational. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1866-1925    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Music    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Composers    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Music - General    10. Preschool Picture Story Books    11. Satie, Erik,    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Music   

Editorial Review

Playful poet Jack Prelutsky and the beloved Petra Mathers (Read more

Reviews (6)

Fun for reader & readee...
My nearly 2 year old daughter has us read this to her over and over.Last week at a restaurant she spontaneously started reciting "Peanut Peg & Peanut Pete".It's fun to read cover to cover or just a few.And I can see her reading it for many years to come. Happy Mom
My son is about to turn 4 and LOVES this book. We make up songs to many on the poems, act out the different siutations and went in search of red suspenders for him. The poems are simple but visual and evocative of seasons, moods and fun. I highly recommend it!!!

More enchanting chldren's rhymes from Jack Prelutsky
The frog wore red suspendersRead more

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile Poetry    6. Poetry - Humorous    7. Prelutsky, Jack    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Poetry / Humorous   

Editorial Review

When an eccentric pink bird named Dodo wheedles her way into the life of a cranky retired helicopter captain who lost a leg in a rescue mission, readers might think feathers will fly. Instead, Dodo's obtuse friendliness and Captain Vince's unacknowledged loneliness make a magical connection, and soon the two are sharing sandwiches and stories. By summertime, Vince surprises Dodo with a very unusual proposal, and, true to form, she responds equally uniquely. Now, if only the wedding can go off without a hitch... Read more

Reviews (2)

Love and Marriage Among the Feathered.....
What do you get when you combine Lottie's funny, good-hearted friend Dodo and an old, cranky and lonely helicopter rescue pilot, Captain Vince?Another picture book winner from Petra Mathers.Poor Captain Vince was injured in a rescue mission and lost a leg.He now sits home alone, day in and day out, feeling sorry for himself.That is until the wonderful exuberant Dodo pushes her way into his life and within no time, the two are inseparable.He proposes marriage in a most unique way.She says YES in a style all her own and the wedding is on.And even a wedding eve disaster can't dampen the love of this match made in heaven..... Petra Mathers' sweet, and engaging story will put a big smile on the faces of children and adults, alike.The simple, gentle and amusing text is complemented by her wonderfully expressive, bold and bright illustrations full of charming, familiar, special details.This is the fourth book of Ms Mathers' Lottie and Herbie series and fans will be thrilled to see a whole book about a favorite character, exotic Dodo.For those new to these delightful stories, make sure you read them all...Lottie's New Beach Towel, Lottie's New Friend and A Cake for Herbie.

Perfect Whimsey
Petra Mathers' books always have charm and wit. Dodo Gets Married has imagination and gives the reader the chance to add to the tale with the superb illustrations that complement the story. It also introduces an element of complexity into the story of a lonesome man, with a sadness in his past, made joyful by the love and affection of charming Dodo. After four books in a series one has a life to follow in the various characters that adds dimension. I look forward to the next in the series with great anticipation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Birds    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Dodos    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Weddings    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Humor / General   

Editorial Review

Petra Mathers looks straight into the hearts of kids with her warm,wonderful Lottie books (Read more

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Subjects:  1. Animals - Birds    2. Birds    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Christmas    6. Fiction    7. Friendship    8. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    9. Honesty    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Social Issues - Friendship    12. Animal stories    13. Birds & birdwatching    14. Christmas books    15. Fiction dealing with sexuality & relationships    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Humor / General    17. Bargain   

Reviews (3)

Great book for piano students, parents and teachers!
My own piano students have enjoyed reading about Mrs. Merriweather's musical cat.I love how the author portrays the piano teacher in this book.Mrs. Merriwether lives an ordinary life, except on Tuesdays, when she teaches her three piano students. Absolutely Charming!
This beautiful book is funny and heart-warming! A delight for children, adults and anyone who has ever taken piano lessons or known a piano teacher(or a cat!). I love it!

A great story for piano teachers and students!
This story makes me laugh out loud every time I read it! As a cat lover and a piano teacher, it speaks to two of my greatest interests. Of course, it is a children's picture book, but it's nice to find one that is fun for adults as well! I also like the way it encourages piano students and keepit in the studio for children who are waiting for their lessons. It isgetting very well-worn! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cats    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Instruction and study    7. Piano    8. Pianos    9. Study and teaching   

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Reviews (3)

buy it
I recently discovered this series (3 books by Petra Mathers -- this is the 2nd) and I'm already anxiously looking forward to book 4.Great illustrations, sweet story.My 2 and 4 year-olds adore the characters.

Funny, warm, loving look at friendship!
I love this world, of Lottie, Herbie, and now Dodo that Petra Mathers has created.You'll laugh but most of all you'll recognize yourself--because whohasn't ever felt like a fifth wheel at one time or another?The art isfresh, and filled with wonderful details of this seaside town--which is socozy that it makes me want to buy a house there right next to Lottie! Andlook out for perhaps the funniest line you've EVER seen on a flap!( I won'truin it by telling you).I am crazy about this book AND the series and Iknow kids and the adults that read it to kids will be too!!

Lots of fun
Lottie and Herbie return, with Mathers' trademark gorgeous paintings that are quirky, quaint, and very funny. These Lottie books tend to be winners. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Birds    2. Birds    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Preschool    6. Fiction    7. Friendship    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Social Issues - Friendship    11. Social Situations - Friendship    12. Animal stories    13. Birds & birdwatching    14. Early learning / early learning concepts    15. Fiction dealing with sexuality & relationships    16. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories    17. Bargain   

Editorial Review

One beautiful summer day Lottie, a chicken, is squeezing lemons when a package arrives. It's a red-and-white polka-dotted beach towel from her Aunt Mattie with a note that says, "This might come in handy this summer." Boy, does it! Young readers will revel in the simple story of a day at the beach with absurd little twists. Lottie's friend Herbie is a duck, has a boat, and wears a hat labeled "Capitano." When he picks her up from the shore for a boat ride and the motor "gets tired and goes to sleep," they sail back with the help of the beach towel, of course. Petra Mathers, creator of Read more

Reviews (8)

"I hear voices" said Lottie.
In her afterward, author Petra Mathers informs us, in part, "...Looking back, I think Lottie's World on Crook Road in Oysterville has always been there.Finally, one day, the fog lifted and I could see it all clearly..."She later states, "Things happen whether I'm there or not, and I don't want you to miss anything." That could be taken as a cute invitation to children to engage their imaginations with her, along the lines of Shel Silverstein's, "If You are a Dreamer," intro to "Where the Sidewalk Ends."On the other hand, it could also be taken as a window into our author's psychotic process.That would be the more cynical interpretation, but after reading "Lottie's New Beach Towel," I'm really inclined to believe the latter.There is a surreal, dreamy disorganization to this book.The action starts with Lottie, the chicken, squeezing lemons when a beach towel arrives from her aunt.Soon she at the beach, hopping from her towel to the cooler, to the towel, to the cooler (the sands hot), and ultimately into the cool water.She mistakes her own chicken-foot for a starfish.So far, good stuff.Her buddy Herbie shows up on a boat.A couple half pages of choppy action and- with a call of "Hard to lee," which I imagine means something, they are stranded on an Island.Suddenly they are in the middle of a wedding.At this point, I was a tad befuddled.I thought I had been skipping pages.But after a nice ceremony and party, they find their way home and Lottie, bloated from excessive wedding cake, writes a thank you note to her aunt for the towel.
Not very well written
I found this book to be poorly written. It does not flow very well. Honestly, it didn't make much sense. I "got" the point but the lack of any detail just failed what could have been an excellent story. The illustrations are quite charming, but it doesn't save the narrative. It did not hold the attention of the 5 YO that I read to today. However, it might work with a children under two or three who just want to look at the pictures and create their own story.

Still one of our family's favorite picture books
My daughters are all teenagers now, and therefore pretty far over picture book age. Still, every summer we bring out Lottie's New Beach Towel to the family room coffee table so we can enjoy and re-appreciate the wry humor and simple, colorful illustrations on every page. It's the best of summer in a book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Animals - Birds    3. Beaches    4. Chickens    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 2-3    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Social Issues - Friendship    10. Towels    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Subjects:  1. Bedtime    2. Bedtime & Dreams    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Color    6. Concepts - Colors    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Nature & the Natural World - General    10. Nature & the Natural World - Seasons    11. Seasons    12. Juvenile Fiction / Nature & the Natural World   

Reviews (1)

delightful
I loved this book.This story shares both Robbie's and his mother's feelings with humor, and you sympathize with both of them.Robbie solves his problem using his imagination, something kids really appreciate. The drawings are also darling, bright and colorful.This is one book I didn'tmind reading more than once at a sitting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children's 4-8    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Humorous Stories    8. Imagination    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Mothers and sons    11. Snakes   

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children's poetry, American    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    6. Holidays & Festivals - Christmas    7. Jesus Christ    8. Juvenile poetry    9. Nativity    10. Poetry    11. English literature: poetry texts & anthologies    12. Picture books   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (5)

K is for "Krazy"
As I wrote in my review of Lottie's Beach Towel, there is something I find unsettling about Petra Mather's books.A befuddling, surreal quality.But they are hit with my kids.And this book is my personal favorite of the bunch.It has just enough funny, weird moments to make me look forward to reading it.
We Love Lottie!
My two-year old is fascinated by Lottie and Herbie and I get a kick out of reading the Lottie series everytime.This one just might be our favoritethough, because it's about food and poetry!Quirky and something differentfrom so many other cutesy books, this one has humor, substance, anddelightful illustrations.

Lottie and Herbie Never Disappoint
A Cake for Herbie is a sensitive, charming story your pre-schoolers will adore.Herbie the duck reads about a poetry contest and with the encouragement of his best friend Lottie the chicken, he enters.He staysup all night working hard on his poetry, only to be laughed off the stage. Sad and disappointed, he walks into a restaurant where his poetry isappreciated and he wins his own special prize.Petra Mathers charming andamusing text is only outdone by her wonderful, expressive illustrations. This is a touching story your children will want you to read over and overagain.You don't want to miss this very special book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Ducks    5. Fiction    6. Humor - General    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Poetry    10. Poetry - Humorous    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (3)

But have you TASTED Nanita's flan?
Call me a skeptic, but I think there are better ways to make flan. Soy sauce? Crabmeat? Pickle relish? Nanita's flan recipe wouldn't go over well here in rural Manitoba. Yuck! A thoroughly entertaining story for young readers.
Campbell Geeslin's How Nanita Learned To Make Flan will reach ages 3-8 with a survey of a poor shoemaker's daughter's decision to make her own shoes for her first Communion. Kids with good reading skills will appreciate this tale of her efforts.

Enchanting story for any kid, the magical Geeslin touch
Sweeps you away with magical words and pictures. Campbell Geeslin's childlike approach to any subject charms the kid and the adult. I found myself going back and reading it again and again.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Cookery, Mexican    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - South American    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Mexican cooking    9. Mexico    10. People & Places - United States - Hispanic/Latino    11. Shoes    12. Early learning / early learning concepts    13. Fiction dealing with multiculturalism    14. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title    15. Multiculturalism   

Reviews (2)

I couldn't help but laugh
This book is so sweet, yet so funny.My son and I had to read it several times in a row.When my husband got home, my son read the book to him too!Lynne Jonell has become one of our favorite authors for children's books.Learn what it means to be "borked" and you may even add "bork" to your vocabulary; I did!

Is Mommy Mad.....
"Something was wrong with Mommy.She burned the toast.She banged the pots and pans.And she forgot to kiss Daddy good-bye..."Little Robbie and his brother Christopher are worried.Why is Mommy mad?Is it something they did wrong?They can't think of anything they've done to put Mommy in such a bad mood.Maybe she's mad at Daddy.Robbie wants a story and a snuggle and a smile, "but Mommy did not look very soft.Mommy looked prickly.All over"This starts to make Robbie feel cranky, too.Eventually, he finds a way to get Mommy's attention, and out of this prickly situation comes a simple and heartwarming solution to a bad mood.....Lynne Jonell's easy to read text really captures the discomfort little ones feel when they don't understand an adult's sudden mood change.Petra Mathers' childlike illustrations, with their marvelous facial expressions, complement the story with engaging stick-figure artwork, in colorful crayon.Perfect for preschoolers, When Mommy Was Mad should open interesting discussions about bad moods, emotions, and the feelings we all have from time to time and how to cope. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anger    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children: Preschool    4. Family - Parents    5. Family - Siblings    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Mother and child    10. Mother-child relationship    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. Bedtime & Dreams    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Fear    5. Fiction    6. Grandparents    7. Maine    8. Nightmares    9. Social Issues - Death & Dying    10. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    11. Social Situations - Death & Dying    12. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    13. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Multigenerational   

Reviews (1)

Siblings
Lynne Jones and Petra Mathers have portrayed a wonderful strategy, in this story, where the older child learns how to enjoy his special day and have his brother share in the activities. It is a very cute story.This would be an excellent book to share with an older child who is feeling that their younger sibling is being a pain, or with both siblings to show them how they can get along.I would highly recommend this story as a way to promote role play and family bonding. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Birthdays    2. Brothers    3. Celebrations - Birthdays    4. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Family - Siblings    7. Fiction    8. Holidays & Celebrations - Other, Nonreligious    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Parties    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (1)

Great story of heroines
I took this book out of the library. The illustration is beautiful and the story is captivating. It is the behind the scenes story of two saints told in a simple way that kids can easily understand. It reads like an adventure book. One small quibble is that because of the death component I'd wait until age 6 unless the kid has experienced death. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fiction    5. France    6. General    7. Historical - Europe    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Miracles    10. Preschool Religion    11. Religious - Christian    12. Saintes-Maries (France)    13. Wells, Rosemary    14. Juvenile Fiction / Religious / Christian   

Subjects:  1. American    2. American poetry    3. Children's 4-8    4. Children's poetry, American    5. Children: Preschool    6. General    7. Juvenile poetry    8. Poetry    9. Quilts