Reviews (8)

Good for independent readers/writers
This book would be very good for kids who are able to read and write independently and fluently - perhaps 8 and up.If you have a lot of time on your hands, you could use it with kids as young as 5 but you'll have to read and write in it for them.

Great Book!
This book was just what my son needed.We just found out we're moving to Brussels and he needed some words to express how he was feeling about it.We sat down and literally read one or two pages and he said, "Mom, that's just how I'm feeling."That was the entire reason I bought this book.

practical advice
This book is divided into three sections - before the move, during the move, and after the move. Each section contains practical advice for children from packing to things to do on the way to making new friends. Thebook's interactive design will help children personalize it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Juvenile Fiction    4. Juvenile literature    5. Moving, Household    6. Social Issues - General    7. Social Situations - General    8. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Reviews (6)

Perhaps not so good for children--lovely art and poetry
The art and poetic phrases are magic to an adult.It's a lovely book and the art is moving.The poetic phrases captivate the mature mind.
Good call and response
I have just read this book to a classroom of predominantly African-American kindergarteners, who (it turns out) had just had it read to them earlier in the week! It engaged them anyway, like a familiar poem. I contrasted the New York City setting with the Los Angeles suburban one in which they lived, and they were very interested. Some said they had been in New York too. I let the discussion run parallel with the read, and we noticed things in the picture together. The text was compelling, the author someone worth knowing. The message that the cat could go anywhere was particularly fascinating, and when I asked about it, one little girl called back to me the line word for word. I was let out of the locked schoolyard with a profound sense of how freedom is valued by everyone, especially the young.

Black Cat
Many of the words and ideas much too old for a third grader from the midwestern area of the United States. I would call this a poor book for all but the most advanced. The pictures are nice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Cats    2. Cats    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. City and town life    7. City life    8. Fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Lifestyles - City & Town Life    11. Juvenile Fiction / Lifestyles / City Life   

Reviews (1)

A very good book to begin the understanding of the life.
THIS BOOK IS A VERY GOOD PRICED BOOK, OF THE BEGINNINGS OF A VERY DIFFERENT AND OLD WAY OF THE LIFE, THE AUTHOR IS VERY EXPANITORY IN HIS WRITINGS, I RECAMEND IT TO ANYONE WHO ENJOYS READING OF THESE UNIQUEPEOPLE. THIS BOOK IS NOT VERY LONG, BUT, GOES INTO GREAT DETAIL. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amish    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. General    6. Pictorial works    7. Religion - Christianity - General    8. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    9. Social life and customs    10. Culture & customs    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Lifestyles / Country Life    12. Photography & photographs   

Reviews (2)

Kat's Kind Review
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter was an excellent book. I would recommend it to people of all ages even though it was s targeted towards younger children. The book was about four little rabbits that all wanted to go down the lane or into the fields. The only place that they were not allowed to go was Mr. McGregor's garden. Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail were good little bunnies and went down the lane to the field. But Peter was very mischievous. He went to Mr. McGregor's garden!! When he got into the garden he saw the best sight of his life. There was food galore! He started to eat and eat and eat. He couldn't stop. Then Mr. McGregor found him and chased him through the garden! Peter had many obstacles that stood in his way! Did he make it out safe? Read the book and you will find out.

A Good Book for Young Toddlers
I purchased this book for our daughter when she was about 6 months old but she wasn't at all interested in it, unlike 95% of our other purchases. Then at about 12 months she picked it out for me to read it to her, and ithas increasingly become a favorite.I think the reason she didn't like itearlier on was, ironically, the same reason I readily purchased it - thebeautiful watercolor illustrations.While they are very beautiful, theyare somewhat muted resulting in a look that blurs all of the detailtogether.Of course, this is just a guess.At any rate, she now very muchenjoys this book, and anticipates the action, such as Peter sneezing, orthe "scr-r-ritch, scratch" of a hoe.Board books with astoryline are somewhat more difficult to find than the counting, color,alphabet, opposites, etc. kind, and my daughter has always definitelyenjoyed stories. Additionally, this book teaches us there are repercussionsfor our actions, but in a tone that is mild and appropriate for youngtoddlers. If this is what you're looking for, and you're not looking forstorybooks for a younger baby, this would be an excellent choice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Animals - Rabbits    4. Children's Baby - Boardbooks    5. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    6. Children: Babies & Toddlers    7. Classics    8. Fiction    9. General    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Lifestyles - Country Life    12. Rabbits    13. Board books    14. Character books    15. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Rabbits   

Reviews (26)

Worth
Nathaniel James lives in the American Midwest on the family farm. He thinks he has it good, until the storm arrives on the plains. As his family tries to save the crops from the wind and devastating rains, a flash of light blinds Nathaniel's eyes. When he awakes, he finds himself screaming in pain, and notices that his leg is red-hot, struck by lightning. When the village doctor arrives, he tells Nathaniel's family that his leg will never properly heal. That starts a chain of downward events that will make him feel miserable. The first is that Nathaniel must go to the village school and learn with a group of first-graders. After limping home and receiving taunts from the schoolchildren, Nathaniel finds his father and his mother arguing. The answer appears when a boy arrives to Nathaniel's farm. Since Nathaniel's leg is forever damaged, his father bought a boy named John Worth from the Orphan Train, who does all of the work that Nathaniel used to do. Feeling like he's been replaced, Nathaniel begins to hate John immedietly. Also, Nathaniel has trouble reading, and even children several years younger than him are able to outperform him in mathematics. Nathaniel becomes so infuriated that he tosses his English book out his window, only to hear John's attempt to pronounce words. Things become worse until he meets a Greek girl named Anemone, and borrows a book from her on Greek myths to help him read. As things for Nathaniel begins to improve, the situation within the community is bleak. A war is about to begin between the farmers and the ranchers. Over a long rivalry with the Danver and Gantry family, and asa result, several farms and ranches have been damaged. However, there is a more personal struggle, as Nathaniel hits John after both begin to shout at each other. The threads of calm can be easily broken, which can be shown when several people begin to invade Nathaniel's farm and cut the fence dividing the two neighboring properties. However, Nathaniel and John learn to work together as the catch the criminals. In the end, Nathaniel discovers that his father will officialy adopt John as part of the family. Worth, by A. LaFaye, is an excellent novel because of its excellent historical depictions, its characters, and for its excellent plot.
I'll have to agree with the kids!
I would have to agree with the kids reviews.The story was hard to understand in some places and I am 51 years old!I had to re-read parts in order to understand. the bok jumps from one thing to another without introduction and that makes it confusing, especially for young ones.It also leaves a lot of loose ends.
Worth
I liked the in one way and disliked it in another. I liked Worth because it had a good plot to the book and I disliked it because sometimes the author would write about one character than go right to introducing another ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Family - Adoption    5. Family - Orphans & Foster Homes    6. Fathers and sons    7. Fiction    8. Frontier and pioneer life    9. Historical - United States - 19th Century    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Juvenile Historical Fiction    12. Lifestyles - Farm Life & Ranch Life    13. Nebraska    14. Orphans    15. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / United States / 19th Century   

Reviews (1)

I envision this book being read to a rousing rendition of Yakkety Sax
If I were to label my favorite kind of picture book out there, I might feel myself strongly inclined towards something I call Barnyard Frivolity. These are the picture books that take place on an "ordinary" farm and involve all kinds of good-natured looniness. For example, one of my favorite books this year was the upbeat and mighty fun, Manny's Cows: The Niagra Falls Tale by Suzy Becker. This book held a special place in my heart until my pretty little head was turned by the incredibly amusing chicken book I hold in my hands in at this time. I don't know how effective you personally feel that a flock of chickens would be in an emergency, but when it comes to benign fowl-inspired lunacy, I think "Chickens To the Rescue" trumps them all. This is perhaps THE greatest poultry book dreamed by mankind.
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Farm Animals    2. Chickens    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Concepts - General    6. Domestic animals    7. Farms    8. Fiction    9. Humorous Stories    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Lifestyles - Farm Life & Ranch Life    12. Preschool Picture Story Books    13. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Ducks, Geese, etc.   

Features

• Large Print

Reviews (9)

Read immediately after finishing The Story Girl!
I enjoyed The Golden Road, but not as much as I enjoyed The Story Girl. I recommend you read the two novels together, one right after the other. If you enjoy reading books set in a long-ago era, the books have a charm to them. If you like action, these books will not appeal to you as much. One of the Two books I have read over and over....
The Golden Road and its prequel, The Story Girl, are two of the best books I have ever read. I never seem to get tired of them, either...I have read them countless times! If you enjoy L. M. Montgomery's novels, such as the Anne of Green Gables series, these books are a must. The Golden Road tells the story of cousins, Beverley (who narrates the story), Felix, Cecily, Felicity, Dan, and Sara Stanley, also known as the Story Girl, plus their friends Peter, the hired boy, and Sara Ray. The adventures these eight have are sometimes exiting, sometimes sad...but mostly really funny! For instance, one time, they have the governors wife to tea...but they think she's their deaf Aunt Eliza and comment on the governors big nose and such things! And Felicity accidentally bakes tooth-powder rusks...oh, I can't tell you the whole book! Read it for yourself!

One of the two books I have read over, and over.....
The Golden Road and its prequel, The Story Girl, are two of the best books I have ever read. I never seem to get tired of them, either...I have read them countless times! If you enjoy L. M. Montgomery's novels, such as the Anne of Green Gables series, these books are a must. The Golden Road tells the story of cousins, Beverley (who narrates the story), Felix, Cecily, Felicity, Dan, and Sara Stanley, also known as the Story Girl, plus their friends Peter, the hired boy, and Sara Ray. The adventures these eight have are sometimes exiting, sometimes sad...but mostly really funny! For instance, one time, they have the governors wife to tea...but they think she's their deaf Aunt Eliza and comment on the governors big nose and such things! And Felicity accidentally bakes tooth-powder rusks...oh, I can't tell you the whole book! Read it for yourself! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Large Print    2. Fiction    3. Juvenile Fiction    4. Lifestyles - Country Life   

Reviews (2)

The best cowboy book ever!!!!!!!!!
I like this book on Cowboy (Eyewitness Books) & I think it's a cool book & in this book you can see why what an athentic chuckwagon looks like, how an expert ropes a calf, a rodeo rider in action on a wild steer, how a saddle is made & a Mongolian lassoing a wild horse. Yee-haw for your eyes
DK eyewitness books are some of the greatest non-fiction books around. The distinctive white background and high-quality photography gives this book an edge over any other cowboy picture book. And -- these pictures are real! They're beautiful photos of historically cowboy/cowgirl things, accompanied by informative captions and text. Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Cowboys    4. History    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Lifestyles - Farm & Ranch Life    8. People & Places - United States    9. Reference - General    10. West (U.S.)    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / People & Places / United States   

Editorial Review

"That's what 145th Street is like. Something funny happens... and then something bad happens. It's almost as if the block is reminding itself that life is hard, and you have to take it seriously." Walter Dean Myers's book of interconnected short stories is a sweet and sour mix of the comedy and tragedy of the human condition, played out against the backdrop of the Harlem neighborhood that is centered around 145th Street. In this 'hood, teens will become acquainted with the mysterious 12-year-old Angela, whose sad dreams seem to predict the future for an unlucky few, and the fast-talking Jamie Farrell, a smooth basketball player who's praying that his streak of good luck doesn't end before he can ask out Celia Evora, "the finest chick in the school." They will chuckle at the affable Big Joe, who wants to enjoy his funeral party while he's still alive, yet feel their hearts tighten when Big Time Henson senses his drug addiction drawing him closer and closer to an early grave.Read more

Reviews (19)

145th street /Michelle
(Big Joe's funeral)
145thStreet
I think i should give this to my sister cause she likes books with stories in it because im in to action books that involve drugs and guns and girls and robbings stuff like that dont get me wrong it was an ok book but i just dont like reading a story and then i get into to it but then it cuts into a whole other story i wouldved really liked it but it just cuts out the story and i dont like stories ina book i like it to be one main subject thru the whole book for u can get into to it and see what happens i knew what was gonna happen in this book it was gonna get good then it was gonna change stories
Fat Joe's wedding
This stories theme was about keeping the good friends you have and gathering together! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children's stories, American    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Lifestyles - City & Town Life    8. People & Places - United States - African-American    9. Short Stories    10. Social Issues - Community & Neighborhood    11. Juvenile Fiction / Short Stories   

Reviews (6)

A delightful adventure
For children and for those who just love that critter I love so...you will enjoy this book very much. With a delightful story and wonderful illustrations, it is sure to please.
Walking across Texas
This is really a cute book and I know my niece will really enjoy it. I recommend buying and reading it to all children.It is truly fun.

Armadillo Befriends Boot
A slightly different tale from Jan Brett.Gone is the European feel of so many of her books.It is replaced by a healthy jargon-filled dose of American Western.Gone are the hedgehogs; welcome the armadillos.Read more

Subjects:  1. Armadillos    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Lifestyles - Farm Life & Ranch Life    8. People & Places - United States    9. Rodeos    10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / General   

Reviews (1)

Magical Writing
Upon reading the book to my 3rd grade class my students were mesmerized.They loved the pictures, the writing was easy to understand, and the story line came alive.Ray does an excellent job with the illustrations - they complement the author's beautiful words.Benoit Slawson's writing is absolutely wonderful - my students could not get enough of this book.In fact, we continued our storytime by following the book up with a trip to the local apple orchard (insisted upon by my 8 year olds!).I just wish Benoit Slawson would come out with her next book; although, it will be hard to follow the perfection of "Apple Picking Time".I will be the first one to buy her next book, and I am positive my students will love it as much as their beloved "Apple Picking Time".The book is both poetic and informative - such a wonderful combination for this brand-new, highly talented author!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apples    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Family - General    6. Fiction    7. Harvesting    8. Nature & the Natural World - General    9. Juvenile Fiction / Lifestyles / Country Life   

Editorial Review

The rolling hills of Tennessee farmland, framed in lovely patchwork quilt patterns, set the stage for Dolly Parton's (of Grand Ol' Opry fame) warm childhood memories. The text comes directly from Parton's autobiographical hit country and western song of the same name. Perhaps the grammar is imperfect, but what C&W song ain't rife with grammatical errors--it's part of the vernacular. The story centers on a poor, but happy and loving, family (yes, they do exist) who find clever ways to deal with their poverty. As winter approaches, Mama sews a coat for her daughter from a box of scraps that someone has given her. Of course her classmates make fun of her for having a coat made of rags. But sticks and stones..."And although we had no money / I was rich as I could be / in my coat of many colors / that Mama made for me." That doesn't mean the child's feelings aren't hurt, or that she didn't feel angry. But the message comes through loud and clear (like Parton's voice): the child's mother has provided her with the strength to deal with other children's jeers, and family love can sometimes be enough to pull a person through. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Annie Bananie
I love this story because it teaches me friendship because it
Vigor, Vim & Vitality
Dolly had a hard life growing up in the wilds of East Tennessee at the foot of the Smoky Mtns.; she started out poor and indeed did have a 'coat of many colors' as her children's book explained. She wore hand-me-downs in the backwoods of Sevier County where my paternal grandfather's people lived. She's funny. Coming from the country, it took some doing and lots of help to get where she is today. She has re-invented her personality through the years from the young lovesick girl who write 'I Will Always Love You' to Porter Wagoner. He gave her the first 'big' break, singing on his show in Nashville. She had been on local talent shows in Knox County, Cas Walker's for country music.
"One is only poor, only if they choose to be"
I'm happy to see so many teachers using this in their class. It sets a great example of being gratefull for what you have. The way dolly showed how sentimental her coat was to her at such a young age was touching. I don't know any kids these days who want anything without a designer name on it seems like. Let that be a lesson to ya. *smiles* ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Clothing and dress    4. Fiction    5. Lifestyles - Country Life    6. Mothers and daughters    7. Poor    8. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    9. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Emotions & Feelings   

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fiction    4. Girls & Women    5. Hotels, motels, etc.    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Lifestyles - City & Town Life    9. Lost and found possessions    10. Preschool Reading Skills    11. Readers - Beginner    12. Juvenile Fiction / Girls & Women   

Editorial Review

Although the Little House stories are traditionally seen as "girl" books, boys might be happily surprised if they take another peek at their sisters' shelves. Read more

Reviews (119)

Cheyenne's Exciting Review
Little House in the Big Woods was exciting.In a log cabin set in Wisconsin back in the 1800's, Lara, a 7 year old girl, helped her ma and pa get ready for winter.The frightening
Hayleys's Happy Review
Hayley's Happy Review
Maggie's Magnificent Review

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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Classics    4. Family - General    5. Family life    6. Fiction    7. Frontier and pioneer life    8. Historical - United States - 19th Century    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Lifestyles - Farm Life & Ranch Life    11. Wisconsin    12. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / United States / 19th Century   

Reviews (30)

Strawberry Girl
Today I just finished reading a book called Strawberry Girl.It is a very good book.It is a John Newbery Medal book by Lois Lenski.Birdie Boyer is ten years old when she moves to Florida with her family.It is not easy to start a new farm especially when they have troubles like hard snow storms, terrible fires, and especially their horrid neighbors.I can't name a specific part that is my favorite because I really enjoyed it all.

Srawberrygirl
It was a very good book! It got exciting sometimes and sad other times. That is why Iliked this book.

Strawberry girl
Book Review of Strawberry Girl
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Classics    4. Country life    5. Farm life    6. Fiction    7. Florida    8. Lifestyles - Farm Life & Ranch Life    9. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / United States / 19th Century   

Reviews (5)

still loves it a year later...
This is one of the few books my son still loves after reading for almost a year.I first showed it to my child when he was about 6 months and he liked it right away, now he's 18 months and he likes it even better whereas many other books have fallen to the wayside. The drawings are enjoyable to both the infant and toddler group.When he was young we focused on the animals and their noises, now we are focusing on the tractors and engines, and explaining where food comes from etc.It's a great book.

We Love Johnny Tractor and Friends
These are great books for my 3 year old. He loves all the flaps and does not get tired of hearing the tractor adventures. These books are written well. A great product.

Love this one!
My two year old son just loves this book! The flaps and all of the bright colors and animals keep him completely entertained. I think it's a great value also. When I ordered the book I didn't realize how big was until it arrived. I would have expected to pay at least $14.99 for a book of this quality and size. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Agricultural machinery    2. Children's 4-8 - Transportation    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Farm tractors    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Lifestyles - Farm Life & Ranch Life    10. Specimens    11. Toy and movable books    12. Transportation - General    13. Pop-up & lift-the-flap books   

Reviews (5)

Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis; Meet Me at The Fair!
Donald Crew admirably captures the nighttime look and feel of a state fair in this beautifully illustrated kids' book.Using gouache and watercolor, his vivid primary colors contrasts the dark sky with the dazzling neon signs.One can practically feel the electricity pulsing from the bright lights, and the diffusion of light emits a magical energy.This super luminosity also enables readers to view the faces and emotions of the diverse crowd: romantic couples, excited kids, hungry teens, and pleased parents.
My four-year-old adores this book
We found this book at the library, and my four-year-old was delighted by it.He loves fairs, especially roller coasters and merry-go-rounds, and was sad when we had to return to this book to the library.Donald Crews' book School Bus is another favorite of his, and we've already added it to our collection.I intend to give a copy of Night at the Fair to my child for Christmas.

Crews does it again!
As a teacher and mother of three children I recommend this book. I wantparents to remember that there need not be tons of text for a book to be a real learning expereince.Take the time to look at the illustrations andcolors. Predict what is going to happen.We are lucky to have so manytalented people to illustrate kid's books. Again, take the time to look andexamine the pictures. Books that the parents do not like will probably notbe liked by their children. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Fairs    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Lifestyles - Country Life    8. Night    9. Sports & Recreation - General    10. Juvenile Fiction / General    11. Picture books   

Reviews (1)

Quilt book
An excellent read-aloud story for children.The text tells how quilts told stories and how the first quilts were made from materials at hand.This is an excellent book to read if you were planning on designing a quilt, real with cloth or with paper blocks, with younger children.The pictures are very well done with great colors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bedtime & Dreams    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Family - Multigenerational    5. Fiction    6. Grandmothers    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Lifestyles - Country Life    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Quilts    11. Juvenile Fiction / Lifestyles / Country Life   

Reviews (2)

Fun for my 3 year old boy
My son really enjoys listening to this CD.The voices are the same ones you hear on the show and the signal for turning the page is fairly clear.There are 4 stories in this book....they may not be the most interesting stories to me, but he seems to enjoy them.It's a great activity for him to do quietly on his own without my help.

A great bargain...and my son loves it!
My 4yr old son loves this book so much he took a nap with it!The character voices are the actual ones from the TV show.This was my son's first read-along book and he was able to follow along with the narration.I think this will help him with his reading. And, this book is a great deal because there are four stories in one book.I wish there were other Bob the Builder 4-in-1 story collections. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business, Careers, Occupations    2. Children's 4-8    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children's audiobooks    5. Children's stories, American    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Lifestyles - Country Life    9. Movie Tie - In    10. Short stories   

Reviews (6)

The Grapes Grow Sweet
My son received this book as a birthday present when he was five years old. He was fascinated by the story and beautiful pictures. Since we live in the wine country, and watch the "grapes grow sweet" in real life, it was wonderful to have such a wonderful book to read. Now that he is eleven, he reads it to my grandson who is equally enchanted, and asks us to read it each time he visits.

I use it in my classroom!
As a resident of northern California I enjoy reading "The Grapes Grow Sweet" to my daughter, which describes a fall grape harvest from the perspective of a young boy growing up in a family vineyard.I am also a school teacher and use the book in my classroom.Many of my students have family members who are farm workers so they have background knowledge of life in a vineyard and can relate to the story being told.We spend a few days in my class each fall completing an integrated thematic unit that includes reading, descriptive writing and art.We finish the unit by bringing in different foods made with grapes that we can eat in class.Typically we have grape juice, grape jelly, raisins, grapes, etc.It is easily adaptable to the state standards and has amazing water color art that inspires the children to create their own works of art!The text offers descriptive writing samples to students by describing the pale green leaves, rattling, roaring tractor, shiny bunch of grapes, bouncing jackrabbit and sunbathing lizard.I look forward to fall each year and the opportunity to read "The Grapes Grow Sweet" with a new group of students.

Beautiful illustrations and writing.
"The Grapes Grow Sweet" is well-summarized in the other reviews, so I won't go into that. My four-year old and I really enjoyed this book he received as a present. The pictures are copy an Impressionist-era style (nice for adults) but have a lot going on in them, from the bees that constantly hover over the sweet grapes to the grape pickers rushing to fill the gondolas. I love the fact that the author doesn't talk down to her audience, she talks about gondolas instead of "big trucks" and grape cutting knives instead of "cutters." Every character has a different voice, and the aspects of family life, community pride, migrant farming, and the life of a four-year old are all highlighted without the author shoving it in your face. Read more

Subjects:  1. California    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Fiction    4. Grapes    5. Harvesting    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Lifestyles - Country Life    8. Napa Valley (Calif.)    9. Country life