Editorial Review

Home becomes elusive in this story about immigration and acculturation, pieced together through old pictures and salvaged family tales. Both the narrator and his grandfather long to return to Japan, but when they do, they feel anonymous and confused:"The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other." Allen Say's prose is succinct and controlled, to the effect of surprise when monumental events are scaled down to a few words: "The young woman fell in love, married, and sometime later I was born." The book also has large, formal paintings in delicate, faded colors that portray a cherished and well-preserved family album. The book, for audiences ages 4 to 8, won the 1994 Caldecott Medal. ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Great Selection!
The cover illustration is what initially drew me to this book; watching a young man stand on the deck of a steamship while the wind and waves thrash about. The color of the sea beckoned me to turn the pages and find out more about where this man was going and whether or not he would get there.
A Wonderful Story
Allen Say's autobiographical Grandfather's Journey's beautiful illustrations won the Caldecott Medal, but that is only half the reason to recommend this book.This story is about a Japanese man struggling over what his home is--the United States or Japan.
This book is ok.
This book is about a boy's grandfather who goes to America.He likes California the best.He goes back to japan and gets married then he goes back to California and has a daughter.Then he goes back to Japan. The daughter grows up and gets married. Some time later she has a little boy.When the boy grows up he goes to California he gets married and has baby girl. I think kids from 6-8 should read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Family - Multigenerational    4. Fiction    5. Grandfathers    6. Homesickness    7. Japan    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. People & Places - United States - Asian American    10. Preschool Picture Story Books    11. Say, Allen    12. Voyages and travels    13. Description and travel    14. Japanese Americans    15. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Multigenerational    16. Picture books    17. United States   

Reviews (1)

Nice Illustrations
I purchased this book for my 4-year old because this was the first year she was really excited about Halloween.So my requirements were nice pictures, something non-threatening but still in keeping with the spirit of the holiday, and a cute story.This book meets those requirements.However, I found myself flipping through the pages too quickly and having to make up extra words to read to my child to go along with the story.There are VERY FEW words in the book so it goes much too fast and is boring if you stick to the written words.Otherwise, the pictures are nice and story is cute. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fiction    4. Halloween    5. Holidays & Celebrations - Halloween    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Preschool Picture Story Books    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    9. Social Issues - Friendship    10. Witches    11. Juvenile Fiction / Holidays & Festivals / Halloween   

Editorial Review

A cricket is born who cannot talk! A bigger cricket welcomes him to the world, then a locust, a cicada, and many other insects, but each time the tiny cricket rubs his wings together in vain: no sound emerges. In the end, however, he meets another quiet cricket, and manages to find his "voice." Children will love the repetitive text as they meet a steady parade of new creatures (including a "spittlebug, slurping in a sea of froth"); and of course they'll delight in the happy ending. This is one of a series of large (11.5 by 8.5 inches) format Eric Carle books with a mechanical twist: in this case, the quiet cricket bursts into (surprisingly authentic) electronic song as you turn the last page. (The battery is replaceable.) An amusement for the ears, but most of all--as ever, with Carle--a feast for the eyes. The colorful cut-paper illustrations are simply gorgeous, drawing you in even on the hundredth reading. (And there will be a hundredth reading, followed by many more.) (Baby to preschool) Read more

Reviews (35)

Cricket
Book is ok - like the very hungry caterpiller better and so does my 21 month old daughter.

Wonderful
This is a wonderful book for small children.My daughter loved it when she was small and I can't wait to read it to my infant son.Fun and engaging!!

Gorgeous, and with a surprise at the end
Next to the Hungry Caterpillar this is one of our favourite books in the house, and a favourite Carle book. We have this in board book as we have had this book since my kids were babies. It is still popular as it is really also an early reader - recognising various animals in the garden (although not all are relevant)
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Subjects:  1. Animals - InsectsSpidersetc.    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Crickets    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile fiction    8. Sound effects books    9. Specimens    10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Insects, Spiders, etc.   

Reviews (13)

excellent realistic story
Loved this book and can't wait until my toddler will learn to read and appreciate it for himself.All about being true to yourself and accepting your traits as your own.

My brother's cockatoo pooped on my head!
Another reviewer said she loved the line that Leonardo made a "very big decision."I love that line, too, as well as the entire list of reasons Sam spews regarding why he's crying.One of them is that he "slipped in the bathtub while trying to wash out the bird poo that his brother's cockatoo pooped on his head."I'd cry too!!!
Leonardo, the Terrible Monster
the illustrations and the typography are amazing. and of course the story is alot of fun as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children's Books/All Ages    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. Friendship    6. General    7. Humorous Stories    8. Imagination    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Monsters    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    13. Social Issues - Friendship    14. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (6)

cute book, great message
This is a really cute way to introduce adoption to a child or other family members. It touches on a lot of issues that will probably come up, including looking different from your parents, being sad, dealing with other people's comments and how to talk about a birthmother. Since it is done from the point of view of a puppy it is kid friendly and is easy to read.

Great adoption introduction book for preschoolers
As the nanny to two wonderful adopted children I have searched far & wide for books that introduce the subject of adoption to them appropriately. This book has been well received by both children (2.5 & 7 years old). They both routinely request it at bedtime & it has inspired many open conversations on how they came to be a part of their family.

Wonderful and Insightful
I read this book to my class, and received a tremendous response from my 4th grade students.The book illustrates easy-to-understand principles of adoption, and highlights how it is important to tolerate the differences among each of us. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Animals - Dogs    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Dogs    6. Family - Adoption    7. Fiction    8. Interracial adoption    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dogs    11. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Adoption    12. Preschool Picture Story Books   

Reviews (1)

fun for babies
My baby loved this book from 3 months on.She loves when we sing the suggested verses to her and really relates to the watercolour illustrations of the other babies inside. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Children's songs    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Composers & Musicians - Country & Folk    5. Songs    6. Texts    7. Board books    8. Nursery rhymes    9. Picture books   

Editorial Review

"No" and "David" were the first words David Shannon learned how tospell. Shannon's Caldecott Honor Book Read more

Reviews (20)

My son's favorite book from age 2-4
Excellent children's book for a child in the 2-4 range.Everything he does is so boy-like and "cute" in such the way that little boys are (curious, active, hyper, etc.). Every pre-school age child I've ever read this to loves it.The pictures and simple story are ideal, and the humor is perfect for this age.To be cynical for just one minute, actually this story is dated.'Cause were it really present day, the title would be "David Gets Put on Medication" because of course, though David is just a perfect example of the TYPICAL little boy, for some reason our schools and parents these days can't accept it as normal/healthy.

Great Book
My son received his first No David book when he was 2 years old. Now going on 5 he still loves reading about David and his antics. As a mom, I like that the book always ends on a positive note w/ Mommy letting David know she loves him, though she's always saying "NO"

Wonderful!
We got this book out of the library, and my 15 month old makes me read it over and over again. The pictures are great, the simple language is appealing, and the story is fun.It is at the top of his wish list! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apologizing    2. Behavior    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Preschool    5. Fiction    6. Human behavior    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Social Issues - General    10. Fiction dealing with social issues    11. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories    12. Picture books   

Subjects:  1. Brothers and sisters    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Family - Siblings    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Movie Tie - In    10. Nature & the Natural World - Seasons    11. Nature & the Natural World - Weather    12. Preschool Picture Story Books    13. Snow    14. Winter    15. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Siblings   

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Reviews (8)

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.
heartwarming traditional Christian
I stumbled on this book @ the bookstore fall 2005, & came home & ordered several copies for us & as gifts for others.The illustrations are precious & very colorful.The angle of the story being told, & some illustrations being from the point of view of a mouse is clever & engaging.For Christians, it is especially poignant when the mouse discovers that the figures he has been hauling out of what looked to him like a great new house (nativity stable), actually represent those present @ the birth of Jesus Christ, Savior of the world.It is an excellent short & appealing story for children, w/ a focus on the real reason for Christmas.

Mortimer's Christmas Manger
This was an excellent book.My four year old just loved it.The artwork was superb. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Christmas    5. Fiction    6. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    7. Jesus Christ    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Mice    10. Nativity    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Religious - Christian    13. Juvenile Fiction / Holidays & Festivals / Christmas    14. Bargain   

Editorial Review

The crafty barnyard crew from Read more

Reviews (37)

Watch that duck!
A great follow-up to "Click Clack Moo..."My two-year-old loves to see what Farmer Brown's brother Bob is doing for all the animals.Great for the imagination, beautiful water-color illustrations.

I have as fun as my son!
This is the kind of book that stick in your head. I been going around at work siting:"Farmer Brown has a problem, his cows like to type"
Downgrading from Geroge Orwell to John Landis
Click Clack Moo is one of my favorite kid's book, and conveniently my kids like it as well (see my listmania of my eldest's top ten books on the verge of turning four).Giggle Giggle Quack is a cute, fun follow-up but it lacks the subversive undertones that I enjoyed so much in the first book.If Click Clack Moo is the Animal Farm of pre-school lit, than Giggle Giggle Quack is something closer to Animal House.
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Farm Animals    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Domestic animals    5. Ducks    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Farm Animals   

Reviews (13)

Biblical theology for KIDS
I've used a number of children's Bibles over the years, some better than others. Many of them tell the familiar Bible stories well, but without necessarily connecting them, or pointing to their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. This Story Bible, however, is a welcome exception to that rule. It truly is a Biblical Theology Primer, and an enjoyable one at that!
BIG FUN
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.
The Gospel for Children (a.k.a Biblical Theology light)
How does one start a review of a book like the Bible?How does one review a book written by one's pastor and friend?Well, I can tell you that I am unashamedly proud of this book and wholeheartedly recommend it to ALL.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Stories - General    2. Bible stories    3. Bible stories, English    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    5. Religion    6. Religion - Bibles - Picture   

Reviews (1)

HILARIOUS!!!!
I laughed so hard I couldn't believe it.Brer Rabbit is a character and you can't even be mad at his antics because even when Brer Turtle pulled the master trick of all tricks on him Brer Rabbit didn't even exchange words, he did what he'd told Brer Turtle he was going to do.(You have to read it to see what it was)Get this, your kids will love it and so will you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Animals - Rabbits    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Black American    6. Folklore    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Tales    9. United States    10. Classic fiction    11. Fairy tales, folk tales, fables, magical tales & traditional stories    12. Picture books    13. Sale Books   

Reviews (18)

My number-loving 4 year old can't get enough!
My son LOVES this book! It is now one of his favorites, along with The Greedy Triangle. My son is high-functioning autistic and is obsessed with numbers - he loves to play with calculators, adding machines, and cash registers. So this book was right up his alley. He seems to be understanding the math lessons behind the book, as well, so it is both entertaining and educational for him. Highly recommended for math-curious kids.

They use this book at my child's school to teach math concepts.
This book was sent home with 100 unifex cubes to use along with the book.We used the cubes as the ants.We started off with one line of 100 cubes (as the ants).Then, in the story, they split into 2 lines of 50, so we split our cubes, too.Then, 4 lines of 25, and so on....Excellent book to use with the cubes to demonstract how many different ways to make 100.

Elisa- Elementary Ed. Student at U of A and Pima
I read this book to my two cousins, one who was age eight and the other six. The older one did not like the story very much, she thought she was alittle too old to be listening to a book about ants going to a picnic.However the younger one enjoyed the book, even though she did not understand the division. She enjoyed the way the book flowed, the pictures, the story and most of all the "hey and a hi dee hos". I think for younger readers this book is really fun and instructional. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - InsectsSpidersetc.    2. Ants    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Concepts - Counting & Numbers    6. Division    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Science & Technology - Mathematics    10. Stories in rhyme    11. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / Counting    12. Numbers & counting    13. Ages 4 - 8    14. Picture Book    15. Grades K - 3   

Reviews (1)

Fantastic!
I love everything about this book - the enchanting, precise storytelling; the wacky, colorful art; and the gentle (i.e. NOT heavy-handed) message about conservation and actions equalling consequences. Katie McKy's story and Pablo Bernasconi's artwork were meant to storytell together. A fun romp from start to finish. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers    2. Children's 4-8 - Literature / Classics    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Family - Siblings    6. Fiction    7. Holidays & Celebrations - Halloween    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Legends, Myths, & Fables - General    10. Nature & the Natural World - General    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Pumpkin    13. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / General   

Reviews (1)

Curious George is always good
This is a character enjoyed by my [...] grandson, especially now that he is also starting school. It arrived in excellent condition and was packaged well.Good job. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Animals - Apes & Monkeys    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Monkeys    10. Rey, H. A. / Rey, Margaret    11. School & Education    12. Schools    13. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Apes & Monkeys   

Editorial Review

Imagine all the happiness and wealth you could achieve if you found a magic pebble that granted your every wish! Sylvester Duncan, an unassuming donkey who collects pebbles "of unusual shape and color," experiences just such a lucky find. But before he can make all his wishes come true, the young donkey unexpectedly encounters a mean-looking lion. Startled, Sylvester wishes he were a rock, but in mineral form he can no longer hold the pebble, and thus cannot wish himself back to his equine trappings. His parents, thinking he has disappeared, are at first frantic, then miserable, and then plunge into donkey ennui. Meanwhile, Sylvester is gravely depressed, but tries to get used to being a rock.Read more

Reviews (40)

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
This is a story that is as fresh today as it was when it was orginally written. It encourages make believe, yet allows for a feeling of security through the need for others.

aclassic children's story

Magic, Unintended Consequences, and When All Seems Lost, a Happy Ending

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Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Classics    6. Donkeys    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    10. Early learning / early learning concepts    11. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Reviews (65)

Convoluted
I bought this book soon after we adopted our daughter.I found the writing style to be convoluted and precocious, much like the way children speak in contemporary movies (adult words from a child's mouth).Sorry, not a fan.We are still looking for a book that addresses an open, domestic adoption that can speak to children, not adults.

A must have!!
Our son is adopted and we absolutely love this book.I agree with what everyone has said!This book also has given me ideas on how to word a little book with his own story in it.We will definately buy this book for anyone that we know who is adopting.

Tell Me Again About...
Awesome!I love the stor, and it has been a great intro for family, cousins and friends that are not sure how to address our newly adopted infant.We have been able to take the lead in how we tell, share and react to the situation as he grows.
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Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Babies    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Family - Adoption    7. Family - New Baby    8. Fiction    9. Infants    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Science & Technology    12. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Adoption   

Reviews (1)

pretty good replacement for "I Spy" books
There are 19 paintings from the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that list things to look for in the painting. This is a neat way to incorporate art with your child while playing. My kids love the "I Spy" books and this is no different. There is a wide range of artwork from ancient Egyptian up to modern day. I only wish the book were longer with more paintings included. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Appreciation    2. Art appreciation    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Preschool    5. General    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Painting    9. Readers - Beginner    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Activity Books    11. Painting & paintings    12. Picture books   

Reviews (34)

Crowd Pleaser
This is hands-down the absolute favorite book of the children in the "parent and me" class where I work.The children are ages birth-4, and I get the undivided attention of the 1-4-year olds (the 2-4 year olds "read along" and the 1-year olds are fascinated with the excitement shown by the 2-4 year olds) when I read this to them.They would gladly hear it everyday, and each time i read it they ask me to read it one more time.

A Fun Book - a review of "Go Away, Big Green Monster"
This is a fun book for the six and under set.[Amazon has a recommendation of 4 to 8 years of age but I would think toddlers would like it, and that the book wouldn't hold much extended interest for those over five.]
It was really sharp!
While reading this book to my baby, I got a paper cut from the monster's big red mouth with sharp white teeth! Many babies and children with soft skins will read this book and they might have the same kind of experience as mine. I wish this book were made of harder paper without this kind of danger.
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Subjects:  1. Bedtime & Dreams    2. Bedtime Stories    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Children: Preschool    6. Concepts - Size & Shape    7. Emberley, Ed    8. Fear    9. Fiction    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Monsters    12. Preschool Picture Story Books    13. Specimens    14. Toy and movable books    15. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / General    16. Picture books   

Reviews (3)

Worth the wait
Picture this:Sunday morning following Halloween.The living room is littered with boxes full of costumes that need to go back into the attic.Bags of candy adorn several tables.Wrappers adorn the floor.I get up early, before the others, to try to put the Halloween genie back into his bottle.One by one, the others rise and descend the stairs.I can see each foot and then the pj'd body appear on the stairs from where I'm sitting.Piled next to me are some books that arrived from amazon.com on Friday, unnoticed due to the holiday festivities. Lovely Moon
This book, like the Harvest Moon it celebrates, "...floods us with dreams and memories..." [page 29] through its magical complement of word and brushwork.The hauntingly lovely illustrations, which will captivate the eyes of the young and old, conduct us through a nature flight with a very special and unobtrusive guide whose words perfectly reflect the reverence and mystery of the visual experience. Get your facts
The illustrations in this book are beautifully done and the text flows nicely but for an author and illustrator who are or were from New Hampshire and Vermont the facts are wrong for the areas seemingly depicted in the book. The illustration look like New England and moonflowers would prpbably have been killed by frost or would definitely be winding down, sea turtles nest at the furthest north in Virginia and would mostly be hatched out, and luna moths are long gone.There are lots of great things that occur around the harvest moon, these aren't some of them.Children's books should be factual even if they are fiction. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Fiction    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Moon    6. Nature    7. Nature & the Natural World - General    8. Preschool Picture Story Books    9. Juvenile Fiction / Nature & the Natural World