Reviews (65)

"This is a peaceful pea plant...and nobody is going to shut us down without a fight."
I first read THE PUSHCART WAR as a politically-aware sixth grader in 1971 at the nadir of America's involvement in Southeast Asia. As an indictment of, and a primer on, the causes of war, THE PUSHCART WAR is unparalleled. This little-known book should be on everyone's bookshelf, next to THE ENORMOUS EGG, another children's classic on American democracy. THE PUSHCART WAR is written as an actual history, from a vantage point ten years in the future.
Not "just a story"!
Jean Merrill is an amazing writer. She has wonderfully captured the humour without overdoing it. The Pushcart War is very clever in the way that it is presented as if the events were real. My sister was bitterly disappointed when she discovered that it was "just a story"(it deserves far better than that). It is a super cool read, one that everyone should read. I have read it 7 or 8 times now, and still I always find something new.

Amazing book
I was a little edgy about reading this book, since it didn't seem to be all that widely known.We read it in third grade and I simply loved it.I loved it so much the teacher gave me a copy as a gift (she was retiring).I saw it sitting on my bookshelf one day and decided to re-read it.Once again I was enthralled by it, finishing it so fast because I just could not put it down.I was questioning if it was real just like others.The humor is great, and not at all overdone.It doesn't even seem as an outright joke, but the author's subtle situations and comments about them are outright halarious.I won't mention any for fear of runing the plot.Definitely a must read.However, I must disagree, don't donate it to the library; it will never be read.Something this good deserves to be recommended personally. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    4. Humorous Stories    5. Lifestyles - City & Town Life    6. Lifestyles - City Life    7. Social Issues - General    8. Social Situations - General    9. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (9)

Couldn't stop reading it!!!
This is the best book ever , I could'nt stop reading it .
A wonderful book
As I read The Toothpaste Millionaire to my children, all of were utterly dilighted in this book. Humorous and fast-moving, this book is a pleaser for all. My 8 year old thought the book was "really good. My favorite book ever!" and my eldest even listened in on the action! We were all impressed by this colorfully written story and it was a joy to read. I think everyone should read this impressive story!

Great read & life lessons you don't realize you're learning
SYNOPSIS: Rufus Mayflower is a kid with a great business sense and imagination. When he decides that toothpaste costs too much, he starts his own toothpaste making business with local kids. From his meager beginnings with re-used baby food jars up to a fully professional operation with stockholders and a tube-filling machine, he rakes in the cash and confounds the leaders of the pharmaceutical industry with his methods.
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Subjects:  1. Business, Careers, Occupations    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (3)

The only version of this fascinating Japanese fairy tale available in America
This children's book is the only version of this 12th century Japanese fairy tale I could find in English in the US. The bold, courageous heroine of the story is charming and delightful, and the illustrations are beautiful. The original story was supposed to have informed Miyazaki's lovely animated film "Nausicaa and the Valley of the Wind," which I also highly recommend.

Very cute Japanese Fairy Story
"The Girl Who Loved Caterpillars" is a very cute Japanese fairy story about a girl who goes against what girls are "supposed" to like and are "supposed" to act and follows her own path.(Incase you wanted to know: the movie/manga "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" was inspired by this story.)This story is very well written/translatted and is a good start for those looking for Japanese fairy stories.The values of the Japanese during Heian Period of Japan are presented as well as a message to be an individual that applies to the current day. Beautiful illustrations; lovely tale of medieval Japan
This is a marvellous presentation of the traditional Japanese tale ``The lady who loved insects''.It has an admirable protagonist in the title character who is sensible and strong, able to think for herself, whoresists the pressures to conform. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Conduct of life    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    5. Fiction    6. Japan    7. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (2)

Fantastic book
I loved this book when I picked it up as a kid of about 13 or 14 and I don't remember where I got it. I have always remembered it long after I lost it and a conversation with a friend inspired me to come looking for a copy here. Dare to Be Different!
The Black Sheep is a book that everyone should read for its themes of resisting peer/social pressures and finding success and happiness through being oneself.It looks like a children's book, but I think it's actually more applicable to teenagers.Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Children: Preschool    3. Fiction    4. Prejudices    5. Social classes    6. Stories    7. Non-Classifiable   

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 1-2    2. City and town life    3. Fiction    4. Hide-and-seek   

Subjects:  1. Children's stories   

Subjects:  1. China    2. Folklore    3. Horses    4. Juvenile fiction   

Reviews (1)

A wonderful story
an adaptation of a Taoist tale from ancient China, Jean Merrill's the Superlative Horse explores the true value of things and the rarity of those to whom such value is apparent.Read this to your children! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Babies & Toddlers   

Reviews (2)

Good Book
The book made me want to read.I couldn't wait to finish it because I wanted to know the end.Pea shooters, how did the author think of this.There are some cool names like Harry the Hot Dog.I didnt want the put the book down.I couldn't wait to turn the page.This is a great book.

Good Book
The book made me want to read.I couldn't wait to finish it because I wanted to know the end.Pea shooters, how did the author think of this.There are some cool names like Harry the Hot Dog.I didnt want the put the book down.I couldn't wait to turn the page.This is a great book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12    2. General