Editorial Review

It is always night in the city of Ember. But there is no moon, no stars. The only light during the regular twelve hours of "day" comes from floodlamps that cast a yellowish glow over the streets of the city. Beyond are the pitch-black Unknown Regions, which no one has ever explored because an understanding of fire and electricity has been lost, and with it the idea of a Moveable Light. "Besides," they tell each other, "there is nowhere but here" Among the many other things the people of Ember have forgotten is their past and a direction for their future. For 250 years they have lived pleasantly, because there has been plenty of everything in the vast storerooms. But now there are more and more empty shelves--and more and more times when the lights flicker and go out, leaving them in terrifying blackness for long minutes. What will happen when the generator finally fails?Read more

Reviews (302)

Shedding Light on The Book The City of Ember
The City of Ember's plot is there is a girl named LIna.She is discovering that the city is running low on supplies.Lina is always dreaming of a new city that is ten times better.The city is also underground and is only light by lights that go on and off at certain times.Lina really wants to leave the city.I liked that there was alot of characters.It was fun because you could see who did what.I disliked that there wasn't enough action.This book is just as good as The People of Sparks.It is really interesting because its like The City of Ember.

AMAZING!!!!!
From start to finish, this book was amazing! One of the best novels I've ever read! Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow live in The City of Ember, where, without lights, it's total darkness. But when Lina discovers a secret message in her closet, her and Doon must decipher the riddle before it's to late to save Ember. Behing the Underland Chronicles, this series takes my second place vote. I went to Emporia Kansas today for the William Allen White Awards, and I actually met her!! I told her how much I admired her books, and she was very sweet and nice! She autographed Ember 1&2, and then I got a picture with her!!!! I will never forget that moment! Ember is a really good book with riveting plot stuructures and twists that are appropiate for all ages!

CityofEmber - AGreatRead!
TheCityofEmberisansci-fiepicwrittenbyJeanneDuprau.Sheisoneoftoday'sbestwellknownauthors.ThisepicbeginsinacityofdarknesscalledEmber.Thecityifentirelyconsumedbydarkness.Thereareveryfewlightsinthecityandthosearetheonespoweredbythegenerator.Thecityitselfisdyingduetothelackoffoodandelectricity.TheonlyhopethisdisasterhasisayounggirlcalledLinaandaboycalledDoon.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fantasy    5. Fantasy fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile Science Fiction / Fantasy    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    9. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (29)

Incredibly Entertaining and a great value
I love this set.The performers are superb, and are clearly having fun with the reading, the text is unabridged, and there is a complete lack of chessy effects or background sound track, with the exception of segway music at the beginning and end of each CD, which I personally find very a very nice prompt to switch CDs. Even the questionable nod to femminism by including Lynn Redgrave as a reader for "Prince Caspian" does not diminish the production or entertainment value one iota.They presented in a different order from the original book series publication, but that was no matter to me: I simply listen to them in the coreect sequence.I am perfectly content to hear how it all began later rather than sooner.

What A Wonderful World It Is
The Chronicles of Narnia - the audios were really quite good.They are each done by different actors.Kenneth Branagh, who I know from Harry Potter's Chamber of Secrets, did well with the story telling of the first book "The Magician's Nephew".All the other actors were wonderful as well. But the best, to me, was Patrick Stewart, in "The Last Battle". What a performance.He caught my attention.So very dramatic, very passionate and funny!Overall, I enjoyed it.And to me, it's almost up there with Harry Potter's audio, and Lord of the Rings audio with Ian Holmes, playing the role of Frodo.If you want to buy it go for it!

The Chronicles Of Narnia - Audio Book
Excellent; my nine years old loves to hear it while reading along with the correspondent book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audiobooks    2. Children's Audio - 9-12    3. Children's audiobooks    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Classics    7. Fantasy    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    10. Christian Interest    11. Fiction / Fantasy / General    12. Fiction / Religious   

Editorial Review

When asked, Maurice Sendak insisted that he was not a comics artist, but an illustrator. However, it's hard to not notice comics aspects in works like Read more

Reviews (78)

Another essential and timeless classic!
I have to admit that I never really "got" all the hype about "Where the Wild Things Are".Sure the drawings were great, but the story never really drew me in.Now that I've seen and read "In the Night Kitchen" I am the biggest Sendak fan!The beauty of this particular story is that you can start reading it to your child at any age.The rhythm and cadence make it a perfect read aloud bedtime store.The drawings are amazing -- reminiscent of "Little Nemo In Slumberland".
Strange, but my son's favorite
When we first got this book, I was skeptical. The story is a bit surreal. But my child LOVES it! He loves the chants, and I think he likes it being a dreamscape, it gives him something new to think about. He insists on it every night! Sendak has touched the pulse of children again, though to adults it may just look strange.

On Heavy Rotation
I just bought this book for my [...] son and we love it. I am actually jealous that I did not get to experience this book as a child with an unlimited imagination. However, it did not take me long to suspend my adult mind and fall 'into the night kitchen'. This is a fantastical adventure via a dream had by "mickey" the main character of the story. Mickey must help these bakers make the morning cakes!He does so in a series of what may seem like bizarre events. First he falls from his bed into the (beautifully illustrated)night kitchen, into the vat of batter being turned by the bakers and into ( OH NO!) the mickey oven! It took me about two reads to find a lyrical flow that was comfortable for me, as I found it a little choppy at first, however it never seemed to bother my little guy. Prior to getting this book for our son , I had no idea that it was stirring up a little controversy. It would be a shame for someone to pass on this book because reviews deemed it odd or non sensical or (dare I say) immoral, b/c we all know by now Mickey is nude. The best treasure we could give to any child is a collection of books, this book is definitely a gem in that treasure. It is currently on heavy rotation along with Where the Wild things are, Strega nona, and I stink ! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bedtime & Dreams    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Classics    5. Fantasy    6. Picture books    7. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    8. Juvenile Fiction / Classics   

Reviews (11)

A rich part of this bilingual Canadian's heritage
My highest recommendation goes to this volume.
Great Read
I read these for nostalgic reasons. These books take me back to my childhood and I can share them with my kids.

Review for The Adventures of Tintin (Vol 6)
This book was as good as I expected. I am pleased with the service provided by Amazon.com. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Graphic Novels    5. Children: Grades 3-4    6. Comics & Graphic Novels - General    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels   

Editorial Review

From classic ghost stories by Mary Shelley, J.R.R. Tolkien, and theBrothers Grimm, to real, unexplained curses, this chunky square book willthrill, chill, and charm every reader. Inspired by their passion for HarryPotter and all things fantastical, editors Lena Tabori and Natasha Tabori Friedhave selected an outstanding collection of deliciously bone-chilling stories,poems, spells, magic tricks, curses, superstitions, legends, and lore. There areeven recipes for such delicacies as Graveyard Brownies, Spider Cake, and EyeballPotion. Learn about the spooky curse of James Dean's sports car--and think twicebefore going to visit the monument at the intersection where the film star methis death. Discover the true meaning behind All Hallows' Eve. And quote EdgarAllan Poe's raven as he laments, "Nevermore."Read more

Reviews (5)

A magical and mystical little tome......
I adore anything vintage halloween so when this book came out in 2000 I snatched it right up!
Magical and mystical book......
I adore anything vintage halloween so when this book came out in 2000 I snatched it right up!
Interesting reading, but, not a small child's book.
I own The Big Small Book for Moms and was expecting the same kind of levity in reading.Needless to say, I will not be reading it to my children anytime soon. I did ,however, enjoy reading this book at Halloween! Unexlpained phenomena, crafts, and recipes all wrapped up in one book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Horror    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Ghost stories    6. Horror & Ghost Stories    7. Horror tales    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Magic tricks    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Horror & ghost stories, chillers    12. Juvenile Fiction / Horror & Ghost Stories    13. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Reviews (13)

Action packed stories
This is the 2nd page turner from Mr. Flanagan, following on the story of Gorlan's Ruins.I read his first book and now this book to my 3rd grader at bedtime.Even though the books are written for teens, my son picks up the book and reads it on his own because he can't wait to find out what happens next.And I have to admit, after my son fell asleep I had to read through to the end of the book to find out what happened next.I couldn't put it down.The only problem I have is, book #3 isn't available yet. Excellent story and excellent writing, and like Harry Potter, it will be enjoyed by all ages.

Better than harry potter...
Yea i'm actually 15 but i thought this book was better than the harry potter series. the trilogy has potential if the author can use it. I LUV CLIFF HANGERS like at the end of the book....just makes you wonder what will happen...will Will and Cassandra escape together, or possibly even fall for each other....or will they adopt and learn techniques of the Skandians....thats what i hope.
edge of your set
this book was one i didn't exspect too much from. i was just reading it to pass time till i found another to my liking. i was pleasently supriced and couldn't wait to finish it,because i knew there was more to come. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fantasy    5. Fiction    6. Heroes    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Legends, Myths, & Fables - General    9. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    10. War    11. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (19)

Entertaining and Educational
Flavia is a Roman girl with a nose for danger. With her gang of friends, she sets off on an investigation to find the real answers for the sudden and very questionable deaths of the dogs in her neighborhood. This is first and foremost a historical fiction novel. However, it is also very much a mystery caper and spine-tingling and bone-chilling adventure all rolled into one. The Thieves of Ostia is an academically-enriching experience. Perhaps the best part of Lawrence's book is that the educational aspect of this story is wrapped under a guise of entertainment, thereby making it easier for children to not only learn about Roman life in the year A.D. 79, but also to WANT to learn more about it. In fact, even adults will find Lawrence's book fun and amusing to read. Lawrence succeeds in providing a balance of a good story with a good dosage of factual information.
Metophorical, Riveting,..
The Thieves of Ostia proves to be a very action-packed tale. Four children from completely opposite worlds come together as one -- A slave girl, a beggar boy, a Jewish boy, and a Roman girl, set out to solve a mystery, but end up unlocking the "priceless treasure" or humanity.
Must we tone it so far down for children?
Another reviewer notes that their is a pro-Christian bias in this book and that is certainly true.That is not my complaint though I agree that the way this story represents Christians and their treatment in the Roman world at this time period is a bit romanticized.Instead I'm very concerned that some of the cultural details are toned down for "the sake of the children".It is unlikely a young Roman girl would have so much freedom to roam about town though she is not noble so she would certainly have greater freedom than those of the highest order.I also think it highly unlikely that people of such different order and class backgrounds would interact in these fashions.But my greatest problem with this book is how it treats slavery.Yes, it hints at some of the horrors but once the little slave girl is purchased she is treated almost like an equal by both little mistress and the father of the house.Romans were very status conscious and as close as one might become to a slave over the year, I doubt such a close and egalitarian bound would develop so quickly.It is all fine and good to write historical novels for children but do we do them any favors when we mask the truth of times past? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Dogs    4. Fiction    5. Historical - Ancient Civilizations    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile Historical Fiction    8. Juvenile Mysteries    9. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    10. Mystery and detective stories    11. Stealing    12. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General   

Reviews (5)

Sweet Interesting Story
This book is what I've come to expect from Shannon Hale: good story, good characters, good writing, and a good ending.I've loved the previous books in this series The Goose Girl and Enna Burning and was not let down by this story.Rizo is a great character who undergoes a lot of changes as he discovers himself in this book.My favorite part of Shannon Hale's books is that they are prefect faire tales without being overly fantastical or magical.There is just a sprinkle of magic and good common sense.While I think her previous book would be good for boys and girls this book is the first with a male lead and may bring her books to the attention of more young men.Overall, I think this is a great story for both kids and adults.I highly recommend it, but if your new to the series you may want to start at the beging so nothing is given away.

Still good, But not Shannon's best
River secrets was very good, about Razo, who you may remember if you read the other bayern books. This is still a good book, but i suggest you read the others first. Enna Burning is the best and The goose girl is also good, but river secrets is no where as good as those.

River Secrets
Shannon Hale is the perfect author; her writing is funny, exciting,suspenseful, and original.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Diplomacy    6. Fairy tales    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    10. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    11. Spies    12. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (1)

To Be A King Reviewed by: Soren
The final legend. That's what To Be A King is. The final legend in the three that Soren, Coryn, the Band, & Otulissa have to read. In this book, they find a world of magic & chaos. Lord Arrin's forces of hagsfiends have split, forming other groups off nachtmagen. Rumors about a group of all hagsfiends led by Lord Arrin's old assassin, Ullryck, have been brought to the attention of the new King Hoole & Grank. They have just recently set up a new order called the Guardians of Ga'Hoole in the enormous tree which has come to be known as the Great Ga'Hoole Tree. There is also another rumor of a mad owl that has taken control of the Ice Palace in the N'yrthghar with his young hagsfiends. Soon, Hoole realizes, the forces of good will clash with the evil forces of nachtmagen. Hoole has the Ember, but to use it could be dangerous. So Hoole must make a choice-use the power of the Ember to restore the Ice Palace to it's former glory, or to let things go on without the strange, mysterious magic that is the Ember of Hoole.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Animals - Birds    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Fantasy    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Owls    10. School & Education    11. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    12. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Science Fiction    3. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fairies    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    9. Supernatural    10. War    11. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Editorial Review

As the inhabitants of Redwall Abbey bask in the glorious Summerof the Late Rose, all is quiet and peaceful. But things are not as theyseem. Cluny the Scourge, the evil one-eyed rat warlord, is hell-bent ondestroying the tranquility as he prepares to fight a bloody battle forthe ownership of Redwall. This dazzling story in the Redwall series ispacked with all the wit, wisdom, humor, and blood-curdling adventure ofthe other books in the collection, but has the added bonus of takingthe reader right back to the heart and soul of Redwall Abbey and thecharacters who live there. Read more

Reviews (737)

Kalo
This book is about a group of mice in search of the sword and grave of one of their mostbeloved warriors.This is a book with much action and much description; it is sure to be a classic for many, many years to come. The book is fun and has a lot to look forward to after you start.If you have read and liked Dragon Rider then you should like this book.It's a great book if your more a fantasy and a fiction-type reader. If you have seen the movies Harry Potter or Tales of Desperox then you should like it. Have a fun time reading.

Jesse C.----RedwallReview
I recommend this book because it is an exciting book about good vs. evil.It starts out with Cluny the Scourge, a sea rat, attacking Redwall Abbey. Redwall is a fortress inhabited by mice.It is in a place called Mossflower, a beautiful wilderness.The main character is Matthias.He decides to go ona quest for Martin the Warrior's sword after a portrait of Martin is stolen from the abbey.This story is full of action sequences andgood triumphs in the end.

I love Redwall !!!!
Redwall is awesome. It has a great plot, has cool action scenes and it has good dialog.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Animals    4. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.    5. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    6. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    7. Children: Grades 4-6    8. Fantasy    9. Fiction    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Mice    12. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    13. Animal stories    14. Fiction / Fantasy / General    15. Science fiction   

Reviews (11)

a bit disappointed
I have loved everything I have read by Atwater-Rhodes in the past, which is just about everything she has ever written.Unfortunately, I found this book a bit wanting.She did have a great twist on the story, and I am not talking about the romance part, that was pretty obvious.More along the line of the magic.What didn't do it for me was the herione.I found her lacking.She just didn't seem worthy of all that worship, friendship, and love she received from every living soul she encounter.Atwater-Rhodes gave no reason for this blind faith in this character.Just what made her so special?
Good book (INCLUDES SPOILERS)
SPOILER ALERT
Excellent - Quenched My Thrist For More Interesting Shapeshifters to Read About!
I have read all of Amelia's books - Snakecharm, then Hawksong being my favorites. Falcondance dissapointed me only because I got one little taste of the characters I was REALLY interested in - Sive, Salem, and especially Oliza - before I was whisked off to Ahnmik with Nicias, whose character I found less interesting than the others.
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Subjects:  1. Birds    2. Children's 12-Up - Literature - Classics    3. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Kings, queens, rulers, etc.    8. Legends, Myths, & Fables - General    9. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    10. Snakes    11. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / General   

Reviews (228)

The best book ever: Deserves beyond a million stars
I love this book. Ever since I first read it in third grade, I read it at least twice a year, not including summer. The plot, setting, and characters are all amazing; It's absoloutly impossible to put it down! Alas, the movie is not as good, and the second and third movies are horrible, as neither of them have anything to do with what happened in the book. Anyway, if you love fantasy, science fiction, or just likebooks that you can read anytime and enjoy each time you read it, read this one. It's the best book in the world.

5 and a half stars for Bastian and Atreyu! A neverending epic tale.
I read the whole story through in three days taking small breaks. it seems to draw you in like the movie, and never let's you go. I felt when I read it that I was part of the world of Bastian Balthazar Bux, Atreyu and The Neverending Story, and had become a part of it myself. You would see what I mean if you have a good imagination. It's full of mysticality, magic and intrigue, and stuff that blows your mind at trying to visualize it because it's so peculiar and imaginative. When Bastian steals the book The Neverending Story from Coreander's Book store, he feels he is drawn to the book by some force-one which he is subtly aware of. This force is apparently a guiding beacon, for the book is a portal to Fantastica. The book describes parts of Bastians life though, which really amazes Bastian. Fantastica is a realm that actually has a reality all it's own, and some of the inhabitants, including it's ruler The Empress-know about earthlings. Pretty mind boggling to begin to describe. If you love books that are full of imaginitave and original concepts, this book is for you. The Neverending Story to me is a fantasy world that symbolizes all that inspiration, creativity and imagination can create through love. It's a MUST READ.

i love this book
This book is a wonderful, amazing, and truly inspiring one to me. I read widely among the fiction genres, and of all the stories I have ever read, I loved this one enough to name my first-born son and only child after Bastian, the book-loving protagonist. This book is particularly rich, inspiring two movies with only the first HALF of its content. I firmly believe that anyone, everyone, should read this book, along with many other childhood favorites I have loved for years, "the secret garden", "the once and future king", "peter pan", "the hobbit"... well. it's beautiful. the language is educated and sophisticated, the imagery is fantastic, and the concepts are such as could be pondered by most adults and yield a gain in wisdom. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Classics    5. Fantasy    6. Fantasy fiction    7. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    8. Fairy tales, folk tales, fables, magical tales & traditional stories    9. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Reviews (14)

A fast-paced thriller
Fans of Balliett's prior CHASING VERMEER will be delighted to see the sleuths Petra and Calder return in this sequel, THE WRIGHT 3, which covers another mystery involving a Frank Lloyd Wright architectural masterpiece. A class attempt to save a landmark from demolition results in supernatural influences as ghosts seem to be protecting hidden treasure. Add a coded message and you have a fast-paced thriller filled with twists and turns of plot.

Everything's in place for a great story, but it never happens
I thought I'd give this author's second book a chance even though I found her first one ("Chasing Vermeer") rather disappointing. I like her Hyde Park setting, I like the way she works art into her stories, I like the way the teacher in the book runs her classroom as a place of exploration rather than a lecture hall. So--I thought, thought I--maybe with all these strong elements in place, the author will improve her plotting abilities in her second book.
If you likedChasing Vermeer
I call Chasing Vermeer a Da Vinci Code for kids.The Wright 3 brings us the same children again, with another mystery to solve.The 3 sleuths are in one place now, and we have the conflicts that come with pairs becoming a trio.The mystery involves the Robie House, a Frank Lloyd Wright house on the University of Chicago campus.Although the threatened dividing of this house between 3 museums is not true, everything else about the setting (as in Chasing Vermeer) is real. The hidden man in the Robie house is also true! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    2. Chicago (Ill.)    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Mysteries / Detective    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile Mysteries    9. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    10. Mystery and detective stories    11. Schools    12. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories   

Reviews (94)

Amazing!!!
Who can create a better character than R.A. Salvatore? According to the fantasy books I own.......no one! The longest, best, most-known character in fantasy books! If you're looking for a good fantasy book to read you can do no better than to pick up one of Salvatore's Drizzt books.
Great Second Book
The series got even better.A flawless connection to the first book. Intense fighting, amazing no-way out situations-kept me on the edge of my seat.Can't wait to see what the third book has in store.

A very disappointing read...
I have read many of Salvatore's books over the years and I must say that this book is the worst that I have read.As many reviewers have mentioned, there is very little plot or character development.Many of the battle sequences seem overly ridiculous (Gutbuster brigade charges orc defensive post, easily overwhelming while taking few, if any, losses) or repetitive (reading about orcs assaulting dwarf lines loses its appeal after 15 times).Surprising, since the plot is virtually nonexistent,there seems to be so many plot holes that you, as Schwarzenegger would say, "could drive a hummer through it".
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Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    2. Fantasy - General    3. Fantasy fiction    4. Fiction - Fantasy    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Science Fiction / Fantasy (Young Adult)    7. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    8. Fantasy    9. Fiction / Fantasy / General   

Editorial Review

Spiderwick fans will adore this gorgeous guidebook to the fantastical creatures featured in Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi's spectacular series. The superdeluxe, lavishly illustrated "field guide" features 142 information-packed pages, 41full-color plates, 6 spectacular gatefolds, 6 watercolor landscapes, scores of black-and-white and color sketches, and enough information to satisfy even the most demanding faerie enthusiast. Not only will readers learn all about the 14fantastical creatures featured in the series, but they'll be delighted and astonished by an additional 15 creatures featured in this elaborate volume--including mermaids, gargoyles, and more. And if that weren't enough, we've includeddozens of snippets from Arthur Spiderwick's personal journal--information that links the Guide specifically to the Spiderwick Chronicles--as well as cameos from a few of the series' favorite characters.Read more

Reviews (28)

Perfect Gift Book forSpiderwick readers
This handsome book is the kind of book that kids would sequester themselves in a treehouse and read for hours, comparing notes, sharing insights. It's one of those rare series, Spiderwick, that keeps kids and grownups waiting eagerly for the next volume because the world it portrays is so real, so rich and so rewarding. Perfect gift book for a ten to thirteen year old boy! If you haven't read SPiderwick series, never fear: they'll be around for many years.

If You're Not Going to Take My Word for It, Listen to the Nixie
I was not familiar with Holly Black's prose or Tony DiTerlizzi's artwork before purchasing this book. I am familiar with quality, however, and acting on a suggestion from a trusted source (a Nixie, if you must know), I got a copy of the FIELD GUIDE as a gift to some youngsters (who are also of the highest quality).
Magical
I have several books on dragons, fairies, gnomes and the sort.Tony DiTerlizzi is very talented with his illustrations in the magical realm.Makes you want to close your eyes and wish you were there. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fairies    5. Fantasy    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile Science Fiction / Fantasy    9. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    10. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / General   

Editorial Review

What on earth is a Whangdoodle? A "fanciful creature of undefined nature," it was also once the wisest, kindest, most fun-loving living thing in the world--until people stopped believing in it. When that lack of faith became widespread, the last of the really great Whangdoodles created a special land full of extraordinary creatures: furry Flukes, the sly High-Behind Splintercat, and the wonderful Whiffle Bird. But when an open-minded professor--the one adult who still believes in the Whangdoodle--joins forces with three children with active imaginations, they become an unstoppable team on a fantastic and sometimes terrifying journey to Whangdoodleland. Read more

Reviews (244)

I'M LOVING IT!!
This book is one of the most lovely books I've ever read!! Julie Andrews talent has yet to prevail, for the book is so iricident in it's color! My third grade teacher read this book out loude to my class, and I fell in love with it!!! Now I'm 11, and am about to rent from the libary. Please , enjoy the sensation of reading this book!!

Where would we be without our imaginations?
Where would we be with out our imaginations? This novel truly makes the reader's imagination come alive. Like all good fantasies the story starts out like a realistic fiction piece. However, once the children enter the realm of Whangdoodleland the novel clearly becomes fantasy. Not all of the information in the novel is logical. For example, most adults would be suspicious of their young children spending so much time at the professor's house. However, the plot is extremely appealing to children because Whangdoodleland is described as every child's dream land, and the Whangdoodle is described as a truly fascinating creature that if real, everyone would want to see for themselves. The possibilities of Whangdoodle land not being real is displayed through the eldest character, Ben, who has a very difficult time reaching Whangdoodle land due to his lack of imagination. But, this doubtful attitude of Ben helps create the theme behind the novel that your imagination can take you anywhere and it is something that should always be used and valued no matter how old you are.

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles 30th Anniv Edition
Purchased this for my 10 year old daughter - She Loved It!!!I'm thinking of reading it myself. She recommends this as a very entertaining book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Classics    7. Fantastic fiction    8. Fantasy    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Fiction    12. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Reviews (614)

The Westing Game
Title: The Westin Game
Not too bad. A kid's book all around.
I read this book in 6th grade. Not 7th, 6th, I didn't find it "hard", or "scary". Of course I loved watching Freddy Crouger at the age of three. Who knows. Maybe it's just me.
The Westing Game
"As named beneficiary in the estate of Samuel W. Westing, your attendance is required in the south library of the Westing house tomorrow at 4 P.M. for the reading of the will." This letter is sent to sixteen lucky (or maybe not so lucky) people who are connected to Sunset Towers. Turtle Wexler, a teenager living at that very place, follows these directions. Not only does she find a funeral, she finds a mystery. All sixteen people are invited are heirs, but among them one is a murderer. It is every heir's mission to find out whom, and they have a huge incentive: $200 million. Turtle battles through the ups and downs of stock markets, bombings, and even hair tugging as she puts the puzzle pieces of the mystery together, piece by piece. But does exposing the murderer mean the loss of a friendship, or even that friend's life?
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Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Classics    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    7. Mystery and detective stories    8. Crime & mystery    9. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories   

Reviews (243)

Read This Book!!!!
The Devil's Arithmetic was one of the best books I have ever read.It is very descriptive, and I learned so much about that time.It was very sad and I even cryed at the end , It also was very suspensefull.I really recomend this book to anyone who enjoys touching stories and suspensefull twists.

A powerful story, utterly gripping
This book won the National Jewish Book Award, among others. The Devil's Arithmetic is the story of young Hannah, a modern-day Jewish girl from New Rochelle, who opens a door, and finds herself living during the Holocaust.
First impression:
Sounds like a scientific social studies mixed together to create one science fiction holocost thing- am i right??
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Subjects:  1. Ch