Reviews (23)

Mary Johnson's Review
I loved this book.I had to read it for summer reading and I had never read poetry.Made me laugh out loud!My favorite is about taking out the Garbage!Funny funny book!
Where The Sidewalk Ends
This book was very enjoyable.It made me laugh out loud.My favorite is Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would not take the Garbage Out! I really recommend it for everyone!

How about a peanut butter sandwich?
When Dr. Seuss died in the early 90s, it seemed as if the entire country went into mourning.I had fond memories of Dr. Seuss too, and I WANTED to be as broken up as everyone else was.But honestly, I wasn't.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children's poetry    3. Children's poetry, American    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Humorous poetry    6. Humorous poetry, American    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Poetry - Humorous    9. Silverstein, Shel    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Poetry / Humorous   

Editorial Review

Poor Horton. Dr. Seuss's kindly elephant is persuaded to sit on an egg while its mother, the good-for-nothing bird lazy Maysie, takes a break. Little does Horton know that Maysie is setting off for a permanent vacation in Palm Springs. He waits, and waits, never leaving his precarious branch, even through a freezing winter and a spring that's punctuated by the insults of his friends. ("They taunted.They teased him. They yelled 'How Absurd! Old Horton the Elephant thinks he's a bird!'") Further indignities await, but Horton has the patience of Job--from whose story this one clearly derives--and he is rewarded in the end by the surprise birth of... an elephant-bird. Read more

Reviews (28)

Horton is Always a Good Choice
I grew up listening to this book on a record.These days, rhymes, like Mother Goose, are not taught in school or pre school like they once were.I teach ELL but even English speakers are having more difficulty with hearing rhymes which has a direct correlation to their phonemic awarness development.This is one of the major components of pre-reading readiness.Horton also is a good example of empathy and we certainly could use more of this in our public schools among the students!

HortonHatches The Egg
Hacton the Elephant and the egg and that lazy momma bird.Oh momma bird just waiting to tricksome animal into watching her egg .Then comes Mr,Elephant .Oh poor Mr.Elephant gets stuck sitting on a tree for months. This book is a real good book .I would give it a thumbs up.

One of the best of the Seuss books in my opinion
Horton Hatches the egg was one of my favourite books when I was a child and it is lovely to be able to read it to my children and it has become one of their favourite too. I certainly prefer this one to many of the Seuss books available (I have never been a huge fan of Cat in the hat or Green Eggs and Ham) This one has a hugely appealing story.
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Elephants    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Classics    5. Elephants    6. Family - General    7. Fantasy    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Poetry    11. Stories in rhyme    12. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Elephants   

Editorial Review

"I cannot draw you a picture of Peter and Benjamin underneath the basket," writes Beatrix Potter in Read more

Reviews (18)

The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter
This was my first purchase from Amazon and I was very pleased with the professional service and the quick delivery of my order

A staple for every home library
How wonderful it has been to get reintroduced to all of Potter's sweet characters.My mom had a small board book collection when I was growing up and I forgot all about these stories.There is just something so warm and relaxing about them.My four year old is loving them (they're a bit too long for my two year old's attention span and she usually wanders away after awhile).However you just can't go wrong with this book--it's a classic and definitely timeless.My only suggestion is that sometimes a "complete" edition is the cheaper route to go, but it does make for a heavy book for little ones to tote around or try to flip through.So if you are looking for something to be a more kid friendly you may want to purchase the individual stories separately.

The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter
The book I received wasn't the same as the one pictured in the listing. It is the same text but it came in a box as opposed to having a dust cover. Other than that I am happy with my purchase. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children's stories, English    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Classics    7. Fiction    8. General    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Short stories    11. Animal stories    12. Character books    13. Classic fiction    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / Poetry / Nursery Rhymes   

Reviews (6)

Great Read!
This is a great book of poetry to promote reading and poetry. The illustrations are well done. Super book for teachers to use with students!!!!

Great Poems!
These are great poems all about readers and reading.Great for all ages!

Whimsical little poems with exquisite illustrations
I love books, and I also work in a library, so I really had no choice but to see what this book was about when I came across its intriguing title.There is no murder or mayhem in these pages, of course, because Please Bury Me in the Library is very much a children's book - one aimed mostly at fairly young children.This is the kind of a book a parent would read to a young child as the future reader delights in the excellent artwork.Each picture accompanies a poem by J. Patrick Lewis, who throws in an interesting mix of poetic styles: haiku, free verse, rhyming verse, even an acrostic salute to libraries.I wasn't all that impressed by some of the poems, but this is largely due to the fact that they are aimed primarily at fairly young children (and I haven't been fairly young in a good many years now) - these are simple little verses that come across much better when read aloud.I'm sure many children would really enjoy them.It's really the artwork that makes this book special, though.Kyle M. Stone's artwork is both whimsical and a little dark - not scary, of course, but dark in a "Tim Burton was here" sort of way.As an adult, I feel sure that looking at these illustrations is about as close as I can ever come to once again seeing the world through a child's eyes - and that, in my opinion, makes this book a visual treat for young and old alike. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Children's 9-12 - Poetry / Plays    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children's poetry, American    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile Poetry    8. Juvenile humor    9. Libraries    10. Poetry    11. Poetry - General    12. Poetry - Humorous    13. Juvenile Fiction / School & Education   

Editorial Review

"The Grinch Read more

Reviews (73)

A Classic!
Being a teacher, I have read this personal favorite story many times to my class, and have enjoyed the cartoom on TV.I've always wanted to own a copy of it and the book to compare/contrast.Well, this year I saw the movie with Jim Carey and comparing it to the classic video, I felt Seuss must be turning over in his grave!It cannot compare to the wonderful cartoon that captures the whimsical drawings and fabulous rhythm of Seuss' words.This year my students did compare/contrast the book and video cartoon, and really learned much from it.Seuss always has a great message, and this one about giving and materialism is right up there!

WHO'd a thunk it?
It is hard to imagine a Christmas without the Grinch.WHO would have believed that an ugly green creature with a heart that is too small could capture the genuine heart of Christmas?A trip to WHOVILLe is a mandatory part of the seasonal celebrations.God bless us, everyone, and especially Dr. Seuss

The Greatest children's book
In my opinion this is one of the greatest children's books ever written.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Christmas    4. Christmas stories    5. Classics    6. Fantasy    7. Fiction    8. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    9. Humorous Stories    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Stories in rhyme    12. Juvenile Fiction / Holidays & Festivals / Christmas   

Editorial Review

Since 1961, Read more

Reviews (19)

Board book is far off from description Amazon uses (hardcover)
I remember liking this book as a child and I thought I could get this book for my daughter.The board book has been so abridged that it lacks a lot of things that I thought were funny.AND what about that "climatic ending" where the apples all topple - Not there! I wouldn't even recognize the wording in the board book as Dr. Suess's.

Not a great fan of this one, just not really appealing
One of the books which I keep wondering why I don't really like it. But there are lots of small reasons, none of them major but they all add up.
Generations of happiness.
I had the original Beginner book and I read it so much it fell apart and my girls read it only a few times. They loved it as much as I so, I had to replace it. Well worth it. My daughters insist on it every day. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Babies & Toddlers    5. Concepts - General    6. Counting    7. Fiction    8. General    9. Humorous Stories    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Picture books    12. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Editorial Review

Poems about picnics, pretending, and puppies make this book Read more

Reviews (11)

My son's FAVORITE book!
My 2yr old son and I absolutely LOVE this book! Started reading it to him as an infant and still top choice! The copy I own must be a newer edition as my cover has apple tree and children on it but it's a MUST HAVE! As a parent, I love that it's a fun vivid book with "newer" poetry. I tend to shy away from some "classics" as they really are hard for small children to get into, not too mention have a tendency to be not so... nice. Example: old lady who lived in a shoe with all the children. That doesn't have such a nice ending if you recall. Prelutsky's book has taken over Mother Goose's spot in our library! Hard to get bored reading this to your little ones!

Wonderful book!
I read this book over and over to my three children when they were young.It provided hours of fun and wonderful memories.I give this book to nearly everyone who has a baby.I'm about to order another for my new grand nephew.I highly recommend this book.

Can't stand it
Perhaps I am more of a traditionalist, but I did not appreciate the nonsensical rhymes in this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American poetry    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children's poetry, American    4. Children's poetry, English    5. Children: Preschool    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Nursery rhymes    8. Poetry - Nursery Rhymes    9. Preschool Nursery Rhymes / Poetry    10. Recitations    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Poetry / Nursery Rhymes    12. Reading Group Guide   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (41)

Dr. Seuss's The Foot Book
I ordered this rhyming book to read to my 11 month old. She likes to look at it by herself also and the pages are sturdy and colorful.

The Foot Book by Dr. Suess
This book is one of a kind! It's colorful and creative! It goes to show that opposites do attract! I would recommend it for any young first beginners in reading!

NOT the book you know and love!
This is a nice enough board book, but be advised that it is NOT the full version of Dr. Seuss' book!They've left out several (charming!) pages of text and illustrations for the Board Book...What a disappointment to loyal fans, and how unfair to the newest generation of fans-to-be. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Baby - Boardbooks    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Concepts - Opposites    4. English language    5. Fiction    6. Foot    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Stories in rhyme    10. Synonyms and antonyms    11. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / Opposites   

Reviews (6)

We love this book!
The rhyme of Five Little Pumpkins is SO easy to read and memorize, the board book holds up very well, and the illustrations are very endearing--the jack-o-lantern faces are expressive and the colors are beautiful.This book made my 20-month-old son a jack-o-lantern fan, and I haven't gotten tired of reading it to him yet!

DELIGHTFUL LITTLE BOARD BOOK

Halloween Board Book Not To Miss!
Dan Yaccarino captures the essence of Halloween with simple, yet expressive pictures of pumpkins, ghosts and a black cat. My one year old son Ryan loves it when i read the story of the Five Little Pumpkins. He points to all the different pumpkin faces and loves their orange glow. The book wipes clean and withstands being dragged all over the house! I am a big fan of Dan Yaccarino's work, love his cartoon Oswald, so this book is a big Halloween fun delight! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Baby - Boardbooks    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Children: Babies & Toddlers    4. Concepts - Counting    5. Concepts - Counting & Numbers    6. Fiction    7. Halloween    8. Holidays & Celebrations - Halloween    9. Holidays & Festivals - Halloween    10. Jack-o-lanterns    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Pumpkin    13. Readers - Beginner    14. Stories in rhyme    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Poetry / Nursery Rhymes   

Editorial Review

"When I was quite young and quite small for my size, I met an old man in the Desert of Drize." The old man looks like a cross between a cartoon granddad and a swami; he sits on top of a cactus, and tells his young listener that the best way to get over any sadness is to imagine all the ways you could be worse off. "Suppose, just suppose, you were poor Herbie Hart, who has taken his Throm-dim-bu-lator apart!"This has a more hurried, formulaic feel than the best Seuss, and it seems to showcase a less acute grasp of child psychology than usual. (Does it really make a child feel better to think of poor Harry Haddow, who, "try as he will, can't make a shadow," or Gucky Gown, "who lives by himself ninety miles out of town"?) But the illustrations alone make this morality tale a minor classic. (Ages 4 to 8) Read more

Reviews (12)

Simple genius
The moral of "Did I Ever..." is as much for the adults reading the story as for the kids who're enjoying it as part of a bedtime ritual.Dr. Seuss paints a picture of silly places and people we're lucky we're not, adjusting our point of view to show that we've got it pretty darn good.Probably not a lesson that a 2 year-old will immediately grasp and write a masters thesis on, but a good seed to plant in his mind.And while the deep meanings of life are flying over their heads, the rugrats will enjoy the brilliant Seuss-ian rhymes and illustrations of ridiculous situations (With your bedroom up here... And your bathroom up there!).Definitely a top-ten book for small human people.

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are
This was, by far, my favorite book growing up.I loved trying to figure out how to say the strange words and eventually, I could almost recite the entire book from memory.I still can the first few pages.I don't know that I was helped psycologically, but it sure was and is a fun book!

and you think YOU have it bad...!!
Theodore Seuss Guisel is, of course, one of the best known children's authors today.Though he left us in 1994, his legacy lives on and his books are still produced, bought and loved as much now as anytime in the past.When we think of him, we immediately think of "The Cat in the Hat" or "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", but we can easily forget some of his wonderful, lesser-known works. "When I was quite young and quite small for my size I met an old man in the Desert of Drize..." So begins "Did I Ever Tell You..." where the narrator finds an old man sitting atop a prickly cactus in the middle of the desert.The man tells the boy narrator that whenever HE feels like his life isn't going well, he reminds himself how lucky he really IS.He could be, for example, a construction worker on the impossibly rickety Bunglebung Bridge, where workers are toiling over the water to finish the impossibly crooked structure. Yes, things could be far worse!!You could be a Poogle-Horn Player who has to honk away on your complex, tuba-like Poogle-Horn while descending a flight of stairs... on a two story unicycle, no less!!The absurdness of people less fortunate splash across each page, Seuss-like, as Mr. Bix wakes up at 6 in the morning to find that his Borfin has schlumpped over, or Mr. Potter who has to dot i's and cross t's on endless, miles-long spools of paper!Yes, things could be far worse than they are, Ducky, so count yourself lucky! Published in 1973, "Have I Ever Told You..." is a wonderfully funny book with some subtle messages.Written during a period of time when parents were still forever admonishing their children, "you're so lucky to be able to eat those Brussels sprouts!!Why, there's children starving in Africa..." the book can be seen as a lesson in morality and thankfulness OR as satire of those very parents who encourage children to think of those less fortunate than them when they crank about life's inequities. Satire or morality play, "Have I Ever Told You..." is classical Seuss at his best.The illustrations are properly absurd and colorful, splashing across the page in Seuss's perennial style.There's humans assembling bridges as well as odd creatures getting stuck in 4-way traffic jams.The illustrations are uncluttered and the text is easy to read, making it an excellent choice for beginning to intermediate readers.A wonderfully fun book, and highly recommended!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Fantasy    5. Humorous Stories    6. Readers - Beginner    7. Stories in rhyme    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Poetry / General   

Reviews (20)

One of my favorite
My toddler LOVES this book. And the term Be-bo is affectionately used in our house because of this book.You can't go wrong with any Sandra Boynton books but this one is very fun to read.

Love the hippos and their belly b's!
My son, husband and I all love the Belly Button Book!It is so fun to read, funny, and the hippos are so cute!My son is 19 months-old and loves all the Sandra Boynton books.They keep the attention of younger kids and have great pictures.

My baby loves this book!
The product information for this book says "ages 4-8."I would guess that kids that age would enjoy it, but it isdefinitely written for little kids to have read to them by parents, who will love it just as much.It's a board book, so the youngest in your family can chew on it to their heart's content.It's cute.It's funny.It contains puns adults will get without making the kids feel left out.It has a nice rhythm and rhyme.It's just generally a great deal of fun!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Mammals    2. Belly button    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Fiction    6. Hippopotamus    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Poetry - Humorous    10. Poetry - Nursery Rhymes    11. Stories in rhyme    12. Board books    13. JUVENILE NONFICTION / Poetry / Nursery Rhymes (see also JUVENILE FICTION / Imagination & Play)    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / Poetry / Humorous   

Editorial Review

Yet more wisdom cast down from high atop Mt. Seuss, this cheerful trio of tales teaches some valuable lessons in humility--thanks to a sharp-eyed worm, a bragging bear and rabbit, a fuzzy-tailed bird, and a couple hundred turtles led by their foolish King Yertle.Read more

Reviews (17)

A bit disappointing...
I bought this book for my 21 month old as she loves so many of the Dr. Suess books.We didn't even get through the first couple of pages before she was bored with the story and illustrations.Maybe she'll like it better in a few years, but for now it is just sitting on the shelf...

A story with a twist
My family have been happy fans of Dr Seuss and we enjoyed this book, it's quite funny because as a adult reading this to your children, you can't help but think that there is a message in the story aimed at the adults !!!! That's the way I saw it anyway !!!

Satire
Greed. Abuse of Power.The king of the pond will literally step on others to get what he wants. Until a plain little turtle below in the stack, his name is Mac, precipitates change.Great introduction to satire, pokes fun at human shortcoming.Dr. Seuss rhythm and rhyme. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Turtles    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Fantasy    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Readers - Beginner    8. Stories in rhyme    9. Fiction    10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Turtles   

Reviews (41)

Great for Helping Little Ones (and Their Parents) Grow Sleepy
I used this book a lot when my own kids were small. It would usually have me yawning within the first couple of pages. It is highly suggestive and has a hypnotic effect on both the reader and the listener.

Get This Seuss!
If you only get one Dr. Seuss book to read to your child, get this one! Not only has it been helping get children to sleep for generations, it is does not have the tongue-twisting rhymes that make some of his books a challenge to read aloud. Instead, The Sleep Book puts both parent and child into the mood to sleep, peacefully dreaming of Dr. Suess creatures who are also going to sleep, so how about you?

My Favorite Dr. Seuss Book Ever!! By Laura G.
Some people say that this book was too long, while others said that The Cat in the Hat is better.I love this book.It was my mother's favorite as a child and she shared it with me and I'm so glad she did.I love all the characters.You can't read this book and not want to fall asleep...all the yawning in this book makes it a perfect bedtime story.An all time Seuss classic that shouldn't be overlooked!!!!!A must have for any Seuss collector!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bedtime & Dreams    2. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Preschool    5. Fantasy    6. Humorous Stories    7. Readers - Beginner    8. Stories in rhyme    9. Early learning / early learning concepts    10. Juvenile Fiction / Bedtime & Dreams   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Cookery    4. Cooking & Food    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Juvenile Nonfiction / Cooking   

Reviews (49)

Recommended with Caution!
My daughter was also very upset by this book when it was read to her in Kindergarten. My mother was terminally ill at the time and this book (because of its ending) was very hard for her to take. She had nightmares about "the little old lady" for months after hearing this story. While it is a good example of early literary rhythm and ryhme, there are lots of other good ones too, including take offs on this book minus the depressing ending.

Excellent visuals!
I couldn't resist buying this book for my 1 1/2 year old son, even though I new it would be ripped to shreds in the hands of a toddler. Well, it has become shreds, but not out of destruction. He carries this book everywhere and we find him flipping th pages on his own! He LOVES it and so does my husband and I because the visuals are so colorful and stimulating. You can see through the woman's stomach, you can see all of the animals, you can sing the book. It is definitely a family favorite! I'm buying a second copy to save for his elementary years.

A well loved favourite
I adored this book as a child and my daughter does too. The only fault of this book is that it is quite large and heavy, yet my daughter manages to drag it around anyhow. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Folk songs    5. Folk songs, English    6. Humorous Stories    7. Specimens    8. Texts    9. Toy and movable books    10. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations    11. Nursery rhymes    12. Picture books   

Editorial Review

Seven beloved verses from Old Mother Goose are imbued with a little more"feeling" with this interactive version of the classic. Young children canstroke the white horse's silky mane in "Banbury Cross," feel the dog's smoothred satin suit in "The Cat and the Fiddle," and dig their tiny fingers into thesoft wool of the sheep in "Mary Had a Little Lamb." There's even ascratch-and-sniff spice cake in "Pat-a-Cake"! Tots will love this introductionto the nursery rhymes that will carry them through childhood and beyond.Old-fashioned, Edwardian-style illustrations will please readers of all ages,and the simple two-page-spread format, with poems on the left and pictures onthe right, is clean and attractive. The miniature board book is just the rightsize and sturdiness for small hands and new teeth. (Baby to preschool)Read more

Reviews (22)

A classic for a new generation
This is the book I remember from my childhood, sixty years ago. It was selected by my mother, a children's librarian.
These are Some Messed Up Rhymes
I'm shocked to see that these books are still selling today.I had this exact book when I was little, and my mother brought the old copy to me cause she thought my daughter might like to have it.I don't think I'm going to bother giving it to her.I was frightened by this book when I was little.Mother Goose looks more like a wicked witch, stealing a baby, on the cover.There are tons of nursery rhymes, but most of them are very obscure, some only a couple lines long.And maybe I am reading too much into them, but a lot of them seem full of sexual innuendo and possible drug references.One titled "Robin and Richard" seems the most questionable, about two grown men staying in bed until 10 o'clock.I'm not prejudiced at all, but this seems like a very strange rhyme for children to be reading.Everything about this book is disturbing to me.

Thumbs down
Most of the rhymes in here are so foreign to me. I never heard of most of them and don't even understand what they are about! I had a hard time keeping me interested. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Poetry / Plays    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children's poetry    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Nursery rhymes    7. Poetry - Mother Goose    8. Poetry - Nursery Rhymes    9. Early learning / early learning concepts   

Reviews (4)

Superlative bookshould stave off "nature-deficit disorder". . .
This book is an absolute delight, and the 'pairing' of poet and artist is inspired. Beckie Prange's woodcuts are reminiscent of the genius of work by Gustave Baumann(1881-1971: Chicago, Brown County INDIANA, & New Mexico).
Listen for me on a spring night...and I'll sing you to sleep
Take it from one who grew up -- and still lives -- across the street from a pond, Joyce Sidman knows pond life! With the beautiful, strong first poem "Listen to Me" about the peeper frogs waking in the spring, SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN introduces readers to all aspects of pond life, from cattails to painted turtles to the food chain. In addition to poems written a variety of styles, Sidman also includes a paragraph of interesting facts about the subject. And it's all capped off with the Caldecott-honor-worthy woodcuts created by Beckie Prange. All in all, a wonderful read-aloud for kids grade 1-4 studying ponds, ecosystems, or poetry...or just for fun. "Listen to Me" joins my personal list of all-time favorite poems.2006 Caldecott Honor Book.

Bug bug bugsy
Poetry's not my bag, baby, so when I find myself reviewing a children's book of poetry my confidence just ooooozes away.Oozily.I know enough about poetry to know that I can't judge meter or metaphor or any of that jazz.I can tell if a line scans or not, and that officially marks the limits of my poetry-criticism qualifications.It's so much easier when a book garners universal praise.That way I know it's good and I can follow suit.Now as of this review "Song of the Water Boatman" has appeared on School Library Journals Best Books of 2005, the Boston-Globe Winners of 2005, the Bulletin of the Center For Children's Books Blue Ribbon Awards of 2005, and the New York Public Library's 100 Titles For Reading and Sharing circa 2005.Oh.And a little something called the Caldecott Honor, but who's counting?From all these high muckety-mucks in their own little separate worlds, I can only reach the obvious conclusion that there's something pretty cool going on with "Water Boatman" here.A quick peek inside, a swift skimming of a poem or two, and then an in-depth read of every word and image did indeed convince me that it's a lovely work.Would I go about handing it shiny silver medals?Probably not.But as poetry goes it's gorgeous and, almost more importantly, there's a little non-fiction stirred into the mix for spice!
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Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Children's 4-8 - Poetry / Plays    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children's poetry, American    5. Children: Grades 3-4    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile Poetry    8. Poetry    9. Poetry - General    10. Pond animals    11. Ponds    12. Science & Nature - General    13. Juvenile Fiction / Nature & the Natural World   

Reviews (9)

Beautiful
it was a wonderful baby shower gift for my sister.i was remembering all the nursey rhymes I learned as a kid.

Excellent version of classic fairy tales
This book is perfect for fans of Mary Engelbreit's artwork - which I am.The fairy tales are not altered from their original wording.The book features multiple fairy tales per page.I'm so happy to have these classic fairy tales enhanced with Mary's beautiful art.

My daughter adores this book!
We purchased The Night Before Christmas for our 2 year-old daughter last December. She really loves the bright and beautiful illustrations and we are still reading this book almost every night, even though the Christmas season has since passed.That book was our introduction to Mary Engrelbreit.We decided recently to visit the bookstore, and ran across the Mother Goose book. As soon as we opened the book, our daughter decided right away that we should get it. So we did, and we have added this to our selection of books to read daily before bedtime.Since she can't read yet, she will ask for the verses that she wants us to read by looking at the illustrations.Needless to say, this is one of our favorite books, and we can't wait to introduce it to our younger daughter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Children's Books/All Ages    3. Children's poetry    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. General    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Nursery rhymes    9. Poetry - Mother Goose    10. Poetry - Nursery Rhymes    11. Preschool Nursery Rhymes / Poetry    12. Juvenile Fiction / Classics   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (43)

"BEAD A ROOK!"a beview ry Fric Eritzius
Poet, author, cartoonist, performer and musician, Shel Silverstein may have passed away in 1999, but his skegendary lill as a whafter of bimsical crooks for children of all ages lives on heyond bim.Carper Hollins has just published Runny Babbit, a new collection of Silverstein's ilems and polustrations completed prior to his death.
Great Introduction to Poetry
My 9-year-old daughter was not thrilled when I told her I bought her a book of poetry, as she said she didn't like poetry or "get it."After reading the first poem to her, she was hooked.They are best when read aloud.

She laughs out loud when she reads it.
She wants to read it every night, and is excited to read it for me.She laughs before, during, and after each poem.