Reviews (36)

One of my favorites!
This book has all the best qualities of children's books:Children like to hear it, parents like to read it, and both can discuss it afterwards.Very positive, useful life lessons packaged effectively and attractively for the grade school and younger crowd.And who couldn't fall in love with big, soft-looking Stillwater and his "slight panda accent"?

Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth
Lovely stories, fantastic illustrations - a wonderful gift (and wonderful to keep)!

Sweet Little Book
I thought this book was great - it was really colorful. The overall feel reminded me of the book "Now I Know the Ten Commandments". I recommend it to anyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Bears    2. Bears    3. Brothers and sisters    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Family - Siblings    8. Fiction    9. General    10. Giant panda    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    13. Pandas    14. Preschool Picture Story Books    15. Siblings    16. Storytelling    17. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Other   

Reviews (1)

Four and a half stars actually
The popup dragons are huge and very coloful. Although not very complex, they are enchanting. Stories are pretty good too, and readable. Recommended for collectors and for brave children. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Animals - Mythical    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Dragons    6. Folklore    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile Folk Tales / Mythology / Fables    9. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    10. Specimens    11. Toy and movable books    12. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / General   

Reviews (5)

"Oh my friends, I always wanted a family. You are my family...Just as I protect you, so you protect me. I am grateful"
This Newbery honor book is the story of families of origin and families of creation. It is also a tale depicting the power of love and of story. Framed within the present in which Ben and Abby, brother and sister, spend time in their grandfather's barn listening to a tale told by the barn cat, Whittington, who is a descendant of the fabled Dick Whittington's cat. The novel "Whittington" moves between a re-telling of the medieval Whittington tale to two present day tales in which Ben is struggling to read and the animals are struggling for primacy in the barn.
A Marvelous Retelling of a Classic Story
This is a marvelous retelling of a classic children's story, as told to a group of farm animals and children by--of course--a cat. Dick Whittington was a real person and while the story somewhat enhances the truth, it is still worth reading.

Whittington
I loved this new Newbery Honor book. It is one that will keep the reader's attention, as well as having an excellent plot. Well worth having as part of a personal or classroom library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Cats    2. Animals - Farm Animals    3. Cats    4. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 3-4    7. Children: Grades 4-6    8. Domestic animals    9. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    10. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    11. Fiction    12. Juvenile Fiction    13. Legends    14. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    15. Whittington, Richard,    16. d. 1423    17. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Reviews (9)

No No No
I am a huge fan of this series, and this really was disappointing. The writing bit was decent, but the illustrations didn't meet my standards whatsoever. i was thoroughly disappointed with a few of the drawings as they didn't even follow the author's descriptions. It was irritating reading a book in a series I enjoy immensly that was so dismal.

A cool idea, but it could have been much better.
I picked this up in a bookstore the other day.I had almost purchased it once, but I am now very glad that I didn't.I looked at the pics. and they were pretty good. (although I do really prefer to view characters and scenes in my own head) I preceded to read the text, which I finished reading in about ten minutes!I'd say that this book was a really cool idea, but for a price around $7, I don't think that this is worth it.

awesome artwork
this book brings to life everything i imagined when reading the first several books. i know many people complained about this book not covering all of the territories. i am kind of glad it hasn't covered the books that have not yet been written. i would prefer to use my own imagination first. i believe there will be a follow-up to this book when the rest of the series is written. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Boys / Men    4. Children's All Ages - Fiction - General    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    7. Fantasy    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Reviews (27)

I loved this book
Hopefully if you have read this you have also read The Missing Piece. I absolutely loved these books. Full of great wisdom about life. Highly Recommended for children and adults. Right up there with the great works of Dr. Seuss.

Essential and Unique
as English is not my language...I claim that I've read
Great Graduation or Coming of Age gift
I love this book to give as a graduation or coming of age gift.I especially love to to give this book to girls.The message of finding out who you are and not needing someone to make you complete shines through in Shel Silverstein style. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th Century American Poetry    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Classics    5. Fiction    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    9. Silverstein, Shel    10. Size and shape    11. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    12. English    13. Juvenile Fiction / Classics    14. USA   

Reviews (28)

The punishment must fit the crime
Big Anthony is in BIG trouble.After using the magic pot which he was told specifically not to, the whole town is covered in spaghetti. The wise Strega Nona wants to sleep in her bed.So . . . she hands him a fork.

Ah...for the Love of Strega Nona...and a Magic Pasta Pot!
Ah...the memories.I remember reading this at story time when I was in grade school (kindergarten or first grade...not sure which) and I just had to share it with my own kids.Strega Nona (Grandmother Witch) is a classic and with good reason.It's got the old grandma witch who helps people with her magic (potions, cures, and sometimes just plain ol' good advice)...but she's getting on and she advertises in town for someone to help her out.Big Anthony (who apparently doesn't listen so well) fits the bill nicely and moves into Strega Nona's place (room and board included for all his work).
Strega Nona
This is a book all children should have.It is the first in a series of Strega Nona books that feature the hapless Big Anthony.In this story, Big Anthony learns what happens when he doesn't listen! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Country/Ethnic-General    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - European    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    7. Fiction    8. Folklore    9. Italy    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    12. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    13. Strega Nona (Fictitious charac    14. Strega Nona (Fictitious character)    15. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Other   

Editorial Review

To say that this particular apple tree is a "giving tree" is an understatement. In Shel Silverstein's popular tale of few words and simple line drawings, a tree starts out as a leafy playground, shade provider, and apple bearer for a rambunctious little boy. Making the boy happy makes the tree happy, but with time it becomes more challenging for the generous tree to meet his needs. When he asks for money, she suggests that he sell her apples. When he asks for a house, she offers her branches for lumber. When the boy is old, too old and sad to play in the tree, he asks the tree for a boat. She suggests that he cut her down to a stump so he can craft a boat out of her trunk. He unthinkingly does it. At this point in the story, the double-page spread shows a pathetic solitary stump, poignantly cut down to the heart the boy once carved into the tree as a child that said "M.E. + T." "And then the tree was happy... but not really." When there's nothing left of her, the boy returns again as an old man, needing a quiet place to sit and rest. The stump offers up her services, and he sits on it. "And the tree was happy." While the message of this book is unclear (Take and take and take?Give and give and give? Complete self-sacrifice is good? Complete self-sacrifice is infinitely sad?), Silverstein has perhaps deliberately left the book open to interpretation. (All ages) Read more

Reviews (472)

A Mother's Love
Discriminating readers may find the boy to be quite selfish. Only a mother could love so unconditionally. For the permanent personal collection for the sensitive.A nice gift.

The Real World!
I have loved this book since I was a child and now as I am getting older and my friends and family are having children, I give this book as a present to the new generation being born.Although, for some reason there are reviews that think this book is "horrifying", I think it is a wonderful story about the reality of the world.Sometimes in life you have to give something of yourself even though you know it won't be appreciated.If the only reason why you give is for people to be thankful this would be a very sad world and for some reason my generation is raising children that aren't held accountable and over protected from the reality of the world.Thus, leaving them unprepared to survive in life.This book made an impact on me as a child and I hope it makes an impact on many others in the future.

Love this book since i was a kid
This book for some reason draws real emotion from the reader.Almost like the song Cat's in the Cradle by Harry Chapin.It's about a boy and a tree, and the unconditional love that the tree has for the boy (like parents have for their kids).
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Classics    4. Concepts - General    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    8. Social Issues - Values    9. Trees    10. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Other   

Reviews (14)

The Gilgamesh Trilogy - Gilgamesh for Kids
Gilgamesh the King:
Still looking...
While this version is certainly accessible to children, I don't agree with many of the liberties the author took with any of these stories in the series.The many translations out there for adults at least attempt to stay true to the story.I regret that I cannot share these more accurate versions with my younger kids because of the description of at least one particular excerpt; I've had to settle for these.I believe if a person is going to adapt a classic to suit children that one should keep true to the story as best as possible, not adding and creating their own useless elements to the story.The Epic itself is wonderful, but I am still looking for an appropriate version that retains most of the original elements.I do appreciate the efforts of the author to share this amazing story with children.

a must-read for ancient history students!
If you are studying ancient history with your elementary student, you must read this series of Gilgamesh books by Ms. Zeman.This one is the first of 3.It is a great story of love, loyalty, and greatness, the oldest written story in the world, and is wonderfully illustrated.I orginally borrowed them from our local library and then purchased them because my 6 year old loved them so much. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adaptations    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Folklore    5. Gilgamesh    6. Iraq    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Legends, Myths, & Fables - General    9. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    10. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Other   

Reviews (5)

Excellent
I highly recommend this book for adults.It is a supurb book for those on the "read and reread" path in building a foundation before pursuing the works in their more complex formats.Years ago I had the misfortune of reading Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in old language.It was a disaster and embittering. I left the experience with an "allergy" to Sir Gawain, and without getting to know the gest of the story.I am healed thanks to this particular book.I was also delighted to come across the "Werewolf" as I hadn't heard about it.
Too simplistic for the age range given
The reading level for this book is given as ages 9-12, but the fairytale-simplicity of the retelling of the stories makes this collection much more appropriate for the *under 9* age group.The stories are sanitary enough to read to very young children.The part of the collection I found most useful for my 12 year old who is currently studying the Middle Ages, was the notes in the back of the book."Notes on the Stories" tells the background and time period of each story and a brief bio of the author (when known)."Story Forms of Medieval Times", "Some Early Peoples of Western Europe", "Time Periods", "Words Related to Medieval Times", and "The Evolution of the English Language" are all very brief (total of 3 1/2 pages for all) but informative.

Knights, Monsters, Heroes, and Dragons.....
As Mary Pope Osborne tells the reader in her marvelous introduction..."In the beginning of medieval times in Europe, books did not exist.Most people were unable to read or write.Nevertheless, there were stories - stories of heroes and monsters, told by minstrels and poets, that were passed down orally from one generation to the next..."Eventually, these stories were written down by scribes, and Ms Osborne has collected nine favorite tales to share.From Robin Hood And His Merry Men, The Sword In The Stone, Sir Gawain And The Green Knight, and Finn Maccoul, to Beowulf, The Werewolf, The Song Of Roland, Island Of The Lost Children, and Chanticleer And The Fox, these engaging retellings are dramatic and entertaining, easy to read, and often better when read aloud.Meet monsters, knights, heroes, and dragons, and travel to faraway, mysterious, and enchanting places.Troy Howell's vivid, lush paintings, stay true to the medieval style, and add just the right touch to enhance each story.Ms Osborne and Mr Howell include informative reference notes on the stories, medieval story forms, people, time periods, language, chronology, and the art of the middle ages that is sure to peak the interest of young and old alike.Perfect for youngsters ten and older, Favorite Medieval Tales is a masterpiece of intriguing storytelling that will whet the appetite, and send readers looking for more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Classics    5. Europe    6. Folklore    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Legends, Myths, & Fables - General    9. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    10. Tales, Medieval    11. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / General   

Reviews (3)

The Gilgamesh Trilogy - Gilgamesh for Kids
Gilgamesh the King
Great series!
We really appreciate the beauty of this series of books as it covers "The Epic of Gilgamesh" in an appropriate and accessible way for our children. We love to use actual historic documents in our study if possible, but the actual epic is too uncomfortably graphic even for our older children, so we use these for everyone as we study Mesopotamia, Sumer and Babylon. There are not many books that cover these Near East cultures, which makes this set especially valuable. Along with "Our Young Folks' Josephus" as our history spine, "Science in Ancient Mesopotamia" and "Ancient Egyptians and their Neighbors: An Activity Guide (covering Hittites, Nubians, Mesopopotamians and Egyptians) this series helps considerably to round out our ancient history studies and to teach our children about one of the most ancient tales in the world in a beautifully engaging way.

Buy all three
My children and I are beginning a study of ancient civilizations and I bought the three Gilgamesh books to expand our coverage of ancient Sumer.These books are just amazing! The story itself is powerful but I wonderedhow the author was going to tone down some of the violence; not to mentionthe fact that Shamat was a prostitute in other versions. Ludmilla Zeman hasbrought this story to children with intensity and grace that comes as acomplete surprise. I especially liked her painting of the chaste kissbetween Shamat and Enkidu with the explanation that Shamat taught Enkidu tospeak and together they explored the ways of love. Very tender. Read more

Subjects:  1. Adaptations    2. Children's 9-12 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    6. Folklore    7. Gilgamesh    8. Iraq    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    11. Reference - General    12. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    13. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Other   

Reviews (19)

Very wordy, disappointing denouement
I saw all the positive reviews here, and bought Amos & Boris to read to my two-year-old. I am often disappointed in aspects of the stories in children's books, and having to read them over and over, stories that my son likes that have endings that bother me can really get to me, so I'm always looking for the good ones.
Pretentious and tedious...kids immediately smell it as false
The tedious, self-serving prose in this book reads as though the author loves the sound of his own narative voice WAY too much. His endless, conjunction-addled sentences leave smart kids looking -- aching -- for the POINT. Steig sets up a sweet and caring friendship between a mouse and a whale -- certainly an unlikely pair -- but instead of playing with the natural contrasts there, he overburdens the story with his heavy-handed voice. There is so much focus on despair and helplessness that the story bogs down...and sinks under the weight of Steig's ego.

An excellent childrens book
I am actually 28 but I bought this book as it was my favourite book as a child. It is such a lovely story and I would recommend it to all children (and parents). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. Friendship    6. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    7. Mice    8. Whales    9. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / General   

Reviews (3)

A Christological Fable
On the surface, this is a simple and sweet tale of three frogs who learn how to share.But as a student of theology and of literature, I must share my insights into this amazing children's book.On a deeper level, this is a Christological parable and a history of salvation through Jesus Christ.Although I admittedly know nothing about Leo Lionni's personal beliefs,I am sure that this is the intended meaning in this fable.The richness and beauty of its symbolism could hardly be an accident!
A story about sharing.
Bicker Bicker Bicker.That's what these three frogs do all day long.It's mine, it's mine, it's mine!Tragedy strikes and an old toad saves the day.The three frogs seem to grow up without even realizing it!An ideal read-aloud.

This book is very appropriate for young readers.
I enjoy this book very much.The characters are human-like in nature which gives the book charm.Lionni captures the essence of siblings in the cute frog characters.The moral is easy to understand and something toremember for all ages, not just children.A definate must have. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. Frogs    6. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    7. Selfishness    8. Sharing    9. Social Issues - Friendship    10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, etc.   

Editorial Review

The boy magician Anand, his sassy partner Nisha, and their beloved teacher Abhaydatta reunite for a new adventure in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's second installment of her folkloric Indian fantasy series, Read more

Reviews (3)

Magical!
This book, the sequel to The Conch Bearer, mixes the sense of excitement that every book needs, a wonderful use of magic realism (which is illustrated by the fact that Anand, the main character, travels from the present day India to the ancient India, who'se realistic features are marred by the fact that Anand is a magician) , an overhanging gloom and really, really, really great writing.
The right blend of fantasy and reality
Anand is the Keeper of the Conch. He gave up his family and his home so that he can help the world, as a Healer in Silver Valley. His friend Nisha comes with him, the first ever female healer, and the master healer Abhaydatta is one of his instructors. As Anand struggles with his studies, he hears a warning from the wind and views an alarming scene on a wall. The Healers must take action; they know it is their duty to protect the world from the "evil that stirs." Abhaydatta and a young healer called Raj-bahnu embark upon a quest to find this evil, leaving a heart-broken Anand behind. However, just before he leaves, Abhaydatta gives Anand a pearl necklace that will change color if he is in danger. In yet another alarming scene, Anand views Abhaydatta beside a lake with an unconscious Raj-bhanu at his side. He knows they are in danger, but the pearls are nowhere to be found. The Healer's Council will decide upon a course of action in the morning, but Anand knows that by then it will be to late. The Conch agrees to transport Nisha and Anand to the lake, but something goes slightly awry. Can Anand find the Conch, Abhaydatta, and Nisha before evil destroys the world?
A series to treasure
With rich, sumptuous detail and admirable clarity Chitra Divakaruni draws us into the Conch Bearer Anand's journey for a second time. The difficulties faced and lessons learned by the Brotherhood of the Conch in this newest book combine to create an enchanting story.Both The Conch Bearer and The Mirror of Fire and Dreaming provide vibrant descriptions, especially concerning culture and food.These books are delightful adventures wholesome enough for any age group to enjoy.Happy Reading ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/All Ages    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. Healers    6. Historical - Asia    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile Historical Fiction    9. Juvenile Science Fiction / Fantasy    10. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    11. Magic    12. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    13. Shells    14. Time travel    15. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Other   

Reviews (3)

The Gilgamesh Trilogy - Gilgamesh for Kids
Gilgamesh the King
Wonderful Book Series!
We really appreciate the beauty of this series of books as it covers "The Epic of Gilgamesh" in an appropriate and accessible way for our children. We love to use actual historic documents in our study if possible, but the actual epic is too uncomfortably graphic even for our older children, so we use these for everyone as we study Mesopotamia, Sumer and Babylon. There are not many books that cover these Near East cultures, which makes this set especially valuable. Along with "Our Young Folks' Josephus" as our history spine, "Science in Ancient Mesopotamia" and "Ancient Egyptians and their Neighbors: An Activity Guide (covering Hittites, Nubians, Mesopopotamians and Egyptians) this series helps considerably to round out our ancient history studies and to teach our children about one of the most ancient tales in the world in a beautifully engaging way.

Buy all three
My children and I are beginning a study of ancient civilizations and I bought the three Gilgamesh books to expand our coverage of ancient Sumer.These books are just amazing! The story itself is powerful but I wonderedhow the author was going to tone down some of the violence; not to mentionthe fact that Shamat was a prostitute in other versions. Ludmilla Zeman hasbrought this story to children with intensity and grace that comes as acomplete surprise. I especially liked her painting of the chaste kissbetween Shamat and Enkidu with the explanation that Shamat taught Enkidu tospeak and together they explored the ways of love. Very tender. Read more

Subjects:  1. Adaptations    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Folklore    5. Gilgamesh    6. Gilgamesh (Legendary character    7. Gilgamesh (Legendary character)    8. Iraq    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Legends    11. Legends, Myths, & Fables - General    12. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    13. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    14. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Other   

Reviews (3)

Gilgamesh shines through
I am grateful to Ms. McCaughrean for her distillation of this story. I have been reading various translations and a couple of retellings of the Gilgamesh story for the past thirty years or so, always enjoying the story but always with a sense that I was missing something. Finally, with this retelling I "get it." The elements of the story finally fall into place. Excellent.

A beautiful retelling of the Epic of Gilgamesh for students
We believe Gilgamesh was a historical king of Uruk in Babylonia, on the River Eurphrates in what is now Iraq, who lives around 2700 B.C.E."The Epic of Gilgamesh" is the oldest recorded story in the world, having been originally carved on twelve stone tablets, which have broken apart in the past four thousand years.These twelve tablets, written in the Akkadian language by an author named Shin-eqi-unninni, were found in the ruins of the library of Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria (668-627 B.C.E.) at Nineveh (the library was destroyed by the Persians). Wonderful Introduction to An Ancient Story
This is a beautifully written version (with illustrations that really capture the ancient ambience of the story) of the oldest written story in the world.It deals with the themes common to allgreat literature (friendship, mortality, aspirations, love) in a way that makes sense to young people.The struggles and achievements of Gilgamesh, an ancient Sumerian king, illustrate the enduring concerns of mankind over time and lend perspective to man's search for meaning today. Read more

Subjects:  1. Adaptations    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Country/Ethnic-General    5. Folklore    6. Gilgamesh    7. Gilgamesh (Legendary character    8. Gilgamesh (Legendary character)    9. Iraq    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Juvenile Folk Tales / Mythology / Fables    12. Legends    13. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/All Ages    2. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    3. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    4. Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic    6. Juvenile Fiction-Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    7. Science fiction   

Editorial Review

Our nameless hero--a typical Seuss hybrid who's part bear, part puppy,and part beyond categorization--has an innocent, carefree life, until it's ruined by minor problems. With a toe stubbed, and a tail bitten by a Quilligan Quail ("And I learned there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead, and some come from behind"), he sets out on an ill-fated journey to find a better, less troublesome place: the fabled city of Solla Sollew, no less, "on the banks of the beautiful River Wah-Hoo,/ Wherethey never have troubles. At least very few." Like most dreamlands, Solla Sollew is harder to attain than expected--nobody seems to know how to get there, and the journey is far worse than anyone anticipated. When the faircity is finally attained there is, of course, a last straw; but a happy twist suggests troubles may be better faced than escaped. (Ages 4 to 8) Read more

Reviews (20)

Lesser known, but I think one of his best books - illustrations are fabulous!
I would definitely recommend you buy this book, it is amazing. It has the most whimsically wonderful illustrations, wonderfully catchy text and rhymes and overall a great message for kids.
A fantastic book-you should take a look
I absolutely love Dr. Seuss, and this book is one that I only first read later in life.I absolutely love it-a story about travelling to the perfect place and when you get there, realizing that the place you really wanted to be was where you came from in the first place.Very very good-I highly recommend it.

A Meaningful Lesson
Adults and children alike can so relate to the little hero of "I Had Trouble Getting to Solla Sollew":many readers will have had moments of wanting to travel to a kind of paradise like "the city of Solla Sollew / On the banks of the beautiful River Wah-hoo";many readers will relate to the beautiful illustration of the little creature dreaming that he was "sleeping on billowy billows / Of soft silk and satin marshmallow-stuffed pillows." Readers will feel for the struggle fo this protagnoist, a classically illustrated Dr. Seuss creature, who longs to escape his troubles.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Humorous Stories    5. Preschool Picture Story Books    6. Readers - Beginner    7. Seuss, Dr.    8. Stories in rhyme    9. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Other   

Reviews (15)

Stone Soup by Marcia Brown
I remember several stories that I loved very much as a child.One of them is the story of "Stone Soup".I saw it on the Captain Kangaroo television show--- the Captain read the story and the illustrations were shown page by page.I was delighted and spellbound.Everyone knows that you don't give anything away.To do so would be very foolish.Yet, in this story the people do give food away!And in the end, everyone shares in a feast because each one provided one small part of the meal.This is very moving to me.And a lesson that shapes my life every day.Thank you Marcia Brown for your retelling of this timeless tale, and to Bob Keeshan, the Captain, for bringing me this joyful tale.Larry Host, Sacramento, California, July 22, 2006

when the soilders came
My favorite book is stone soup because it about when three soilders came.And they tricked the pesents.then they asked for somewhere to sleep and eat.then they said we have no food.And then they had a feast. This book is very intresting.

A Fun, Predictable Tale
Stone Soup is an old, lively story about three soldiers who come across a peasant village looking for some food and a place to sleep. But, the peasants are none too friendly and try their best to hide their food and make excuses of how not to help them. The soldiers have the idea of making stone soup, and soon the whole village is involved and having fun. Before they know it, everyone is sharing food and a huge feast is served, plus the soldiers get a good night's rest. Children will love this exciting book full of laughter and fun.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Classics    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - European    5. Folklore    6. France    7. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    8. Fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Other   

Reviews (72)

Puff the Magic...Fire Lizard ?
"Dragonsinger" is the second book in Anne McCaffery's "Harper Hall Trilogy" and pickes up directly where "Dragonsong" left off. Having lived holdless, practically outrun Thread and impressed nine fire lizards, Menolly is travelling to the Harper Hall with Master Robinton, Furthermore, following Petiron's recommendations. She has been accepted as a student - meaning that, one day, she will become a Harper.
Best of a great series
The first two books of the harper hall trilogy are the best of the series. Especially for pre-teen and teen-age girls who are exploring their path in life, thsse books inspire. Anne McCaffery is at her best when describing human nature, in a rich imaginative context. The dragons are here, and even better, small ones which add humor and a personal touch. The complex social and political landscape of Pern is here. Moral questions are posed and explored realistically. But the stories focus on the personal journey of Menolly in particular. Reading these two books for the 100th time (I'm certanly no longer a teen!) I still cringe, laugh, root for our heros, and cry with happiness when good wins out. These books move right along, carrying you with them. What a great adventure!

dragon singer

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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Fantasy    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Fantasy    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    6. Science Fiction / Fantasy (Young Adult)    7. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    8. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - General    3. Children's 4-8 - Literature / Classics    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Adaptations    7. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Humorous Retelling    8. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    9. Fiction    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    12. New England    13. Preschool Picture Story Books    14. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Other