Editorial Review

Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel Mary Anne make quite a team. Theinseparable duo digs the great canals for the big boats to travel through, cuts through thelarge mountains so trains can pass, and hollows out the deep cellars for the greatskyscrapers in the city. But the introduction of gasoline, electric, and diesel shovelsmeans big trouble for Mike and Mary Anne. No one wants an old-fashioned steam shovellike Mary Anne when a modern shovel can do the digging in half the time! Forced totravel far out of the city to look for work, Mike and Mary Anne find themselves in thelittle town of Popperville. Mike and Mary Anne make a bid to dig the cellar for the newtown hall, promising the town that if they can't dig the cellar in just one day they'll acceptno payment for the job. Will Mike and Mary Anne be able to complete the job? Thewhole town of Popperville turns out to watch. Virginia Lee Burton, author of such classicchildren's books as Read more

Reviews (68)

Still a Fan
I still love this book.Teaches the balance between progress and tradition.Hard work, good attitude, and ingenuity pay off in the end.Had to explain what furnace was (we live in Miami), but all my kids (8, 6, & 4) enjoyed it.

Still one of my favorite stories
In an age when everything keeps getting replaced by more modern equipment, this story celebrates making use of a good steam shovel. I still have my copy from when I was a kid.

Life's Little Messages
A book originally in 1939, with messages and meanings that withstand the test of time.This book provides the following messages in an interesting tale of a man and his steamshovel.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Classics    5. Fiction    6. Steam shovels    7. Steam-shovels    8. Juvenile Fiction / Classics    9. Picture books   

Reviews (16)

A way to connect
I read When I was young in the mountains, then took it to my father, who read it.Rylant is slightly older than me, but she grew up near where my dad was born and raised.My father said after reading that he'd pretty much grown up the same way.He left the poverty of Appalachia as a teenager via the poor man's college-- the service.I was born and raised in Utah.Books such as When I was young in the Mountains were a way for me to connect with a way of life I knew very little about, and I am very thankful for Rylant's work, especially since Dad died recently.

West Virginia
Growing up in West Virginia myself, I relate to to this book. Although I'm now 20 and currently attending college, I still love to read it. It is something I plan to read to my children.

Memories of the Mountaina
This book showed us what is best about the mountains and the traditions of those living in those mountains.It has been so easy for our society to stereotype Appalachian mountain people as ignorant, backwards hillbillies that it is refreshing to see a depiction that shows mountain people in a different light.The old ways are disappearing.So are the mountains.The Appalachian mountains are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, containing one of the most diverse hardwood forests on earth.Mountain top coal removal, strip mining, and valley fills are destroying these mountains.Soon, the only way we will be able to show our children the beauty and wonder of these mountains will be through books and memories. "When I Was Young in the Mountains" will be a treasure in our house for generations.I encourage everyone to not only read this book, but also to support efforts to stop destructive, non-sustainable coal mining practices so we will be able to show our children and grandchildren more than just beautiful pictures of what once existed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children's stories, American    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Family - Multigenerational    6. Fiction    7. Mountain life    8. Early learning / early learning concepts    9. Juvenile Fiction / Lifestyles / Country Life   

Reviews (33)

Almost Didn't Get - Glad I Did
Jamie Lee Curtis' books have been a running present theme for my friend's daughter. So when her 5th birthday came up this book was an obvious choice. As I was looking over reviews, I saw the one from Cynthia L. Souza where she states the boy is giving the finger. I couldn't believe that Jamie would have this in a book. There was no way I was going to buy this if it was true so I went to the bookstore to check it out. Cynthia was way off base. The boy is simply holding his hand up in a "Stop" gesture. There is nothing wrong with this illustration. I gave a sigh of relief that my friend's daughter could continue to collect these books that she loves.

My son loves this book!
The illustrations are great and my son loves this book.It addresses kindergarten, a younger sibling, and being told "no" when a child really wants to hear "yes," all in terms a kid can relate to.He wants to read it every night before bed!

Very pleased
I am pleased with the condition of the book received and the quickness of the delivery.Thanks! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fiction    4. Growth    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Preschool Picture Story Books    7. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    8. Stories in rhyme    9. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / General   

Reviews (59)

A must have!
I am a senior in college and am going to be an Elementary school teacher. I am currently interning in a Kindergarten class and they love Skippyjon Jones.
The best little bookito I have readito!
Even though my daughter is a little young for this book I picked it up anyway...I love this little character.Like the reviews above the little sing-a-longs and the story itself is just so cute.I plan on buying all the skippyjonjones books and the little guy himself!You won't be dissappointed!

Skippyjon Jones is adorable
I have had Siamese cats all my life, and Skippyjon is certainly a Siamese, even though he thinks he's a Chihuahua.The author has captured the imagination of a Siamese kitten perfectly.As an elementary school media specialist, I can say this book is loved by all children.I'm sorry if the Latin culture is offended by this cute story (funny how Speedy Gonzales wasn't offensive many years ago), but the bravery of Skippito Friskito should be commended as he fights the bandito.Children love the accent and the cat!As for me, it's a book I can't get out of my head. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Animals - Cats    3. Cats    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Humorous Stories    7. Imagination    8. Imagination & Play    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Preschool Picture Story Books    11. Siamese cat    12. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Editorial Review

Kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk go the blueberries into the pail of a little girl named Sal who--try as she might--just can't seem to pick as fast as she eats. Robert McCloskey's classic is a magical tale of the irrepressible curiosity--not to mention appetite--of youth. Sal and her mother set off in search of blueberries for the winter at the same time as a mother bear and her cub. A quiet comedy of errors ensues when the young ones wander off and absentmindedly trail the wrong mothers. Read more

Reviews (60)

A Sweet Little Story
I purchased this book to read to my baby and it is just a sweet little tale about Mommies and their mischievious babies.I can't wait until she is old enough to sit on my lap and really understand the story when I read it to her.I highly recommend it.

It's an Oldie but a Goldie!
My kindergarten teacher had also read this book to me and now I'm reading it to my kids, but really to my son because he's 4 and my daughter is 8. She listens to it when it comes time for me to read it to him because she would find it amusing. Blueberries for Sal preserve a distinct since of life when tin pails and wood smoke, bobby pins and rambling dirt roads were routine. At the same time it is a timeless portrayal of curiosity and maternal instinct as Sal and her mother find themselves sharing their berry patch with a hungry bear cub and its mother. The words flow in a natural rhythm, creating patterns that build anticipation.
Good book
My daughter loved this book from the age of six and continues to love it now that she is just about eight.This book doesn't hold my six year old son's interest as long as it did my daughter's but he does like it.Makes a nice gift for any that age group. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bears    2. Children's Baby - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Classics    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Mother and child    9. English literature: essays, letters & other non-fiction prose works    10. English literature: literary criticism    11. Juvenile Fiction / Lifestyles / Farm Life   

Editorial Review

Doreen Cronin (Read more

Reviews (66)

Diary Of A Worm
I liked the book The Diary Of a worm. It is funny when worm fell out of the tree. That story made me laugh. I like when the worms do the hokey pokey together. I woder if they realy can do the hokey pokey.That was so funny when the worm scared the girls. I hope they don't eat there homework.The story is mainly about worms
Diary of a Worm
I liked the Diary of a Worm.I like the worm on the book.Its the coolest book I've ever seen.The book the Diary of a worm is cool.The book is funny.The best part is when he puts his head in and out.It was funny.I loved the Diary of a Worm.It was so funny.

Great Story!
I liked the diary of a Worm. I like it because theworms put their head in and put their heads out. That's what I like. I like it when the spider's legsgot stuck in the mud too. I love the men in black the most. I like it when the worm ate his home work aiot too. I like it when the worm is sitting by the big cheese box the best.I liked the story alot. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Animals - InsectsSpidersetc.    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Preschool    5. Diaries    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Worms    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (3)

Kinda Gross...But Amusing
At breakfast, The Man with the Yellow Hat tells George that he has a surprise planned and lots to do to get ready. "You can help me by staying out of trouble" says the man. George is happy to help, but you know how curious George can be...
How can you go wrong with Curious George?
I bought this book to use as favors for my children's birthday party.The party was taking their cousins/friends to see the movie Curious George.It's a very cute book and Curious George's curiousity doesn't get him in too much trouble.It shows all the things that the man in the yellow hat does to prepare for a surprise party for George.It's great to see my children (3 and 5) enjoying book characters that I enjoyed as a child.

curious george is having a party!
The man is the yellow hat tells George that he is working on a surprise.George gets curious like always.He looks around and finds lots of party decorations.He decides to put them up to help his friend with the yellow hat.George smells something great in the kitchen.He discoves it'a cake and try to help put the icing on it.He makes a big mess.Soon the man with the big hat comes home and George finds out the party is for him!Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Animals - Apes & Monkeys    4. Celebrations - Birthdays    5. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    6. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    7. Children: Kindergarten    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Preschool Picture Story Books    11. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Apes & Monkeys    12. Picture books    13. Primary / junior schools    14. Self-Help & Practical Interests    15. Zoology & animal sciences   

Reviews (1)

Full fathom five thy father lies
I suppose that there must be some people in world for whom the name "David Wiesner" means nothing. I can't fathom what this kind of an existence must be like. I suppose it would be the literary equivalent of not knowing what chocolate was. Or snow. The minute the new Wiesner book comes out I, like hundreds of thousands of others like me, rush out to purchase it for friends, relatives, and passing acquaintances I met once in the grocery store. Little wonder that the man has won two Caldecott Medals AND two Caldecott Honors. Now one of those numbers is about to change since Wiesner has produced his most ambitious creation to date. Wordless (as always) and more intense than his light-hearted "Tuesday" and "Sector 7" ever were, this is a book overflowing in deep-water mysteries and delights.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Marine Life    2. Beaches    3. Cameras    4. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - Science Fiction    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Nature & the Natural World - General    10. Preschool Wordless Picture Books    11. Science & Technology    12. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    13. Stories without words    14. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Reviews (12)

Give a Dog a Home!
What a lovely way to teach children `tis better to give than receive.' With few words and no rhymes - except for the author/illustrator's name, of course, and delightful black/white/aqua pictures of Claude the Basset and his homeless friend Bummer, all ages can delight in the spirit of kindness and compassion at Christmastime. But am I the only one bummed because Bummer didn't get a home for Christmas?
great
this was book really good. i liked that claude was really nice to bummer. he have him all of those gifts. what a nice dog. the author did a good job saying that it is better give than get. he used a good example also by useing dogs. overall this is one of the best children books there are. so if you want to read a good book read this one.
Claude the Dog
This is the most touching children's book ever written. It still makes me cry every time I read it.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Christmas    6. Christmas stories    7. Dogs    8. Fiction    9. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    10. Holidays & Festivals - Christmas    11. Early learning / early learning concepts    12. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dogs   

Reviews (12)

Sweet story
This is a wonderful story for any child who has ever felt left out.Leo is tiny and can't make his light shine.He is teased by the other lightning bugs.His mom tells him to keep trying and he'll succeed.After practicing over and over, he finally figures out how to light his light.The other bugs stop teasing him and he learns to laugh at himself, an important lesson for the younger child.I have a 6 year old and an 8 1/2 year old and they both love this story.The illustrations are wonderful.

My two nephews love this book & CD!
This lovely and lively story became an instant favorite of my two young nephews -- which is saying a lot considering that their bookshelf is well stocked!The CD that accompanies the book (making the price a real bargain) is no afterthought -- it is just as rich in detail and as well-produced as the book itself.And having a CD of the book comes in very handy when the boys are in the mood to hear the story AGAIN (and again and again and again...)

Wonderful book!
I have bought this book for my grandchildren and have enjoyed reading it with them.Beautiful illustrations and lots of fun for young children. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - InsectsSpidersetc.    2. Audio: Juvenile    3. Audiobooks    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Fiction    6. Fireflies    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Self-confidence    9. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    10. Children's 4-8    11. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Insects, Spiders, etc.    12. Juvenile Fiction / General    13. Picture books    14. Self-confidence in children    15. Social Situations - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance   

Editorial Review

Olivia would be Read more

Reviews (115)

Oh, those pictures
I bought this for my five year old, and wish I bought it when she was a little younger. Despite the simple story line, she still likes to look at it, and I hope it's a book that will help her on the way to reading.
Great Board Book
I purchased this book for my 1-year old daughter.Olivia is such a cute little character.The story is simple and my daughter enjoys this book.Recommend to anyone with a young daughter!

We've Got a Winner!!
What a nice little book for kids.No big bad wolves. No mean kids.No mean grown-ups.No one is abandoned or lost.No name-calling.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Pigs    2. Behavior    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Fiction    6. Health & Daily Living - Daily Activities    7. Human behavior    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Pigs    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Animal stories    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Animals / General   

Editorial Review

Read more

Reviews (68)

ZZZzzzz.....
This beloved and bestselling book from Audrey and Don Wood has been delighting children--and sending them off to bed with laughter and sweet dreams-for years. The infectious cumulative rhyme of The Napping House has made this book a classic. Now here is the new sturdy edition just right for tiny hands, making them a must for every family's board book collection.

Repeat Book
I am not a fan of books that repeat themselves, but this one is adorable. The pictures are so good and the rhymes so cute that it does not even phase me to repeat the lines. It is the perfect length for a bedtime story. Looking forward to reading it for years!

Great repetition; fun story
My son enjoys this book predominantly because of repetition. It is one that is in high rotation, but not the most favorite. I do think it is harder for him to follow as the pictures are not very bright/distinct.I do recommend this book to other parents. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bedtime & Dreams    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children's stories, American    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Fiction    7. Fleas    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Sleep    11. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (26)

Punctuation Takes A VacationBy:Robin Pulver
One hot day Mr. Wright told the punctuation to take a vacation.The punctuation said, " Is this the thanks we get for all we have done?"Then the punctuation took a vacation to Take-A-Break Lake.The students wrote a letter to the punctuation using Mr.Rongo'spunctuation.
Punctuation Takes A Vacation
On a hot day Mr. Wright decided to give punctuation a vacation.The punctuation said, " That's cool !", and they went to Take-A-Break Lake.The next day the punctuation marks sent postcards to Mr. Wright's class.Mr.Wright's class wanted to write back, so they borrowed Mr.Rongo's punctuation.
Punctuation Takes A VacationBy:Robin Pulver
On a hot day Mr.Wright's class said, "Let's give punctuation a vacation."The class tried to read a book, but couldn't because there was no punctuation.The students borrowed Mr. Rongo's punctuation and used them in a letter.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Fiction    4. Humorous Stories    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Preschool Picture Story Books    7. Punctuation    8. School & Education    9. School stories    10. Schools   

Reviews (15)

A lesser spinoff from "If You Give a Pig a Pancake", but my daughter still loves it!
Our first "If you give" book was the "Pancake" title. It was an instant hit with my daughter. We moved on to "Party". It is definitely good and entertaining, but it definitely reads and feels like a spinoff. Where "Pancake" flows out of a single gesture, "Party" feels forced, and just doesn't seem as funny and delightful. Plus, in this book, the pig somehow seems more demanding and selfish than in the Pancake book. Hard to explain unless you read it!
Livin High on the Hog?
Living high on the hog. This brings new meaning to those words and that's a good thing.It's not the "gimme gimme" attitude and materialistic lifestyle that makes this little piggy happy, oh no.It's just enjoying life by creating happiness in everything you do while remembering that sharing your heart with others doubles the fun!
...will put visions of celebration into each readers head, leaving everyone eager to have a party of their own!
Everyone knows that pigs can be a handful. Which is why it's probably never a good idea to throw a pig a party. For if you give a pig a party, she's bound to want balloons to accompany said party. And, once she's got balloons, she'll, of course, want to decorate the entire house. Then, once the decorating is done, she'll want to get all dolled up - in her favorite dress. And once she's done that, she's going to want to call all of her friends on the phone, and invite them over to celebrate. But if they're not home...well, she'll just have to go out and look for them. Which can only mean trouble.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Animals - Pigs    3. Celebrations - Parties    4. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Children: Preschool    8. Fiction    9. Holidays & Celebrations - General    10. Humorous Stories    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Pigs    13. Preschool Picture Story Books    14. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Pigs   

Editorial Review

If the only "really clear thought" you had as a kid was "Get candy,"you'll be at one with comedian Jerry Seinfeld's first children's picture book,Read more

Reviews (37)

Best for children over the age of 20.
He reminisces about the days of cheap plastic store bought costumes and being too old but trick or treating anyway.It's almost like his stand up act with kiddy pictures!Unfortunately, the tone is too sarcastic for children and references things that today's kids won't really relate to.

Hilariously Entertaining!!!! This is a keeper.
In my opinion people should lighten up about the book. Some people take things a bit too seriously. This is an entertaining book from start to finish. Both my 3 yr. old and 5 yr. old sons love this story. And, of course we do too. They think it is absolutely hilarious. Our youngest has the nickname "candyman" and this book fits him to a tee (in terms of being motivated by candy)..I agree with another review regarding the word "stupid" being used a couple of times. Another word choice would have been better. We have chosen to replace the word "stupid" with "silly." That took care of that.
It was great.
I was at a bookstore with my sister.We came across this book and sat down and read it together.I am 18 and she is 16.We sat down and I could not stop laughing.We both had tears streaming down our faces.It wasn't just funny.I thought it was cleverly written and very honest.We ended up buying the book and we read it together all the time and we still laugh. ... Read more

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

Reviews (9)

Great 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.
Great story--nothing to do with Halloween
This is a great story that can help people of all ages, even though geared to children, understand the message of the Gospel in a creative way.This doesn't have to be associated with the celebration of Halloween.I know that many people who profess to be Christians still like to celebrate Halloween and feel that this story helps to tie it to their faith.That shouldn't make this a bad book for those who don't think Halloween has a place in the lives of Christians.Putting a face on a pumpkin to do something fun during fall harvest is a spiritually neutral activity.It just doesn't have to be about Halloween.I am glad that people like Ms Higgs take the time to do something positive for this time of year--something that takes the focus OFF of Halloween.

Just a thought on the book
I think it's wonderful book and I'm a christian. Everything was made by god including pumpkins and carving pumpkins is fun. It does not have to be evil and the fact that you can do it and teach your child about god is wonderful. Just wondering if the people who judge the book as trying to turn evil into good buy christmas trees and decorate them?? Did you know that is also a Pagan tradition with roots not honoring god?? How many Christians buy and decorate Christmas trees?? I would say step back and look more closely at yourself before judging others. In the Bible we are not bound by law but by grace. How can anything that teaches about god be sinful?? It does not matter what people did thousands of years ago but it does matter that we honor god in our words and actions today. I don't see the harm in this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Christian life    6. Christianity    7. Halloween    8. Holidays & Celebrations - Halloween    9. Holidays & Festivals - Halloween    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. Juvenile Religion    12. Juvenile literature    13. Parables    14. Religion - Christianity - Christian Life    15. Religious - Christian    16. Salvation    17. Social Issues - Values    18. Social Situations - Values    19. Board Books    20. Fiction    21. Juvenile Fiction / Religious / Christian    22. Picture books   

Reviews (6)

Blase Becomes Passe, or New Tudes for Bored Moods
"Nothing Ever Happens on 90th Street" is really two books in one. Although the book works as a whole, the first half is compelling, memorable and unique;the happy, goofy second half is merely fun.
A Great and Useful Book!
This is a wonderfully imaginative book filled with lively characters and surprising events.I've read it to my class and they've asked for it againand again.Even more importantly, it has stimulated and improved theirwriting skills and inspired them to try their own version of this story.Agreat help in the classroom, and, a lot of fun!

A Wonderfully Entertaining and Educational Book
A fun romp full of wonderful characters, plus helpful tidbits to improve children's writing.A multicultural and intergenerational story in an urban setting, in which the soap opera star Saundra Saunderson and the fishstore owner Mr. Chang come together with many other colorful neighbors tocreate a community on 90th Street.Eva, the child writer, records andparticipates in all the action and finally comes up with an extraordinarytopic for her school assignment.A funny, great and useful tale to teachand read, whether you live on 90th Street, in the suburbs, or in thecountry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Authorship    4. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 3-4    7. Children: Kindergarten    8. Fiction    9. General    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Neighborliness    12. School & Education   

Subjects:  1. Activity Books - Hidden Picture    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Games & Activities - Puzzles    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Sports & Recreation - General    7. Games / General   

Reviews (54)

the best
This was my sons' favorite story book at age 3 or 4.The language is advanced, with much more challenging vocabulary than a modern book would use for preschoolers, but it wasn't a problem, so it must be a good thing!

Stories that have aged well
Having been exposed to the contemporary "commercial" version of Thomas the Tank Engine in various forms I had low expectations for _The_Complete_Collection_. After reading all the stories over the past two months at bedtime I whole heartedly give this collection 5 stars. These are the original stories by Rev. W. Awdry--not just Thomas stories, but other trains that have been forgotten by the marketplace. The language is the Queen's English and the terminology harks back to a different place and time. Fortunately the stories are robust enough to hold up without translation for my 3-year old.
The Perfect Thomas Book
I got this book a long time ago and I must say, this book is a must have for anyone even remotely interested at all in Thomas.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthologies    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fiction    5. Railroads    6. Short stories    7. Trains    8. Transportation - Trains    9. Character books    10. Juvenile Fiction / General    11. Sale Books   

Reviews (20)

Definitely In the Top 5 of All Children's Books
Almost everyone else has said it already--this is as good a book as you can read to your kids.Not, contrary to what an isolated review suggested, stilted at all.Just beautifully evocative of a family living complete and joyful lives, with their ties to the land still unbroken.

Touching, beautiful, full of love
I love this book!I bought this book for my son (then 3) when I was expecting my daughter.Admittedly, this is MY favorite book.My son would much rather read something silly than poignant.But this book is GORGEOUS!The illustrations are achingly beautiful.The love in this multigenerational family leaps off the page.There is a home birth, love of the land/ nature/ farming, and si