Reviews (7)

It puts my son to sleep
I love this book for many reasons, but the main reason is that the cadence of the story puts my son to sleep.We have been using this book as the third of three bedtime stories for about 1 1/2 years now and it still works.

like magic
Charlotte Zolotow is such a talented writer!This has to be one of the best books about the ocean I have ever seen.It is a true out of body experience.I'm sitting a few hundred yards away from the Chespeake Bay and, reading this book, it was like I was lifted out of my chair and transported straight down to the beach. And the concept of being able to explain something so truly and completely that someone who has never experienced it in real life can still catch a glimmer of the feeling is an intriguing one.I can see this book being used in classrooms to introduce descriptive writing and urban children being asked to describe the sights and sounds of the city in such a way that a child from the country can imagine it.Teachers and homeschooling families could find a penpal for each child in a different part of the country to exchange these letters with.Even for an adult, this would be an amazing experience -- to find someone and try to share a little bit of your world with her, and to imagine hers in turn.
A Lovely, Lyrical Book!
I bought this book for my children shortly after we spent the summer in a beach house on Hatteras Island, NC. This book completely captures the essence of a day there . . . or on any seashore for that matter. It immediately became one of my children's favorite books as the prose is so evocative and the illustrations so lovely. Seven years later, it is still one of their all-time favorites. Mine, too!Over the years, I have given many copies of "The Seashore Book" as gifts and have received nothing but rave reviews from parents and children. I've just ordered another copy from Amazon to give as a new baby gift.You see, this book is truly timeless. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Marine Life    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. Imagination    6. Mothers and sons    7. Nature & the Natural World - General    8. Seashore    9. Juvenile Fiction / Nature & the Natural World   

Reviews (4)

The simple but eloquent lesson that "Nothing ends..."
"When the Wind Stops" has a very simple beginning.After a day in which the great bright yellow sun has been shining all day the sun is getting ready to sink beneath the horizon.But as the day is coming to an end a little boy is sorry to see the day end.We learn of some of the simple things he did during the day, playing with his friend in a garden and listening to his father read him a story, and when his mother come to say good night the little boy asks, "Why does the day have to end?" Author Charlotte Zolotow ("Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present," "William's Doll") provides the answer to that eternal question and others in a similar vein in lyrical prose. A Beautiful book about the continuing nature of life . . .
I found this to be a beautifully written & illustrated book about the renewal of each day.The story begins with a little boy sad to see the day end and his mother explaining to him that the day ends so night can begin. . . The prose is soothing and imaginative . . . the message is about how they day can end for you, but it begins again in another place for someone else. . . it seems to me to be a gentle way of talking about letting go. . . letting go of the day, of the season, of the wind, of things, so that these things can carry on in a different way.I think it is a great way for a child to begin to understand about the finite nature of life.Also, is addresses the immediate and strong feeling of my toddler of NO NIGHT NIGHTS!!!The prose is so soothing and imaginative it actually lulled my child to sleep.The illustrations are colorful and beautiful.An EXCELLENT book.

A Story That Clears the Fog on Difficult Concepts
In easy language with good illustrations, this book will help children tounderstand why the day has to end, where the wind goes when it stops, wherethe waves go when they break on the sand, where does the rain go,etc.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fiction    4. Nature    5. Nature & the Natural World - General    6. Juvenile Fiction / General    7. Picture books   

Reviews (7)

Also on "Free to be You and Me"
There's a wonderful musical segment of "William's Doll" on "Free to be You and Me."My mother in law got the movie for my husband when he was in elementary school because it had open and affirming messages, and when it came out on DVD, my husband picked it up for our girls.They love it--it's funny, thought provoking, and even though it was made in the '70's, it's timeless.If you like William's Doll, pick up Free to be You and Me.

A Book Every Daddy Should Read
I have been a teacher of young children for 15 years and I have yet to find a story that better illustrates the need our little boys have to love and cuddle a baby of their own than "William's Doll". All William wants is a baby doll like the little girl next door has, but when he tells his father he gets everything but.Then William's Grandmother comes to visit and as she says, "He can learn how to be a good father". I get this book as a baby shower gift for everynew father I know!

A doll that other fellows cannot steal
An oddly tender tale about a boy and his desire to own a doll of his own.Books that break stereotypes rarely do it as intelligently and simply as Charlotte Zolotow's remarkable, "William's Doll".Usually if a picture book has something to say, it'll announce the fact to you with great pomp and flair, and maybe a little more pomp.It'll take its message and shove it down your throat, attempting to cram every little bit of lesson into you.This is not the case with this book.In "William's Doll" you've a delicate tale told in such a way that its message, while remaining very powerful, is spoken in a small quiet voice.Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavior    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Dolls    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Social Issues - New Experience    8. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    9. Social Issues - Values    10. Grandmothers    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Values    12. Picture books    13. Sex role   

Reviews (2)

WATCH THE BIRDS
IF YOU LISTEN...wow, that title get's attention. I have so much to share with/teach my child and this book's title is perfect to whisper to her and get her in the mood to LISTEN."How do you know if someone far away is loving you?" a little girl asked her mother. Truth is, we all ask ourselves this with so many family/friends over the miles.The mother answers in a way that is very interesting and beautiful with simple, yet great descriptive writing that pulls the reader into the pictures and beyond..."You have to stop when you're lonely and listen," said her mother....If you listen hard you'll feel someone far away sending love to you."After listening to her mother's examples, the little girl sits outside under a clear blue sky."One bird circled and circled overhead.She watched until he flew away."There is so much more I'd like to say but get this book and share it with your child and encourage them to become listeners.Listening is something that we never "graduate" from.It is a continuous learning experience and more importantly, a gift of love and respect to the speaker. How can you know someone who is far away still love you?
I was fascinated by the idea that Charlotte Zolotow's "If You Listen" had been originally published in 1980 with different illustrations than those provided by Stefano Vitale for 2002 edition.You do not think of a children's book as having different illustrations; I mean, "Goodnight Moon" would not be the same classic book with different illustrations.But as I never read the "original" "If You Listen" (and could not find it around town) I cannot comment on a comparison of the artists.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Family - General    3. Fiction    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Love    6. Social Issues - Death & Dying    7. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    8. Picture books   

Reviews (9)

Bring a Hanky
I grabbed this from the store shelf on a whim, because we have a Big Sister and a Little Sister. Turns out the story is a real tear-jerker; be prepared.
THE BEST BOOK EVER!
My mother read this book to me many, many times in preparation for my little sister's birth.I still think of it every time my sister (now 25 years old) gets on my nerves.It really taught me that, even though she could be annoying, that we both truly loved each other and could depend on each other no matter what...If you have a daughter and are expecting another one soon, you have to get this book!

a story for all sisters
I remember checking this book out of the library when I was 6, and thinking that this story must have been written for me and my little sister. We even looked like the girls in the book! I rediscovered this book recently, and found that the story rings true with me today, just as much as it did in 1977. I think anyone who has a sister could relate to this beautiful story. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers and sisters    2. Children's 4-8    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Babies & Toddlers    5. Family - Siblings    6. Fiction    7. Sisters    8. Social Issues - Runaways    9. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    10. Social Situations - Runaways    11. Social Situations - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    12. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Siblings    13. Picture books   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Preschool    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Old age    6. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (2)

The Storm Book
The beginning of the Storm Book, starts out with the build of a big storm.The storm first striked with lightning and thunder, something the young boy in the book hasn't heard or seen.The thunder and lightning leads to heavy rain.After the storm pasts, the boy asked what the curving, misty arch of color was.His mother told him that it was a beautiful rainbow. Excellent book for showing how different people see storms!
I really enjoyed how the book described the different experiences people had with the same storm.I love storms so the book was that much more interesting to me! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Babies & Toddlers    3. Fiction    4. Nature & the Natural World - Weather    5. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    6. Storms    7. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (4)

We Love It!
We just happened upon this book at the library and my 2 and a half year old absolutely loves it. I think it's a sweet book that reminds adults what we liked about being little through the eyes of a little girl. My little one loved it so much we purchased it for her birthday.

Old fashioned charm
This book is extremely warm, cozy, and charming.The relationship that the little girl shares with her mother is precious, and of a nature that harkens back to the first half of the 20th Century.Frankly, I miss it.The story is basically a converation between mother and daughter, a very respectful and sincere communication, whereby the little girl talks about simple joys that children share with no one else.The mother listens intently and encourages her child in conversation.These types of stories are so real, so without pretense, and very basic, slice-of-life in nature; unfortunately, they're somewhat hard to find!! The illustrations are, again, slice-of-life, nothing fantastic or overly imaginative, adding to the straightforward, wholesomeness of the story.Charlotte Z. seems to specialize in books about mothers and daughters. I was raised on her stories and I'm glad they're still in print so that I can share with my daughter!

The Magic ofBeing Little Shines Through
Another classic children's story, written by one of the most loved and respected children's authors of all time. This story is simple, sweet, and easily understood by the youngest of children. It tells about ayoung girl who just loves being little because of all the things she can do.Theendearing text revolves around the girl's view of her world and how she islucky because she is small enough to sit under the dining room table, jumpin piles of autumn leaves, and skip when she feels joy. A timeless classicthat will warm your heart again and again~~! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Family - General    5. Fiction    6. Growth    7. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    8. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    9. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (3)

Good Book - Presumably in Either Edition
My daughter (almost 3) enjoyed this book from the library last Halloween & we're looking forward to reading it again this Halloween.I loved introducing her to Halloween from a book that emphasized friendship and generosity among neighbors, rather than scary monsters, pranks, or candy.The illustrations were lovely.I'm sure the original edition had beautiful illustrations too, and the previous reviewer might have been chagrinned by the changes to a personal childhood favorite.But I'm guessing that most people who, like my family, discover the story for the the first time in this edition will find nothing amiss.

A happy Halloween story - -especially for your wee, shy ones
Diana Cain Bluthenthal's brightly-colored illustrations bring Charlotte Zolotow's A Tiger Called Thomas to life once again--just in time for its 40th anniversary.Charlotte Zolotow's classic is a sad but sweet tale of a shy, preschool-aged boy's move into a new neighborhood-a neighborhood where he's afraid no one will like him. I WANT MY ORIGINAL PICTURES!!!
I mean, come on. The pictures in the original 1973 version of the book were beautiful, it was, like in many childrens' stories, half of the enjoyment. But no...buy the original somewhere else. They've just messed an otherwise great book up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fiction    5. Friendship    6. Halloween    7. Holidays & Celebrations - Halloween    8. Holidays & Festivals - Halloween    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Moving    11. Moving, Household    12. Preschool Picture Story Books    13. Social Issues - New Experience    14. Social Situations - Moving    15. Juvenile Fiction / Holidays & Festivals / Halloween   

Reviews (2)

Friendship across the years.
Good friends are hard to find and John is the narrator's best friend.He tells why John is his best friend, and tells the ways they are friends, even the secret fears they share.
The light shines through
Charlotte Zolotow describes the friendship between two boys, John and an unnamed other, by a series of quiet statements which carry an increasing sense of the power of the relationship. The quiet incantation of the text - each page is very nearly a couplet of verse - shows how the two friends make up for each other's failings, stick up for each other when the going gets rough, and also have a sense of the separate individuality of the companion with secret fears and pleasures.Read more

Subjects:  1. Best friends    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. Friendship    6. Social Issues - Friendship    7. Social Situations - Friendship    8. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Reviews (1)

a wonderful children's book
This book was a frequent bedtime reading for me as a kid, and it was one of my mother's favorites, too. As a middle child in a loving, but often frazzled family, I easily understood and sympathized with the quarrels ofthis family.Zolotow paints a picture of a very loving and typical familythat makes all of us who bicker from time to time realize how normal weare.More importantly, it reminds everyone that their grumpiness towardothers only spurs on more bad feelings, but, thankfully, a little kindnessgoes a long way, too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Dogs    4. Family - General    5. Family life    6. Fiction    7. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    8. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    9. Juvenile Fiction / Family / General   

Reviews (8)

Terrific book!
I had the same experience as one of the other reviewers. I found this book in the library after not seeing it for 25 years. I had just loved the pictures and the descriptions of warm doughnuts, jack-o-lanterns, chocolate eggs and other seasonal delights. You won't be able to choose which holiday is your favorite!

a delightful, comforting book
This is a book that my children and I return to "over and over."The illustrations are warm and beautiful,and the evocation of a small child's world and sense of time is magical.
The Wheel of the Year
This book was created by a true dream team, beloved author Charlotte Zolotow and gifted illustrator Garth Williams. It begins with a little girl who is too little to know about time. She is so young, we learn, that she doesn't know the days of the week yet, or the months, or even the seasons in order.She has memories of things like a crocus in bloom, a snowman, Valentines, a turkey dinner, and a Christmas tree but they're jumbled up in her head in no particular order. Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fiction    4. Holidays    5. Seasons    6. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    7. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Emotions & Feelings   

Editorial Review

Any collaborative effort by the esteemed Charlotte Zolotow and the illustrious Maurice Sendak is bound to be a success. These beloved creators of countless children's favorites outdo themselves with this 1963 Caldecott Honor-winning classic about a little girl in need of assistance. Finding a birthday present for her mother is no easy task for our heroine. Luckily, she happens upon the avuncular Mr. Rabbit, whose heart is in the right place, even if he doesn't always have the best ideas. Ultimately, his suggestions do come in handy, and between the two of them they determine the ideal birthday tribute: the gift of color. Children will join the protagonists in contemplating how to make the abstract tangible, and all readers will be delighted to see yellow translate to bananas, as green is given in pears, and blue takes the shape of grapes. Read more

Reviews (5)

Endearing Story,Beautiful Artistry
I had originally given this book a 4 star review, but in hindsight, I think it deserves 5. (The site wouldn't allow me to edit my star rating- sorry). This is a book that I would like to have discovered earlier, but my four year old boy enjoys it anyway, and I would gladly add it to our family library.A 2 or 3 year-old would easily appreciate this story as well.Both the author and illustrator are accomplished and well respected, and the proof is in reading it to a child.Children love the idea that they can converse with the animals, and Mr. Rabbit and The Lovely Present all but makes it seem possible to the reader.A valuable life lesson is well taken from a well meaning and sympathetic rabbit, in a young girl's search for great gift ideas for her mother.A tiny bit redundant from a grown-up's point of view, but the audience gets the bigger vote (children love repetitive stories and gain much from them). I'm hoping that demand will bring this book back to the printers for the next generation of readers, Especially considering the copyright date (1962).Judging from the illustrations, I would have placed it somewhere in the early 30's 40's.This book must have been very popular in the sixties with parents looking for wholesome stories and rich, high quality artwork for their children.

A little stunner!
I received this book today and am so pleased that I bought it because it's a stunning book.It's a lovely little tale (already explained by other reviewers!) that contains subtle repetition for early readers and would be great for teaching colours to a younger child.The illustrations are lovely and have a 1960s feel about them - subtle but intricately drawn and enhance the text perfectly (they don't look anything like the illustrations of We're The Wild Things are but are equally as fantastic!).I think you'd be really hardpressed to find anything faults with this book - a totally charming must have classic for your children's library - don't pass this one up.It's one of those books that totally enchants you the very first time you read it.

A lovely bedime story
As a student at West Virginia State College I was required to view a Calecott honor award winning book.I chose this book because of the beautiful illustrations.A little girl asks the assistance of Mr. Rabbit in deciding what to get her mother for her birthday.Mr. Rabbit suggests some rather foolish gift for each of the colors the little girl says her mother likes.He suggests such things as a red roof and a blue lake.Each time he also suggest a fruit of that color.The little girls says her mother likes that fruit but she needs something else.After they go though a few colors the little girl relizes she could make a fruit basket.Mr. Rabbit says he has a basket. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Rabbits    2. Celebrations - Birthdays    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Preschool    6. Classics    7. Color    8. Family - General    9. Fiction    10. Rabbits    11. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Rabbits   

Reviews (5)

A honest book about misunderstandings.
This is a kids point of view about a misunderstanding and the emotions that are felt by both sides.This young girl hate hates her friend and can't figure out why her friend is being so rotten to her.Her mom tells her to just ask her why but she is too embarassed and just won't bring herself to confront her friend and says, "I couldn't, I'd rather die. No- if that's the way she's going to be, it's quite okay with me."Her attitude is that of a stubborn child and I think most kids can relate to this character.Everything is smoothed over in the end and the moral shows that communication is key.Illustrations are basic sketches with only red, yellow, pink and brown colors.

Wonderful
This book takes children through their own feelings when slighted by a friend.After bringing the intended audience (your child) into total sympathy of the "angry" child, Zolotow presents the other child's view.Wow, all of a sudden the main character, and your child, realize they were wrong.They should not have jumped to conclusions, been quick to judge, or acted rashly.What a wonderful, nonpreaching way to teach character development to young children who are just learning to reason!

A
As a parent, I was very very disappointed in the content of this book. To have a 2nd grader read this book is very disturbing. If they are learning about hate in the 2nd grade, then what will they learn in the 3rd grade, how to kill??? This book should be banned from schools. In our home,we do not advocate or teach our children to hate anyone. The world has enough problems. Now, we know why we don't understand what's going on with our children.... Look at what they are given in school to read and the teachers who give them this kind of material to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Babies & Toddlers    3. Fiction    4. Friendship    5. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    6. Social Issues - Friendship    7. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Emotions & Feelings   

Subjects:  1. Birds    2. Children: Preschool    3. Fiction   

Subjects:  1. American    2. American poetry    3. Children's 4-8    4. Children's poetry    5. Children's poetry, American    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. General   

Reviews (1)

A poetic look at little girl's love for her baby brother.
Charlotte Zolotow's words and Garth Williams' dreamy ink and wash drawings evoke the poetic world of a little girl, as she imagines all the things she'll do for her baby brother, whom she adores.The simplicity and grace of this book makes it unique.They don't make 'em like this anymore ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Bedtime & Dreams    3. Brothers and sisters    4. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Preschool    7. Family - Siblings    8. Fiction    9. Growth    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. People & Places - United States - African-American    12. Siblings    13. Early learning / early learning concepts    14. Fiction dealing with family issues    15. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Siblings    16. Picture books   

Reviews (3)

A Good Book if You Are Going ToParis Without Your Kids
Tana Hoban was on my entering Kindergartener's Summer Reading List and we have read a number of her books and not really enjoyed any of them.
Sweet
A sweet book.We enjoyed the pictures (photos of street scenes in Paris) and the text was nice although not exciting.Not as fun as some of Charlotte Zolotow's others, but a good book to read to our daughter before we go to Paris!

The Moon Was the Best
I love this book and I love reading it to my daughter, and not just because I love Paris. It's refreshingly unique in the world of books forchildren--books with relatively few words, that is. The photographs arewonderful and match the text perfectly. The author has taken such a freshapproach to viewing that beautiful city, and she has chosen her words withcare. The book's title is so meaningful once you read the book. This is abook I wish I had written for my daughter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Preschool    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Mothers and daughters    6. Paris (France)    7. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children's stories, American    3. Children: Preschool    4. Family    5. Family - General    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Short Stories    9. Zolotow, Charlotte    10. Juvenile Fiction / Short Stories   

Reviews (2)

A Loving Way to Show that Mother and Child Go Together!
The 1983 edition of this simple, attractive book--by one of the most respected authors of books for young children--is illustrated by Karen Gundersheimer. Her multi-colored drawings are reminiscent of those by the renowned illustrator, Maurice Sendak. a delightful book of fun pairs and wonderful pictures
In "Some Things Go Together" Ashley Wolff has taken a charming 30 year old story and added wonderful, colorful illustrations. The simple rhymns are wimsically pictured by Wolff - such as a mother sitting with herchild reading or her colorful parade of clowns, dancing dogs and prancinghorses! A book you will love to read to your child and your child will loveto read! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American    2. Children's 4-8    3. General