Reviews (70)

The Great Brain
The Great Brain details the good-natured profiteering of Tom D. Fitzgerald, the middle of three brothers growing up in 1890s Utah.Tom's younger brother J.D., the reader spends the entire book gleefully at Tom's side, rooting for him, the prototypical sympathetic scoundrel, as he threads his way in and out of dozens of unlikely schemes. The Great Brain, Tom D. Fitzgerald, is a very smart, but also very greedy boy, who finds all kinds of ways to make a penny (back when a penny was worth something). The chapters mostly involve him trying to con people out of their money OR trying to make money from schemes. Yet he also uses that great brain to solve problems for others kids, such as Andy who thinks he is so plump useless without his lost leg that he tries to kill himself or the Jenson kids who got lost in the Skeleton Caves.. I recommend this book to kids who enjoy reading. Most kids will find out that they will really like this book.

Awesome Books
Wow, everyone keeps talking about how educational they were. I read them when I was a kid, and If I had known how educational they were when I was a kid, I wouldn't have devoured every single one of them with relish. I read a lot when I was a kid, and these books are the ones that stand out, above all as the best I read. Your kids will absolutely love them, and so will you. But let's keep this educational stuff a little hushed up.

A Book of Scheming for some money for a little boy Tom
I like animals a lot and there were animals in here.If you are looking for a good book this is it! There are also many funny and exciting moments. Readers of all ages will enjoy this book!!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. General    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Reviews (9)

What a great idea!
My 3 year old son absolutely loves this book. Although there are no words, it gives him a great opportunity to use his imagination. The pictures are simple and as he makes up the words for each page it gives him the feeling of accomplishment of finishing a book on his own.

An Entertaining Book
This is an excellent book for speakers of other languages and for Deaf students. As an American Sign language teacher, I use this book to encourage my students to think outside the box, to learn to express in ASL what they see in this book. The characters are so expressive and actions so clear that it is easy for others to understand what is happening. I also use this book for ASL assessment to evaluate how children retell the stories in ASL.

A Boy, A Dog and A Frog
This book is wonderful.I am planning to use it in a research project for my dissertation in clinical psychology.It allows the children to tell there own story and also pulls for emotions so that the mother and child can discuss different emotions.The pictures are illustrated well. This is a rich picture book that allows for the child and/or parents to tell a story and focus on what they feel is important.It encourages creativity in children ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Dogs    4. Fiction    5. Frogs    6. Humorous Stories    7. Stories without words    8. Early learning / early learning concepts    9. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Reviews (17)

great for new big siblings
This book is a great gift for new older siblings. It is cute and touches on some of the issues of being a new older sibling, but is light and great for young children.

Love it!
Love it!Very colorful and especially love the way it is worded for a toddler to understand!

From a Child's Perspective
My son liked reading this book. It gave him an idea of what to expect, and what not to expect, with a baby sister. Very basic book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Babies    2. Brothers and sisters    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children's stories, American    5. Children: Babies & Toddlers    6. Family - New Baby    7. Fiction    8. Infants    9. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (1)

Happy Halloween!
I found this book while looking for someway to introduce Halloween to my two year old.He would become afraid of the masks and costumes he'd seen and I wanted him to be fully prepared for his first trick or treating.After reading this book he has requested it several times a day and is now talking excitedly about Halloween and his costume.The book is sweet and funny and talks about many of the traditions of Halloween. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Fiction    6. Halloween    7. Holidays & Celebrations - Halloween    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (28)

A favorite!
A great theme that has recently been reinforced with "Monsters, Inc". Accessible, non-scary illustrations that, like most of Mayer's stuff, are very much through a kids'-eye view. Also gives kids the idea of power over something scary, that they can have control over their interactions with imaginary beasties.
How to Overcome Your Fear of the Dark -- for Preschoolers
A very cute picture book with less than a sentence per page, _There's a Nightmare in My Closet_ is about overcoming your fear of the dark.The hero in our story confronts his fears, finds out things aren't as bad as he imagines they are, and even shows kindness to a former foe.
Great Book
My four year old really relates to the boy in this story.My son thought he had monsters in his room also.This book helped him get over his fear of the dark. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Babies & Toddlers    3. Dreams    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Monsters    7. Juvenile Fiction / Bedtime & Dreams   

Reviews (9)

A fun picture of late 18th century mormon Utah
I greatly enjoyed this Great Brain series, both when I was a kid and still today.This book, however, was probably my least favorite in the series.It really is probably not going to have a good impact on a child's moral character.That said, it is fun to read now, as it gives one great insights into what Utah was like 120 or so years ago.I also enjoy reading about the Great Brain's escapades, most of which are rather humerous.The Great Brain is almost the villian of this series as well as its hero.It is very often mentioned that he has a "money loving heart," and Fitzgerald makes it rather clear that he does not usually approve of his brother's actions, while admiring his brains at the same time.
the monster walks
All summer I have been reading the Great Brain books that took place in Adenville, Utah in 1896.I liked the story in More Adventures of the Great Brain where the great brain makes the whole town believe that there is a monster in a place called Skeleton Cave. He did thisbecause his friend Parley got a bowie knife for Christmas. Tom( the Great Brain ) wanted Parley's knife, so Tom bet Parley his bb gun against Parley's knife that Parley would be too scared to meet Tom at Skeleton Cave at midnight the next night.
Weakest link in a terrific series
Once again, the young narrator J.D. relates the adventures of his natural born con artist brother Tom, aka the Great Brain.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Humorous stories    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (2)

Just a Little Critter Collection
A fun collection of some of the best of Mercer Meyer.His books are always a delight.

We love this one!
After almost 8 months, this is still a bedtime favorite.My son and I love it.We especially like searching each page for the little spider, mouse and grasshopper.Thanks, Mr. Mayer, for many wonderful evenings of snuggling and reading! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Family - General    6. Family life    7. Fiction    8. Growth    9. Helpfulness    10. Humorous Stories    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (7)

various Mercer Mayer
I LOVE THIS ENTIRE COLLECTION OF BOOKS.MY SON IS NOW 20 AND WE DISCOVERED MERCER MAYER WHEN MY SON WAS THREE.THESE BOOKS WERE HIS ABSOLUTE FAVORITES, AND I ENJOYED THEM AS WELL.THESE BOOKS ARE FAMILY ORIENTATED AND DEVELOPMENTALLY GREAT FOR PRESCHOOL AGE CHILDREN.THIS IS A MUST HAVE COLLECTION.
All By Myself
This book is about a little boy who is trying to do everything by himself but there are somethings that he coldnt't do like at bedtime when he wanted to read his bedtime story. It teaches young kids to do things like get dressed and things like that. I think kids 5 and under would like this book. I thought the book was good i would have liked it more if i was 10 years younger.

One of my favorite books growing up!
I recommend All By Myself by Mercer Mayer to all ages.I'm in sixth grade but I still enjoy reading this book.When I was in fifth grade, I read this book to a kindergartner and he loved it!There is a series of Mercer Mayer's books about the main character, Little Critter's, life.YOU HAVETO READ THEM! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children's stories, American    3. Children: Babies & Toddlers    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Human behavior    7. Self-reliance    8. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (12)

Getting into Bed Can Be Hazardous (when you're little)
Like so many of us when we were children, our young hero in _There's an Alligator Under My Bed_ has trouble getting into bed safely due to the dangers that lurk under his bed.Since his parents never see the creature, he decides he must deal with it himself.
There's an Alligator under My Bed
My 3 year old son and 5 year old daughter love this book!It is a must read every night before bed.The illustration is wonderful and the story absolutely adorable!!!!

A Good Book for Toddlers, Preschoolers and on Up
"There's an Alligator Under My Bed" was on my entering-kindergartner's summer reading list and I can certainly understand why.It is a wonderful story about a little boy who conquers his fears.In this case, a large alligator that has taken up residency under his bed.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Alligators    2. Animals - Alligators & Crocodiles    3. Bedtime    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction / Bedtime & Dreams   

Reviews (12)

Nice change of pace
This book presents a very nice change of pace in the Great Brain series.The Great Brain has gone off to boarding school, and J. D. thinks that he will fill the Great Brain's shoes and try to swindle the kids in town.All of J. D.'s plans backfire, and he learns that swindling people is not something that is to be admired or done.The main focus of the book is on J.D.'s family's adoption of Frankie, a little boy whose parents were killed in an accident.It's a very heartwarming portrayal of a family's acceptance of a new member, and it is not at all lacking in comic relief.Mr. Fitzgerald's humor is not at all lacking in this book, and perhaps is even better than in the rest of the series.I definitely enjoyed this book.
Great pick for a "reluctant reader"
I remembered reading these books in the 70's and got this book for my son.My "reluctant reader" fifth grader loved the entire series.A great pick for kids who are more interested in straight fiction "real" characters and plots, as opposed to fantasy/science fiction (which can confound less strong readers).I wish the entire series was in print.

If I Only Had a Brain
I read these books as child by checking them out of a library.Now almost 20 years later, I have decided to reread them all starting from the beginning.In this book, J.D. decides that he can fill the Great Brain (T.D.)'s shoes, while T.D. is away at the Academy in Salt Lake City.It turns out to be a humbling experience, thus the title, Me and My Little Brain.While some people may tell you that this book isn't as good without the presence of the Great Brain, I found this book just as entertaining as the rest.The storytelling is as superb as the rest.You don't want to miss this book because it introduces the character, Frankie, who allows this book to still be about brothers.Towards the end of this book, we find out that J.D. can still do some amazing stuff even though he has a little brain.This book and The Great Brain at the Academy are parallel books, which describe events happening at the same time, however, you should read this book first to have things make sense. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. General    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Reviews (11)

Excellent Children's series!
Little Critter is not having a great day but by the end of the book it becomes better for him.These are great read-along books for your budding readers.I have at least two whole sets of this series as my children plan to pass them onto their children to read.

Delightful
I am a Nanny and this series of books are some of my childrens' favorites.

Mercer Mayer books are wonderful!
Not only does my three year old absolutely adore these books, but all four of my daughters enjoyed them as small children. I've found them to be charming and well drawn, each one dealing with a normal part of life for a child.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Anger    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children's stories, American    5. Children: Babies & Toddlers    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Play    9. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    10. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Animals - General    4. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Classics    8. Family - Multigenerational    9. Family life    10. Fiction    11. Helpfulness    12. Juvenile Fiction    13. Play    14. Juvenile Fiction / Classics   

Reviews (9)

the steeler
once there was a guy who always stole things and he saw a woman and he stole her purse and he saw a soider and stole his gun andhe saw a cowboy and stole his hat and his horse then the woman took her purse back and kicked the robber and the soilder took back his gun and kicked the robber and the cowboy took his hat back and kickeed the robber and he took his horse back and kicked the robber again the the police saw the robber and took him to jail and one month later the robber was free.the end

My Mom
When I was three or four years old, I saw this book in the window of a book store and asked my mother to buy it for me. Fifteen years later, the book still brings me incredible joy. Beyond the events in the story itself, it represents the connection between a child and his mother; she is analogous to the giving tree in the Shel Silverstein book. She created me, and with that creation, created the incredible world as I am now able to see it through the eyes and mind that she created. Despite any and all of one's faults (losing a train ticket, making a mess in the museum and the fancy restaurant), mother still lives with unconditional love and dedication to the child (smiling off the faults, buying more train tickets, eating a hot dog from a vendor instead of the fancy restaurant). A wonderful book, truly makes one appreciate the world and its female creator.

Love this book still
This is not much of a review, but as an arly 20-something I still give accounts of this book to others as being one of my all time favorites. It's a must read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. City life    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Mothers    7. City and town life    8. Juvenile Fiction / General    9. Mothers and sons    10. Museums    11. Shopping   

Reviews (9)

It is ok.
The words are few, but the point is...it is hard to find something in such a huge mess.
Little Critter Gets It Together
Children love the story.Little Critter can't find his baseball mitt.Why?His bedroom is "just a mess."Little Critter cleans his bedroom and finds his mitt.I read this book in my kindergarten class.After the reading, it prompts talks not only of keeping the bedroom clean but other places as well.

Just a Mess
This book is about a critter that lost his baseball mit in his messy room and needs to find it.... I would recommend this book to children ages 3-12, because they'll have fun finding out that they do almost the same thing sometimes.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Babies & Toddlers    3. Cleanliness    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Orderliness    8. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (7)

Cute Book, Realistic Situations
In the beginning of Mayer's book, our hero looks straight at the reader, slightly lifts both arms, and states: "Sometimes I remember, sometimes I just forget."For example he (or she?-it's difficult to tell the gender in this "Little Critter" book) puts his dishes in the sink, but forgets to put away the milk.Humorous twists on the `I remembered this, but forgot this' motif lift this book above the ordinary. For example: "I didn't forget to feed the goldfish, he just didn't look hungry," and, after a bath, "I didn't use soap, but I didn't forget to.I just don't like to."His mother is alternately tired, frustrated, and amused, and the clever story ends on a warm note. This is a sweet and simple story that manages to cover many familiar situations with honesty and empathy for all involved. Watch for the little mouse friend on every page!
Everyone forgets sometimes
This was a funny book. It reminded me a lot of myself and how I leave things on or don't put them away on accident. Another part that reminded me of how I am is how little critter said they didn't forget to close the refridgerator he was just not done eating. I always leave the t.v. on in a room and come back to it because I'm still watching it. This book I think was made to say that you never forget the important things and the things that really matter. It also lets kids know that everyone is forgetful.

Good Read
This book taught kids it's ok to forget somethings in life, but it also teaches them they cannot forget a lot of things, like how much they love their parents. but if you forget minor things like washing the dishes it's ok. I enjoy reading Mercer Mayer books, he can really connect with kids and get on their level, I think kids pick up on the morals. You may get into trouble if you forget things, but all kids do.. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Babies & Toddlers    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Memory    8. Social Issues - General    9. Social Situations - General    10. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Children's 4-8 - Lift the Flap    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Classics    6. Family - General    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    9. Social Issues - Friendship    10. Juvenile Fiction / Classics   

Reviews (8)

cute and fun
This book is cute because (as always) Little Critter tells the story, and what Little Critter says is not quite what Little Critter does - and the kids catch on.For example, he drops the hot dogs in the sand and cleans them off by rinsing them in the ocean.He thinks this is fine - Grandma does not look convinced.And his description of his own swimming abilities does not match the frightened Critter wearing a floaty and clinging to his Grandma in the picture.
Not a Great Book
I was a little surprised by the content of this book. It is really not a book I would recommend.It is about a Grandma who takes her grandkid to the beach and nothing goes right.Then it ends.I thought it could have been more meaningful.

Just Grandma and Me
This CD has a delightful story of a day at the beach with Grandma and grandson.The text comes in English, German, Spanish and French.All text can be re-read by clicking on the chosen sentence.There are stickers for each page to click and drag including the word read aloud for each sticker plus animated responses when the sticker is correctly placed.There is a great sandcastle at the end that allows for individual creativity and a few starter castles.The music and animation are enchanting.My grandson enjoys it for hours at a time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beaches    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Grandmothers    7. Seashore    8. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (14)

Disappointing
We have purchased many Little Critter books but this one was disappointing.The book seems like it was written in a hurry to have something published.I feel I wasted my money on this one.I would still recommend many others though:The New Baby, Just a Thunderstorm etc..

Just Me and My Dad
This book is about a little critter that gets to go on a camping trip with his dad.They do alot of different things together, but the little critter always tried to help his dad with everthing and always messed it up.Even though little critter messed some things up they still had a nice time together. Just Me And My Dad
Just Me and My Dad is about a young boy and his father who get a chance to bond while going on a camping trip.The boy and his Dad do many fun things together, some that doesn�t turn out so good. The book teaches that it�s important to spend time with your family and to show them how much you care. This book is good for kids from 3-11. I thought it was a good book because my father and I have done a few of these things together. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Family - General    5. Fathers    6. Fathers and sons    7. Fiction    8. General    9. Humorous Stories    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Fear    5. Fiction    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Karate    9. Mayer, Mercer    10. Monsters    11. Preschool Story Books    12. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    13. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    14. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (16)

Just Go to Bed
This book is fantastic!My 3 year old son never wants to go to bed because he doesn't want to miss anything.We've had multiple frusterations with the bedtime routine."Just Go to Bed" is now a request each evening and Christopher is able to quote the book.We'll see if his little brother enjoys it as much.

Just Go To Bed
This book is about the little critter who pretends to be different things and have different jobs.After that he has a snack and then pretends to be a bunny his mom told him he had to go to bed but he said bunnys don't sleep in bed so he just layed there.After a while the little critter told his mom he would sleep in his bed just once. Just Go To Bed
Just Go To Bed is about a little critter he is a cowboy and he rounds up cows. But his dad says "It's time for the cowboy to come inside and get ready for bed."Then the little critter becomes a general and he has to stop the enemy army with his tank. But his dad says, "It's time for the general to take a bath." Next critter becomes a space cadet and he zooms to the moon and captures the robot with his ray gun. Dad says, "This giant robot has captured the space cadet and is going to put him in the bathtub right now." Little Critter next is a sea monster attacking a ship. Dad says," It's time for the sea monster to have a snack." Well Critter goes down stairs to the kitchen and he is now a zookeeper feeding his animals. But he needs to put his pajamas on. And then the little critter goes up-stairs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bedtime    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Behavior    8. Fathers and sons    9. Imagination    10. Juvenile Fiction / General