Editorial Review

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry first published Read more

Reviews (402)

the secret of life
So of course my senior quote was, "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."Because I knew that in order to create my ideal life, I would have to follow the best advice Saint-Exupery offers us in this book.And I knew that he was sharing the secret of life with us.Following your heart, following the path that you know is right for your soul, is the way to achieve inner peace.Your heart always shows you the right way.Especially when you are lost.
You're lovely, but you're empty. One couldn't die for you.
To be honest, I never read The Little Prince, or even really remembered it from my childhood. What brought it up, was playing the game Katamari Damacy. Apparently, part of the game was inspired by this tale, and that made me interested. Anything that inspired a very charming game couldn't be a loss, right? Unfortunately, the first time I picked up the book, I didn't get into it, and left it to collect dust for several months. But I gave it another shot recently, and read it during my breaks at work, and ended up getting quite a bit out of the book. Most importantly, how differently the world is when you're a child- I forgot how things seemed back then. The stars, animals, jobs people have, everything is completely different from how you see it as a child, than how you see it as an adult. Part of me is ashamed for letting that happen, so to put it. The dedication in this book even makes a jab at this fact, asking the children reading the book for forgiveness, dedicating it to an adult, his friend Leon Werth. He instead corrects it and dedicates the book "to Leon Werth when he was a little boy"- the person who became Leon. That alone should give you an understanding of how to take the rest of this book. While some children may not understand everything here (I actually recommend it to children age 7 and up, at youngest), the adults reading it to them certainly will, and that's just as important. I should mention though, before reviewing, that this review concerns the 60th Anniversary Edition. Amazon, for whatever reason, combines reviews for a product, even if they're clearly alternate versions. So I don't know about the minor translation changes that some people noticed, as I haven't read the book before this edition.
Not a hat but an elephant inside a boa constrictor
My only regret about this book is I never learned enough in French class to read and enjoy the untranslated version.THE LITTLE PRINCE is such a charming fable and makes so many points about what is really important in life and how to live it that it will linger in the thoughtful reader's memory forever.The simple perfect artwork is as memorable as the text.Perhaps the tragic death of the author adds extra poignancy but THE LITTLE PRINCE would be a well loved classic if Antoine de Saint-Exupery had died of old age in his bed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Classics    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    5. Fairy tales    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction / Classics   

Reviews (32)

NOT JUST FOR KIDS!
If you want to be transported to a magical place for an hour or so, buy this book!I saw it and bought it just in case I ever have a granddaughter.I wasn't expecting it to be a hit with the adult women I know.But after feeling like I'd been transported back to being a little girl and swept into Fairyland (and I didn't believe in fairies!), I passed it around to my friends.It was just about impossible to get the book back!Everybody asked if they could share it with just one or two more friends.And this is before the book was ever shared with a child!Eventually I ordered 6 more copies from Amazon.The book is so creative and beautifully done.Just thinking about it continues to give me pleasure.

A nice book
It is a very nice book, although small and simple.
A wonderful book for the whole family
I can't say enough about this book and others like it.Its a beautiful book, just open the first page and you will see what I mean.I have bought this book for my grand daughter, and wizardology for my grandson, Dragonology for my other grandson, and pirateology for me, and I sent Egyptology to our oldest daughter who is a teacher, and she tells me the kids just get so excited about it.I also now, sell these books in my store.These books are a must have for any library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Diaries    4. Fairies    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Nature & the Natural World - Environment    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    9. Specimens    10. Toy and movable books    11. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Reviews (11)

One of the best pieces in children's lit.
The four Darling children are taken to the fantastical world Never Land by the mischievious Peter Pan,who first appeared in their window a short time before. PETER PAN is considered by many a fairy tale, and as in all the finest fairy tales,there is an underlying darkness left out of the Disney versions. There is also a bittersweet depth beneath the whimsy of the story,which Disney seems to have forgotten to add. If you have exposed a child to the cheesy Disney musical,show them the real magic of the story by reading them the book. Trust me. You won't regret it. This a book the whole family can enjoy. Read it for yourself too. Happy Birthday,Peter!
very good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is one of the best books I have read!I thought boring,but when I started I could not stop reading it!This book is for a child that loves adventures.

enchanting, haunting
yes, I used the word haunting to describe this book, thats because, well, it is. The book has many metaphores for death, youth, and evil. Death is metaphored in many places, such as Mrs. Darlings fear for her children, and also in the crocodile, with his ticking down until the day we all die.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Classics    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    6. Fantasy    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction / Classics   

Reviews (6)

A very short book
Due to the shortness of this book, my daughter prevailed upon me to read it more often. It's very cute though.

Great for little ones!!!
My 8 months old son loves this book and mostly at nightime. He'd rather this one than the other ones. Everytime when I start the song, he gets fascinating. The illustrations are great and catch my son's attention .......He Loves it!!!!!

Great book for nightime reading!
My 11 month son loves this book! I read it to him almost every day before puttign him to bed. As I read the book, we imitate the gestures from the illustrations which he loves. I am only giving 4 stars because it's a short book, however I usually read it with a few other books before bed time, to make it up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/All Ages    2. Children's songs    3. Children: Babies & Toddlers    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    5. Fingers    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Music - General    8. Songs    9. Songs and music    10. Board books    11. Nursery rhymes   

Editorial Review

Reviews (15)

Beautiful
I found this book for my little girl, after discovering a Dinosaur and Shark book for my son. It is so beautiful I sat in awe for about 30 minutes looking at it when I first received it. It's not Disney's Cinderella, so don't look for any comparisons. Instead, it is a beautiful story full of imaginative pop-ups that allow little girls to pretend they are in the story as Cinderella herself. My little girl (2 years) just loves to sit with me and my husband and flip through the story. Even my 3 year old boy loves to look at it!

Cinderella:A Pop-Up Fairy Tale
A fabulous & fun pop up book with extra surprises on each page, in each corner.Bought as a gift for my niece (age 6) and she absolutely loved it!

More than a pop-up
This is an exquisitely done work of art, with pop-ups that rival origami.I purchased it for my four year old granddaughter' birthday, but found that even at that age, supervision when reading (and care turning pages) is advisable.It is a book to be kept for years and handed down for generations.A great find and well worth the investment. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    5. Fairy tales    6. Family - Stepfamilies    7. Folklore    8. France    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Love & Romance    11. Specimens    12. Toy and movable books    13. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Reviews (7)

Indeed, the "fairest of them all"
Aza ins't just plain; she's plain ugly. In a land where song, grace, and beauty are prized, Aza's large stature (not just in heighth but also breadth) are deemed appalling and overshadow her amazing abilities in singing. Abandoned at the Featherbed Inn as a newborn, she is lovingly raised by her foster family. But their love can't oversome the low self-esteem Aza develops because of how other people treat her. When an unexpected chance to travel to court for a royal wedding comes, Aza is hesitant but goes to help her family. There, she is "befriended" by the new queen, Ivi, who is selfish and self-absorbed. Soon after the wedding, the king is severally injured and Ivi is claimed ruler in his place. Forcing Aza to use her unusual ability to project her voice for her own gains, the queen quickly becomes a dictator that threatens Aza's honor, her tenuous relationship with Prince Ijori (the king's nephew and heir), and the country in general. Can Aza overcome her own lack of self-assurance to save herself and her land?
I was her Lark.

delightful retelling of Snow White
As a newborn, Aza was left at the Featherbed Inn in the village of Amonta, Ayortha.Though a baby, she was singing, which brought her to the attention of the kind innkeepers Father and Mother, who raise her with love alongside their biological offspring.However, Aza is far from pretty so as to not disturb their customers; she remains hidden when the inn is open for business.
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Subjects:  1. Beauty, Personal    2. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    7. Fairy tales    8. Fiction    9. Girls & Women    10. Humorous Stories    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Love & Romance    13. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    14. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    15. Singing    16. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Editorial Review

If you haven't already read Read more

Reviews (80)

Tikki Tikki Tembo
I loved this book as a child, my sister and I would go around saying the tongue twister name over and over!We would try and out do each other by who could say it the fastest.Now she is adopting a beautiful daughter from China and I thought this is the perfect book for my new neice.She will be able to enjoy this fun story of two brothers who not only play well together but help each other when one is in trouble, like falling into a well.It teaches children that even if they are not the first born they are just as special.

Tikki Tikki Tembo
Love this book. Read it as a child, and now read it to my child.

One of my favorite read-aloud book during elementary school.
When I was in kindergarten, our teacher played the cassette for our class as she turned the pages of the book...letting us hear the story as it unfolded. It has left a lasting impression, which Iwill pass to my kids. I have wanted to get a copy of it because I loved the tongue twister name and I'm happy to see Amazon carries it.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. China    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Asian    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    7. Fiction    8. Folklore    9. Names, Personal   

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Animals    3. Animals - General    4. Animals - LionsTigersLeopardsetc.    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 1-2    7. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Adaptations    8. Fiction    9. Jungles    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Specimens    12. Toy and movable books    13. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Editorial Review

"There has obviously been some kind of mistake," writes Alexander T.Wolf from the pig penitentiary where he's doing time for his alleged crimes of 10 years ago. Here is the "real" story of the three little pigs whose houses are huffed and puffed to smithereens... from the wolf's perspective. This poor, much maligned wolf has gotten a bad rap. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, with a sneezy cold, innocently trying to borrow a cup of sugar to make his granny a cake. Is it his fault those ham dinners--rather, pigs--build such flimsy homes? Sheesh.Read more

Reviews (124)

The True Story Of The Three Little Pigs
The true story of the three little pigs is about a wolf who needed a cup of sugur for his grandma's birthday cake.The wolf was also sick.So the wolf went to the first house.It was made of hay.The wolf said hello is any body there?
The True Story of The Three Little Pigs
Jon Scieska wrote the book The True Story of The Three Little Pigs.The genre of this book is Fiction.In the book,there are four main characters.They are Alexander,and the three little pigs.
AN ABSOLUTE DELIGHT
This is a wonderful, delightful and simply funny off take on the old three little pigs story.It is told by the wolf and the story is through his eyes.Now whether you choose to believe his story or not, is completely up to you.The wolf is able to tell a pretty convincing tale, but you just don't really know.This story could be pulled from the newspaper of any of our large city papers today.The author has a true wit about his writing that is appealing to bothyoung and old.The art work is great and fits quite well with the text.Recommend this one quite highly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Pigs    2. Animals - Wolves    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Pigs    10. Wolves    11. Animal stories    12. Animals    13. Fairy tales, folk tales, fables, magical tales & traditional stories    14. Farm & working animals    15. General & Literary Fiction    16. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations    17. Picture books   

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Literature / Classics    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Fairies    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    6. Fantasy    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Never-Never Land (Imaginary place)    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Editorial Review

Kate DiCamillo, author of the Newbery Honor book Read more

Reviews (272)

Despereaux is a fun book.
I would recommend this book, The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo for animal lovers and lovers of fantasy. Despereaux, a mouse, is born in the medieval times.A rat named Roscuro captures the princess and the brave mouse Despereaux goes to save her. The book is about bravery no matter how small you are.
A book review of "The Tale of Despereaux" by Chris C.
The main characters in this book are a mouse named Despereaux, the Thread Master, Princess Pea, King Phillip, Miggery Sow and a rat named Roscuro.The story mainly takes place in King Phillip's castle and the dungeon.The story begins when Despereaux Tilling is born.He was born in the light.He was born with his eyes open and he had big ears.All of the mice were very suspicious of him since he was born with his eyes open.He was the smallest mouse to be seen by the other mice in all of the castle.Only his family was nice to him.
A book review of "The Tale of Despereaux" by Chris C.
The main characters in this book are a mouse named Despereaux, the Thread Master, Princess Pea, King Phillip, Miggery Sow and a rat named Roscuro.The story mainly takes place in King Phillip's castle and the dungeon.The story begins when Despereaux Tilling is born.He was born in the light.He was born with his eyes open and he had big ears.All of the mice were very suspicious of him since he was born with his eyes open.He was the smallest mouse to be seen by the other mice in all of the castle.Only his family was nice to him.
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Subjects:  1. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    7. Fairy tales    8. Fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Mice    11. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Editorial Review

At birth, Ella is inadvertently cursed by an imprudent fairy named Lucinda, who bestows on her the "gift" of obedience. Anything anyone tells her to do, Ella must obey. Another girl might have been cowed by this affliction, but not feisty Ella: "Instead of making me docile, Lucinda's curse made a rebel of me. Or perhaps I was that way naturally." When her beloved mother dies, leaving her in the care of a mostly absent and avaricious father, and later, a loathsome stepmother and two treacherous stepsisters, Ella's life and well-being seem in grave peril. But her intelligence and saucy nature keep her in good stead as she sets out on a quest for freedom and self-discovery, trying to track down Lucinda to undo the curse, fending off ogres, befriending elves, and falling in love with a prince along the way. Yes, there is a pumpkin coach, a glass slipper, and a happily ever after, but this is the most remarkable, delightful, and profound version of Cinderella you've ever read.Read more

Reviews (1057)

Almost enchanting
While this was definitely a fun and charming book to read, and one I'd recommend to friends or discerning preteens, I am not sure I would give it to a young child.Despite being clever and inventive, I was somewhat upset at the speciesm and stereotypes present here.Humanoid characters are mostly presented as "good," but characters who are different from humans are usually shown as "bad" or soulless, unworthy of consideration or respect.Natural beauty is always "good," but ugliness is always tied to evil.For instance, when the main character thinks of why she shouldn't listen to the ogres' presuasive speeches when they waylay her on the road, the only substantive reason she presents is that they have blood under the fingernails--her other (and in fact, primary) "reasons" have to do with the fact that they are ugly, hairy, etc.The ogres are likewise presented as unquestionably unsympathetic and "Other" due to the sole fact that they eat humans--and yet neither Ella, nor anyone else, ever thinks to question how non-human animals are treated by the human denizens of her kingdom.Ella tells the ogres, "I am not an IT!" but she enjoys going to see caged animals at the castle, and views non-human characters almost like circus curiosities.Centaurs, being not fully humanoid, are described solely in animal terms, and are presented as "dumb" (both in terms of intelligence and being unable to speak), with empty eyes and without personalities, souls, or feelings.
Ella Enchanted
"That fool of a fairy did not intend to lay a curse on me." Ella Enchanted written by Gail Carson Levine is a book filled with magical edventure, this fantasy book its what you've been looking for! The main characters are Ella, Char, Hattie, Olive, and Mandy. Ella is cursed with the gift of obedience. She must do every thing people command her to do. Ella has tried many times to break the curse but only the person who did the cures can take it. Her father is a merchant. He is almost never home which leaves her alone with her stepmother and her stepsisters who are always ordering her around. It reminds me of Cinderella because their stepmothers are always making them do stuff for them. If you liked Cinderella you'll love Ella Enchanted!
Ella Enchanted
Ella Enchanted
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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. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    7. Fantasy    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Fiction    12. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title    13. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (5)

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

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

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

Reviews (8)

not what I hoped for
Although this book has beautiful music and wonderful pictures, the retelling of the origional story is not very good. Many important elements of the story are changed. The wolf is released back into the wild because he says he is sorry and will try to change. I prefer the origional story and was not expecting changes such as this.

Wow great!
I bought this book as teaching tool to help my students learn to love classical music and stories. This book cleverly shows them the characters and their music clearly. My classes have been entertained by the excellent recording and clear pictures.

Disappointing
The "kinder, gentler" ending removes the dangerous aspect of the wolf. The wolf is intended to represent the evil in the world beyond the garden gate and Peter vanquishes it by being smarter and more agile. Both the threat and the victory are diminished when the wolf simply promises to do better in the future. Yuck.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Animals - Wolves    3. Children's All Ages - Literature    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Classics    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    7. Fairy tales    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction / Classics   

Reviews (4)

Delightful
I read this book as part of an assingment for a class (Children Resources for Children and Young Adults). I loved it. I am also currently taken Ojibwe and enjoyed how the authors incorportated Ojibwe words. The illustrations are simple, yes, but add charm to the well told (or rather retelling) of the origin of the lady slipper.
a little heroin from the North country
This beautifully illustrated edition of the Ojibway legend lends itself easily to reading outloud to groups of children in the classroom or anywhere else.The colorful pictures help the flow of the story, both of which help hold the youngsters spellbound.Young children identify with the characters in the story and having one of their own age group in a situation of bravery and steadfast love empowers them.Excellent book.

Ma-ki-sin-waa-big-waan, the Moccasin Flower
This is such a pretty book that tells the tale of the Ojibwe legend of the laddy slipper or moccasin flower. The illustrations are simple and colorful and greatly add to the folk atmosphere of the book. A little girl must go on a heroic journey through a freezing wintry night to find healing herbs when her whole village is stricken with terrible disease. She is encouraged along her route by the spirits of the stormy environment who speak to her in the Ojibwe tongue. This is an exciting and satisfying story and makes an excellent conversation starter to teach little ones about communing with the elements of Nature. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Preschool    3. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    5. Folklore    6. Indians of North America    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile Folk Tales / Mythology / Fables    9. North America    10. Ojibwa Indians    11. Tales    12. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Reviews (3)

Interesting personal library book
This is a nice book that compliments the Quiltmaker's Gift.The illustrations are wonderful, the story is okay.It has a great beginning, but then it seems to rush through to explain why the woman chose to live the way she did, which is the most important lesson in the book.Still, it is a nice story with excellent illustrations.I think I enjoyed it more than my child, though.

Excellent book
This is a beautifully illustrated and wonderfully well written story of the transformation that occurred in the girl who became the Quiltmaker.This is a prequel to The Quiltmaker's Gift, another outstanding book.
Another Great Quiltmaker Story
Jeff Brumbeau has another potential award winner with The Quiltmaker's Journey.A great story about how the Quiltmaker came to be, he continues the theme of the original book that giving of oneself and caring for others illuminates our lives with love.Gail de Marken's illustrations are, again, timeless and her familiarity with the art of quilting lends authenticity to the quilt blocks dotting the pages of this wonderfult story.The Quiltmaker's Journey will win the hearts of young and old alike and if you happen to be a quilter, too, that just sweetens the deal. ...