The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread

Amazon.com

Kate DiCamillo, author of the Newbery Honor book Because of Winn-Dixie, spins a tidy tale of mice and men where she explores the "powerful, wonderful, and ridiculous" nature of love, hope, and forgiveness. Her old-fashioned, somewhat dark story, narrated "Dear Reader"-style, begins "within the walls of a castle, with the birth of a mouse." Despereaux Tilling, the new baby mouse, is different from all other mice. Sadly, the romantic, unmouselike spirit that leads the unusually tiny, large-eared mouse to the foot of the human king and the beautiful Princess Pea ultimately causes him to be banished by his own father to the foul, rat-filled dungeon.

The first book of four tells Despereaux's sad story, where he falls deeply in love with Princess Pea and meets his cruel fate. The second book introduces another creature who differs from his peers--Chiaroscuro, a rat who instead of loving the darkness of his home in the dungeon, loves the light so much he ends up in the castle& in the queen's soup. The third book describes young Miggery Sow, a girl who has been "clouted" so many times that she has cauliflower ears. Still, all the slow-witted, hard-of-hearing Mig dreams of is wearing the crown of Princess Pea. The fourth book returns to the dungeon-bound Despereaux and connects the lives of mouse, rat, girl, and princess in a dramatic denouement.

Children whose hopes and dreams burn secretly within their hearts will relate to this cast of outsiders who desire what is said to be out of their reach and dare to break "never-to-be-broken rules of conduct." Timothy Basil Ering's pencil illustrations are stunning, reflecting DiCamillo's extensive light and darkness imagery as well as the sweet, fragile nature of the tiny mouse hero who lives happily ever after. (Ages 9 and older) --Karin Snelson

Book Description

"Forgiveness, light, love, and soup. These essential ingredients combine into a tale that is as soul-stirring as it is delicious." — BOOKLIST (starred review)

Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into each other's lives. What happens then? As Kate DiCamillo would say: Reader, it is your destiny to find out.

From the master storyteller who brought us BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE comes another classic, a fairy tale full of quirky, unforgettable characters, with twenty-four stunning black-and-white illustrations by Timothy Basil Ering. This paperback edition pays tribute to the book's classicdesign, featuring a rough front and elegant gold stamping.

Customer Reviews:

Totally Enchanting!.......2007-09-17

This is an enchanting story full of magic intertwined with real world truths, evil step "uncles", hardened rats, and uncaring employers as well as a heroic mouse, and a charming princess. I think it would be an enjoyable read aloud for younger students and a fine diversion for adults and everyone in between. You can take what you want from this book, a simple light fairy tale or as a journey into a philosophy of light and dark. I disagree with the reviewers who felt that the princess was portrayed as good only because of her beauty. The author clearly lets the readers know that the princess possesses far greater attributes, such as kindness and empathy, which give her an inner light that far outshines any physical beauty she possesses. In the end, light prevails because the main characters, Princess Pea and Despereaux have exhibited both hope and love. But, as I mentioned before, you can make what you will from this captivating tale. I found it very enjoyable and hope to read more by this talented author.

Loved the mouse, not the story.......2007-09-11

Despereaux is an endearing character and the story starts out excitedly with his adventures. It goes downhill from there. There is little to endear all the other characters (besides Despereaux) in the book to anyone. They're all terribly stupid, cruel, lemmings, or simple. And there is no sympathy for anybody. I was not at all enchanted with the plotline, nor how their stories came together.

I really wanted to love this book, I savored reading it and put it off for years looking forward to it. But after reading it, I was unfortunately disappointed in the tale. I would have to alternatively recommend highly, as another reader did, the REDWALL series, and POPPY. And STUART LITTLE or CHARLOTTE'S WEB.

A Kid's Review.......2007-07-30

I really did not like this book very much because I don't like to read about people dying. It was also hard to tell sometime what was a dream in the book and what was really a part of the story. I think it was confusing to read sometimes. I liked the characters of Despereaux and Princess Pea. I also like reading about Miggery Sow when she was little, but I didn't like her when she got older.

Well written, but not light hearted.......2007-07-03

This is a well written story and very quick to read. Each chapter isonly a few pages long. Making it ideal for kids or are just graduating from their first chapter books into longer books. Desperaux is a mouse with a dream, he is in love with the Princess Pea and due to his innate ability to read and appreaciate a story about a knight, he envisions himself as Pea's knight in shining armor.

Which by the end of the book is ends up b eing, in his own mouse way.

The characters have a sweetness to them, but they all have a great sadness to them as well, it is a darker story than I was originally anticipating from just the story synopsis. While things all get resolved in the end it still isn't exactly a happily ever after.

Beautiful Tale of Strength.......2007-06-30

Every now and then I come across a story that just brings a smile across my face, a story that is heart warming and classic. Kate DiCamillo's The Tale of Despereaux is one of these stories. The complete title is The Tale of Despereaux: Being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread. It's perfectly illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering.

DiCamillo opens her story with the following beautiful passage:

"The world is dark, and light is precious.
Come closer dear reader.
You must trust me.
I am telling you a story."

And she proceeds to do so. Despereaux Tilling is the only surving member of his mothers litter. His ears are too big, his body is too small, and he is very un-mouselike. Instead of munching on books, Despereaux would rather read them. He reads a fantasy tale of a night in shining armor who rescues a princess and falls in love and then meets his own princess...and he falls in love with her. But he socializes with her when he is not supposed to and is rejected by the other mice. Meanwhile, we meet a rat who loves the light when he should only love the dark of the dungeons, and we meet a young girl named Miggery Sow who has never been asked what she wants and has been rejected and abused by everyone she has known.

What DiCamillo has given to children and adults alike is a story of overcoming boundaries. This is a powerful book. It is a book of finding strength in times of hopelessness, of finding light when there is only darkness. She doesn't sugar coat the world for her young readers. She admits that there is evil in the world and she acknowledges that open faced. But she offers a beacon of hope to youth who can relate to those characters. She teaches us what empathy is in this book, and paints that picture of seeing a situation from a certain person's viewpoint well.

This was a beautiful book and highly entertaining. I was so happy to read a book that faced issues full force and handled them appropriately. As a counselor, I can see this book being used in a therapeutic way as well, and I'm sure it has been. I look forward to reading more of DiCamillo's work. There was an excerpt from The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at the end of this book, and I think that may be the next book I read of hers.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Tough Stuff: Stories of Tough Times and Lessons Learned (Chicken Soup for the Soul)

Average customer rating:

WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO LEARN TO BE GRATEFUL?
Book To Read
awsome!
Uplifting for all
THE BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Tough Stuff: Stories of Tough Times and Lessons Learned (Chicken Soup for the Soul)
Jack Canfield , Mark Victor Hansen , and Kimberly Kirberger
Manufacturer: HCI Teens
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Health, Mind & Body | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Teens | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Religion & Spirituality | Teens | Subjects | Books

Chicken Soup for the Soul | Series | Teens | Subjects | Books

School & Education | Reference & Nonfiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Teenagers | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

ASIN: 155874942X

Book Description

This latest offering in the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series explores a host of challenges faced by today's teens. Within its pages teens will find portraits of life's complexities expressed from the viewpoint of their peers. Teen contributors share their thoughts and feelings on difficult issues, ranging from poor self-image to thoughts of suicide, from family discord to coping with the loss, from peer pressure to school violence. Teens ranked stress as one of their top concerns (along with child abuse and STDs). Oftentimes, the pressure can feel overwhelming, whether they involve worrying about an upcoming test, competition sports, family responsibilities, dating, or more extreme issues such as depression, suicide and school violence. The first three volumes of the Teenage Soul series and the companion journal illustrate the ongoing popularity of this series (unit sales exceed 11 million). Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Tough Stuff and the Spring 2001 release Teenage Soul Letters will undoubtedly follow suit as the next best-sellers in a phenomenally popular series.

Customer Reviews:

WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO LEARN TO BE GRATEFUL?.......2007-06-04

Wonderful, brilliant and tought my children to be grateful for our health, wealth and love in our family. A must read for all teenagers.

Book To Read.......2007-03-02

In this book there is life stories about girls and boys who struggle with family,friends,and hard teenage times. Some stories are tear jerkers and some are stomach hurting silly. The last story is great but cant tell you about it. I like this book because it could help you go on a different path then what you are going on now and it makes you fell thankful for everything you have. PLEASE READ IT. By Kaitlin K

awsome!.......2007-02-20

Chicken noodle soop is a wonderfull book!! It's about teen girls with family or other problems. This book is mainly for(girls). You can see your not alone that there is more people in the worldthat have that problem. You can also find out ways to solve your problems. I loved this book!! If you like this book there is more of them just go to a neer by libraury and youl find them.

Uplifting for all.......2006-05-22

I really enjoyed reading this book being a teenager myself. It was very inspirational and touching. It is a good book for teenagers in any situation. I think it would be good for parents to read this book also because they could have a better understanding of what their teenager might be going through. This book talked about issues that are harder to talk about. It provides anonymous help lines for teenagers in need. The tops range from life to death. It is a very uplifting book for all.

THE BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-03-25

WOW! This book was soo amazing, I couldn't stop reading it! This book made me realize that I should be greatful to have such a awesome life and there are others out there that have hard times. To all those people who wrote there stories in the book I'm inspired by what they had to go through. All teens will love it but I have to warn you there are many sad parts and are very powerful so I think you should think about it first. If you're sure you want to buy it well go, you won't be dissapionted!

Average customer rating:

Tear Soup helps teach kids that it is OK to grieve
Excellent
Very helpful in teaching my son how to deal with his grief.
A comfort book & for dealing with loss
A Grieving Mother

Tear Soup
Pat Schweibert , Chuck DeKlyen , Pat Schwiebert , Chuck DeKlyen , Taylor Bills , and Pat Schwiebert
Manufacturer: Grief Watch
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0961519762

Customer Reviews:

Tear Soup helps teach kids that it is OK to grieve.......2007-10-06

Tear Soup has been a great instrument in helping our family deal with the death of my sister. It reaches to all levels from the kids to the parents. Some parts might be a little over the heads of younger children, but in all it has helped each one of us in the grieving process. The author even touches on the differences in how each of us grieves. I have recently sent a copy to my nephews after their father passed away suddenly. I feel it is one of the best books on grief that I have seen.

Excellent.......2007-10-03

At 1st I decided not to leave a review b/c already there are so many, but PRAISE is always due for this book. I will quote an earlier reviewer that so far, this bk is "...the best, truest book on grief I have ever read..."
I also highly recommend it for times of sudden & tragic losses. It was here on Amazon(over a yr ago) that I 1st learned of the bk, yet since then I read & given it as a gift and have seen this book referred to others by "word of mouth" many times over. I hope this bk provides the support & guidance you all are seeking. Peace & Strength.

Very helpful in teaching my son how to deal with his grief........2007-10-03

This book was very helpful in teaching my son how to deal with his grief over the loss of his grandpa. There were a few parts that I thought were a little too mature for him (he's 9 years old), but for the most part it was a great book.

A comfort book & for dealing with loss.......2007-09-28

Practical guidance for dealing with loss presented in an illustrated story form as though it were a children's book. Charming and helpful with comforting words and advice that helps well past the point when your acquaintances may begin to tire of your grief and mourning. This book gives you permission to grieve and also give you permission and guidance in going on with your life. This is a book for all ages.
There is a list of resources in the back for those dealing with different kinds of loss. Though they do not have a resource specifically for people who have lost someone in War they do have a large range of support groups etc.

A Grieving Mother.......2007-09-22

My daughter died suddenly 6 weeks ago and a friend, who lost her son last year, sent this book saying that it would help me understand the unknown and confusing physical, emotional and spiritual things that were happening to me and our family as we come to terms with the new, now much less perfect, world we inhabit. Many friends have given many books, but this is the only one that I will pass on. The book is perfect in every way from the illustrations to the end-notes and advice for friends and family of the soup cooks. It is touching, profound, funny and affirming in just the right combination.

Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul - 101 Stories of Changes, Choices

Average customer rating:

Chicken Soup is good for different kinds of people
Encouraging reflective thinking
Imagine all of your Answers in This Book
chicken soup
Chicken Soup

Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul - 101 Stories of Changes, Choices
Jack Canfield , Mark Victor Hansen , Patty Hansen , and Irene Dunlap
Manufacturer: HCI
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Religions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1558748008
Release Date: 2000-10-12

Amazon.com

Inspired by the many readers of Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul (one of many in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series), the authors decided to reach out to young people at that incredibly confusing, exciting chapter of life, the preteen years. Readers between the ages of 9 and 12 (give or take a year) sometimes felt that the book for kids was too young, while the edition for teens (Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul) was too old. In this warm, supportive anthology of true stories by and about preteens, the very issues that seem so complicated and insurmountable are addressed with intelligence and openness. Divorce, violence, death, friendships, school, family, attitudes, changes, dreams... preteens have a lot to offer and a lot to learn on these subjects. Many of the brief essays, cartoons, quotations, and introductions are witty as well as wise and touching; readers might devour the book from start to finish, drop in for a story here and there, or focus on a concern that is most important at the moment. The preteen years seem to be the perfect time to reach kids, before they are lost in teen angst and coolness. And who better to learn from than their own peers? For some added incentive to read, celebrities such as Mia Hamm, Karl Malone, and 'N Sync have contributed essays as well. (Ages 9 to 13) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

From remembering their own life experience or to watching their own children grow, most people recognize that the preteen years, ages nine to thirteen, can be one of the most awkward times in life-a period of tremendous physical and emotional change. At this age, youngsters are eager to leave the "kid" stage, yet are uncertain about what adolescence will bring; they'd rather listen to peers over parents, and hear all too often to "wait until you're older." Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul will guide kids through this transition. Written by and for preteens, this uplifting collection of stories touches on the emotions and situations they experience every day: making and losing friends, fitting in while keeping their personal identity, discovering the opposite sex, dealing with pressures at school including violence, and coping with family issues such as divorce. Chapters include: On Love, On Family, On Friendship, On Choices, On Changes, On Overcoming Obstacles, Eclectic Wisdom, Tough Stuff, Attitude and Perspective and Achieving Dreams. Contributors indclude: *NSYNC, Mia Hamm, Beverley Mitchell and Karl Malone. Whether first-time Chicken Soup readers or "graduates" of the bestselling Kid's Soul book, preteens are sure to include this in their backpacks and book bags.

Customer Reviews:

Chicken Soup is good for different kinds of people.......2007-09-30

My dad had bought for me the book "Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul". I enjoyed the book because the stories were real. Now, I like looking at people's opinions for books after I read them. I like to see negative opinions first. Now, I would like to say that I except these people's comments. I would like to explain something. There are many people in this world who have different reactions to different things. Some people are sensitive to sad stories more than others. Some people are afraid and worried about sad stories\ scary stories than other people. So... just because you, your daughter, you son or anyone else is afraid or sensitive about some story doesn't mean it's a bad book. It just means that you or your relative shouldn't read these kind of stories. I want to say something about the book. I'd like to say that I am also sensitive to sad stories but these stories here teach lessons. Like about death. Always say "I love you" to your loved ones because you never know what can happen between now and tomorrow. "Chicken Soup" has stories of knowing between right and wrong, stories about good friends and so many other stories with lessons. Though, I'll confess. There are one or two stories that are not for our age and things that I'd rather not hear but when I get to the next story I try to forget the bad story and I do because the good stories have so many feelings and emotions in them that I forget about all the bad stories that I read. I reccommend this book to anyone because this book has lessons that us, preteens need to know about.

Encouraging reflective thinking.......2007-05-28

At our school site the Daily Bulletin is read by administrators. It combines important news with a brief selection whose purpose is to focus student attention on the importance of making right life choices. Unfortunately the anecdotal references and language used would be appropriate perhaps with students of two or more generations past and their point or moral is lost as students and many of the younger teachers are wondering who Horatio Alger or Thoreau or Rousseau are/were? Some teachers are starting a movement for a new text adoption and would wish to use any of the Canfield stories, albeit in an abbreviated form. We feel these narratives would resonate so much more effectively with our students.

Imagine all of your Answers in This Book.......2007-01-26

Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul is full of stories made just for girls and boys. All of the stories are inspirational in someway. This book is liked by a lot of people because there are sad stories, happy stories, and even funny stories. One of my favorite stories is"Where in the World is Carmen." This inspiring story is about a ten year old girl Ashley and her new bear Carmen. Ashley and her family were watching a movie about a man who hitchhiked across the USA. Ashley wanted to do this, but of course the answer was no. Later that year Ashley was diagnosed with cancer. She lost a lot of confidence, and became a shy girl. One day her parents came into the room with her new best friend Carmen the stuffed bear. Her parents had an idea. Carmen was going to explore the USA. Ashley wrote in a small diary about Carmen. Everyone was supposed to write about her. In September she was sent home from Hawaii. Carmen had been to 13 different states. In her travel box was there was tons of memories about where Carmen had been, who she was with, and what she did. Carmen was shipped out again this time around the world. Ashley did get to hitchhike around the world with her bear Carmen. This was my favorite story in the whole book.
I have been threw many things in my life and this book has always allowed me to lean on it when I need a hand. All of the stories are about real life which makes it even easier to read because you know this happened to someone, and sometimes you can understand. If something happens to you and there is a similar story you can always take direction from that story. Sometimes it helps sometimes it doesn't.
This book is just for young girls and boys. It has problems about girls and boys. This helps so much because of what we go through. Most of these stories are written about girls and boys or by girls and boys. I really do love this book and I hope you will to.

chicken soup.......2006-12-01

Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul is a book full of incredible stories of hope and miracles. These stories are meant to inspire and give hope. They teach about how love can conquer, and hate will get you nothing. How you need to really look inside a person to find the heart, and not to judge a book by its cover. I would recommend these stories.
I would recommend these stories because some of them are just good stories. Tales that keep the pages turning; tales that draw tears and laughter. Some of the stories go a little over the edge with emotion, but most are very good.
I cannot comment on the author's style of writing, because this book is a collection of stories sent in by people all over America. Some are written by adults about their preteen years, and some are written by preteens themselves, so the way the stories are written changes. Some are long poems, and others are simply sentences from many people, piled together to create a chapter. Some of the writing is very professional, while others are not. All of them get the message through.
This book is divided into chapters, each chapter telling about a different subject. Some of them are love, friendship, family, and overcoming obstacles. Each chapter is full of tales, all different from one another. All ranging from evil teachers, to overcoming cancer, to making an unexpected friend. All fitting into place like the pieces of a puzzle, creating the picture that is Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul.
This book does not only have stories from incredible kids from around America, but also has stories told by people we all know well. Like Mia Hamm, an amazing player for the Pilots. People who are now well known for something incredible they did also wrote in this book, like the story of the little girl who stared Vest-A-Dog. But my favorite of these tales are the ones written by everyday people who went through very unordinary things.
One of the most tear-jerking stories was the one about a boy and his friend, who decided to go on a skiing trip. One of them decided to take a break and go get hot chocolate, while his friend kept going. His friend, who was still skiing, ended up falling in the perfectly wrong way, that ended up making him brain dead. That boy died. The scariest part is that that could happen any day to anybody doing anything they always did. Yet that boy, who lost his best friend, doesn't stop skiing, he keeps doing what he loves, for his friend, and for the fact that it is just as likely to happen to him walking down the stairs.
I would recommend this book to people who have lost something very important to them. It is a way to see that you are not alone, and so many people go through the same thing. Yet I also recommend it to people who have lost nothing, so that they can be grateful for what the have, and realize that only friendship and love last forever, not the person you are friends with and love. So if you need to laugh, cry, or just read a good book, pick up Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul.

Chicken Soup.......2006-11-30

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul (Chicken Soup for the Soul)

Average customer rating:

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul
chicken soup
A very helpful book
The life of a teen, on paper...
This book was so moving.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul (Chicken Soup for the Soul)
Jack Canfield , Mark Victor Hansen , Kimberly Kirberger , and Mitch Claspy
Manufacturer: HCI Teens
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Health, Mind & Body | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Social Issues | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Teens | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Religion & Spirituality | Teens | Subjects | Books

Chicken Soup for the Soul | Series | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Teenagers | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

ASIN: 1558744630

Amazon.com

This book, the latest in the hugely popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series, contains stories, poems, and cartoons relating to the specific troubles that traumatize teenagers everywhere. There are plenty of stories about dating ("HE KISSED MY TEETH!"), friendships (don't gossip), and school. But Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul doesn't shy away from the big issues either, with essays on suicide, dying young, and drunk driving. This book stems from the knowledge that teens know their own concerns best—thus, much of the book is written by teens themselves, which gives the book a very accessible, informal tone. Also, the authors had each piece evaluated by as many teenagers as possible. The care shows. Teenage Soul is always respectful, and doesn't minimize any of the dramas of adolescence. It does, however, mete out plenty of perspective. This wise, tender, funny book is filled with wisdom useful to teens (and everybody else, too).

Book Description

This first batch of Chicken Soup for Teens consists of 101 stories every teenager can relate to and learn from -- without feeling criticized or judged. This edition contains important lessons on the nature of friendship and love, the importance of belief in the future, and the value of respect for oneself and others, and much more.

Customer Reviews:

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul.......2007-06-08

I am a teacher in two high schools and I like to read the stories of the book to my students from time to time to inspirate them and reinforce their teenage self esteem! I suggest it to all teacher to make the same with a nice calm background music.

chicken soup.......2007-04-23

I recomend that you read this book because its stories are touching, sad, heart warming, and pretty much every other emotion you can feel. You can learn a lot about different in life, and how people got through them. :p
zoe r.
lanier ms

A very helpful book.......2006-11-18

The purpose of this book is very helpful for teenagers. They tell stories that are very common in the teenager life and could help to solve a problem. They also tell stories that happened when they were children and affect them when they grew up. I enjoyed reading this book because it is very funy, lovely, sad, mysterious and very informative. I rate this book with five stars because it helped me and it can also help other teenagers.

The life of a teen, on paper..........2006-10-23

This wonderful heart felt book is an inspiration to those who are about to, those who are in, or those who have been through the rough "teen years". This book is full of amazing stories from teens, or adults (writing about their past) about the great times, and not so good times of their life. By reading this, you may relate to things people write, and be able to possibly learn from others' mistakes, before you make them. "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul" has various stories on many different subjects, and will be hard to put down. It offers friendship, sorrow, comfort, humor, and help (etc.). This has truly been one of my favorite things to read, as well as the other "Chicken Soup" books.

This book was so moving........2006-06-12

I read it as a teenager- and it moved me.
I felt like there were so many others with similar experiences.
I felt more compassionate toward others.
And learned how many experiences that are not so good- can be looked at as a good learning experience.
I loved it so much I thought every teenager should own a copy.

Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months

Average customer rating:

chicken soup with rice months
A Gem of a Book
Family favorite
Delightful book, but this is the original nutshell library size (very small)
Just a little research

Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months

Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 006443253X

Book Description

Each month is gay,
each season nice,
when eating
chicken soup
with rice.

Customer Reviews:

chicken soup with rice months.......2007-10-05

This is a fun way for children to learn their months of the year! We will learn all of the poems throughout the school year. they like the handmotions which I invent for each poem.

A Gem of a Book.......2007-04-13

This is a wonderful little book. I loved it 40 years ago and my twins love it now. They enjoy helping me finish each month by singing "... chicken soup with rice!"

The cute drawings add to the fun -- but be warned, one of them is very un-PC! We're not in 1962 any more, Toto.

Family favorite.......2007-03-08

All of my children love this book. My first grader got it for Christmas and loves to read the rhymes. She is proud that she can do it herself. (Each month her teacher works on a month from the book with the class-not that she reads independently yet.) My girls especially enjoy reading the month they were born and singing "going once, going twice, going chicken soup with rice". This book is a classic that I remember from my childhood. I highly recommend it. I just wish the book was a larger size. It tends to get lost in the bookshelf among regular sized books.

Delightful book, but this is the original nutshell library size (very small).......2007-02-27

Pierre, Alligators All Around, One Was Johnny, and Chicken Soup with Rice are wonderful books and beautifully illustrated. They come in three sizes--the original nutshell library size (the size of an hp ink cartridge box), the re-released hardcover nutshell library size (the size of an hp ink cartridge without the box), and the paperback set. The description for this set makes it appear it is the paperback set--it is not. It is actually the original nutshell library size and quite small. It doesn't appear that Amazon currently sells the regular paperback size, so unless you're specifically looking for a very small book, wait for the regular size.

Just a little research.......2006-11-03

I noticed a couple of reviews commenting on the size of the book. Apparently they were surprised at the small size. This is the original size published from the Nutshell Library. It is a very popular book for small children who love little things. I am a school librarian and little books are loved in our library.

Growing Vegetable Soup (Voyager/Hbj Book)

Average customer rating:

Good book on gardening life cycle
Excellent book
Good lesson for little children
Good Book for Small Children - a review of Growing Veg. Soup
For Inquiring Minds

Growing Vegetable Soup (Voyager/Hbj Book)
Lois Ehlert
Manufacturer: Voyager Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0152325808

Book Description

“A fresh presentation of the gardening cycle with a joyful conclusion, and the added attraction of an easy and tasty recipe for vegetable soup on the flyleaf.”--School Library Journal

Customer Reviews:

Good book on gardening life cycle.......2007-02-02

This small board book is simply and beautifully illustrated in bright flat colors. Usually the illustrations are very understandable and clear, but occasionally the color contrast between the object and the background is poor making the object disappear into the background. The main text is in large bold print and simple language; however, the labels for each object are in very small print, making them difficult for my older eyes to read. My 3 year old enjoys the book. Its a beautiful book and I would buy it again; however, I would check out some of the larger formats of the book first.

Excellent book.......2006-03-06

As a teacher, I have always loved this book. The bold colors hold children's attention, and it fits well with lessons for younger children on what seeds/plants need to grow, the growing process and includes a recipe for making your own vegetable soup. For early childhood teachers,it can become an early science/social studies/math lesson and also a parent/child activity. A must have!

Good lesson for little children.......2006-02-06

As well as being attractive and quite an easy read (my five year old managed it), it encourages children to be interested in vegetables-both growing and eating them. Great book.

Good Book for Small Children - a review of Growing Veg. Soup.......2005-12-13

This book has gotten good reviews by others but I am a little less enthusiastic about it.

Certainly I love the concept of teaching about gardening and how food makes it's way from the soil to our plates; but the artwork, I think, gets in the way of making this a superior 5-Star text.

For example, the abstract art [bold and attractive] is okay for demonstrating seeds sitting in the soil, but it is not very good for actually showing what a squash blossom looks like. For all you can tell, it's a open tulip on a vine. Likewise the corn is shown as being orange instead of yellow.

Four Stars. This book gives children an idea of how food goes from the ground to the bowl, but if you are looking for a book that will give your young child an accurate picture of what growing veggies look like, you'll have to keep searching.

For Inquiring Minds.......2000-04-25

Children of all ages will enjoy this book, especially if they love to grow plants. Growing Vegetable Soup is also woderfully illustrated. I used this book in a Literacy Bag in conjuction with a Peter Rabbit Garden created by my university. An activity that can be used with the book for young children would be a matching game--vegetable or tool picture to word.

Average customer rating:

Very special
For the wondering, wandering many...
Food for the soul
Magical Tale
What a disappointment!

Secrets of Pistoulet
Kolpen
Manufacturer: Stewart, Tabori and Chang
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1556704402

Amazon.com

"Far away in the remote, untraveled southwestern French countryside, there is a small village which contains two homes, an eleventh-century church, and a very special farm known as Pistoulet." Thus begins The Secrets of Pistoulet, a charming and beautiful little book filled with food, magic, and love. Part fiction, part cookbook, this richly illustrated book is reminiscent of the popular Griffin and Sabine, with its collection of letters to be removed from envelopes, and recipes tucked into their own little pockets. Drawings, photographs, snippets of diaries, and mysterious maps decorate this tale of Mademoiselle J., who arrives at Pistoulet with a broken heart. There she is welcomed by the farm's tenants: Madame Claude; Monsieur Andre; the black dog, Marcel; and a chicken that lays golden eggs. Soon, such soul-strengthening dishes as Potage of Babble (guaranteed to cease excessive chatter), Potage of Passion (Cooks beware: this soup has been known to result in marriage proposals!), and Tart of Sunshine (sure to heat both body and soul) have Mademoiselle J. on the road to recovery.

The Secrets of Pistoulet packs a lot of charm into a small package. Readers who love to cook will want to try these simple, tasty recipes, though it may be difficult in some cases to follow the directions exactly ("Go to the nearest fishing port and acquire moules from the fisherman with the largest pecs and most tattoos....). Those who don't will be more than content to simply imagine these sumptuous meals as they, along with Mademoiselle J., attempt to unlock Pistoulet's magical mysteries.

Customer Reviews:

Very special.......2006-11-02

I originally bought this book because I was so pleased with the Pfaltzgraff pattern of the same name, and I was curious as to what the book might be about. It was a delightful surprise! It's really a little work of art more than it is a "book" per se. It's delightfully arranged, with little secret pockets, recipe cards, windows, vellums and peek-throughs. And it's very well-made - feels good to just hold it in your hands and turn the pages. Oh, yes, there's also a Story there! Well - mostly it's "hints" at a Story. The Story seems at first to revolve mainly around the culinary adventures of Mlle. J in various lovely provincial settings, but it's not just cooking she's learning: it's magic.

I'm spelling "Story" here with a capital "S" because it's a BIG Story! You can tell that the author/artist really has lovingly created an entire, finely-detailed world in her mind on which she bases this Story. The glimpses of it in this little book and its sequels piqued my sense of wonder and left me hungering for more (yes, I immediately went out and bought both sequels - and hope there will be more.) I keep going back and re-reading all three now, when I need a little something to lighten my day. Once I even tried some of the recipes and have to say it made cooking seem more fun to me (I normally only cook because that's what you have to do in order to eat!)

Mind you - I'm normally a "big, fat, thick novel" type of reader, so it kind of makes me nuts that Kolpen hasn't [yet] written the full novel version of her Story, but, I am not above begging... :)

For the wondering, wandering many..........2004-07-05

Enchantment, beautiful artwork, and empathic cooking mark the success of this book that touches readers' hearts in places often forgotten.

At first, because of a marketing display at a local department store, I thought The Secrets of Pistoulet was not for individual sale, but could only be obtained by purchasing Pistoulet dinnerware. The book so touched me, I briefly considered buying the darn dishes! Luckily, I found the book right here, standing on its own. It hardly needs its own china to promote sales; in fact, the opposite may just be true. This little book is a great marketing ploy to sell the whimsical, pastel dishes that are said to be the very plates used to serve the magical Potages created at Pistoulet. A marketing genius, I tell you, but that is beside the point.

The book is lovely, simple and true-to-heart. Tucked with mouth-watering recipes, paintings, photographs and excellent folklore, this book reminds us that food does not just feed the stomach - it feeds the soul. I plan to keep it displayed in my kitchen with a simple spray of herbs and oils, to be read by any lost soul who happens to pass by...

Food for the soul.......2004-05-08

This book is one that I share with all my dear friends. I read it to a friend of mine who had just lost her dad, with whom she had sat as he lay dying of cancer in the hospital. She was returning home after settling his estate and stayed the night in my home. I read it to her as she fell asleep. When she awoke the next morning, she said that it was her first night of peaceful sleep in a long time. My reading this story to her aloud had had touched her so deeply that she decided to share it at her father's memorial service. I loved Griffin and Sabine as well, but the two books should not be compared. I loved this as much as Like Water for Chocolate and Babette's Feast. A ne pas manquer.

Magical Tale.......2003-02-16

A magical tale of food, wine, France, and flowers, Secrets of Pistoulet is a great book to read and cherish. I love the accompanying dishware recently launched by Pfaltzgraf. A perfect hostess gift-- the only problem is that you may change your mind in the last minute and keep it yourself.

What a disappointment!.......2001-08-24

Compared to Hodgson and Bantock, which this book is imitative of, this book is boring, non-creative, and the art, in my opinion, leaves a lot to be desired. I got it as a gift and wish I could return it.

Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul: 101 Stories of Courage, Hope and Laughter (Chicken Soup for the Soul (Paperback Health Communications))

Average customer rating:

Worth many books. Each section can be considered a book
Good Inspirational Stories
A good book for Kids!
Parents beware
Inspirational

Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul: 101 Stories of Courage, Hope and Laughter (Chicken Soup for the Soul (Paperback Health Communications))
Jack Canfield , Mark Victor Hansen , Patty Hansen , and Irene Dunlap
Manufacturer: HCI
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1558746099

Book Description

Today's kids face grave issues and harder decisions than ever before. Gang warfare, violence, drugs, alcohol, smoking, pregnancy, depression and suicide have found their way into middle and elementary schools. Divorce splits apart families every day. These issues make kids feel as if they must understand and accept all the troubles of the world. Now more than ever, kids want and need the inspiration and hope that Chicken Soup for the Soul provides. In this special volume, young readers will find empowerment and encouragement to love and accept themselves, believe in their dreams, find answers to their questions and discover hope for a promising future.

Customer Reviews:

Worth many books. Each section can be considered a book.......2007-05-15

My wife loves this book. I get tired of the same fables with pictures. It's nice to read something that peaks the child's curiosity and allows discussion about meaningful things.

Good Inspirational Stories.......2006-12-01

I bought this book for my little daughter, but I ended up reading it, too. It had good, inspirational stories about kids. I really enjoyed it.

A good book for Kids!.......2006-03-27

Chicken Soup for the Kids Soul
JAck Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Kimberly Kirberger, Mitch Claspy
K. Gan
P. 6

This book is what everything a kid goes through. They go through love, friendship problems, family problems and attitude a justment. Every kid should get this book because this book has the answers to your problems. No matter what situation, good or bad, this book does have the answers. This book shares a lot of problems a kid goes through and a lot of good times in their childhood. For me, i don't dislike the book, i really love it!
As I was growing up, I had a lot of problems. One of my problems was the fact that my bestfriend was moving. In this book, it says "But the more i thought about it, the more I realized I wasn't really losing her. The person taught me so much in life and laughter, the person who had helped me grow to be myself, was just going away for a while, to do some growing and learning up of her own." This quote is really true. The person who taught me so much is still here with me. I think that he just needs to keep learning. He was always there for and he made an impact in my life that no matter where he is, he is always going to be apart of me.
This book teaches a kid not to take things for granted. Lately, I been taking time for granted. Me and my brother has been really distance in the last few years. Me and him are seven years apart and we and him never really talked. In one short story in the family section it says " Hey Tova,It's me Sara. I just called to tell you I love you." This quote is a good quote. In this story, Tova is travaling to Egypt to study by herself. Her sister, Sara, is a few years younger then her. Sara wanted to be everything her sister is, so she copied everything she did. On the night Tova left, Sara noticed how quiet it is without her older sister so she cried all night. She then got the courage to call her and say I love you and she did. I wish that I could do this, so this short story gave me the courage too.
I have no favorite part in the book because everything in this book is really usefull in a kids life. This book covers every aspect in a kids life. Turning from a kid to a teenager, this book has it all. I advise every kid to read it because it's really handy when your in need.

Parents beware.......2005-11-22

I have not read this book, but my nine year old daughter has read and enjoyed most of it. Last night though, she cried herself to sleep after reading graphic stories (near the end of the book) by an incest victim whose father was sent to jail and the daughter of an injection drug user who woke up one night with police pointing guns at her. I'm sure the inclusion of these stories was well-intentioned, but there's no way they are "chicken soup" for the average kid's soul.

Inspirational.......2005-11-04

Chicken Soup grabs everything that a kid experiences, expertly juggles all of them, weaves a wonderful book, and prints it. Voila! You get Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul.
Chicken Soup has created a master medicine for the soul, healing everything A-Z.
This book is a must for every kid's bookshelf.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul III: More Stories of Life, Love and Learning

Average customer rating:

Rhymes with witches
Crazy For Chicken Soup
Inspired
greatest book ever!!
worth it for finger paints and crayons

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul III: More Stories of Life, Love and Learning
Jack Canfield , Mark Victor Hansen , and Kimberly Kirberger
Manufacturer: Health Communications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Health, Mind & Body | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Teens | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Religion & Spirituality | Teens | Subjects | Books

Chicken Soup for the Soul | Series | Teens | Subjects | Books

Teenagers | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1558747613
Release Date: 2000-04-20

Amazon.com

Sometimes the best way to get through hard times is finding out you're not alone. The books in the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series have provided just that reassurance to millions of teens in the few years since the first was published. Much like the earlier volumes, the third in the series features stories, poems, and cartoons, most of which were written by teens themselves. Twenty teen reviewers read every submission, narrowing the selection down to 5,000 favorites. Editors Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Kimberly Kirberger made the final cuts. The result? Packed with compassion, heartache, love, experience, and wisdom, Teen III (as the editors refer to it) is every bit as inspirational as the earlier editions.

Most of the stories are contributed by young, unpublished writers, and the quality of the writing is good, if a touch melodramatic at times. But then, adolescence is nothing if not melodramatic, and the audience undoubtedly will relate perfectly to the tales of betrayal, friendship, identity crisis, parental clashes, and painful crushes. The editors have organized this collection into nine categories: Relationships, Friendship, The Power of Love, Family, Lessons, Tough Stuff, Overcoming Obstacles, Self-Discovery, and Growing Up. A great source for laughs, advice, compassion, and the comfort of knowing that we're never as alone as we think. (Ages 13 and older) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

The third volume in the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series promises more love, support and inspiration for the series' loyal teen readers. More and more, life is a struggle for teens. Not just dealing with the tragedies that seem to plague them so often, but also handling the daily pressures that pervade their lives. This book, like the first two volumes in the series, will help them, and will serve as their guide and constant companion. The original Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, a New York Times bestseller, has sold over 4.5 million copies. Its successor, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II, a #1 New York Times bestseller, has already sold over 2.2 million copies. The third volume in this blockbuster series promises to be every bit as successful as the first two, as teen readers continue to cherish and be inspired by this series. Chapters focus on love, friendship, family, tough stuff, growing up, kindness, learning lessons and making a difference. In keeping with the themes and content of the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series, teens will also find support, encouragement and understanding from their peers, as well as from caring and compassionate adults. This book is a must-read for all teens-a book they will read and reread, sharing their favorite stories with one another over and over again. It is also the perfect gift for all adults to give to the teens in their lives.

Customer Reviews:

Rhymes with witches.......2007-03-01

This book is really good. I like it because i can relate to it. I can relate because it is full of drama, and issues that i have dealt with. I also think that she is a really good author. I would recomend this book to a lot of people.

Crazy For Chicken Soup.......2006-10-25

From bike crashes, to growing up, to inspirational stories; this book has it all. Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul Three will bring a tear to your eye and put a smile on your face. It was organized by three adults. Kimberly Kirberger, Mark Hansen, and Jack Canfield. But the book itself was written purely by teens.
This edition of Chicken Soup is not the first. There are many others, including one for pet lovers! This book will really make you want to get up and do something. When reading these stories, I felt inspired to change something that I thought was wrong. I especially enjoyed that you don't have to read the book in order. You can pick the story that fits your mood, and from the first sentence you're captured. These stories are all non-fiction. Some are funny and some are sad, but each is special. If there's one you don't like, skip it!
One of the stories that I enjoyed was called "Some Things Are Never the Same." It's about two friends who are growing apart because of cliques. The popular friend falls into a trap. Her new "so called friends" make up rumors about her old friend. In the end, although the girl realizes her mistake, the friendship isn't the same. I can really relate to this because dealing with friendships can be hard.
The teens who submit to this book really have a story to tell. I think it's cool that they're true stories, because you can imagine being in their shoes. I really loved the book because it kept me reading for hours. The book also contains stories from famous actors, athletes, and singers. There is even a passage from The Diary of Anne Frank! Whenever I need a boost, I reach for the book and read the stories again.

Inspired.......2006-05-03

The book Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul Three really inspired me in many different ways. When I started reading this book I couldnt put it down for a second without wanting to pick it up again. This book has ben very helpful and useful to me. The book talks about real problems and stories that teens have sent to the publishers and published in their book. It's nice to have us young people writing stories and having them published for others to read them and be inspired. When ever you get the chance you should read this book so you can see what's so great and inspiring about his book.

greatest book ever!!.......2005-11-02

This book was totally awesome and I advise people to read it. It was one of the best books I have ever read and it gave me alot of advice through the very interesting stories they provided. This book was my favorite out of the "chicken noodle soup for the teenage soul" series. I really enjoyed reading it, for me it was one of those books that are so good you can't put it down. I really recommend this book if you like real life situations where you can really seem to realate to at least some of the stories. It feels like you have been in these sort of situations before and the stories kind of put you in the other person's shoes. This book made me feel sorry or happy for the main people in these stories and they made me think about my life and if I am hurting people or I made them feel the way some of the characters do. Long story short I really loved this book it had romance, tragedy, horror, suspense, and well... you get the idea, but it made me love it and I am sure if you read it you will feel the same as I did about this book.

worth it for finger paints and crayons.......2005-08-16

This book overall was not as good as the first two but it's worth it for the piece called "Finger Paints and Crayons" a beautifull written poem about how sad it is to live in a world with racism. That one touched me the most, I haven't read the book in years but that poem is one of the things I remember about it.

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