Poppleton in Fall Review

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(More customer reviews)Our names are Anthony, Janae, Danielle, and Nicholas. We are 2nd graders from Lockport, NY. We have read all of the Poppleton books with Ms. Fletcher. The book we liked best is Poppleton in Fall. The characters are Poppleton, Cherry Sue, and Zacko. Anthony's favorite part is when Poppleton stormed out the door. Janae's favorite part is when Poppleton went to the pancake breakfast. Danielle's favorite part is when Poppleton met the geese. Nicholas liked the part when Poppleton ate the pancakes for breakfast. We hope Cynthia Rylant writes a lot more Poppleton books!

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If You Give a Moose a Muffin Review

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(More customer reviews)Researchers constantly find that reading to children is valuable in a variety of ways, not least of which are instilling a love of reading and improved reading skills. With better parent-child bonding from reading, your child will also be more emotionally secure and able to relate better to others. Intellectual performance will expand as well. Spending time together watching television fails as a substitute.
To help other parents apply this advice, as a parent of four I consulted an expert, our youngest child, and asked her to share with me her favorite books that were read to her as a young child. If You Give a Moose a Muffin was one of her picks.
This humorous book has to be one of the most imaginative ever written and illustrated!
The premise starts with a child spotting a moose out the window in the back yard. The child beckons to the moose, gives the moose a muffin, opens the kitchen door, and lets the moose in. Holding the muffin in his teeth, the moose obviously seems to need some jam. The child opens the refrigerator and gets out the mother's homemade blackberry jam. The moose quickly starts eating the muffin, now that it has jam on it. Then another, and another . . . and another until they are all gone. He seems to want you to make some more.
One thing connects to another, and before the book ends the moose will get a sweater, make puppets, create the scenery, put on a puppet show, make a mess, clean up the mess, want some more jam, and still wants some more muffins.
The book works at several levels. First, the idea is simply to be a good hostess or host. That's something that all children need to learn. You should try to please your guest. Even if it is a moose!
Second, there is also an analogy to being a parent, helping a child. So your child can begin to see what it's like to be the caregiver.
Third, how do you accomplish things? Some you buy, some you make, and almost all have consequences. The book helps your child learn to connect the dots.
Fourth, the child and the moose make a terrible mess. No one gets excited, but they do take responsibility to clean up after themselves. Amen!
Fifth, one thing does lead to another. It is easy to get distracted. The circularity of the story helps your child remember what the purpose originally was, and not to get sidetracked.
Sixth, the book introduces ideas of activities you can do with your child. In fact, it's all right to put the book down and start doing those activities . . . or pick a time to do so.
All in all, you get a lot for your time and money.
The illustrations are wonderful in making the moose very human and humorous. The figures are vivid and clear, and are filled with warm, rich colors.
You can take the concept of the book and make up your own stories with your child. Then you could draw illustrations together and do the activities that you pick for the story. You could start with your child's favorite animal and food. If you give your dolphin a cookie, etc. In that way you can stimulate even more bonding and creativity. Have a ball!
Be sure to overcome your stalled thinking that only authors can come up with great stories that you'll both love. I'll bet your child and you can do a wonderful job!
Enjoy!

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Blueberries for Sal (Picture Puffins) Review

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(More customer reviews)Little Sal and her mother go to Blueberry hill to pick berries, and they plan to can them as preserves for the winter. Little Sal soons starts eating all the berries she picks, plus some from her mother's pail. Encouraged to go off to find berries to pick by herself, mother and Sal become separated. On the other side of the mountain, Little Bear and his mother are coming to eat all the blueberries they can to get as fat as possible so they can survive the winter. They, too, get separated.
Soon, Little Sal stumbles onto following mother bear and Little Bear is following Sal's mother. Eventually, the mothers discover the mistake, back away in shyness from the other's child, and look for their own offspring. Along the way, the children run into bird mothers and their families as well. Everyone goes home with the correct mother, and the last drawing has Little Sal with her mother in an old-fashioned kitchen with a wood stove working on the preserves.
The story is gently and beautifully told, and wonderfully complemented by the illustrations (also drawn by Mr. McClosky).
It is a good introduction for children to the way that all human and animal families work, the need to prepare for the future, and that one has to pay attention to where one is going. It will also interest them in blueberry picking, which is a wonderful family occupation. It is also very heart-warming the way Mr. McClosky has taken the potential fright out of a situation where a child has wandered off and run into a mother bear. The child can draw her or his own lesson that they would not want that to happen to them, rather than having the story provide terror.
Mr. McClosky has expressed a benign but significant role to nature that will serve families well. I wonder if he ever visited the Galapagos, because the animals there and the people act much like in this story.
Overcome your disbelief stalls about how children can learn from stories with this outstanding book. I rate it one of my top five of all time for younger children. It was a favorite of all four of our children. I hope it will be for you and your children and grandchildren, as well.
Think of this story the next time you eat some blueberry preserves.

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"The adventures of a little girl and a baby bear while hunting for blueberries with their mothers one bright summer day. All the color and flavor of the sea and pine-covered Maine countryside."--School Library Journal, starred review. Caldecott Honor Book. Full-color illustrations.

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Rikki-Tikki-Tavi Review

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(More customer reviews)As a child, I grew up with Kipling stories. My mother would read me "Just So Stories" and selections from the surprisingly long and complex, "Jungle Book" when I was just a wee lass. And had this lush and lovely version of "Rikki-tikki-tavi" been available to me when I was a kid, I've little doubt that I'd have devoured it just as readily as I did tales like, "How the Elephant Got His Trunk". Though I missed out on "Rikki-tikki-tavi" the written tale, I did take great pleasure in the 1975 Chuck Jones animated (with voices by Orson Wells and June Foray) faithful film of the same story. For those of you eager to instill in your children a sharp jolt of Kipling to the veins, I suggest you start them out on "Rikki", both the film and this lovely picture book, then move on slowly to "Just So Stories" and finally, "The Jungle Book" (but not THAT film). Then, years later, when you're trying to get them to read "Stalkey and Company", you'll have already hooked 'em young.
"This is the story of the great war that Rikki-tikki-tavi fought, all by himself, through the English family's house in India". After finding a half-drowned mongoose outside his home, a young boy named Teddy and his family take in the little creature and nurse him to health. A naturally curious creature, the mongoose (named, you must have guessed, Rikki-tikki-tavi for the sounds he makes) explores the home and decides to stay. Good thing that he does too. Lurking in the garden is the deadly cobra Nag and his wife Nagaina. The snakes determine that Rikki is a threat to their unhatched children and decide that if the family dies then Rikki will leave the area. Now Rikki, with the help of the tailor birds Darzee and his wife, must defeat the snakes and defend the family that was kind enough to take him in.
Like "The Secret Garden", this is one of those early children's books that taught me a heckuva lot about British colonialism. When I was a kid, I just could not figure out what the English were doing in India in books like this one. Now, there's little doubt that the danger the family faces mostly comes from the fact that Rikki was in their house in the first place. Nag and Nagaina only plan to kill the family because they believe that Rikki will leave if they do. One element to this tale that I enjoyed was the role that the female creatures take in it. Admittedly, Teddy's mother is so faint of heart that she, "wouldn't think of anything so awful", as the possibility of a snake in her boy's bedroom. But Nagaina is far more powerful than her husband and Darzee's wife (who, unfortunately, hasn't a name of her own) is the one who helps Rikki out in the end. Not her silly hubby.
By the way, someone should let the tailor birds know that when a mongoose is hungry and isn't eating snakes, its next favorite food is bird eggs. If you don't believe me, ask someone from Hawaii sometime. The release of mongoose in Hawaii (to combat the rats) not only decimated the reptiles but also severely reduced the native bird populations. Just FYI.
It is true that Pinkney has edited down and simplified the words of Kipling's original tale to make it more palatable to young ears. Far more criminal than the editing though is the fact that Pinkney makes NO mention of the fact that he has done so anywhere in the book. I've scoured the publication page, title page, and bookflaps for Pinkney's explanation of the change. Nuthin'. For those first time "Tikki" readers, this version will strike them as being the original Kipling text. Pinkney could have at least admitted the changes he made. That he didn't is irresponsible.
Otherwise, it's hard to object to this book. The illustrations are classic Pinkney with Rikki a very realistic (and not particularly cute) mongoose. Knowing Pinkney's fine attention to detail, I wouldn't put it past him to have carefully researched the kinds of plants, birds, and snakes found in India for these lush watercolors. The clothing of the human characters definitely doesn't belong to the days of Kipling, of course. They look far more contemporary, which is fine. The nice thing about "Rikki-tikki-tavi" is that it can really belong to any era.
This is a story that has always been, and will always remain, a classic in the hearts and minds of children everywhere. Pinkney is not the first children's illustrator to adapt this tale. That honor may fall to Lambert Davis. If you are looking for a version of this tale that has NOT been edited down, locate the Davis version (which Amazon.com has inexplicably linked to the Pinkney reviews). Otherwise, for superior pictures and a gripping tale, Pinkney's the man to turn to. A wonderful tale and an even better mongoose.

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Peanut Butter and Jelly: A Play Rhyme Review

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(More customer reviews)I had to buy this book because my five year old daughter keeps checking it out of the library. When I told her she had to check out another book this week she said, "Why, Mom? This is a GREAT book!" That is definitely one to have on our shelf. The pictures are delightful and the repetitive phrasing makes it easy to read yet there are some tough words which she has mastered because she knows the phrasing. I wish every book I purchased would pay off so well. She also said, "Mom, if you look at the pictures you just have to giggle."

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Bedtime for Frances (Trophy Picture Books) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great book, and brilliantly illustrated. The others in the series (like Bread and Jam for Frances) did not use the same artist and have an inferior look. The picture of Frances and her Father brushing their fangs before bed is incredibly cute, and my children think the picture of the father half awake in bed is hilarious. The original black and white illustrations are actually better and more scary-looking. Get an older copy if you can find it.
To the more hysterical people in this forum who think their children are irreparably harmed by the spanking reference: I think what you really don't like is that the father threatens a spanking without being portrayed as some horrible monster. Aren't books supposed to be about learning? Just tell your children that back when this book was written (1960) smacking kids on the butt was a fairly common form of discipline. Tell them that you think this is wrong, although some parents today disagree. If your children are still traumatized, then you better home school them, because they are simply too emotionally fragile to go out in the real world.

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Seasons Review

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(More customer reviews)"Seasons" is a richly complex, abundant gathering of artistic word and imagery pairings evocative of several cycles of seasons. At first paging through the 180 page book is a trifle confusing, because the seasons keep repeating in their cycles. Then all is explained in the end by the author/artist's note to the reader: "Blexbolex got lost for a while in the pages of his books. He has needed two summers, an autumn, a winter, a spring, several storms and a lot of sunshine to rediscover the seasons for himself." The beautiful book experience that emerges is a true taste of the intense variety of the four seasons. The vintage color prints are both evocative and starkly modern; they freshen our minds to receive impressions of life anew. "Seasons" is an inter-generational treat ready to be shared between parents and children, teachers and students, or just savored alone.

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Leon and Bob Review

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(More customer reviews)Bob is Leon's special friend. They do everything together. When Leon reads letters that his military dad has written, Bob wants to hear them over and over. Bob does whatever Leon wants to do, because Bob is Leon's imaginary friend. Living in a world in which he must move frequently, miss an absent father, and a mother that is overextended, Leon takes control by creating his friend Bob. But real friendships are awaiting Leon. Will he leave Bob behind? Read this beautifully crafted children's book to find out.

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Monster Trucks (500 Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)do not pass this book by. This book is crammed full of many different photos and things of interest; about Monster Trucks. I gave it as a gift to someone who is a Monster Truck fan, and he thought the book was excellent. Yes, I did look through the book myself and wanted to keep the book myself. lol You can't go wrong with this book..........

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More than 20 years after a young couple began to nurture a dream, the reality that is the BIGFOOT monster trucks continues to surprise its creators. Monster Trucks is a photographic tribute to the world's original "mean machines", show-casing the trucks, the events and the people behind them. Written from behind the scenes, no enthusiast should miss this book.

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The Biggest Sandwich Ever Review

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(More customer reviews)This book brings a flood of childhood memories. The storyline is incredibly fun and children love all things that are larger than life. The iilustrations are amamzing and nforgettable!

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Now You See Me ... (Poison Apple) Review

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(More customer reviews)This fourth book in the new series, Poison Apple Books from Scholastic, is not as dark as the previous book, but it was a great read. These books are geared for readers who enjoyed the softer and gentler Candy Apple Books but are looking to read something with a little more edge. This book is, in part, the story of best friends, Abby and Lena, and they are thrift store junkies. Lena has been searching for a Polaroid Impulse, a treasure she had been looking for because her cousin gave her a whole case of film for it. But shortly after getting it, strange things start happening. Things start showing up in the pictures that are not really there. First a water tower and then a boy, and with each succeeding picture the boy is clearer. But Lena is being haunted and haunted through her new prized camera. She needs to find out what the boy wants or needs because her life is starting to fall apart. Can she figure out the hints in the pictures and solve the mystery?
This story was really fun to read. The story told from a photographer's perspective, with how to frame photos and compositions was an interesting twist. It is another good book in a great series.

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Best friends Lena and Abby love searching through thrift stores for lost treasures. When they find an old Polaroid camera, they can't wait to try it out. But the photos that develop are troubling -- things that weren't really there appear in the pictures.

Creepiest of all is the image of a boy, dark and angry looking. He shows up, over and over, clearer each time. Can the girls discover what the ghost boy wants -- before it's too late?

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A Bargain for Frances (I Can Read Book 2) Review

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(More customer reviews)Despite its unlikely-looking cover, this is perhaps the finest I Can Read Book ever written. I had no idea it was a treasure when one of the kids grabbed it off the shelf at the local library. Written by Russell Hoban and illustrated by Lillian Hoban, it hilariously tells the story of a sweet and trusting little racoon who keeps getting the short end of the stick from a certain playmate.
When that playmate swindles her out of her savings, Frances doesn't go home and lick her wounds. No sir. She devises an ingenious plan to set matters straight and re-establishes the friendship on a more equitably basis.
Moms, if people tend to take advantage of your child (or someone else you know), this is a must-have book. Frances' resolution of the problem still thrills and inspires me every time I read it.

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Frances and Thelma are friends -- most of the time
Thelma always seems to get Frances into trouble. When she tricks Frances into buying her tea set, it's the last straw. Can Frances show her that it's better to lose a bargain than lose a friend?

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Monster Trucks (Pull Ahead Books) Review

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(More customer reviews)My 4-year-old son is hugely into Monster Trucks and Monster Jam, so this book is a great pleaser for him. This is the perfect book for young ones who love anything with wheels on it (especially when they're big wheels).

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THIS EDITION IS INTENDED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Introduces monster trucks and explains what happens at a monster truck show.--This text refers to the School & Library Binding edition.

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Jamberry Review

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(More customer reviews)What a cute book! Bruce Degen tells the tale of a young boy and a jovial bear rollicking through a decadent world of fruit. The illustrations are luxuriant and detailed, composed of iridescent deep blues, reds, and purples. The text is catchy, with a Seussian quality:
"Quickberry!/ Quakberry!/ Pick me a Blackberry!/ Trainberry/Trackberry/Clickety-clackberry."
It's nonsense. The good kind of nonsense. The kind that gets stuck in your head whether or want it their or not. In fact, this morning, on my way to work, I caught myself improvising a vulgar, burlesque variation of Jamberry. I'm not proud of that, it just happened, but it put a smile on my face. Please don't tell anyone.
The book closes with an afterward in which the author explains that he was inspired to write the book based on childhood memories of picking berries with his grandparents. Every time I read the book to my daughter, she makes me read this afterward to her. It's a nice personal touch, lets you know that it's a labor of love.
Anyway, thumbs up. That's how you write a children's book.

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Bulldozer (Monster Jam Wheelie Books) Review

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(More customer reviews)My just 2 year old loves bulldozers and backhoes and this book is everything he loves!! It is a nice size and easy for him to carry everywhere!

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Beware of the bull as he charges into the action and crushes cars.

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The Velveteen Rabbit: Storybook, CD and Activities (Jam Packs Read Along Stories) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have to say--these little kits and books are fabulous for a child that likes interactivity. I was so surprised to see how many printable items are available on the website for the Creative Paper Crafts pack--not only did my niece love making the pencil toppers, but my 25 year-old friend has been carrying them around with her to meetings. Dinosaurs was awesome for my two nephews (and their dad, who's a total geek)--they spent hours putting these together, decorating, and playing with them! And of course The Velveteen Rabbit, The Three Little Pigs, and Goldilocks had the great classic stories, along with tons of play value in the stickers and hysterical games. They tout that these are great for travel--which they totally are, but they're also awesome for getting your nieces/nephews/kids to quiet down at home (or if you're babysitting!) :)

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The story of a how a well-loved child's toy becomes a real flesh-and-blood bunny is a staple of childhood. Winsome watercolor paintings by artist Lisa McCue bring fresh appeal to this classic of children's literature. The pack contains a 64-page storybook and CD with a ?read-along? version of the story—with prompts indicating when to turn the page—as well as a ?read-through? version of the story, perfect for bedtime listening. Ten free printable online coloring pages and instructions to make your own storybook will be available online.

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Ram, Ham, Strawberry Jam Review

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(More customer reviews)Not only is this is great book to have in a classroom, but it is also great to have at home. My children were engaged with the colorful writing and the brightly drawn illustrations. They loved the book and have fun learning!

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It's easier to model than explain-and this book is full of examples! Author Crystal Carr creatively clarifies the conception of nouns for YOUND STUDENTS EVERYWHERE. Nouns are printed in color for easy identification. The FUN-TO-READ RHYMES and ILLUSTRATIONS combine to highlight certain words.

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